SearchArchives for August 2009
25 August, 2009Every post a winner
in Council elections
Local Government elections in Western Australia are to be decided on a ‘First Past the Post’ basis from this year on following new laws being adopted by the WA Parliament.Minister for Local Government, John Castrilli said the new system would be simpler than the current proportional preferential voting system and were prompted by approaches from the Local Government sector, which had “consistently requested” a new voting method.
“The return to FPTP voting is an important step in protecting Local Government from the influence of major political parties and the rise of political factions within councils,” Mr Castrilli said.
He said the outgoing system was comparatively complex ands had been used for Council elections since 2007.
“(FPTP) is a fairer, simpler system which makes the electorate process easier to understand and more accessible to people with a genuine interest in dealing with local issues and serving their local communities.”
Mr Castrilli said the advantages of first-past-the-post voting included the removal of the potential for political or other tickets to be run, and a system which ensured election results would be known in a timely manner.
The Minister said a number of regulatory amendments would be progressed to ensure a smooth transition to the new system in time for the Local Government elections on 17 October 2009.
25 August, 2009
Audit lifts roof on
housing eligibility
The Department of Housing has conducted an ‘eligibility audit’ of social housing tenants, uncovering up to 1,350 who may be ineligible.Minister for Housing and Works, Troy Buswell said the investigation was part of the Government’s campaign to tackle the social housing waiting list, which was 22,015 on 31 July.
Mr Buswell said preliminary results showed there were up to 50 tenants who were believed to own properties and a further 1,300 whose incomes potentially exceeded the eligibility threshold.
“The community expects social housing to be made available to those in greatest need,” Mr Buswell said.
“People who own what is effectively an investment property should not be relying on housing assistance provided by taxpayers. They will be required to vacate the tenancy.”
He said the Department was negotiating with five tenants for them to build on their own land before vacating public housing.
“Many tenants may have originally had an income level that made them eligible for social housing but could have experienced a change in circumstances,” Mr Buswell said.
“Some tenants may have gained employment or increased their income and are now in a position where their income makes them ineligible for social housing.”
Mr Buswell said the Government did not want to provide a disincentive for people who had worked hard to increase their incomes and was looking at ways people could be rewarded with home ownership.
“One option that we will be actively exploring will be to consider how the State Government can assist tenants who are no longer income eligible to own their own homes, using a combination of shared equity and access to funding via Keystart,” he said.
The Minister said the Department would be helping those no longer eligible for housing to find suitable alternative accommodation.
Other areas Government was looking at included disruptive tenants, antisocial behaviour and under-occupancy.
“While we are undertaking an unprecedented social housing building program, the reality is that the demand for social housing is likely to remain strong into the future and it is critical that we get the best social and economic value from this significant community investment,” Mr Buswell said.
25 August, 2009
Back to school for
behaviour police
A joint strategy between WA Police and the Department of Education and Training has been developed to address antisocial behaviour, reduce truancy and improve behaviour in Western Australian schools.Minister for Police, Rob Johnson and Minister for Education, Liz Constable said a six-month trial at Gilmore College would be established, with a police officer from Rockingham Police and Community Youth Centres spending two afternoons a week with students with behavioural issues.
“This will give students the chance to get their lives headed in the right direction,” Mr Johnson said.
“If successful, it is possible the program could be extended to other locations in 2010, subject to a full review and consultation with Government.”
Mr Johnson said the program would also provide support for students who had experienced contact with the criminal justice system, and improve relationships between WA Police and the school community.
“We want to give these young people the opportunity to develop a positive rapport with police in a safe environment,” he said.
“The intention is to reduce the potential for reoffending by establishing mentoring relationships.”
Dr Constable said the second part of the strategy would see a police sergeant seconded to the Department of Education and Training’s central office for 12 months to work as a School Safety Liaison Officer.
She said this would help staff introduce proactive and preventative measures for reducing antisocial behaviour, internet safety and crime prevention.
“The State Government is committed to improving student behaviour in public schools and this trial is an important part of this objective,” Dr Constable said.
25 August, 2009
School attendances not
making the grade
A report by the Auditor-General has found that school attendance is steadily declining with as many as 28 per cent of students at “educational risk”.In his report Every Day Counts: Managing Student Attendance in Western Australian Public Schools, the Auditor –General says a child’s academic achievement is considered to be at risk if he or she regularly missed more than half a day of school a week.
“Of the 177,000 students in Years 1 to 10 in public schools last year, almost 49,000 were not attending school regularly, putting them at “educational risk”, Auditor-General Colin Murphy said.
He said this was an increase of six per cent of students at risk because of poor attendance.
Mr Murphy said the problem of poor attendance was significant among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, although the greatest number of students at risk were non-Indigenous in metropolitan schools.
He also found that attendance dropped significantly as students progressed through secondary school so that by Year 10 only 53 per cent attended regularly.
He found the Department of Education and Training did not have a “timely and comprehensive” understanding of the school attendance issue.
”[DET] has not been successful in addressing the growing number of students that do not attend school regularly,” he said.
“DET has a strategy and policy to manage attendance and its approach works for students who are occasionally absent but not for those who are persistently absent.
“DET’s attendance policy and strategies are not based on a good understanding of the major causes for why students do not go to school. Unless strategies address the causes, school attendance will not improve.”
The Auditor-General also said schools and districts did not have clear guidance on how and when to respond to poor attendance and may not respond in the right way at the right time.
He said DET rarely used last resort options of attendance panels and prosecutions, while successful strategies designed by schools or districts were not being replicated.
He recommended that DET publicise, promote and demonstrate the importance of regular school attendance to parents, students and community.
Further, the Department should develop a better understanding of the causes of non-attendance and review its current attendance strategy.
The Auditor-General’s full report can be accessed atwww.audit.wa.gov.au.
25 August, 2009
Lucky farmers come
back from the debt
A debt of $1.5 million, owed to the Government by the farming industry for programs to eradicate footrot and bedstraw, has been forgiven.Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman announced the decision saying it was a gesture of goodwill that would help the industry make afresh start.
“Industry did not request the debt be wiped, but it was obvious that it was an obstacle in the way of it positively engaging in discussions about the future of biosecurity funding arrangements,” Mr Redman said.
According to Mr Redman, greater time than expected in drafting and implementation of the industry funding regulations saw the accumulation of large debts which contributed to uncertainty and concern among industry groups.
He said the debt was cleared as at 30 June 2009 and consisted of $681,000 for the footrot program and $859,000 for bedstraw eradication program.
“I have asked the Department of Agriculture and Food to make a three-year commitment to the footrot program of $50,000 from 1 July,” Mr Redman said, “which gives industry greater certainty than the previous one-year offer.”
Mr Redman said the Government was committed to funding biosecurity where there was significant community and wider agricultural industry benefits.
“There will be a shift over time towards greater government funding of pre-border and quarantine activities, reducing the risk of new pests and diseases coming in and protecting our access to export markets.”
He said the industry funding regulations were scheduled to be in place by 1 July 2010.
“When that happens, industry will better be able to decide what areas are its priorities for on-farm biosecurity and will be able to fund activities in a transparent and accountable fashion.”
25 August, 2009
DMP takes safety
on the road
The Department of Mines and Petroleum’s Resources Safety Division has held an Exploration Safety Roadshow.The initiative aimed to address concerns about the handling of naturally occurring radioactive material, as well as inform mineral explorers and associated service companies of their duties under theMines Safety and Inspection Act 1994.
The Roadshow also looked at reporting requirements and managing the effects of heat stress.
Executive Director of Resources Safety with the Department, Malcolm Russell said the roadshow was just one of the ways the Department was educating the resources industry on current safety and health issues.
“The State Government is committed to ensuring Western Australia’s mining industry operates under the best safety framework possible,” Mr Russell said.
“Implementing initiatives such as the Exploration Safety Roadshow are valuable tools in helping industry adopt a risk management approach to occupational safety and health.
“It also gives industry a chance to have any of their concerns and queries addressed.”
More than 50 industry representatives were to attend the Exploration Safety Roadshow, which was presented by video conference between the Perth and Kalgoorlie venues.
Webcasting was also used for the first time, allowing people anywhere in the State with online access to participate.
Director General of the Department of Mines and Petroleum, Richard Sellers said radiation safety was one of the first topics up for discussion at the event.
“Resources Safety’s long history of regulating radioactive substances, which can be found in mineral sands and tantalum mining operations, means Western Australia is ideally positioned to regulate the uranium industry to the highest standards,” Mr Sellers said.
“Addressing concerns such as radiation safety, heat stress and methods of reporting also reinforces our commitment to ensuring the State leads the world in safety management.”
The Exploration Safety Roadshow, now in its second year, also showcased a variety of key speakers from Resources Safety, including a senior inspector of mines, director of health management, a mining engineer and principal scientific officer.
25 August, 2009
Fingers wagged at
school attendance
A 9-point plan to improve student attendance at public schools has been released for public comment.Education Minister Liz Constable released the draft plan Better attendance: brighter futures saying it would encourage parents and the community to improve school attendance rates.
“This is not just a school problem,” Dr Constable said. “The whole community is responsible for children going to school, especially parents.
“We in Western Australia are failing in that responsibility,” she said.
Dr Constable said children who did not receive a proper education could jeopardise their future employment prospects and were often disadvantaged socially and financially for life.
“This is why I am giving every Western Australian the opportunity to have their say on initiatives which they believe will significantly improve student attendance.”
She said the key areas of action in the draft strategy were making sure all children are enrolled; directly supporting disadvantaged schools and rewarding student attendance; and parent participation.
She said swift responses to truancy, partnering with the community to improve attendance and training school and community members to address truancy were also important aspects of the plan.
According to Dr Constable there was currently no way of tracking unenrolled children.
“It is estimated that about 900 Western Australian children between the ages of six and 14 may never have been to school, which is alarming,” she said.
Dr Constable said under the strategy, the Education Department would work with Centrelink to ensure all compulsory school-aged children were enrolled.
“It is time for schools, families and communities to work together to protect our children and young people from the negative consequences of poor school attendance,” she said.
“It is education that will ultimately give children the best opportunities in life.”
She invited the community to have its say on how parents can be made more accountable for their child’s school attendance.
“Successful community programs may be expanded where police and local businesses identify truanting students, refuse to serve them during school hours and work with the school to get them back to the classroom,” she said.
“It is time for schools, families and communities to work together to protect our children and young people from the negative consequences of poor school attendance.”
The plan Better attendance: brighter futures is online atwww.det.wa.edu.au and comments will be received until 21 November.
25 August, 2009
Scholars gather for
roads project
A new project management team for the design, consultation and approval processes for the proposed Roe Highway extension has been announced by the Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien.Mr O’Brien said the South Metro Connect team would be made up of senior Main Roads officers and an environmental engineering consulting firm to ensure strict guidelines and approvals would be met.
“At the last election, communities across the south metropolitan area voiced their support for this project,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We are working towards delivering what communities have clearly said they want.”
He said the formation of the team would mean construction of the Roe Highway extension, from Kwinana Freeway to Stock Road would meet the highest possible environmental standards.
“The State Government recognises the value of the natural environment in the vicinity of the project,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The high level of innovative design solutions and construction techniques to be implemented on this project will set new benchmarks for Main Roads.”
He said the Roe Highway extension would result in less congestion on the Leach and Kwinana Freeways.
“The Roe Highway extension also provides improved access to the Fremantle Inner Harbour and excellent access to the future Outer Harbour, the James Point Facility and the expanding Kwinana Industrial Area.”
He said the highest levels of community engagement would be adopted to ensure sustainable outcomes.
Mr O’Brien said community consultation initiatives would include the formation of a community based discussion group, a free enquiry hotline, an interactive online forum, newsletters, public meetings and surveys.
25 August, 2009
Healthy partnership
is good medicine
A new partnership between the WA Country Health Service – Midwest; the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service and the Royal Flying Doctor Service formed to improve access to health care in the Murchison has been launched by the Minister for Health, Kim Hames. Dr Hames kicked the partnership off with a $1 million package to be used to enhance the health and well-being of Murchison residents.
He said the key health providers in the region worked together to develop the Murchison Integrated Health Service Delivery Plan, which identifies strategies to tackle major health issues in the region, particularly among Aboriginal people.
“Partnerships with Government and non-Government agencies are crucial to the success of any planning and in this case, the plan provides a stable base for the delivery of future health services,” Dr Hames said.
He said there were significant challenges facing the provision of health care in the Murchison including distance, unemployment, reduction in community infrastructure and recruitment and retention difficulties.
“This $1 million investment is being used for a range of strategies including employing a Primary Health Manager for the Murchison who will provide a coordinated approach to the delivery of primary health services in the district.”
He said there would also be additional nurses and enhanced access to health services by ensuring the ongoing provision of regularly scheduled fly-in-fly-out allied health and medical services from Geraldton.
“This important service provides air transport into the Murchison at least four times a month, giving residents regular access to health professionals such as physiotherapists, podiatrists, speech therapists and child health nurses,” Dr Hames said.
25 August, 2009
Medical school prescribed
for Uni
Curtin University of Technology is looking to establish a medical school to help address the shortage of health care professionals.Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeanette Hacket said the medical school would be an excellent resource for Western Australia.
“A school of medicine at Curtin would not duplicate existing programs in WA, but would address specific areas of health care such as primary care, chronic disease, ageing, Indigenous and regional health, in line with the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI) concept,” Professor Hacket said.
“There would be a strong focus on inter-professional education to meet the need for a new type of graduate to address the health challenges of the twenty-first century.”
Professor Hacket said the University’s current role in educating nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, pharmacists, occupational therapists and dieticians made it well placed to expand its role in health education.
“Curtin has also established strong partnerships with health bodies such as the Alzheimers’ Association, Silver Chain and the Autism Association, and has integrated health clinics already operational on its Bentley Campus,” she said.
“We are also already collaborating with the University of Notre Dame in the education of its medical students, teaching the majority of the first two years of the course.
“Developing our own medical school will be the natural extension of these roles, although further collaboration with other universities is also a possibility.”
Former Director General of Health, Professor Mike Daube said Curtin had an excellent record in public health, particularly with its strong focus on Indigenous health and preventative health.
“Curtin’s presence in regional WA also makes it an obvious university to address the regional health needs of the State,” Professor Daube said.
The University has contracted the services of another former Director General of Health, Dr Neale Fong, to undertake a study over the next three months to fully explore the proposal.
25 August, 2009
Survey puts art
in the frame
The Department of Culture and the Arts , in collaboration with theArt Gallery of Western Australia, the Western Australian Museum, theState Library of Western Australia and ScreenWest have released the results of a survey into how Western Australians view and participate in culture and the arts.The survey asked people about their activities over a three month period earlier this year.
The Department found that Western Australians highly valued arts and culture, with 74 per cent believing they were important to the community and 68 per cent saying they were of personal value.
In addition, 73 per cent believed that theatres, opera, ballet companies, and public art galleries should not be made to survive on their ticket sales alone.
Eight-eight per cent of respondents said they attended at least one art or cultural performance or venue in the summer months and the survey found cinemas and public libraries to be the most popular activities, each recording a small increase over 2008.
Visiting public libraries was the most frequent arts and cultural activity for those who took part in he survey, with an average attendance of six times in the past three months.
Museum attendance was up to 21 per cent in 2009 to its highest level recorded in the survey to date.
The major barrier to attending cultural activities more frequently was found to be the cost.
The report and fact sheets are available at the Department’s website: www.dca.wa.gov.au
25 August, 2009
Report kicks goal for
Subiaco development
The Department of Sport and Recreation has released a report of its review into the remaining useful life of the Subiaco Oval stadium.Conducted by consulting firm GHD for the Department, the report concluded that all of the structures and buildings were structurally sound and would achieve design life.
The DSR examined different redevelopment scenarios including maintaining the status quo; redeveloping the existing site by staged demolition and reconstruction (MCG solution); and demolishing the existing stands to accommodate the Kitchener Park development option.
“In all cases, the inspection team concluded that there were no impediments to redevelopment, although the structural stability of adjoining structures would need to be reviewed prior to commencing any demolition,” the report said.
The report follows the former Premier’s announcement to build a new stadium at Kitchener Park at an estimated project cost of $1.1 billion, which the new Government is reconsidering because of the changing economic environment.
The review is one element in the Government’s considerations into the development options for increasing the capacity of Subiaco Oval for Australian Football.
The full report can be accessed at www.dsr.wa.gov.au
25 August, 2009
Anzac prize lands at
Ballajura College
An entry from Ballajura Community College has taken top honours in this year’s national Anzac Day Schools’ Awards.Announced by the Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, the award comes with $3,000 in prize money.
Mr Griffin said he was impressed by the quality of entries and the overall competition that was encouraging another generation of Australians to learn about Australia’s wartime history.
“Ballajura Community College’s entry strongly reflected the school’s ongoing commitment to commemorating the Anzac tradition,” Mr Griffin said.
“The most striking aspect of this entry was the creation of ‘Anzac Ribbons’, soaring glass panels representing campaign ribbons of servicemen and women from the local community. Each ribbon was etched with biographies, poems, reflections, photographs and war records.”
Mr Griffin made a special mention of Central Queensland’s Blackall State School which won the award for ‘Best veteran and community involvement’.
He said as part of a class assignment, a student had begun researching the service of a local First World War veteran, Victoria Cross recipient Lieutenant Edgar Towner, and when the student’s findings were published, the community found out more about their local hero and decided to erect a bronze statue to his memory.
Mr Griffin congratulated all the winning entrants in the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards and students and teachers involved.
“I encourage all schools to enter the awards in 2010 and to share what they learn about the service and sacrifice of our veteran community,” Mr Griffin said.
The Anzac Day Schools’ Awards are funded by the Australian Government and administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
This year 21 schools shared $22,500 in prize money, including East Hamersley Primary School ($1,000) and Banksia Hill Detention Centre ($500).
25 August, 2009
World of honour in
multicultural awards
Nominations have been called for the 2009 Western Australian Multicultural Community Service Awards.Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, John Castrilli, made the call saying the awards offered the community the chance to reflect on WA as a multicultural society and the cultural, social and economic benefits gained from migration and settlement.
Mr Castrilli said Western Australia had a higher proportion of people born overseas than any other State and was home to more than 200 cultural groups and nearly 300 languages.
He said the awards acknowledge individuals and organisations achieving excellence and innovation in advancing multiculturalism through participation, equity and promotion.
The Awards will be presented in three categories: Individuals, Organisations and a new category introduced this year, Business Migrant of the Year.
Mr Castrilli said the new award would acknowledge an outstanding business owned and operated by a person from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.
“Recognising the importance of contribution to multicultural interests and citizenship is a way forward for the State,” Mr Castrilli said.
“I look forward to presenting the awards at Government House in December and encourage all Western Australians to take this opportunity to support the dedicated individuals, groups and organisations advancing multiculturalism in our great State.”
Nomination forms were available from the Office of Multicultural Interest’s website at www.omi.wa.gov.au or by calling the OMI on 9217 1600. Nominations close Friday 30 October 2009.
25 August, 2009
Regional arts funds
taken for granted
A new grants program to provide $600,000 a year to regional communities for further development of culture and arts activities has been announced by the Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day. Mr Day said the four-year Looking Forward Fund would be one of the State’s biggest for regional arts grant funding.
“This program shows this Government is committed to supporting arts and cultural activities in regional WA,” Mr Day said.
He said the funding would use pre-existing allocations to support community-based partnerships for the delivery of arts and cultural projects developed in regional, rural and remote communities.
“The Looking Forward Fund has been developed by the Department of Culture and the Arts in collaboration with Regional Development Commissions,” he said.
“Even in the current economic climate, this Government is not withdrawing from any pre-existing arts funding commitments, which is confirmed in the 2009-10 State Budget.”
Mr Day said that funding proposals would need to be well planned, include collaborative partnerships and present opportunities for creativity and engagement with arts and culture.
He said grant submissions would first require an expression of interest outlining the proposed cultural activity and the benefit or value to the community.
He said all applications would then be assessed by a panel of regional and industry experts with input from Regional Development Commissions.
Short-listed applicants would then be eligible to receive financial support to expand their idea into a fully developed program plan for consideration in May 2010
25 August, 2009
Graffiti artists
to get a spray
Tough new penalties for defacing public and private property with graffiti have been introduced. Attorney General, Christian Porter said that under the new laws, offenders would face double prison time with the maximum penalty being changed from one year to two. The maximum fine would also be increased from $12,000 to $24,000.
“The State Government made a promise to the Western Australian public at the last election that we would crack down on antisocial behaviour such as graffiti,” Mr Porter said.
“We are also making it an offence for retailers to sell graffiti implements such as spray cans to children, with maximum penalties of $6,000 for a first offence and $12,000 for subsequent offences,” Mr Porter said.
He said it cost the State and Local Government $25 million a year to remove graffiti.
“Between 2003-04 and 2007-08 graffiti increased by more than 30 per cent in our State,” he said.
“Addressing this issue involves law enforcement, rapid graffiti removal and ensuring the laws of this State reflect the seriousness of the crimes in the eyes of the community.”
Mr Porter said the Government had taken significant steps to reduce graffiti with the reinstatement of the graffiti taskforce in December 2008.
He said more than $600,000 had already been provided to Local Government and non-profit organisations to reduce graffiti.
A graffiti clean-up referral pilot program was established to make juvenile graffiti offenders accountable for their actions.
Mr Porter said there would also soon be an anti-graffiti curriculum in schools.
25 August, 2009
Backlog reduced
The Department of Mines and Petroleum has reduced the backlog of mining-related applications, new figures show.
Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Norman Moore said a working group was established last November to clear the backlog, and that the latest figures were “encouraging”.
He said second quarter figures showed that despite an increase in applications, the percentage of petroleum environmental approvals rose from 86 per cent to 100 per cent, while the percentage of mining environmental approvals rose from 86 per cent to 92 per cent.
“DMP has made significant progress in improving its approvals processes and creating more transparency,” Mr Moore said.
Grant process to be reviewed
The Office of Crime Prevention has announced that it will suspend all funding opportunities for new research and development programs following a review of its grant funding process.
It will be implementing a revised funding schedule for the Community Partnership and Indigenous Partnership funds for 2009/10.
“The Office of Crime prevention will continue to support all current funded and approved projects with details of the new funding arrangements for 2009/10 also located on the funding page of this website,” the Office said in a statement.
Rating confirmed
Western Australia’s Triple-A credit rating has been confirmed by international ratings agency Moody’s.
In a statement, Moody’s said: “We are evaluating the government’s proposed plans to achieve budgetary redress in order to assess to what extent there is a clear, detailed and credible path towards reversing erosion of financial and debt positions. Over the longer term we will also be monitoring governments’ resolve to implement tough measures that might be required depending on the pace of recovery of state revenues.”
Treasurer, Troy Buswell said the announcement vindicated the policy decisions taken by the State Government, including the introduction of an FTE ceiling; a Wages Policy; the Works Reform Plan; the Economic Audit; the Efficiency Dividend; a Capital Works Audit; and a Red Tape Reduction scheme.
Politicians’ pay welcomed
The Premier, Colin Barnett has welcomed the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal’s decision to that there be no pay rise for politicians this year.
“Western Australia is facing difficult economic times and Members of Parliament need to contribute to the solution, even if only in a small way relating to their pay,” Mr Barnett said.
Mr Barnett said the decision was in line with the Government’s submission to the Tribunal, in which it requested it not to increase politicians’ pay.
“I am pleased that the tribunal shared the same view and there will be no pay rise,” Mr Barnett said.
Grain Centre coming
A new Centre for Grain Food Innovation will be established as part of a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Food, the CSIRO and Curtin University.
Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman said it would mean Western Australian grains would be exported to even more markets, with new grain food products being developed for international buyers.
“The new Centre for Grain Food Innovation being established at South Perth will work to address the perception in South East Asian markets that WA wheat supposedly doesn’t bake well,” Mr Redman said.
The Centre will be formally opened later this year.
New look foreshores
The Swan and Canning river foreshores are to be improved, with the Government funding of 13 local projects.
Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher said the Swan River Trust’s Riverbank Grants Scheme provided vital support to Local and State Government land managers for priority river restoration work.
“This funding will boost the capacity of land managers to improve degraded areas; mitigate erosion; enhance habitat and native vegetation; and address public amenity values and safety,” she said.
For more information go to www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au
Opportunities at Pilbara
A new association has been established to boost training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in the Pilbara.
Minister for Training, Peter Collier said the Pilbara Aboriginal Contractors Association Inc (PACA) was developed by the region’s Indigenous business leaders, who saw a need to engage industry, Government and other stakeholders to help Aboriginal businesses to prosper.
The Minister said the group would improve networks, promote partnerships and joint projects, advocate for members, promote training and employment opportunities, and assist members with contract negotiations.
He said PACA has already established partnerships with BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Chevron Australia Gorgon Project.
18 August, 2009
DoW in hot water over
standards breaches
The Department of Water has been found to have breached the Public Sector Management Act.According to the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner (OPSSC) an investigation has revealed a number of issues at DoW which were not compliant with the Act, the Public Sector standards in human resource management and other associated requirements.
In its Parliamentary Series Report Five –Department of Water: Investigation of Probity Concerns the OPSSC details the outcome of its investigation into allegations of improper practice by a senior staff member at the Department allegedly involving misuse of
Government funds, unjustified travel, mismanagement of grievances and procurement of a vehicle for a staff member beyond their entitlement.
The Commissioner for Public Sector Standards, Dr Ruth Shean said the investigation found 11of 21 allegations were not compliant with the Act, the Western Australian Public Sector Code of Ethics and other Departmental, State and PS requirements.
“We report that there have been a significant number of issues at the Department of Water which do not comply with Government legislation, policy and guidelines,” Dr Shean said.
She said most of the breaches occurred between 2005 and 2008, with just one occurring in the past 12 months, presenting a “litany of corporate transgressions.”
“Chief executive officers of Public Sector Agencies can only run their Agencies effectively if they can delegate to senior employees and trust that these employees will maintain the highest levels of integrity,” Dr Shean said.
“Where that trust is breached the reputation of the Agency and the Public Sector as a whole is at risk.”
She said the report raised a number of important issues for Agency heads such as appointing trustworthy senior staff and the importance of legislation, regulations, policies, codes of conduct and guidelines.
“CEOs are reminded about the importance of being aware of Government requirements, incorporating these into their operating environment, and engaging staff in their implementation,” Dr Shean said.
She said the OPSSC did not have the power to undertake disciplinary action and that DoW must pursue it further.
The report was available from www.opssc.wa.gov.au
18 August, 2009
Union closes ranks
on PS reforms
The Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association of WA has identified issues of concern with the Public Sector Commission’s plans for changes to the management of staff in the WA Public Sector.In a notice to members on its website, Branch Secretary, Toni Walkington says the matters are of “major significance.”
Ms Walkington describes the planned changes as “radical” and encourages union members to download the PSC’s 11 issues papers and register their comments.
She suggests that email comments be copied to the CPSU/CSA.
“Of major significance to CPSU/CSA Members are the proposals to remove protections for staff through disciplinary and termination proceedings, transfers and removing avenues to appeal against breaches of Public Sector Standards,” Ms Walkington says,
“This is an opportunity for CPSU/CSA Members to let Government know about the practical changes that are needed to improve the attraction and retention of staff, improvements to management and service delivery.”
She says it is important that the "powers that be" in Western Australia hear from the people who deliver public services to the community.
“The Public Sector Commission has released an Issues Paper proposing a raft of radical changes to the management of staff within the Public Sector,” Ms Walkington says.
“We encourage you to read the Paper, fill out this feedback form and email it to PublicSectorReform@psc.wa.gov.au with a CC toservicesfirst@cpsucsa.org by Friday 21 August 2009.”
“Please forward this invitation to anyone you think may wish to contribute.”
Among the issues canvassed by the PSC in its papers are assessments for appointment, rewarding performance and dealing with substandard performance, discipline, independence of the PSC and reform of the SES.
18 August, 2009
Payment report is
right on the money
The Public Service Commissioner, Mal Wauchope, has issued his report into a termination payment made to the former Director of Legal Services in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Bates.The PSC undertook to review the basis of the payment following comment in the media and with the agreement of the then DPP, Robert Cock.
Mr Bates received a payment of 12 months salary when he agreed to leave the DPP’s office, an amount of $380,000 plus leave entitlements.
According to Mr Wauchope, his investigations revealed that Mr Bates was fully entitled to the payment under the Public Sector Management Act 1994 “or any other written law in respect of the termination of the employment of an employee in the Public Sector.”
“The mutually agreed termination of Mr Bates’s employment and the payment of compensation equal to 12 months remuneration were within the statutory powers and management prerogative available to Mr Cock as Mr Bates’s employing authority,” Mr Wauchope’s report said.
“The exercise of these employment powers is a matter that properly resides in the discretion and responsibility of Mr Cock.”
The Public Service Commissioner accepted that the circumstances surrounding the issue would continue to generate questions.
“A competing public interest can, however, also be acknowledged in bringing a protracted and difficult matter to conclusion,” Mr Wauchope said.
He said dealing with the issue allowed the DPP to set about finding a suitable replacement and move the office forward.
He found that Mr Bates joined the DPPs Office in July 2006 on a five-year contract that would have expired in June 2011.
“It is not unprecedented for a senior public sector officer, without a right of return to the Public Service, to receive an amount equivalent to 12 months remuneration despite having only a relatively short length of time remaining on their contract,” Mr Wauchope said.
He said prior to paying Mr Bates the DPP sought the advice of the Attorney-General’s Department (DotAG).
“The DotAG advised as to the amounts that should be included for the purposes of the calculation.”
The review considered the legislative provisions covering Mr Bates’s employment; whether the agreed termination arrangements were in accordance with the provisions; and the basis of the calculations of the compensation.
18 August, 2009
Super fund cashes
in on finance crisis
The public sector superannuation fund, GESB has announced plans to cut back on liquid asset investment in the months ahead and look instead at high-value, underpriced illiquid assets brought to market.According to the Chief Executive of GESB, Michele Dolin, many distressed investors are looking to sell their unlisted illiquid assets and GESB was identifying opportunities to obtain them at discounted prices.
“Judging by the number of super funds now seeking to offload unlisted assets at what seem to be fire sale prices, it appears many of them are struggling with their liquidity,” Ms Dolin said.
She said GESB managed its liquidity prudently and maintained a high-liquid investment portfolio.
“The bell is now tolling for the ‘endowment’ model of portfolio management that had been gaining popularity in the superannuation industry over the past few years,” she said.
According to Ms Dolin, the model, containing a high number of unlisted assets had been historically successful in the United States and with super funds in rising markets.
She said most unlisted assets were periodically professionally valued, whereas listed assets were valued by financial markets, which could make treating all super members equitably difficult.
“When valuations of unlisted assets become too far out of step with the realities of the market, some members may take advantage by switching to more liquid investment options,” she said.
Ms Dolin said members could turn to cash or shares, or different super funds, leaving those remaining in the illiquid option to “bear the brunt of the inevitable write-downs.”
18 August, 2009
Hospital attracts
Magnet award
The Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital has received international recognition for its excellent standards of nursing and patient care. The hospital is the first in Western Australia to obtain ‘Magnet Hospital’ status by the US-based American Nurses Credentialling Center.
Executive Director of SCGH, Dr Amanda Ling said research had shown patients of ‘Magnet Hospitals’ experienced better outcomes and fewer complications as well as the benefits of high-quality care.
She said other ‘Magnet’ hospitals included the world-renowned Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, USA and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
Dr Ling said that by creating a supportive environment and increasing expertise, staff were able to be innovative in their approaches.
“They enjoy greater job satisfaction while patients benefit from improved care,” she said.
Minister for Health, Kim Hames said the hospital had provided high quality care for the past 51 years.
“I am delighted that the achievements of the hospital and its staff have been recognised internationally,” Dr Hames said.
“This is a terrific achievement for the thousands of dedicated staff who deliver care to some of the State’s sickest patients every day.”
Acting director of nursing at SCGH, Sue Davis said Magnet Hospitals also experience much lower turnover rates for nurses.
“When staff are provided with an environment and the skills that allow them to provide high-quality care, they are more fulfilled and far more likely to remain with the hospital,” Ms Davis said.
18 August, 2009
Treasurers vocal
in tax attack
The Western Australian and Queensland Treasurers have launched a joint attack on the current system of GST allocations.West Australian Treasurer, Troy Buswell and his Queensland counterpart, Andrew Fraser have criticised the Commonwealth for assigning their States GST allocations below the average per capita distribution.
Mr Buswell and Mr Fraser said GST allocations to States should reflect what was best for Australia as a whole.
“It is about recognising the cost of infrastructure delivery to cater for population growth - and recognising the States where this presents the greatest challenge,” the Treasurers said.
“The current formula recognises the provision of services - but common sense would suggest that the provision of services requires not just people, but buildings and other infrastructure too.”
They said Western Australia and Queensland were Australia’s “economic engine rooms” in the lead up to the global recession, and were the “best-placed” States to help lead the country out of the downturn.
“Both have outpaced the national rate of economic growth over the last dozen years, and both have had lower unemployment rates than the national average,” they said.
“The ability of our growth States to lift national economic performance is dependent on our ability to fund the infrastructure that growth - both economic and population - requires.”
Mr Buswell and Mr Fraser said Queensland and Western Australia would receive a lower GST per capita than NSW and Victoria.
“Presently Western Australia receives around $910 million less than its per capita share while Queensland misses out on $700 million,” they said.
Mr Buswell and Mr Fraser said the inequity in GST allocations had been addressed in a draft independent review by the independent Commonwealth Grants Commission.
They said they supported the proposed recommendations made in the draft review.
“It (the review) must recognise that our States have led the nation’s prosperity,” they said.
“It must recognise that our States are best placed to lead the recovery. It must recognise that reform will ultimately bolster the national economic recovery.”
18 August, 2009
Independent schools
to stand on own feet
Moves to empower local schools to make their own decisions for the benefit of students and the local community have been hailed as a “new era” for the Western Australian education system. Premier Colin Barnett and the Minister for Education, Liz Constable made the claim, urging schools to apply for independent status.
“This new system will allow Principals to make their own staffing and disciplinary decisions and give parents and the school community more of a say in how their schools are run,” Mr Barnett said.
He said the creation of ‘Independent Public Schools’ honours the Government’s election promise to allow schools greater control and cut bureaucracy.
“One of the biggest criticisms of the public education sector is the highly centralised system of governance,” Mr Barnett said, “the suffocating red tape that prevents imaginative leadership.”
He said up to 30 schools would be the first to operate with greater autonomy and would have the flexibility to set their own direction.
By 2010, he said they would have the authority for day-to-day decision making.
Dr Constable said schools that took up the challenge to become an Independent Public School would experience the immediate benefits of cutting red tape whilst retaining the benefits of the public school system.
“The benefits of being part of a larger system such as professional learning, employee support services and access to behaviour centres, will still be available,” Dr Constable said.
She said under the new arrangements, the independent schools would enjoy greater responsibility for managing their assets and budget, more flexibility to adopt curricula, Principals would have the power to exclude a student from the school as well as the flexibility to recruit and select teachers and other staff.
Dr Constable said the first Independent Public Schools would be announced at the end of Term Three and be ready to operate from the start of 2010.
She said further opportunities for schools to nominate would become available.
18 August, 2009
New flying school
lands at Northam
An Australian Flight Instructor School (AFITS) is to be established at Northam airfield as part of the Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme.Made possible by a Government grant of $500,000 to the Avon Community Development Foundation, the AFITS is expected to attract up to 200 Australian and international student pilots training by 2012.
Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls said the grant would be used to build a new administration centre and secure six months regional accommodation for the school’s students.
“There is a real market niche for quality commercial flight instructors and Northam airfield’s uncluttered airspace will allow the school to develop cost effective flight training,” Mr Grylls said.
He said training would commence later this year and AFITS planned to have 40 training staff plus additional support and domestic staff.
He said the AFITS course was designed to integrate ‘teaching skills’ during the training for a Commercial Pilot’s Licence, with a 90 per cent pass mark required for all assessments.
Mr Grylls said that whilst the training school would initially be located at Northam airfield, it was hoped to expand it to include airfields at Wyalkatchem and Cunderdin.
He said a Ministerial taskforce, to be chaired by Max Trenorden MLC, would identify a plan for the growth of general aviation activities in the region.
Mr Trenorden said it was important that the aviation industry realised the development potential of the central Wheatbelt.
“What we have is a training area that is not overcrowded with other services and an opportunity to provide world-class facilities for training Australian and international pilots,” Mr Trenorden said.
18 August, 2009
Mayors go to town
on city emission plan
A research study commissioned by the City of Sydney may lead the way for all Australia’s big cities to halve their greenhouse gases over the next 20 years.The study, presented to a meeting of Capital City Lord Mayors in Canberra recently, reveals a targetted strategy to halve emissions by implementing a plan similar to the City of Sydney’s Sustainable Sydney 2030.
According to the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, cities could collectively halve their emissions within 20 years and make a “very significant contribution” towards reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Ms Moore said the strategy showed how to achieve four times greater emissions cuts than predicted cuts across all of Australia’s buildings as a result of the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).
“While we acknowledge the benefits and targets set by the CPRS, this report shows there is real scope to significantly increase national targets,” Ms Moore said.
“The City of Sydney has a comprehensive plan in place to reduce our emissions by 70 per cent by 2030,” she said.
Ms Moore said the plan would reduce emissions by using technologies including tri-generation, building retrofits, simple transport improvements and renewable energy.
“These real and tangible proactive changes are already underway in other Australian cities too, and need to be reflected in Australia’s commitment to national targets in Copenhagen,” she said.
According to the study, the Sydney strategy had the potential to slash emissions by 48 million tonnes (MT) in the year 2030 and result in a cumulative emissions reduction of 540MT between 2010 and 2030.
The study says that would be roughly equivalent to the total annual emissions from all Australian sectors in 2008 or the equivalent of Australia being carbon zero for a year.
18 August, 2009
Public leaps on
cane toad strategy
The Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher has reported that 22 submissions were received on the Government’s draft cane toad strategy. Mrs Faragher said the submissions from non-Government organisations, businesses and individuals were being assessed by the Department of Environment and Conservation.
“The draft strategy presented a valuable opportunity for people to contribute their ideas on the future management of cane toads and I thank those members of the public and organisations who made submissions,” Mrs Faragher said.
She said following assessment of the submissions, the Department would meet with the Cane Toad Stakeholder Reference Group before a 10 year pest management plan is released later this year.
Mrs Faragher said the final strategy would aim to provide an integrated response in reducing the pests’ impact on nature conservation, social and economic values.
“It will also provide guidance for future operational work along with a set of objectives for cane toad management in WA,” she said.
She said the Government was committed to managing the pest and had allocated $1.2million over four years to the community group, Kimberley Toad Busters, one of several community volunteer groups tackling the problem.
“A range of measures are also in place to assist the community in managing cane toads, including the establishment of disposal points in Kununurra, the creation of a database to record sightings and a series of information brochures and Cane Toad Packs,” Mrs Faragher said.
18 August, 2009
Commerce advocate
open for business
A new advocate is to be appointed to support small business operators in their dealings with commercial tenancy issues.Minister for Commerce, Troy Buswell said the Small Business Advocate would work within the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) and provide specialised advice in the lead-up to the introduction of extended retail trading hours.
“It is important small business operators know who to turn to for free, independent and impartial advice in relation to the rights of their business,” Mr Buswell said.
“This service will further bolster the commercial tenancy advisory service and small business advocacy service currently provided by the SBDC.”
He said the Small Business Advocate’s functions would include providing advice to small businesses about the changes to the regulatory environment; clarifying rights and obligations under the existing legislation; and offering a subsidised mediation service and advice on legal rights and obligations.
He said the service, with its specific focus on tenancy and trading hours, came at the right time for business in Western Australia as the Government’s had decided to boost retail tenancy protections for small business through changes to existing legislation.
He said amendments to the Commercial Tenancy (Retail Shops) Agreements Act 1985 were expected to be introduced to State Parliament next month.
Mr Buswell said the reforms were aimed at creating a fair environment for retail tenants and a transparent framework for landlords and tenants to use.
He said the proposed reforms would allow tenants to make more informed leasing decisions; enhance their security of tenure; protect their rights with respect to renewal options; improve their negotiating power; and assist them with more consistent and equitable rent reviews.
18 August, 2009
Collie licks lips
over water plan
The Minister for Water, Graham Jacobs has released a water allocation plan for the Upper Collie catchment.Dr Jacobs said the plan had taken into account public submissions received during the comment period and he was confident it would provide clear direction for all parties.
“The plan considers the volume and quality of current water resources and how they will be best allocated under the existing supply and demand scenario,” Dr Jacobs said.
He said security of supply to irrigators, industry and the public, as well as protection of the environment, were key outcomes.
He said the highest value use of water resources would be achieved by allocating the marginal quality water of the Wellington Reservoir to irrigation and industry; taking fresh quality Harris Reservoir water for the public supply; allocating fresh groundwater resources of the Cardiff sub-area to the power industry and fresh groundwater resources of the Premier sub-area to coal mine dewatering.
Dr Jacobs said the plan would provide long-term security of supply to water users, with allocation limits having been set within the renewable capacity.
“This resource, which supports the State's existing power stations, will therefore be a more secure source into the future,” Dr Jacobs said.
“The plan protects the existing environment by leaving enough water in the system to support ecological, social and cultural needs.”
He said the use of surplus mine dewater for reuse by current and proposed power stations would be encouraged.
“The plan however, emphasises that mine dewater cannot be relied upon by any industry as the only water resource. Other water supplies such as the Wellington Reservoir will be needed to make up any shortfall in supply,” he said.
18 August, 2009
Injection of life for
hospital buildings
Royal Perth Hospital’s original buildings and gardens are to be preserved for future generations.Minister for Heritage, John Castrilli and the Minister for Health, Kim Hames, announced jointly that the RPH Heritage Precinct would be entered on the State Register of Heritage Places.
“The heritage listing of this precinct will ensure their stories continue to be told and that the buildings and gardens are protected by the Heritage of Western Australia Act for future generations,” Mr Castrilli said.
He said the RPH had been at the forefront of healthcare for generations of Western Australian families over more than 150 years.
“Today, it is one of the oldest hospital complexes in continuous use in Australia,” he said.
Mr Castrilli said the precinct to be listed included WA’s first purpose-built public hospital which dated from 1855, Kirkman House, the Administration Building and the Cancer Clinic. He said the hospital’s landmark Moreton Bay fig tree and associated gardens were also included.
Dr Hames said the Government had come into office with a well-recognised commitment to protect RPH.
“There was a very strong feeling out in the community, particularly in the eastern suburbs, about this issue which is reflected in the fact that I received more than 30,000 signatures to retain the hospital,” Dr Hames said.
He said future redevelopment plans of RPH and its surrounding precinct would be overseen by a committee that would enable community input.
“This interim heritage listing is an important step in our redevelopment plans as they will incorporate the RPH Heritage Precinct” he said.
18 August, 2009
Aboriginal Council
to be trail blazer
The members of Western Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council (WAAAC) have been named by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Kim Hames.Dr Hames said the 12 new appointees would provide independent guidance and advice to the State Government on Indigenous issues though community consultation.
He said the Council was an important requirement of the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act of 1972 but had not sat for several years.
“Re-establishing it was a priority given its role as a communication channel between the State Government and Indigenous people,” Dr Hames said.
He said the call for applications to serve on the WAAAC generated a lot of community interest and the Government received more than 60 applications for membership.
Dr Hames said a panel considered each applicant’s cultural and community connections, age, gender, location and knowledge of Indigenous issues and trends.
“I’m confident that the members chosen represent the richness and diversity of WA’s Indigenous population and that they will carry out their duties with energy and insight.”
He said the WAAAC would elect a chairperson at the first of its meetings.
Dr Hames said the members of the Council were:
Wayne Bergmann from Broome; Leslie-Ann Conway from Kalgoorlie; Colleen Drage, Northampton; Raylene Gordon, South Hedland; Michael Hayden, Alexander Heights; Glenda Humes, Bunbury; Robert Isaacs, Langford; Rhonda Murphy, Marmion; Harvey Murray, Cosmo Newberry Community (via Laverton); Eddie Oxenbridge, Medina; Bill Stephen, Mallingbar community (near Broome); and Vanessa Ugle fromBallajura.
18 August, 2009
Training finalists
are top class field
The finalists in the WA Training Awards have been announced by the Director General of the Department of Education and Training, Sharyn O’Neill.In naming the 32 finalists, Ms O’Neill said Western Australia was well placed to meet future industry demands for skilled labour and had a training system that produced world-class professionals.
“A highly skilled workforce is essential for our economic and social prosperity,” Ms O’Neill said.
She said the WA Training Awards highlighted the depth of talent in the State’s training system.
“We received 234 applications for this year’s awards,” Ms O’Neill said.
“Each and every one of the individual finalists has demonstrated excellence in their chosen field, including aquaculture, jewellery design, music, as well as oil and gas.”
She said the WA winners would be announced on Friday 4 September and had the opportunity to compete at the Australian Training Awards to be announced in Canberra on Thursday 19 November.
Ms O’Neill said the finalists for 2009 were:
WA Apprentice of the Year:
Matthew Baileyfrom Central TAFE’s Oral Health Care Centre;Blake McCarth from Swan TAFE; Wade Reynolds, Industrial Training Institute; and Craig Woolley, Challenger TAFE.
Trainee of the Year:
Louise Bythway from West Coast TAFE; Simon Jacques,Central TAFE; Adam Selby – Challenger TAFE; and Glenn White– ACEPT, Challenger TAFE.
WA Vocational Student of the Year:
Jon Arlow from Central West TAFE; Sally Hanbury of Central TAFE; Emma Hudson, West Coast TAFE; and Harry Wintonfrom WAAPA (ECU).
WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year:
Leanne Councillor and Salathiel McKay from Pilbara TAFE;Keith Savage from Challenger TAFE; and Clinton Stack, Westrac Institute.
WA School-based Apprentice of the Year:
Zoe Peters from Central West TAFE; Haydn Solomon from Swan TAFE; Joel Green, Australian Technical College, Perth South; andDaniel Lowe from Swan TAFE
WA Trainer of the Year:
Ken Gwyer from Challenger TAFE; Linda Holmes from Swan TAFE; Bel Skinner from Kimberley TAFE; and Amanda Smit,West Coast TAFE.
WA Employer of the Year:
Disability Services Commission; Forest Products Commission; Austal; and Hollywood Private Hospital
WA Small Training Provider of the Year:
Australian College of Training; Jobs South West Inc andSilver Trowel Trade Training
WA Large Training Provider of the Year:
Central TAFE; and Central West TAFE
WA Training Initiative Award:
Department of Corrective Services for its ASETS Through-Care Model; Rio Tinto Iron Ore for its Mining Operations Training;Aveling for its Online Training Portal; and Macmahon/BHP Billiton Iron Ore for their Indigenous Mining Skills Program IMSP.
WA VET in Schools Award:
Hamilton Senior High School; Jurien Bay District High School; and WA College of Agriculture – Cunderdin
18 August, 2009
Taxi Board picks
up new members
Representatives of the Perth community and State taxi industry have been appointed to the new Taxi Industry Board Reference Group (TIBRG).Minister for Transport, Simon O'Brien said the TIBRG would help improve taxi services by providing feedback from both the industry and consumer viewpoint to the newly re-formed Taxi Industry Board.
Mr O’Brien said restoring the Taxi Industry Board was an election promise and it would be made up of 12 members.
“The TIBRG will consist of six members who represent the consumer and six members who represent the taxi industry,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said this would ensure a balanced perspective was achieved when discussing issues requiring solutions to benefit all parties involved.
He named the consumer representatives as:
- Elizabeth Shaw - youth representative;
- Graham Moss - tourism representative;
- Ian Goodenough - local government representative;
- Brian Moar - hospitality and tourism representative;
- Graham Ware - airports representative;
- Greg Madson - disability user advocate.
- Kevin Foley - Swan Taxis
- Kevin Wigg - Black & White Taxis
- John Golawski - spokesperson for the Peak Period Operators Group
- David Winter - former plate owner and lessee
- Mohamadali Eddine – member, Taxi Industry Forum of Western Australia
- Bruce Davies - Combined Taxi Management Pty Ltd.
He said the members representing the taxi industry had extensive operational experience.
“The TIBRG's objective is to balance the views and requirements of consumers and industry when providing strategic advice on policies and plans for improving the taxi industry,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Other organisations or individuals may also be invited to provide input into the reference group from time to time.”
18 August, 2009
Councils face cuts
The Premier has foreshadowed major cuts to the Western Australian Local Government sector, telling a recent conference that necessary reforms would see it reduced to less that 100 Councils. It is currently 139.
The Premier, Colin Barnett, told the WA Local Government Association’s Annual General Meeting in Perth that the cuts were needed if real reform in Local Government was to have any chance of success.
His comments were received cautiously by the Conference with the President of the WALGA, Bill Mitchell urging the Councils to view the reform process as a way for them to play a part in ensuring the sustainability of the sector and their communities.
PS conference for Solomons
The Solomon Islands is to host the South Pacific Public Service Conference on 10 October.
Newspaper, the Solomon Star reported the Minister for Public Service, Milner Tozaka said it would give Public Servants the opportunity to meet their counterparts and discuss common issues.
The conference is funded by the Australia Public Service Commission, New Zealand Public Service Commission and Commonwealth Secretariat.
Fishing fees defended
The Minister for Fisheries has defended new fishing licences and fees saying they were needed to make it financially unattractive for anglers to go fishing for certain types of fish like dhufish and baldchin groper.
The Minister, Norman Moore said scientific reports indicated stocks of the fish were in danger of collapse and action needed to be taken to sustain the fishery for future generations.
“The fees are designed to enable those people who make greatest use of the resource to make a proportionately greater contribution to the management of that resource,” Mr Moore said.
Firefighters wanted
Airservices Australia has called for fit Australians to join its elite Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting service.
Its recruitment drive for 2010 targets male and female applicants from all cultures and backgrounds who are strong, agile and fit.
Successful applicants will undertake a rigorous 10-week training regime in Melbourne before joining over 600 fire fighters based at 21 of Australia’s busiest airports.
Applications close on 30 August, with further information available from www.airservicesaustralia.com
Gorgon go-ahead
Final environmental approval for the proposed Gorgon gas development on Barrow Island has been granted.
Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher said the approval came with strong environmental conditions to protect regionally significant coral reefs and flatback marine turtles.
Alcohol ban backed
The Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister, Jenny Macklin, has supported calls for tougher alcohol restrictions in Indigenous communities.
Responding to comments from Western Australian, Daisy Ward, whose brother died from heat stroke in a prison van in 2008, Ms Macklin said alcohol abuse was destroying Indigenous communities and must be dealt with.
“The Australian Government believes alcohol restrictions are essential to reduce the shocking levels of violence and abuse in many communities. Restricting alcohol sales means more money can be spent in the best interests of children,” she said.
11 August, 2009
PS reforms open
door for comment
The Public Sector Commission has invited all WA Public Servants to have their say on the steps needed to bring about the Government’s reforms to the PS announced in July.Premier, Colin Barnett announced at that time that the reforms included combining the roles of Public Sector Commissioner and Commissioner for Public Sector Standards to improve the flexibility and integrity of the public sector.
The PSC has now announced that the proposed reforms will require significant legislative amendment as well as widespread changes to subsidiary instruments, policies and procedures.
It has also announced that it will be leading the reform process.
“The reforms include merging the roles of Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and Minister for Public Sector Management to create an independent statutory role of the Public Sector Commissioner,” the PSC said.
It said amending the Public Sector Management Act 1994 (PSM Act) would be required to streamline processes and remove administrative anomalies.
The Commission said some of the required amendments to the PSM Act had been highlighted in a number of reviews conducted over the past 15 years.
“This current reform process is an opportunity to put in place improvements that have been sought for some time,” it said.
According to the PSC, while the changes to the law will be the necessary first steps toward implementing the reforms, “real change needs to occur at the operational and Agency level.”
It said, as a result, it would consult with public sector leaders and Agencies to determine the changes needed to support the legislative amendments.
“These include reviewing and amending subsidiary instruments such as Approved Procedures, standards and guidelines to facilitate greater flexibility and integrity across the public sector,” it said.
“Consultative forums will be held with public sector Chief Executive Officers and feedback is also sought from human resource practitioners and external stakeholders during August 2009.”
The Commission also announced that it had produced a series of 11 Issues Papers that outlined the current arrangements and canvassed options for change to the PSM Act and subsidiary instruments.
“The Public Sector Commission also welcomes comment and feedback from public sector employees and those unable to attend the consultative forums,” the PSC said.
It invited interested staff to read the Issues Papers and complete the feedback form available at www.publicsector.wa.gov.au by 21 August.
The Issues papers were also available from www.publicsector.wa.gov.au
The Commission directed enquiries about the reform process to (08) 9219 6306 or PublicSectorReform@psc.wa.gov.au
11 August, 2009
Time has come for
annual reports
The Public Sector Commission has updated its Annual Reporting Framework for the 2008-2009 reporting year.The Framework is published by the Commission to assist Agencies in the preparation of their annual reports by providing a summary of the expectations and reporting requirements they must meet.
The Framework also aims to improve the value and relevance of public sector annual reports and ensure their consistency across Agencies.
According to the PSC, there are four major changes included in the Framework for this year including:
- New information on Government Goals that must be incorporated in Agencies’ performance management reporting;
- An amended deadline of 24 September 2009 for the tabling of Agencies’ annual reports;
- Revised instructions for accessing relevant sections of the Western Australian Financial Administration Bookcase; and
- Updated contact details in the “Need Assistance” section.
This year’s Framework is divided into four main sections covering principles for the presentation and content of annual reports; guidelines for timing, distribution and publication of annual reports; sources for annual reporting requirements; and an outline of the structure and presentation of content to be used. There is also a checklist.
Copies of the Annual Reporting Framework for 2008-2009 can be downloaded from www.dpc.wa.gov.au
11 August, 2009
Super fund wins
super prize
The public sector superannuation fund GESB has won a major award from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia.The Association presented GESB with the integrated Campaign of the Year Award for its campaign promoting GESB Financial Advice, created in partnership with its creative agency Marketforce and digital agency Market United.
The campaign, with the central theme ´some worry about the economy, others get good advice´, was based on data driven segmentation and targeted offers.
It explained to the public the advantages of taking control of their finances by seeking sound financial advice.
The campaign resulted in the number of sales leads into GESB doubling above the target referral rate, and a return on investment more than three times the campaign’s original objective.
The campaign was recognised for its targeting and integration, which utilised a range of communication mediums including email, workplace posters, and print advertisements in industry publications.
The online component, developed by Market United, utilised the smiling face element of the GESB logo, by animating a transition from ‘sad face’ to ‘happy face’ which then linked to the campaign tagline.
GESB’s Marketing Communications Manager Gillian Loh and Marketforce’s Gavin Bain both attended the ASFA award ceremony.
11 August, 2009
Nurses’ training
pans out well
A hospital-based training program for enrolled nurses has seen 17 students graduate after 12 months instead of the traditional year and a half.Minister for Training, Peter Collier, said the Challenger TAFE and St John of God Hospital Murdoch developed the Diploma of Enrolled Nursing to alleviate a critical shortage of enrolled and registered nurses.
“This pilot course is an excellent example of government and industry working together to increase training opportunities,” Mr Collier said.
He said the initiative demonstrated how a training program could be delivered effectively through a public-private partnership.
Mr Collier said it allowed graduates to enter the workplace as enrolled nurses and receive advanced standing toward a registered nursing degree.
He said the on-site study program closely resembled a normal nursing day, and had more clinical placements and fewer student holidays which allowed the qualification to be completed in a shorter period.
“Tutorial sessions were held at St John of God Hospital Murdoch and conducted by Challenger TAFE lecturers who are also registered nurses.
“The hospital provided a tutorial room and mock hospital ward for students’ clinical training and to prepare them for working on the wards,” he said.
Mr Collier said based on a full evaluation by Challenger TAFE and St John of God Hospital Murdoch, and endorsed by the Nurses and Midwives Board of WA, the program could be used in future training programs in the health sector.
11 August, 2009
Websites caught in
e-Government net
The Office of e-Government has issued an advice to Departments and Agencies, setting out the annual reporting requirements relating to websites.According to the Office, Agencies are required to report on three components of their internet activities and the information is to be submitted via the Online Website Registration System (OWRS) by 30 September.
The Office’s advice identified three components to be reported on:
- Any cost savings due to consolidating and/or rationalising websites;
- The total cost of website service delivery; and
- Updated information on the Agency's websites and domain names.
“Agencies subject to Premier/Commissioner’s Circulars are required to comply with the website reporting requirements under the Website Governance Framework,” the advice says.
A document outlining the reporting requirements is also available and includes supporting information, a list of frequently asked questions as well as definitions, including “What is a website?”
The Framework, User Manual, Reporting Guide and other material can all be obtained from the Office website www.egov.dpc.wa.gov.au
11 August, 2009
Power line has
force behind it
A major power line for the Mid-West has been given the go-ahead following a review by the Office of Energy and the Departments of State Development and Treasury and Finance.Minister for Energy, Peter Collier, said the Government requested the review after initial cost estimates more than doubled from $300 million to $689 million.
Mr Collier said the Government agreed to build stage one of the major power line, which would extend from Pinjar to Moonyoonooka near Geraldton, after the review team identified $200 million in potential savings.
He said the review team analysed electricity demand forecasts and found that without the power line, the risk of outages in Geraldton would only become significant after 2015.
“The review team also recognised that there are a number of major Mid-West projects that are well under way and will require access to substantial electricity supply,” Mr Collier said.
He said the review team subsequently proposed that the 330kV line should extend initially from Pinjar to Eneabba to encourage progress of Gindalbie´s Karara mine, six prospective wind farms, and a major new power station.
Mr Collier said the Government agreed to the project on a number of conditions, including confirmation by Western Power of the review team´s findings that Geraldton would receive adequate power supply until 2015.
He said other conditions required a new business case for stage one as well as appropriate regulatory approvals.
“This conditional approval will ensure that Government funding for this significant but costly project will proceed only if it can be justified by the growth in energy demand and the adequate progress of proposed projects that rely on access to the network, or the availability of supplementary funding from the Commonwealth,” he said.
Mr Collier said through the approach, the Government could clearly demonstrate to industry the basis under which the transmission lines would be funded and built.
“It also provides major project owners with the assurance needed to progress their planning and funding activities,” he said.
He said once necessary approvals were given, stage one of the project was expected to take 26 months to complete.
“Stage-two of the project, which will involve extending the line to Moonyoonooka terminal, outside Geraldton, would be built at a later date subject to further justification,” Mr Collier said.
11 August, 2009
Childcare operators
to show and tell
National changes to childcare reporting requirements to be introduced this week will require all vacancy information to be posted online.Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education and Child Care, Kate Ellis said from this week all child care services would have to report the number of vacant places for each day of the week in a bid to improve transparency in the child care sector.
Ms Ellis said parents would be able to access the information from the Child Care Access Hotline as soon as services reported the new data and from www.mychild.gov.au in the coming months.
“The inclusion of this information on 'mychild' will make it easier for parents to compare services and select appropriate care for the particular needs of their family,” Ms Ellis said.
“Through the mychild website, the Government is providing a comprehensive childcare hub which includes information on locations, fees, services and early learning programs via a searchable database of more than 8,000 child care providers.”
Ms Ellis said organisations would be required to report the number of vacant places based on a new standard definition.
“Vacancy information had previously been determined by individual child care services, with no common definition, making it difficult for parents to compare availability,” she said.
“The new standard definition is crucial to providing parents with accurate, useful and comparable information.”
For more information visit www.mychild.gov.au
11 August, 2009
Housing lifts roof
on property sales
The Department of Housing is to sell nine high-value properties in the western and coastal suburbs of Perth to raise funds to build or buy up to 25 social housing dwellings over the next 12 months.Minister for Housing and Works, Troy Buswell, said the program had demonstrated how the proceeds from the sale of one high-value house could be used to secure up to eight additional dwellings.
Mr Buswell said the Government had set a goal last December of securing 20,000 additional dwellings by 2020.
He said receiving value for money from the investment in existing social housing stock was a priority.
“Older properties in some suburbs have increased in value to such a point that the decision to sell is fairly obvious,” Mr Buswell said.
He said the proceeds from the sale of a Cottesloe property, worth $1.4 million, had been committed to the construction of six two-bedroom units in Lancelin as well as two family homes in Dianella.
He said the Department defined a high value property as one valued at twice the prevailing metropolitan median house price, therefore the June 2009 quarter median price for Perth of $445,000 equated to a high value indicator of $890,000.
Mr Buswell said he requested the Department continually assess the make-up and management of its housing stock.
“Managing a portfolio of some 40,000 houses is a major undertaking, and the State Government is very keen to see that the community gets the best value for its investment,” he said.
Mr Buswell said the properties announced for sale in this group would be advertised in the weekend press.
11 August, 2009
Repayment scheme
invests in vests
Offenders sentenced to community work orders are to become more visible following the introduction of bright yellow ‘Repay WA’ work vests.Minister for Corrective Services, Christian Porter, said the vests would increase public awareness and confidence in community work as an effective sentencing tool.
“For the public to view community work as an appropriate sentencing tool, they need to see the work carried out as ordered by the courts,” Mr Porter said.
He said the Repay WA vests were printed by prisoners at Casuarina Prison at a cost of approximately $1.60 each.
Mr Porter said community work compliance rates had increased under the current Government.
“Compliance has risen from 40 per cent in June 2008 to 55 per cent in June 2009 as a result of measures taken by the State Government, and we expect that rise to continue,” he said.
He said a new breach system, to be finalised within the next six months, would see offenders who failed to attend community work on any two occasions breached and sent back to court for re-sentencing.
Mr Porter said he expected the implementation of the new breach system to be fully implemented by the middle of next year.
11 August, 2009
TAFE kicks goal with
sports partnership
Central TAFE has teamed up with some of the State’s premier sporting organisations to introduce a new sports training program for elite athletes.Central TAFE’s Athlete Development Centre is the first of its kind for WA and will see students develop skills and understanding in sports science, sport psychology, nutrition, and planning while at the same time conducting training programs.
Minister for Training, Peter Collier, said the sporting organisations included the West Coast Eagles, WA Football Commission, Football West, and Rugby WA.
“Students are enrolled in Central TAFE’s Certificate IV in Sport Development, which provides them with the practical skills and knowledge to develop coordinate, coach and officiate in a wide range of sports,” Mr Collier said.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Terry Waldron, said students would be exposed to the great careers of the sporting world including coaching, physiotherapy, nutrition, and umpiring.
“In addition to the academic program, students have a chance to hone their skills and receive coaching from professionals at the highest level,” Mr Waldron said.
Mr Collier also announced a new Athlete Development Centre Student of the Year Award for the student who showed the greatest commitment in combining academic achievement with sporting excellence.
“This will be presented at the end of Term 3 to the student who has shown commitment and achievement with sporting excellence,” he said.
He said the Government was committed to ensuring Western Australians had access to an excellent training system that was innovative and flexible.
“Training WA: Planning for the future 2009-2018, outlines a series of targeted initiatives to ensure the skills needs of industry are met as well as providing greater access to training,” Mr Collier said.
11 August, 2009
Bushfire experts
help out big smoke
Six bushfire experts from the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Forest Products Commission have gone to British Columbia in Canada to assist in the battle against fierce forest fires.Minister for Environment, Donna Faragher, said this was the first time Western Australia had sent forest fire experts to Canada, although, DEC and FPC officers had been part of Australia-New Zealand contingents to the United States on five occasions since 2000
“Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States use the same incident control system to fight wildfires and personnel can readily adapt to situations in other countries,” Mrs Faragher said.
She said the Western Australian team included team leader Greg Mair, DEC Busselton; Allan Jones and Aminya Ennis, DEC Bunbury; Anthony Desmond, DEC Geraldton; Ed Hatherley, DEC Broome; and Keith Low, FPC Perth.
Mrs Faragher said the officers would service in a range of roles including incident control, operations, planning, logistics, information services, and divisional command.
She said after a briefing in Vancouver, the team would be deployed across a series of fires.
“They will do two, two-week stints with a two-day break in between. We expect the crew to be away for around five weeks,” she said.
Mrs Faragher said information from British Columbia showed that dry, hot weather and lightning strikes had caused 740 forest fires, with more predicted due to warm temperatures and further lightning.
She said DEC had five pre-formed incident management teams, each of up to 60 officers, that could be sent anywhere in the State during the fire season.
“This is part of our rapid-response strategies. DEC also invested in a range of new equipment, including satellite-based internet technology that greatly improves communications between incident controllers and the fire-ground,” Mrs Faragher said.
11 August, 2009
Police line up for
Commissioner’s ride
The Police Commissioner’s second annual Family Mountain Bike Ride is to be held in Mundaring on Sunday 11 October to raise funds for Camp Quality.Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan announced the date saying registrations were now open.
“After the success of last year’s event, we’re really excited to be holding another community mountain bike ride,” Commissioner O’Callaghan said.
He said there were two routes, both due to depart from Mundaring Sculpture Park.
“The first route is 15km from Sculpture Park to Mundaring Weir and return, and the 30km route is for the more adventurous departing Sculpture Park to Lake Leschenaultia and return,” he said.
Commissioner O´Callaghan said it was a perfect opportunity for families, individuals, and cycling enthusiasts to take a ride along the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, and raise money for a worthy charity.
“We want to promote physical activity and people getting out there in the sun, but there’s a safe bike-riding theme in there as well,” he said.
He said he encouraged corporate teams to take part, while additional fundraising could be done through the event website.
He said once the ride was complete, there would be plenty of entertainment including puppet shows, street markets, and performances by the WA Police Pipe Band and the Commissioner’s band.
“We are delighted to receive such tremendous support from Australia Post, Community Newspaper Group, Constable Care, 96fm/6PR and Department of Transport’s Cycle Instead program,” Commissioner O’Callaghan said.
He said to register or to obtain additional information, the public should visit www.campquality.org.au
11 August, 2009
Consumer protection
protecting businesses
The Commissioner for Consumer Protection has issued an urgent warning to WA businesses to beware of a postal scam demanding payment for false invoices.The Commissioner, Anne Driscoll, said the false invoices asked for payment to be sent to Trade Mark Publishers for online registration of company trademarks.
Commissioner Driscoll said Consumer Protection had received numerous complaints about the false invoices which were sent from Austria via the United Kingdom
“At first glance the invoices appear authentic, and the scammers are hoping in the bustle of commercial activity some may slip through the accounting process and be paid,” Commissioner Driscoll said.
She said on closer inspection, it was revealed the invoice contained a clause advising Trade Mark Publishers was not associated with IP Australia, but this disclaimer could be easily missed.
Managing Director of Small Business Development Corporation, Stephen Moir, said small operators were often regarded as soft targets by professional scammers.
"No matter how small the business, it helps to have a purchase order system so order numbers can be matched to invoices before any payments are made,” Mr Moir said.
Commissioner Driscoll said a Consumer Protection investigation revealed the scam was taking place in at least 15 countries, and was aimed at businesses of all sizes.
She said companies should always be wary of unsolicited accounts, ensure invoices were for good or services rendered to their satisfaction, and discard any bearing the name Trade Mark Publishers.
Commissioner Driscoll said more information was available at www.commerce.wa.gov.au, and the public could also subscribe for free to the WA ScamNet Alerts.
11 August, 2009
Ports get good oil
on fishing waste
The Department of Transport has introduced new oil and marine waste disposal units at the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour as part of a program to install them at all nine of its boat harbours in WA.The $350,000 project, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Government, aims to minimise the impact of recreational and commercial operations on the local environment.
The Transport Department’s Assistant Manager of Regional Facilities, Nich Grundy, said each unit allowed for the safe collection and proper disposal of different types of marine waste.
"The units provide a secure area for storage and are designed to contain the waste within the enclosed area ensuring there is no risk to the local environment," Mr Grundy said.
He said the initiative would see thousands of litres of waste oil recycled.
Mr Grundy said the boat harbours included in the project were located at Fremantle, Esperance, Bunbury, Lancelin, Cervantes, Jurien, Carnarvon, Exmouth, and Point Samson.
He said the units, which come in three sizes, would come at no extra cost to harbour users.
"At many of the locations the introduction of a dedicated disposal unit for this type of marine waste will see a significant improvement in environmental management practices at the harbour.
"At Fremantle, where the first disposal unit was recently introduced, there has been a very positive response from users,” he said.
Mr Grundy said more information about the Department operated boat harbours could be obtained at www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine
11 August, 2009
Public transport
runs into upgrade
New initiatives to increase safety on Perth’s public transport system have been announced following a meeting between the Public Transport Authority, driver´s representatives, bus companies, and the police.Minister for Transport, Simon O´Brien, said the new security measures followed a recent spate of attacks on the public transport system and would require an immediate investment of $1.65 million as well as an ongoing payment of $2.2 million each year.
He said the measures included increased bus security personnel and an additional 295 security screens for bus drivers.
“The PTA’s own transit officers, which are responsible for security on our trains, will be increasing patrols at interchanges where bus and train stations are co-located,” Mr O´Brien said.
He said once completed, the program meant that all bus drivers working after 6pm would have the extra security of a protected cab.
Mr O´Brien said he had also approved the installation of duress alarms on an additional 736 buses, meaning all buses across the network would now have an alarm.
“Protecting public transport workers and their passengers is a priority for this Government and we will not shirk our responsibility to them,” Mr O´Brien said.
11 August, 2009
Planners in the swim
over coastal project
The Department of Planning has launched a joint project with the City of Geraldton-Greenough and Shire of Irwin to develop a coastal planning strategy for Dongara to Cape Burney.Minister for Planning, John Day, said increasing population pressure along the coastline meant that coastal properties were experiencing growing demand for subdivision and development, and the proposed planning strategy would provide guidance while complementing long term plans for the area.
Mr Day said the Mid-West was also on the brink of a minerals-led boom and the Government needed to plan for development and potential population increases.
“This worthwhile coastal planning project will ensure that this valuable stretch of coastline is properly managed,” Mr Day said.
He said the strategy would determine the type of development that may occur along the coastline, with a steering committee formed to guide this development in liaison with the community.
Mr Day congratulated Russell Browne and Antoni Seppelli on their appointment to the Dongara to Cape Burney steering committee.
“Russell Browne, the community representative for Geraldton-Greenough, has an extensive local knowledge and is currently studying environmental science. He has an interest in sustainable development,” he said.
Mr Day said Antoni Sappelli, a councillor for the Shire between 1999 and 2003, was involved in the development of the Batavia Coast Strategy and Central Coast Strategy.
“He also has a strong local knowledge, having lived in Dongara for 31-years,” he said.
Mr Day said the committee also included representatives from the Northern Agriculture Catchment Council, Department of Environment and Conservation, Tourism WA, Department of Planning, Department of Agriculture and Food, Yamatii Land and Sea Council, and the local community.
He said the project was due for completion by July 2010 and would ensure the coastline was appropriately managed for future generations.
“Community workshops will be held in the future to provide a chance to participate and be involved in the early stages of the process,” Mr Day said.
11 August, 2009
New Secretaries named
The Premier, Colin Barnett has changes to the line-up and duties of Parliamentary Secretaries for the start of the second half of the Parliamentary year. The changes were made after Barry House became President of the Legislative Council.
Mr Barnett said the new arrangements would be
- Helen Morton -Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer; Minister for Commerce; Science and Innovation; Housing and Works; Minister for Water; Mental Health.
- Wendy Duncan - Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development; Lands; Minister assisting the Minister for State Development; Minister assisting the Minister for Transport.
- Michael Mischin - Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General; Minister for Corrective Services.
- Murray Cowper - Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport; Disability Services.
- Tony Simpson - Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Child Protection; Community Services; Seniors and Volunteering.
- Bill Marmion - Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier; Minister for State Development; Minister for Mines and Petroleum
College off the air
The WA College of Teaching has been experiencing problems with phone lines at its new premises and there is every chance they will continue to be a problem until September.
The Institute has moved to Unit 4, 398 Great Eastern Highway, Ascot but is unable to be contacted by phone.
The College said queries could be emailed to info@wacot.wa.edu.au until Telstra fixed the line.
Speed signs change
The Department of Transport has installed variable speed signs on Beaufort Street in Mount Lawley for a trial period of 18 months, after Main Roads undertook a research project to determine a solution for the area.
Minister for Transport, Simon Mr O’Brien said speeds would lower from 60kmh to 40kmh during peak periods of pedestrian activity which would be Sunday through to Thursday from 7:30am to 10pm and Friday/Saturday from 7:30am to 1am.
Teacher awards open
The Director General of the Department of Education and Training, Sharyn O’Neill, has encouraged Western Australians to nominate their favourite teacher, school support staff, or principal for the WA Education Awards 2009.
Ms O’Neill said nominations close at 5pm on 14 August.
Kimberley package open
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia, Gary Gray, has announced that the first two projects of the East Kimberley Development Package have officially kicked off.
Mr Gray said upgrades for the Wyndham Memorial Swimming Pool and construction of a St John Ambulance Patient Transfer Station at Kununurra Airport have begun with the signing of agreements between the Commonwealth and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley.
“The projects, which are part of the Australian Government’s $42 billion Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan, invest in social and economic development by delivering community infrastructure,” Mr Gray said.
He said further information on the East Kimberley Development Package was available at www.infrastructure.gov.au
Offenders go bush
A partnership between the Department of Corrective Services and the City of Armadale will see juvenile offenders in south-eastern Perth perform bushland maintenance.
The Department´s community work officers responsible for the Maddington area teamed up with the City to modify a trailer, enabling it to carry gardening equipment for juvenile work parties.
Assistant Commissioner for Community Operations, Steve Robin, said young offenders from Armadale, Byford, and Kelmscott would be able to make a positive contribution to the local community.
Red Dog to star
Minister for Culture and Arts, John Day has announced that the stories of Red Dog, the famous Red Kelpie who travelled across the Pilbara and most of Western Australia would become a feature film with the assistance of Village Roadshow.
Mr Day said that ScreenWest had committed up to $510,000 toward the film’s production, with funding support from Screen Australia also confirmed.
He said Kriv Stenders would direct Red Dog, with screenplay by Daniel Taplitz.
Space lounge opens
The ‘Space Lounge’ exhibit has been officially launched at the Western Australia Museum – Geraldton.
Minister for Culture and Arts, John Day, said the exhibit featured photographs, a video dome, and films.
Mr Day said the exhibit would run until 29 September with films shown until 28 August.
Arts grants announced
The latest round of Indigenous Arts Grants, which include three projects supporting the artistic development of Indigenous artists with disabilities has been announced by the Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day.
Mr Day said of the $210,000 in grants, $80,000 of that would assist Indigenous artists with disabilities.
He said the Disability and the Arts Inclusion Initiative, a partnership between the Department of Culture and the Arts and the Disability Services Commission, provided the funding.
4 August, 2009
New paper wraps
up PS reforms
An Economic Audit Discussion Paper has been released as part of the Government’s drive for Public Service reform. Launched by Treasurer, Troy Buswell, the paper outlines six reform areas it says could potentially improve the operational and financial performance of the Western Australian public sector.
According to Mr Buswell, the Government’s drive towards better PS performance was directed at delivering value for money and quality service to taxpayers.
“The recent global economic downturn has amplified the need for significant and wide-ranging public sector reform,” Mr Buswell said, “rather than short-term quick fix measures.”
“Throwing more money at Agencies will not lead to better outcomes.”
He said earlier work on the Economic Audit had led to the $1.25billion in corrective measures contained in the 2009-10 State Budget and was a springboard for the Government’s new Wages Policy, its Works Reform agenda and the ceiling on PS staffing levels.
“The Economic Audit is an important tool for advancing and directing our broader reform agenda,” Mr Buswell said.
He said it would be complemented by a series of “value-for-money audits” which would examine Government spending on an Agency-by-Agency basis.
“Reform is needed to ensure WA does not fall behind other jurisdictions in key areas such as health, education, training and law and order,” he said.
“The need for cultural change across the Public Service cannot be underestimated.”
Mr Buswell said the “bad old days” of Governments writing blank cheques are over.
“We want to prepare Western Australia to capture the benefits of the next economic upswing by making decisions today that will help our State in the future,” he said.
“I welcome the Committee’s efforts to stimulate debate on this important issue and encourage interested parties to provide their own input into the reform process.”
Mr Buswell said the paper identified the six areas of reform for the WA PS:
- Delivering on Priorities;
- Meeting Citizens’ Needs;
- Maximising Value through Planning, Competition and Innovation;
- Realising WA’s Economic Potential;
- Modernising the Public Sector; and
- Making Change Happen.
4 August, 2009
Reporting Circular
doing the rounds
The Public Sector Commissioner has issued a Circular on the annual reporting requirements of Departments and Agencies.Entitled Annual Reporting the Circular sets out the policy and background to annual reporting obligations and identifies changes in requirements under the Annual Reporting Framework 2008-09.
The Commissioner, Mal Wauchope, has directed the Circular to Ministers, Chief Executives and relevant Agency staff he says “should be aware of their Agency-specific annual reporting obligations.”
He says the reporting requirements were drawn together to form a guide and checklist and this is published under the Framework on the PS Commission website.
“The principles and guidelines contained in sections 1 and 2 of the Framework apply to all Agencies subject to the Public Sector Management Act 1994,” he says.
“Agencies are to prepare, submit and publish their annual reports in accordance with relevant legislation and Government policies.”
Mr Wauchope said Agencies were to ensure that their annual reports:
- Focussed on their core business and performance;
- Were streamlined enough to remove redundant information without impacting on accountability and governance; and
- Were produced at the lowest possible cost.
He says an important change this year is the inclusion of Government Goals.
“Agencies should ensure that the alignment between relevant goals and the outcomes and services delivered, is reflected in the annual report.”
The Commissioner says only limited numbers of hard-copy reports should be published, they should be limited to two colours at most and produced using in-house sources.
“The primary means of communication should be the Agency’s website,” he says.
The Public Sector Commissioner’s Circular can be accessed at www.publicsector.wa.gov.au
4 August, 2009
Age discrimination
past its use-by date
The Federal Commissioner for Age Discrimination, Elizabeth Broderick has expressed her concern over reports that mature age workers face barriers to employment.Commissioner Broderick said a report by National Seniors Australia, Experience Works, showed age discrimination was still occurring.
“This report reinforces the position of the Australian Human Rights Commission - that unlawful age discrimination is a critical problem faced by mature age workers in Australia today,” she said.
“Not only do we need to raise awareness of the types of age discrimination that are unlawful, but we need to strengthen the laws that protect against it.”
Commissioner Broderick said the trend of working past age 65 meant it was vital for the Government and employers to take the problem of age discrimination seriously.
She said many mature age workers worked out of necessity but faced hurdles in trying to do so.
“Everybody should be able to retire when they want to, but equally they should be able to continue working for as long as they need or want to, and we must seriously address the barriers that prevent people from doing so,” Commissioner Broderick said.
The report revealed Australia’s labour force participation rate for people aged between 55 and 64 was lower than in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Iceland and New Zealand.
“This is an issue that needs urgent attention, not only because age discrimination and misconceptions about mature age workers are occurring in our workplaces right now, but because this is an issue that is very likely to confront anyone who stays in the workforce past 45 years of age – and let’s face it, that is a significant number of us,” Commissioner Broderick said.
She said the report highlighted the need for Governments to recognise age discrimination as a barrier to mature age employment; commit to an awareness-raising campaign addressing the misconceptions surrounding mature age workers and the existence of laws protecting their rights; and to review the laws to strengthening their effectiveness.
4 August, 2009
Suspensions held up
as school examples
The Department of Education and Training has revealed that Western Australian public schools suspended more students in 2008 than in 2007, reflecting increased efforts to stamp out bad behaviour.Director General of Education and Training, Sharyn O’Neill, said bad behaviour would not be tolerated as the majority of students wanted to learn.
“Of the students suspended, almost 60 per cent were suspended only once which showed that it is an effective means of managing the small number of disruptive students,” Ms O’Neill said.
She said the 2008 figures showed students suspensions had increased from 10,536 in 2007 to 11,417 in 2008.
“We recorded an increase in the number of suspensions issued, from 21,934 in 2007 to 24,044 last year, but the average length of suspensions (2.1days) stayed the same,” she said.
Ms O´Neill said verbal abuse and staff harassment accounted for 19.5 per cent of suspensions, while physical assault and staff intimidation accounted for seven per cent.
“The number of students suspended in 2008 represents just 4.5 per cent of the total student population in public schools,” she said.
She said there were an additional eight approved exclusions in 2008 than in 2007.
“The majority of students recommended for exclusion in 2008 were Year 9 and Year 10 males,” she said.
Ms O´Neill said the State Government had announced several behaviour improvement strategies including an expansion of the Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies; six new behaviour centres for schools in Port Hedland, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and Bunbury; and an additional 50 school psychologists over the next four years.
4 August, 2009
Girls in blue to
be in the pink
The sixth Conference on Women and Policing is to be held in Perth this month, hosted jointly by the Western Australia Police and the Australasian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP).The conference, with the theme, ´Making it Happen´, is to run from 23 August to 26 August.
Assistant Commissioner Barbara Etter said the conference would explore issues such as victims of crime, child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and workplace and leadership issues for women.
The ACWAP said West Australian Police Commissioner Karl O´Callaghan would open the conference while many notable Australian and overseas speakers would address the conference.
The Council said Australian speakers would include Victorian Police Chief Commissioner, Christine Nixon; 2008 national Telstra Business Woman of the Year, Leanne Wesche; National President of the RSPCA, Lynne Bradshaw; as well as academics Professor Caroline Taylor, Tim Prenzler, Jenny Fleming and Jan Jordan.
Overseas speakers would include India’s Rajita Kulkarni, Zimbabwe´s Eleanor Alfred, and South Africa´s Joey Berning.
The Council said anyone interested in improving policing and the criminal justice system for women were invited to attend the conference.
They said further information could be obtained from www.acwap.com.au or by emailing conference@acwap.com.au
4 August, 2009
Groundbreaking plan
for land management
The Conservation Commission has embarked on a project to develop new procedures for the preparation of management plans for the protected lands it holds on behalf of the people of Western Australia.The Commission is concerned that large tracts of its land are not covered by management plans, creating issues relating to governance, protection and public perception.
“It is to everyone’s benefit that the manner in which the estate is being managed is clearly understood across the State,” the Commission says in a statement.
To bring about the necessary changes the Commission has been working with the Department of Environment and Conservation and has already introduced a number of changes to improve the situation.
“From now on,” it says, “all management plans will apply to regional areas rather than to individual reserves. Plans will be concise and objectives will be measurable and realistic.
“These changes will make the management planning process and management plans more efficient and effective.”
The Commission has also contracted Murdoch University to undertake a research study to investigate current thinking on best practice approaches for management planning.
It said the three-stage study would include interaction with planning practitioners at the national level, consultation with stakeholders and the preparation of a report for Commission consideration.
In the meantime the Commission has compiled a package of information explaining the changes it has already adopted and the early findings from the Murdoch University study. It expects to have the full report later this year.
Access to the package is available at www.conservation.wa.gov.au and more information can be obtained by phoning 9389 1766 or emailing caroll@conservation.wa.gov.au
4 August, 2009
Corrective Services
locks in restructure
The Department of Corrective Services has moved to assure staff that the realignment of its Community and Juvenile Justice Division would not lead to job losses among staff directly responsible for managing offenders.Assistant Commissioner Community Operations, Steve Robins, said any Juvenile Justice Officers working in offices in excess of the approved staffing levels would be transferred to similar positions elsewhere within the division.
He said offenders would still be under supervision even if they were not assigned a specific case officer.
“If they do not have an individual officer assigned to them, they are seen by a duty officer and their progress and compliance is monitored through the senior management team in the branch to which they report,” Mr Robins said.
He said the Department made every effort to ensure high risk offenders were prioritised, allocated, and closely supervised.
“This is constantly reviewed and if the risk on an unallocated offender increases, he/she is assigned a specific case manager,” he said.
Mr Robins said the realignment was designed to create a progressive community justice service that could meet the changing needs of offenders and ensure the safety of the community.
He said it would manage offenders more effectively by creating juvenile justice hubs with a more holistic approach
“The hubs will bring together a range of early intervention and diversion programs and outreach services,” he said.
Mr Robins said the regional services included an extended-hours family support service, an extended-hours bail service, and psychological support for offenders.
He said the hubs would replicate similar services at the Regional Youth Justice Services offices in Kalgoorlie and Geraldton.
Mr Robins said funding queries should be directed to the Government.
4 August, 2009
Aboriginal art a
picture of success
The Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards are to be held every second year from 2010 as a way of maintaining high quality entries and encouraging a broader field of artists to enter.Presenting this year’s $50,000 award to Ricardo Idagi, Arts Minister John Day said holding the awards yearly for their first three years would allow them to become established and moving to a biennial footing after that would permit resources to be directed towards a more supportive environment for the development of Indigenous visual arts in the State.
“We are striving for quality art rather than quantity,” Mr Day said.
He said there would be no change to budget allocation, the Government would simply use the funding more effectively.
“The Liberal-National Government is using the funding to help WA indigenous artists more directly. This can only rationally be viewed as a positive move,” he said.
Mr Day also presented Wakartu Cory Surprise with the $10,000 Western Australian Indigenous Artist Award.
He congratulated the two winners and said the awards exhibition, which featured work from 15 artists, was a superb showcase of outstanding works.
“The Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards exhibition provides a wonderful opportunity to bring national artists to this State, celebrate WA artists nationally, and to enrich WA audiences with the finest indigenous art in this country,” he said.
Mr Day said Lorraine Connelly-Northey of Victoria and Christopher Pease of Perth were both awarded certificates of high commendation.
He said the 2009 Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards exhibition was on display at the Art Gallery of Western Australia until 15 November and entry to the exhibition was free.
Mr Day said more information, including a list of the finalists for the 2009 Awards, could be found at www.artgallery.wa.gov.au
4 August, 2009
Miners get good
oil on petroleum
The Department of Mines and Petroleum has conducted an intensive briefing for the State’s mining industry, outlining the stringent regulatory requirements for uranium exploration and mining in WA.Director General of the Department, Richard Sellers said the session outlined the State and Commonwealth legislation and regulations applicable to uranium operations.
Mr Sellers said an interagency working group had looked into changes needed to existing legislation or additional regulations for uranium mining and exploration.
“The group identified that Western Australia’s current regulatory framework does, in combination with international and Commonwealth legislation, guidelines and policies, provide for the development of uranium mining and associated activities,” Mr Sellers said.
He said the State had a long history of regulatory experience, and when combined with world-best guidelines for managing naturally occurring radioactive materials placed Western Australia was in an ideal position to regulate the uranium industry to the highest standards.
He said the industry event was the first of many intended briefings with stakeholders in the uranium sector.
4 August, 2009
Consumer watchdog
has dummy spit
The Commissioner for Consumer Protection has issued an urgent warning to parents about a dummy pack for babies being sold in Perth.The Commissioner, Anne Driscoll, said the pack posed a serious safety hazard for infants.
She said the suppliers of the Baby Garfield Baby Pacifier and Holder would issue a voluntary recall, after a Consumer Protection investigation discovered a problem with the inclusion of an attached cord designed to be fastened to the baby´s clothes.
“This cord poses a serious strangulation risk, as it could easily become tangled around an infant's neck. It is also poses a circulation hazard for babies,” Ms Driscoll said.
She said the sale of the dummy pack breached Australian Safety Standards as it was unlawful to sell the dummy and cord in one package.
Ms Driscoll said Ampar International Pty Ltd had advertised a national recall, saying the product was sold in Western Australia from March 2009 onwards at Crazy Clarks and the Reject Shop.
She said the product was also sold nationally between March 2009 and July 2009 through the Reject Shop and the Warehouse group of stores.
Ms Driscoll said infants should never have a dummy fastened to their clothing because of the risk of death or serious injury.
4 August, 2009
Police collar
new database
A National Police Reference System which will allow the country’s 50,000 police officers in all States and territories to share information has been completed by the central database agency, CrimTrac.Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor said the NPRS allowed police to exchange information about serious criminal matters across States and Territories.
“This system will provide police with vital information for solving crime and will prove to be a powerful investigative tool,” Mr O’Connor said.
“By the end of July, police across Australia will be able to access NPRS and locate vital information about persons of interest.”
He said the shared information included warnings, warrants, offence histories, orders, firearms and bail information; whether the person was wanted or missing; and whether they were on the Australian Child Offender Register.
“The CrimTrac Agency has been working collaboratively with police and law enforcement agencies for several years to develop a national information sharing capability,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The NPRS will assist police with their day-to-day duties by providing them with a nationwide view of persons of interest and providing police with the capacity to make better-informed, critical decisions when dealing with these people.”
He said the take up of NPRS increased four-fold in the past 12 months, with CrimTrac conducting almost 150,000 transactions each day for operational police.
Mr O’Connor said police jurisdictions had given overwhelming support to expanding NPRS data sets, requesting information relating to vehicles of interest, firearms identification, driver’s licences, known associates and associations and geo-spatial data to assist with crime management.
4 August, 2009
New winners named in
in Heritage awards
Minister for Heritage, John Castrilli, has announced the winners of the 2009 Heritage Council Awards with the City of Perth and Rottnest Island Authority both receiving top prizes.Mr Castrilli said awards were presented in four categories: Contribution to heritage in Western Australia by an individual; Contribution to heritage in Western Australia by an organisation; Conservation and/or interpretation of a place listed in the State Register of Heritage Places; and Excellence in adaptive reuse.
“The 2009 Heritage Council Awards demonstrate widespread community dedication to heritage conservation, interpretation and adaptation,” Mr Castrilli said
He said Loretta Wright from North Hampton received first prize in category one, with the City of Perth winning category two.
“The City of Perth has dedicated heritage staff, a broad range of conservation incentives and clear processes for heritage management and planning,” he said.
Mr Castrilli said the Rottnest Island Hotel (former Governor’s Residence) took out the major prize in category three after undoing 60 years of neglect and, at times, insensitive adaptation.
“The project has reinstated the building as an imposing, iconic structure, which is appropriate for the setting.”
He said Canning Town Hall and Fremantle’s Basilica of St Patrick received high commendations in category three.
Mr Castrilli said the newest category, introduced in honour of the late Heritage Council chairman, Gerry Gauntlet and his dedication to adaptive reuse and compatible development was awarded to development company Match.
“Match has found creative solutions to revitalise a range of problematic, disused sites including the adaptation of the Inglewood clock tower building, Perth’s W.D. and H.O. Wills building and Fremantle’s Dalgety Wool Stores,” Mr Castrilli said.
4 August, 2009
Price not right
for consumers
The Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council has warned that because consumers have a low level of awareness about their rights, the cost of goods was increasing.An Issues Paper on consumer protection published by CCAAC, examines Commonwealth and State laws relating to warranties on consumer goods and according to the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs, Dr Craig Emerson the paper entitled Consumer Rights. Statutory implied conditions and warranties, finds many consumers do not understand their rights in relation to refunds on defective goods.
“Signs displayed by stores such as ‘no cash refunds’, ‘no refunds after 30 days’ and ‘all care but no responsibility’, cannot negate customers’ rights under consumer protection laws,” Dr Emerson said.
He expressed concern that consumers were purchasing costly extended warranties at retail stores in the belief their rights expired when the manufacturer’s warranty did.
“Consumers tend to believe that their entitlements to a refund or repair of defective products are contained only in the formal warranties issued at retail stores,” he said.
“Implied warranties, provided through Federal and State consumer laws, can operate well beyond the expiry date of a statutory warranty.
“If a dishwasher has a one-year warranty and collapses in its 13th month of use, the consumer could still be protected by the implied warranty.”
Dr Emerson said extended warranties might not be worth the expense.
He said the paper also examined goods sold at auction, including online, which were not presently covered by implied warranties.
“Online auctions are rapidly growing in popularity and consumer protection policy needs to catch up,” he said.
It is estimated that problems relating to warranties and refunds were costing Australians around $12 billion a year.
Dr Emerson welcomed public comment on the Issues Paper, which was available at www.treasury.gov.au
4 August, 2009
Boat skippers to
shine at night
The Department of Transport has warned recreational skippers to take extra care when navigating their watercraft at night.Responding to recent serious boating incidents, the Department’s General Manager of Marine Safety, David Harrod, said skippers needed to be aware of their responsibilities when operating their vessels after dark.
Mr Harrod said the incidents occurred over the last two months at the Dampier Archipelago and had resulted in serious injuries and substantial damage to vessels.
“Navigating at night requires special care and attention. Skippers need to slow down because navigation aids are not always lit, and there are many other potential hazards,” Mr Harrod said.
He said skippers were not able to rely entirely on electronic navigation systems and were required by law to maintain watch at all times.
Mr Harrod said electronic navigation aids did not necessarily take the weather into account while errors could occur if a Global Positioning System was not set up correctly.
He said skippers needed to plan each trip on an up to date, correct and current paper navigational chart.
“Most collisions are caused by people not looking where they are going. It is easy to steer by looking at your chart plotter but it is far safer to set the boat on course and keep a constant watch for hazards,” Mr Harrod said.
4 August, 2009
Veterans’ projects
get shot in the arm
The Federal Department of Veterans´ Affairs is to provide $11,107 in funding to five local organisations across Western Australia for projects honouring Australia´s wartime heritage. Minister for Veterans´ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said the funding was part of the Commonwealth´s Saluting Their Service Commemorative grants program.
“The grants will fund local activities and initiatives that recognise the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served Australia in wars, conflicts and peace operations,” Mr Griffin said.
He said helping regional and rural communities maintain their places of remembrance was a particularly important function of the program.
“Commemorative activities in local communities play a major role in encouraging Australians – especially younger Australians – to learn about our wartime experiences and provide an opportunity for veterans to share their stories,” he said.
Mr Griffin said today’s funding was part of $379,000 to support 152 projects nationally.
He said local community and ex-service organisation interested in applying for funding should visit www.dva.gov.au or contact their local DVA office.
“Australia has a proud wartime history that has been part of the lives of so many Australian families. The Government remains committed to honouring those who have served and continue to serve, ensuring their legacy is remembered for generations to come,” Mr Griffin said.
4 August, 2009
Rail network going
against the grain
The Federal Government’s Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia, Gary Gray, has released a report on an independent review into the effectiveness of the Western Australian grain rail network.The report was welcomed by Western Australian Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien.
“I wholeheartedly agree with the Federal Government’s independent assessment that the Grain Infrastructure Group’s Report does not provide a reliable basis on which to make major investment decisions in Western Australia’s grain rail network,” Mr O’Brien said.
Mr Gray said the key findings of the review were:
- The GIG report does not provide a reliable basis on which to make major investment decisions;
- The overall costs of the GIG’s proposed investment package are likely to significantly exceed the benefits; and
- There is a need for further analysis of alternative investment options in light of current market circumstances.
“It is for that reason that I have set up the Strategic Grain Network Committee (SGNC) to assess the State’s grain rail network and the wider logistics chain,” he said.
Mr O´Brien said the SGNC consisted of industry as well as Federal and State Government representatives.
“We need to ensure that any public investment in WA’s grain rail network is undertaken in a manner which gives both the public and the private sectors the best value for money,” he said.
Mr O´Brien said the SGNC would provide the Government with additional advice about the rail system before the end of the year.
4 August, 2009
More PS houses
Minister for Housing and Works, Troy Buswell, said the attraction and retention of Government officers to Albany would be aided by the re-introduction of Government Regional Officer Housing to the area.
He said the GROH program, run by the Department of Housing, owned or leased properties on behalf of the Government and made them available to other State Government agencies.
Mr Buswell said for several years, WA Police have been the only agency with access to GROH housing in Albany.
He said 40 properties would be available in the next two years.
Finance officer charged
The Corruption and Crime Commission has charged the Chief Finance Officer of the Pilbara Development Commission with a further 10 offences involving the theft and fraud of more than $100,000.
The Commission also charged the woman with an additional 12 counts of stealing earlier this month.
Manager Investigations, Trevor Wynn, said the recent charges involved the alleged misuse of Government credit cards.
Random pay plans launched
The Fair Work Ombudsman has revealed plans to randomly audit Australian security companies to ensure workers are being paid properly.
State and territory inspectors will examine business compliance with minimum rates of pay, penalty loadings, allowances, and meal breaks.
Workers and employers can contact the FWO Infoline on 13 13 94 or visit
www.fwo.gov.au for assistance.
Agreement moves camps
Alice Springs town camps are to be transformed and services improved following a sub-lease agreement signed between the Tangentyere Council, the Alice Springs town camp housing associations and the Australian Government.
The agreement is expected to open the way for a $138 million investment which would see the construction of new houses and major rebuilds of existing homes.
Work will also start on cleaning up town camps and urgent repairs to houses and infrastructure.
Airport upgraded
Minister for Transport, Simon O´Brien, has opened Carnavon´s upgraded airport terminal.
Mr O´Brien said the upgrades - worth $1.3m - included a new terminal building, installation of two check-in areas, automatic doors, pedestrian pathways, disabled access ramps, and ablution blocks.
He said the 2009-10 Regional Airports Development Scheme had allocated $400,000 to the Shire of Carnavon to fund part of the reconstruction and cement stabilising of the runway.
Recycling funded
The Minister for Environment, Donna Faragher, said the Government has contributed more than $824,000 to 21 community-based recycling projects.
Mrs Faragher said the Government’s Strategic Waste Initiatives Scheme and the Community Grants Scheme had provided the funding.
She said the projects covered a wide range of problem areas, from waste oil to green waste to tyres to plastics.
Names wanted for top honours
With just a month to go, more than 1,000 people have already been nominated for Australia of the Year 2010.
National Program Director for the National Australia Day Council, Tam Johnson, said well-known names nominated for the award included Former Victorian police chief Christine Nixon, Formula One driver Mark Webber, Actress and fundraiser Paula Duncan and Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham.
Ms Johnson said nominations could be made online at www.australianoftheyear.org.au or by calling 1300 655 193. Nomination forms could also be picked up at Commonwealth Bank branches.
Nominations close 31 August 2009.
Boat pens planned
Expressions of interest have been called for 44 new boat pens planned for Exmouth.
Minister for Transport, Simon O´Brien, said the number of pens depended on the level of interest and the project would rely on boaters pre-paying pen licence fees.
Mr O´Brien said further information could be obtained at www.transport.wa.gov.au or by contacting the Department on 9216 8839
Expressions of interest must be received by 4 September.
Migrants reach 5.5 million
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics have revealed 5.5 million migrants from over 200 countries are living in Australia.
Migrants born in the United Kingdom were the largest group, with 1.2 million calling Australia home, followed by those from New Zealand (495,000), China (314,000), India (239,000) and Italy (222,000).
The ABS found over the last 10 years those migrating from the UK declined from 6.1 per cent of Australia's population to 5.4 per cent, while the number of migrants from New Zealand, China and India increased.