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SearchArchives for August 2011
30 August, 2011
Carbon tax not
black and white
Economic modelling by the Department of Treasury has revealed that over half the households in Western Australia will be worse off when the Federal Government’s carbon tax is introduced.
The Treasury model predicts that 419,000 households will not be compensated sufficiently to meet the impact of the carbon tax.
The assertions have been rejected by the Federal Government as “scare mongering”.
WA Treasurer, Christian Porter said the average household should expect to pay an extra $111 in electricity charges, $19.50 in public transport fares and $13.25 in water charges in the first year of the tax.
“What is particularly offensive about Federal Labor’s Carbon Tax is that it won’t even make a two per cent dent in Australia’s carbon emissions until 2050,” Mr Porter said.
“At the same time, nearly $57 billion worth of Australians’ money will flow to other countries by 2050 to buy their carbon credits.”
Families should expect to pay higher electricity, water and public transport fees every year.
“Any child born next year will be 38 years old, probably with children of his or her own in primary school, before we even see a two per cent change in Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions under the carbon tax.”
Mr Porter said because the average income in WA was higher than in other States, West Australians would once again be penalised for their success.
The comments were dismissed by the Commonwealth’s Special Minister of State, Gary Gray, who said Federal Treasury modelling showed that of all States, Western Australia would record the strongest economic growth under a carbon price.
Mr Gray said Federal Treasury modelling showed that WA’s economy would more than treble in size to 2050 with a carbon price.
He said the State’s mining industry would grow by more than 300 per cent by 2050, construction and services would grow by almost 300 per cent and agriculture by almost 125 per cent.
Mr Gray said Federal Treasury modelling showed a carbon price would have a modest cost impact and the Government would provide tax cuts, increases in family payments and higher pensions and benefits to compensate.
30 August, 2011
Minister slams door
on office charges
Claims the State Government was wasting money on vacant office leases have been rejected by the Minister for Finance, Simon O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien said the Government’s leased agreements were spread across 96 buildings which were now being consolidated into about 15 properties.
The Opposition’s Mark McGowan claimed 45 Government offices were empty, costing taxpayers more than $707,000.
However, Mr O’Brien said Mr McGowan’s figures related to expenditure of vacated office accommodation over a period of almost three years.
“In dollar terms that is much less than one per cent of total lease costs per year,” Mr O’Brien said.
Given the difficulty in aligning the expiry of old leases with the start of new leases, this was a good outcome, demonstrating good planning and thrifty management.
“Specifically in my own Finance portfolio, it is true that Building Management and Works vacated a number of locations to consolidate its operations,” the Minister said.
“However, these building leases are being back-filled by other Government Agencies.
“The Government’s Master Planning approach to office accommodation will deliver a significant reduction in costs compared with the previous piecemeal approach.”
In a further development, Mr McGowan released information showing that a Homeswest property capable of accommodating up to six people had been unused for a year.
“Figures released in Parliament show that in excess of 450 houses are sitting empty at this point, not including properties such as this one,” Mr McGowan said.
30 August, 2011
Travel guide shows
way for disabled
A 16-page booklet, Prepare for Take-off – Air Travel Tips for People with Disability, has been launched.
The booklet has been produced jointly by the Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability, the Disability Services Commission and People With Disabilities (WA) Inc.
Speaking at Perth Airport’s International Terminal, Minister for Disability Services, Helen Morton said the information contained in the booklet was compiled from the real-life experiences of air travellers with disability, their families, friends, travelling companions and carers.
Mrs Morton said the booklet contained information encouraging travellers with disability to do their homework before making bookings; explained what travellers needed to tell the airline about their disability; aspects of travelling with medication; travelling with mobility aids; security screening; check-in; and getting on and off the plane.
“The booklet also assists potential travellers by identifying the various procedures of airports and airline staff that they are likely to encounter,” Mrs Morton said.
She said access to good information made a big difference when planning flights and navigating airports and airlines.
“Like everyone else, people with disability want to enjoy their journey by air,” the Minister said.
“The new guide provides information and advice that will allow people to be better informed and have more control of their air travel experience.”
She said the publication was online at this PS News link.
30 August, 2011
Housing and land
stats add up online
A new online application which provides a one-stop shop for land and housing supply statistics has been launched.
Urban Development Program Online: State of Land and Housing Supply combines information from industry and Government to give a clear picture of the planning and development pipeline.
Minister for Planning, John Day said it was important that people had access to the correct and latest information so they could make the most informed decision before they bought a residential lot or a house.
“The facts about land and housing supply are now online in the form of maps, charts and summary tables to communicate trends at a glance,” Mr Day said.
“The State of Land and Housing Supply reports on the key demand drivers of population, labour force and incomes in addition to the supply status of zoned land, planning approvals, land development, vacant lots, lot listing, building approvals, total dwelling stocks and property listings.”
He said it was a major step forward in the convenience and ease of access to trends and the latest status of supply.
“The data is updated quarterly, helping to alleviate the confusion and misinformation often associated with this topic.”
He said it was the first of a series of releases from the new Urban Development Program.
“This first edition covers the Perth metropolitan, Mandurah and Murray Local Government areas,” Mr Day said, “but it is planned that future releases will cover the rest of the State as well as industrial and commercial land supply.
He said the application had been produced by the Department of Planning and the Western Australian Planning Commission with the cooperation of the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Landgate, the Water Corporation and the Department of Education, Employment and Work Place Relations.
It can be viewed online at this PS News link.
30 August, 2011
Fisheries officers
a good catch
A dozen new Fisheries and Marine Officers have been presented with their graduation certificates at a ceremony in Fremantle.
The officers have completed 15 weeks of training at the Department of Fisheries’ Marine Operations Centre to prepare them for a range of tasks, including land-based mobile patrols and seagoing duties.
They will join the existing eight teams of officers dedicated to mobile patrols across the State.
Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore said the officers would provide important education opportunities, passing on information about fishing rules and spreading messages about fishing for the future.
Department of Fisheries’ data showed that increased funding for mobile patrols and a fleet of special four-wheel drives had proven successful.
“Mobile patrols across the State have made almost 34,000 contacts with recreational fishers, of which 42 serious matters were identified and a total of 78 alleged offences were recorded,” Mr Moore said.
“Some of those offences have been dealt with in court, and others are still undergoing prosecution, but the high number of contacts reflects that most recreational fishers obey the rules and do the right thing.”
He said up to 30 June this year, mobile patrol officers had issued 463 official warning notices and 353 infringement notices for a range of offences for which fines were appropriate.
Most of the alleged offences were detected in the West Coast region, with more than 40 of them occurring between Preston Beach and Lancelin.
“The mobility of the patrols has helped the officers reach popular and remote fishing locations across Western Australia where they have been able to focus on a wide range of fisheries,” he said.
“The special four-wheel drives are equipped with high-tech communications equipment and also carry supplies of important Department of Fisheries’ publications to help provide information to fishers.”
30 August, 2011
Council fund to
be reviewed
The Minister for Regional Development has ordered an assessment of the Country Local Government Fund (CLGF).
The Minister, Brendon Grylls, said the review was required to ensure community projects were being delivered effectively.
Mr Grylls said that by 2014-15 the CLGF will have invested more than $552 million through 109 Local Governments to renew and create community infrastructure.
He said the CLGF was created to address an estimated $1.75 billion backlog identified in 2006 and he wanted feedback on its progress.
“I have asked the Western Australian Regional Development Trust to consult with relevant stakeholders and conduct meetings with country Local Governments, industry bodies and Government Departments and provide me with feedback by early next year,” Mr Grylls said.
“This program is in its fourth year of operation and it is an appropriate time for it to be assessed in an independent, evidence-based manner.”
He said the CLGF was established under the Royalties for Regions Act 2009 to assist country Local Governments to support capacity building and build and maintain their community infrastructure.
He said the Regional Development Trust would be asked to advise on the formula used to allocate the funding and the split of funding between individual Councils and regional groupings.
Mr Grylls said the Trust was an independent statutory body that provided advice and recommendations on the allocation and management of all Royalties for Regions funding.
30 August, 2011
WorkSafe switches
to switchboards
An inspection program of safety standards of switchboard and switchroom manufacturers is to be undertaken by WorkSafe
The inspections will focus on raising awareness of the safety risks and ensuring that employers have the information required to comply with the laws.
Director of WorkSafe, Joe Attard said this was the latest in a series of proactive inspection programs focusing on specific industries.
Stakeholders in the industry – the National Electrical Switchboard Builders Association, the National Electrical and Communications Association, Unions WA and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry had been informed of the campaign.
Employers would also be made aware of the fact that inspectors would be conducting visits via a mail-out containing relevant occupational safety and health information and checklists.
Inspectors would be concentrating on the priority areas of machinery guarding, hazardous substances, manual handling, electricity, falls from height and slips, trips and falls, and would be looking at a wide range of businesses, from large employers to small operators in the industrial and commercial sectors.
“Like all WorkSafe’s proactive inspection programs, this one aims to raise awareness and provide information, but inspectors will take enforcement action if necessary,” Mr Attard said.
Further information on workplace safety and health can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or from the website at this PS News link.
30 August, 2011
Warranty warning to
guarantee service
Western Australian retailers who are referring customers with warranty claims to the manufacturer when it is their responsibility under consumer law, have come to the notice of Consumer Protection.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll said there had been a high number of calls to the Department in recent months from consumers complaining that some retailers were not taking responsibility when faulty goods were returned.
“While manufacturers have obligations to ensure their goods are not faulty, the sales contract is between the retailer and their customer,” Ms Driscoll said.
“Retailers should not be directing customers with a warranty claim to the manufacturer direct; it is their clear responsibility to offer a remedy in the form of a replacement or refund if there is a major fault and repair if it is a minor fault.”
She said while the retail market was currently fairly tight, some retailers seemed to be more interested in securing sales rather than solving problems.
“It is important that traders honour their legal obligations and further develop their customer relations at a time when repeat business is probably even more important,” she said.
Ms Driscoll said that under the Australian Consumer Law all goods sold in Australia must be of acceptable quality, safe, durable, free from defects and fit for purpose.
“These consumer guarantees apply without the consumer paying any extra money for ‘extended warranties’ which are being sold in some cases as a way for the retailer to manage faulty products,” the Commissioner said.
“The guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law apply to all products acquired by consumers and are in addition to any written guarantee that may be issued by the manufacturer.
“Consumers need to understand that their legal rights will often provide a remedy that is easier and more appropriate to access than the hoops some traders are asking consumers to jump through.”
30 August, 2011
New grains facility
is kernel of idea
The State Government and the Grains Research Development Corporation (GRDC) have come to an agreement to build a new Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) in Perth.
The Government will contribute $30 million to build the facility with the Department of Agriculture and Food and GRDC each contributing $20 million over five years to research and development programs.
Other research organisations, including the CSIRO, have agreed in principle to contribute an additional $15 million over five years, taking total investment in the project to $85 million so far.
Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman said the AEGIC would be built adjacent to the Department’s new headquarters in South Perth, with research and development projects due to start next year.
He said it would include state-of-the-art laboratories, automated and air-conditioned glass houses, controlled environment plant growth rooms and irrigated field plots.
He said the Centre would also act as a research and business think-tank, with programs in economic analysis, strategic market intelligence, grain quality, bio-security and grain processing technology.
Mr Redman said AEGIC would be a vibrant hub of science, technology and innovation focused on increasing the competitiveness of the Australian grains industry.
“Scientists, economists and industry experts from around the world will come to Perth to share their knowledge and expertise with the aim of developing new varieties, new technologies and new ideas for Australian farmers,” Mr Redman said.
The GRDC is a Commonwealth statutory corporation funded by grower levies to invest in grains research and development.
30 August, 2011
DAFWA sinks teeth
into new feedlots
Approvals for the development of new feedlots have been streamlined largely through the work of the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA).
Approval times have been reduced from 18 months to nine weeks on average.
Project Coordinator for Beef Feedlot at the Department, Claire Coffey said environmental safeguards had become increasingly complex though the National Beef Cattle Feedlot Environmental Code of Practice.
“Working with the industry regulator, the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), the Department has streamlined the approval process for new feedlots, saving time, stress and cost,” Ms Coffey said.
She said DAFWA had been working with 13 feedlot projects from Geraldton to Esperance and licence applications had had a 100 per cent success rate due to the Department’s expertise and knowledge in managing the impacts of pollutions such as odour and waste water, and the intricacies of WA’s regulatory processes.
Ms Coffey said recent dry seasons were encouraging more of the cattle industry to look at lot feeding instead of traditional grass finishing. This was helping to provide consistent supplies of quality meat for consumers.
She said the Beef Feedlot Environmental Management Working Group, comprising DEC, DAFWA and the WA Lot Feeders Association was making sure that proposed new national guidelines were practical and workable.
“Because this is a new field, local private sector consultants were not available, hence the Department’s move to help,” Ms Coffey said.
“We first identified the industry gap in 2009 and have worked with DEC to create a streamlined and consistent works approval process while assisting industry with applications to expand or build new feedlots.
“We are now actively seeking private sector consultants who can provide the service,” she said.
30 August, 2011
Women winning
statistics race
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal that Australian women are still living longer than men, but that men are closing the gap.
According to the ABS data, over the past 10 years life expectancy at birth had increased at a greater rate for men (by 3 years) than for women (by 2 years) but women continued to have a higher life expectancy at birth (now 84 years) than men (79 years).
Gender Indicators, Australia, looked at the differences between males and females in the main areas of wellbeing such as economic security, education, work and family balance, health and safety and justice.
It found women had increased their participation in the labour force, while it had remained relatively stable for men.
However, it also found on average women earned 11 per cent less than men per hour.
According to the figures, men and women also differed in how they spent their working time; while they all spent a similar amount of time working, men spent nearly twice as long on employment related activities.
Alternatively, women spent almost double the amount of time on unpaid work such as domestic activities, child-care and voluntary work.
The publication revealed that in 2010, more women aged 18-24 years (31%) than men (23%) were studying towards a qualification at Bachelor’s degree or above.
Overall, men were more likely than women to have poor health risk factors, such as being overweight or obese and consuming alcohol at risky levels.
Women however were more likely than men to report high or very high levels of psychological stress.
The new figures are available in the first issue of Gender Indicators, Australia, a new six-monthly publication that presents data to reflect gender roles and monitor the changes that occur over time.
The full issue can be accessed at this PS News link.
30 August, 2011
Program gets parents
back to school
Mullewa District High School has begun a program aimed at increasing parental and community involvement in school activities.
The Mullewa Passport Program aims to improve attendance and academic outcomes for students.
Minister for Education, Liz Constable said the program will reward students and their families who get involved with the school.
“By helping out in the canteen, running reading sessions, meeting with the leadership team, attending assembly and making sure their children go to school, parents can gain points for their child’s ‘passport’,” Dr Constable said.
“Students can then trade in the points for books, uniforms, stationery, canteen vouchers, sports equipment and calculators.
“It is a fantastic incentive for parents and students to get more involved in the school and education.”
Mullewa Principal, Nicki Patterson said the local community, which included police, youth workers, community health workers and Local Government representatives, strongly supported the program.
“This initiative builds on the relationships we already have in place and creates opportunities for new partnerships to be formed with the community,” Ms Patterson said.
“Since the program began last week, we have already awarded points for students attending school and for parents coming to parent-teacher forums.”
She thanked the Department for getting the program into the school, and the former Shire of Mullewa and Brookfield Rail for contributing funding.
30 August, 2011
Commonwealth floats
marine protection
The Federal Government has released draft marine bio-regional plans for proposed marine reserves networks aimed at protecting Australia’s north and north-west marine environment.
The plans and networks will now be open for three months of community feedback before they are finalised under national environmental law.
The proposed network for the north covers global refuges for turtles, dugongs and sawfish while the north-west is vital to the survival of many marine species facing population decline.
Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke said that under the proposed marine reserve network there would be three zones including Marine National Park zones to provide the highest level of protection and limit activities; Multiple Use zones which would protect and maintain the conservation values of the area while allowing sustainable economic use; and Special Purpose zones which would allow some activities not allowed in other zones.
Mr Burke said the proposed networks of marine reserves were in Commonwealth waters which start 5.5 kilometres off the coast.
The proposed reserves in the north-west region cover an area of 377, 296 square kilometres and those in the north cover 121,723 square kilometres.
According to the Minister, the north region extends from the Northern Territory-Western Australian border to the Gulf of Carpentaria, Arafura Sea and the Timor Sea and the north-west region extends from Kalbarri, south of Shark Bay to the Western Australian - Northern Territory border.
“If these areas of biodiversity had been on land we would have protected them years ago,” Mr Burke said.
“It is time for the protection of our oceans to start catching up.”
He said the draft bio-regional plans and proposed marine reserves networks were developed with environment groups, the fishing industry, recreational fishing groups and other marine users.
“Now there will be a further opportunity for communities to have their say in this important process and I encourage people to get involved,” he said.
“We extended the 60-day consultation period to 90 days to ensure people have every opportunity to provide feedback.”
Officers from the federal Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water Population and Communities will be visiting coastal centres throughout the north and north-west regions in the coming weeks to hold information sessions and meet representatives of various industries and stakeholder groups.
Consultation closes on 28 November.
30 August, 2011
Stats clear the air
on lung cancer
A recent report from the WA Cancer Registry has found that lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer-related death in men and women under 75 years of age.
However, skin cancer is still a significant risk for people aged 15 to 39.
The report Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Western Australia, 2009 says there were 10,805 new cases of cancer recorded in WA in that year.
Author of the report, Tim Threlfall said of these, 6,291 or 58 per cent, occurred in males and 4,514 or 42 per cent in females.
“In 2009, the most common cancers in males were prostate and colorectal cancers, melanomas and lung cancer; while breast cancer was the most common cancer for women,”
Dr Threlfall said.
He said breast cancer rates for women had decreased slightly since previous years, but more women were now being diagnosed with lung cancer.
“The number of women with lung cancer is increasing by an average of four per cent each year,” he said.
“In 2009, lung cancer was the most common cause of cancer-related death for males and females, killing one in 32 males and one in 53 females before age 75.”
Dr Threlfall said there were a total of 3,862 deaths due to cancer in 2009 – 2,158 males and 1,704 females.
All-cancers mortality rates for 2009 were 117 deaths per 100,000 males, which were similar to 2008 figures, and 84 per 100,000 females – a slight increase from 2008.
The report is compiled annually by the Western Australian Cancer Registry and provides population-based cancer data for use in the planning of health care services and the support of cancer-related research.
The report is available online at this PS News link.
30 August, 2011
TomorrowFund catches
up with the present
The TomorrowFund has reached its designated target after receiving pledges totalling $25 million.
The Fund was launched in 2008 with the aim of securing money to buy contemporary works for the WA art collection.
Under an agreement with the Government, the Art Gallery of Western Australia will now receive a promised $5 million of funding.
Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day congratulated the gallery on achieving its target with the receipt of a donation, valued at more than $3 million, from Andrew and Nicola Forrest.
“It is the last of many major pledges from Western Australia’s leading companies and community figures, including the initial $1 million pledges from BHP Billiton, National Australia Bank, Wesfarmers and Woodside,” Mr Day said.”
“The success of the TomorrowFund reflects an outstanding response from WA’s corporate and private sector to the Art Gallery of Western Australia’s challenge to create an arts legacy for future generations of Western Australians.”
The Minister said that in the past 18 months the TomorrowFund had enabled the gallery to acquire 148 works of contemporary art, including 95 works by Western Australian artists, 49 works by artists from other parts of Australia and four works from overseas.
Included were works by recognised artists such as Dale Frank, Fiona Foley, Brendan van Hek, Sally Gabori and Jesper Just.
30 August, 2011
Clover scientists
turn new leaf
A new subterranean clover variety with increased resistance to red-legged earth mite has been developed.
Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman said the new variety, Narrikup, was bred by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
“It is very vigorous and productive, with better resistance to red legged earth mites - the major pest of subterranean clover,” Mr Redman said.
“Narrikup also has resistance to both known races of clover scorch disease.”
He said the new variety was expected to increase the productivity of both livestock and grains industries across southern Australia, and would reduce the reliance on insecticides.
“The last thorough estimate showed red-legged earth mites were causing losses of $228 million Australia-wide for subterranean clover-based pastures,” he said.
“WA accounted for about one third of the national losses, or about $70 million annually.”
He said a new five-year joint venture between the Department of Agriculture and Food and Seed Force Pty Ltd would provide investment to develop new sub-clover legumes and produce and market seed. Seed would be sold under Plant Breeders Rights protection.
“This joint venture also aims to bring new and innovative sub-clover legume traits to the national and international agricultural market for the ongoing benefit of the agricultural industry in Western Australia and elsewhere,” Mr Redman said.
The Minister said a public expression of interest for investment into the Department’s subterranean clover breeding was conducted last year.
“Seed Force Pty Ltd was the successful applicant and the joint venture agreement has now been signed,” he said.
“The Department is a world leader in the development of pasture cultivars.
“This new partnership with Seed Force combines its technical skills with the marketing and production skills of a commercial operator which would have significant benefits across the sector.”
30 August, 2011
And in Other News...
IPAA names fellows
The Director General of the Department of Planning, Eric Lumsden has been named as a National Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA).
Also honoured was a private consultant, Christopher Williams.
The award is the highest recognition the IPAA can bestow and Chief Executive of the WA Institute, Alison Petrie, who collected the Awards on their behalf, said she was very proud of the nominations.
“The process is comprehensive and the national judging panel look at the nominees’ contribution to public service, their work history and their accomplishments,” Mrs Petrie said.
“It is a stringent judging process and not all nominees may be selected, so it’s an honour for our WA members to be recognised, as they are both worthy recipients.”
Customs boats for WA
A $350 million contract to construct and support the next generation of Customs and Border Protection patrol boats has been won by a WA shipbuilder.
The Australian-owned company, Austal, will build and support eight new Cape Class patrol boats.
They will replace the ageing fleet of Bay Class vessels.
The new vessels will be equipped with greater surveillance technology and will be able to travel longer distances between refuelling.
It is anticipated that the first Cape Class patrol boat will be operational by early 2013 and the full fleet is expected to be operational by September 2015.
Prison hosts horses
One of horse riding’s most popular international events has been held at Wooroloo Prison Farm.
About 190 riders gathered to compete in the Perth Horse Trial equestrian event – a popular three-day international competition attended by Olympic hopefuls.
On display at the event was a trade stall showing goods made in prison industries at Wooroloo.
The prison farm will hold a similar event in May next year.
Turtles returned
Officers of the Department of Environment and Conservation have successfully released five juvenile sea turtles that had washed up on Perth beaches.
The turtles were returned to the sea closer to their normal habitat at Exmouth.
It is believed the three loggerheads, one green turtle and one flatback were carried down from northern WA by the Leeuwin Current and strong winds.
Uni case expands
Further charges have been laid over the alleged theft of more than $570,000 by a former business manager at Curtin University.
Tania Carter, 43, of Willetton, initially pleaded guilty to 54 charges of stealing. Now her former husband, Matthew Peter Carter, 43, of Currambine has been charged with three counts of property laundering.
Another woman has been charged with 13 counts of property laundering over the theft.
DEC to host men’s games
‘Traditional Men’s Activities’, run by the Department of Environment and Conservation’s Nearer to Nature program, are to be held at John Forrest National Park on Saturday (3 September).
Program Coordinator, Jill Francis said the Dads and Boys Day would be a great way to foster a sense of mateship by participating together in fun and engaging activities in the great outdoors.
“Boys aged six and up can spend quality time with their dads learning valuable cultural skills and practices,” she said.
Shellfish warning
The public have been warned not to eat shellfish they collect from the wild anywhere in WA after tests confirmed potentially toxic microscopic algal species at very high levels in the Peel-Harvey Estuary (South of Mandurah).
The Department of Health said one of the species produced a potent neurotoxin, which could cause paralysis in people who consume affected shellfish. It warned that normal cooking processes would not destroy these toxins.
The Department of Water will continue to monitor algal species and levels within the Peel-Harvey Estuary and provide advice to the Department of Health.
New boat for Esperance
The Department of Transport has dispatched an upgraded patrol vessel to the Esperance area in preparation for the summer boating season.
The new vessel, 7.5 metres in length with a full cabin, will be a significant boost to the Department’s marine safety compliance resources in Esperance.
It will assist in reinforcing the safe boating message and conducting safety checks of vessels on the water.
Plant energy purchased
The Water Corporation is to purchase the entire output of Australia’s first utility-scale solar energy farm to be built near Geraldton.
It will also buy 100 per cent of the energy output from the Mumbida wind farm, also to be established in the Geraldton area.
The two renewable energy farms will offset the energy requirements for the new Southern Seawater Desalination Plant.
Courthouse contract awarded
A contract for the building of a temporary courthouse in Kununurra has been awarded to Quality Builders Pty Ltd.
The courthouse is needed so the Kimberley town’s existing courthouse can be demolished to make room for a new facility in 2014.
The $3.8 million contract, awarded by the Building Management and Works Division of the Department of Finance, will involve a transportable building being located in the grounds of the local hospital for up to two years from September next year.
23 August, 2011
FESA shake-up rises
from bushfire review
Reorganisation and a change of culture have been recommended for the Fire and Emergency Service Authority (FESA) following a review of the February Perth Hills Bushfire.
The review was commissioned to ensure the Government and community could learn as much as possible from the 6 February fire in which 71 homes were destroyed.
Conducted by the former Chief Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, Mick Keelty the review made 55 recommendations.
Premier, Colin Barnett said one of the key recommendations was that FESA be restructured to become a Government Department.
“The report urges cultural and organisational change at FESA,” Mr Barnett said.
“The Government accepts that new leadership is required to achieve this,” he said.
“As such, the Public Sector Commissioner will be taking the necessary steps to replace Jo Harrison-Ward as Chief Executive Officer of FESA.”
The Premier said the Government would also consider appointing a Fire Commissioner.
“This would be a uniformed officer reporting directly to the Emergency Services Minister,” Mr Barnett said.
He said the proposed Fire Commissioner would have command and control capabilities akin to a Police Commissioner.
“I have asked the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Peter Conran, to urgently bring together the heads of the relevant organisations to oversee the Government’s response to this report,” he said.
“There are some very critical findings and some strong recommendations in the report, but they do not downplay the heroism displayed that day.
“Through the incredible efforts of the fire fighters, both paid and volunteer, and the community, no lives were lost.”
Deputy Chair of the FESA Board, Bruce Brennan commended Ms Harrison-Ward’s role at FESA.
“Under Ms Harrison-Ward FESA has undergone significant transformation over recent years and she has steered the organisation through a period of dynamic change and development,” Mr Brennan said.
He said the Authority was committed to working with the Government and other emergency management Agencies to progress key recommendations of the report which would enhance emergency services for the Western Australian community.
“That no lives were lost and hundreds of homes were saved is a credit to all the staff, volunteers and stakeholders involved,” Mr Brennan said.
23 August, 2011
Red tape slashed
on green projects
Actions to streamline the environmental approvals process have been agreed between the Western Australian and Federal Governments.
Under the new agreement, developments in the Perth and Peel regions will be strategically assessed to protect matters of national environmental significance under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Minister for Planning, John Day said unnecessary duplication in the current system increased development costs and incurred time delays.
“Developers must first receive State environmental and planning approvals and then seek Commonwealth approval for land development where matters of national environmental significance are involved,” Mr Day said.
“The agreement should streamline processes and cut red tape.”
Minister for the Environment, Bill Marmion said the strategic assessment would meet biodiversity conservation objectives better in both jurisdictions and simplify approvals early in the planning cycle.
“This will enable a more coordinated and strategic approach, particularly where there are several, small development proposals,” Mr Marmion said.
“The process would remedy the loss of biodiversity conservation values, which can result from the current case-by-case approach to environmental assessment of proposals.”
Federal Minister for Environment and Communities, Tony Burke said the Strategic Assessment of the Swan Coastal Plain under national environment law would enable sustainable communities to accommodate Perth’s growing population, while safeguarding the environment.
“Once the Strategic Assessment is complete, business will no longer have to go through a year-long process to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement,” Mr Burke said.
“The Strategic Assessment effectively establishes an environmental docking station that developers can plug directly into without having to start the approval process from scratch each time,” he said.
23 August, 2011
Compo changes
lift the age bar
Changes to the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 have resulted in age discrimination being eliminated from the workers’ compensation law.
The changes, which come into effect on 1 October, give all employees the same entitlement to workers’ compensation regardless of age.
Minister for Commerce, Simon O’Brien said the Act had clearly been unfair to workers over the age of 64, previously entitled to only one year of income payments.
“The change means contributions older workers make to the WA economy and society are recognised in the workers’ compensation legislation,” Mr O’Brien said.
“With Western Australia facing an aging workforce, record low unemployment and a need to maintain skilled and experienced people, the removal of any barriers to working past 65 will have a positive economic and social impact.”
He said another significant change to the Act was the extension of the safety net which ensured seriously injured workers were protected if their employer was uninsured.
“Injured workers should not have to pay for the unlawful business practices of the very small number of employers who fail to take out insurance,” the Minister said.
“The changes mean that in these cases WorkCover WA will meet the costs of damages awarded by the Court if negligence is proven and the employer does not have insurance.”
Mr O’Brien said the workers’ compensation dispute resolution system would also be improved through the amendments, creating more accessible and timely conciliation and arbitration services.
He said changes to the dispute resolution system would take effect from 1 December.
23 August, 2011
Consumer message
sold to the bush
The Department of Commerce has taken its consumer protection message to the Fitzroy Crossing community.
In a visit earlier this month, Senior Regional Officer for the Kimberley at Consumer Protection, Annetta Bellingeri focused on issues faced by people renting property, buying cars, making warranty claims or being targeted by uninvited sellers.
During her visit Ms Bellingeri spoke with renters, landlords and property managers about their rights and obligations under tenancy laws and undertook checks at petrol stations to ensure that the fuel prices displayed matched what was being charged and that accurate information was being supplied in a timely fashion to FuelWatch
She also visited retailers to conduct scanning audits ensuring consumers were being charged prices in line with shelf labelling and that traders were not displaying illegal signs or messages on dockets which restricted consumer rights, such as ‘no refunds’.
Ms Bellingeri said she recognised that in regional or remote locations there could be challenges for both buyers and sellers due to smaller consumer communities resulting in less competition because of the small number of locally-based businesses.
“Therefore, Consumer Protection conducts regular field trips to regional parts of WA, with an aim of preventing problems through education and awareness-raising, Ms Bellingeri said.
During her visit she also made contact with the communities of Yungnora, Wangkatjungka, Yakanarra and Bayulu.
23 August, 2011
After school care
guide passes test
The first national guidelines for after school and vacation care have been released by the Federal Minister for Early Childhood, Peter Garrett.
Mr Garrett said My Time, Our Place – Framework for School Age Care in Australia emphasised the importance of allowing children to learn through fun and playtime.
He said the guidelines would be implemented across the country from the beginning of 2012.
“This is the first time we’ve had a national set of principles for a care sector that is used by a large proportion of Australian families, providing support to working parents and a safe, fun learning environment for school aged children,” Mr Garrett said.
“We know that this is one of the fastest growing sectors in child care – for example, during the December 2010 quarter, almost 256,000 children attended before and after school care, compared to 242,600 children over the same period the year before.”
He said the latest figures represented an increase of 5.5 per cent but until now there had been no national set of standards and expected results.
He said My Time, Our Place was developed for the Australian and State and Territory Governments by school age care expert Dr Jennifer Cartmel of Queensland’s Griffith University, in consultation with peak school age care bodies, educators and parent groups.
Commonwealth Minister for Child Care, Kate Ellis said the aim of the framework was to provide children with a strong sense of identity and wellbeing, to give them confidence and communication skills, and to help them feel connected to the world.
“Children thrive when families, educators, schools and the wider community work together in partnership to support children’s wellbeing and learning,” Ms Ellis said.
“We’re moving away from the highly structured, one size fits all approach and more towards a system of care which responds to the needs and interests of individual children.”
More information on the My Time, Our Place framework is available from this PS News link.
23 August, 2011
Scientist to research
researchers’ work
Researchers from the Department of Agriculture and Food are to have their work examined by the Chief Scientist, Lyn Beazley this Friday (26 August).
Professor Beazley will spend the day in Narrogin attending presentations by Bill Verboom on soils research, Alison Lacey on precision agriculture/sub-soils constraints, and Ken Hart on sheep research.
The DAFWA scientists are playing an important role in Australia’s biggest-ever sheep research project aimed at improving the productivity, efficiency and competitiveness of the industry.
Mr Hart said the work being undertaken at Narrogin would assist Australian sheep farmers to continue to feed and clothe the world in a clean, green and ethical way.
Manager of the Department’s Resource Risk and Opportunity Assessment Project, David Bicknell said the agriculture and food sector was fortunate to have such leading research being carried out from the Narrogin office.
“Some of the research being undertaken in Narrogin is of immediate practical use by farmers, and some of the soils research is innovative and of international standard,” Mr Bicknell said.
“It’s very pleasing that that the Department can showcase its leading science to the Chief Scientist on this visit to Narrogin.”
While in the area Professor Beazley will also visit the Department of Environment and Conservation and spend time at local schools.
She said she was passionate about promoting science to children, and had included Narrogin Senior High School, East Narrogin Primary School, Narrogin Primary School and St. Matthew’s Primary School on her itinerary.
23 August, 2011
Electors lobbied to
vote for Councils
Western Australian electors have been urged to turn out to vote in the 15 October Local Government elections.
Minister for Local Government, John Castrilli said most Local Governments had multi-million dollar budgets and made decisions that impacted on everyday life.
Mr Castrilli said eligible people must provide their details to the WA Electoral Commission before 5pm on 26 August to be able to vote.
He said enrolment forms were available at Post Offices, the Western Australian and Australian Electoral Commissions, most Local Government offices or from this PS News link.
The Minister said it was also an opportunity for eligible residents to nominate themselves for election to their Local Council.
“I would like to see greater representation of age groups, gender and people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds on WA Councils,” Mr Castrilli said.
“An effective Council is essential in our community and requires teamwork and dedication from all elected members.”
He said elections only happened every two years and were a valuable opportunity for people of all ethnicities and backgrounds to contribute to, and be involved in, their local community.
He said more information about the elections was available from the Department of Local Government website at this PS News link or the WA Electoral Commission website at this PS News link.
Updated publications on standing for Council, frequently asked questions and Indigenous participation are also available from this PS News link.
23 August, 2011
Cannabis campaign
to smoke out users
A new advertising campaign aimed at increasing awareness about the risks associated with cannabis use has been announced by the Minister for Mental Health, Helen Morton.
Cannabis Messes With Your Mind is being run in partnership with the WA Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies and highlights the community misconceptions of cannabis being a harmless drug.
Mrs Morton said two recent surveys conducted for the West Australian newspaper and the Drug and Alcohol Office showed that most people believed occasional or regular cannabis use was acceptable
“Let’s be absolutely clear about this,” Mrs Morton said.
“Cannabis is not a harmless drug, with one in 10 people who have used cannabis being at risk of dependence.”
She said research showed that cannabis use could increase the risk of mental health problems, especially in young people, with one in seven cannabis users experiencing difficulties such as depression and anxiety.
The most recent National Drug Strategy Household Survey, published in July, showed 13.4 per cent of West Australians aged 14 years and over had used cannabis in the past year, compared with the national average of 10.3 per cent.
It revealed WA’s percentage to be second only to the Northern Territory.
Mrs Morton said the Cannabis Messes With Your Mind campaign included venue, radio, outdoor, press, and online banner advertising and radio advertisements designed for Aboriginal people would be run in regional and metropolitan areas.
23 August, 2011
Climate Commission
blows into WA
A report focused on specific impacts of climate change has been published by the Commonwealth’s independent Climate Commission to coincide with its visit to Western Australia.
Titled The Critical Decade: Western Australia Climate Change Impacts, the report highlights vulnerabilities in the State’s south west and also potential opportunities for the region.
It identifies the impact of changes in rainfall, sea level rise and habitat fragmentation and follows the publication of the national report, The Critical Decade: Climate Science Risks and Responses.
The Commission visited WA as part of its national conversation on climate change with members of the community, business, industry and Local Councils.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet said the report would provide Local Authorities in south west Western Australia with a guide to plan for the future.
“The Government is committed to providing information to the wider community about the impacts of climate change, as well as getting factual, independent advice into the public debate,” Mr Combet said.
The Climate Commission held community forums in Bunbury and Perth in which local people had an opportunity to discuss the science and economics of climate change with experts.
The Climate Commission was set up in February and is led by Professor Tim Flannery, one of Australia’s leading writers on climate change and an internationally recognised scientist, explorer and conservationist.
It is also supported by a Science Advisory Panel.
23 August, 2011
Adult drugmakers
to be high priority
New drug laws will target adults who manufacture, cultivate or prepare illicit drugs that cause harm to a child.
Under the laws the adults will face a mandatory minimum jail term of 12 months.
Minister for Police, Rob Johnson said there would also be a mandatory minimum jail term of six months for any adult convicted of a second or subsequent offence of selling or supplying drugs to a child or exposing a child to harm through the manufacture, cultivation or preparation of drugs.
Mr Johnson said the reforms formed part of the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill 2011 and were aimed at protecting children from the drug trade, as well as the dangers posed by clandestine drug laboratories.
He said the number of clandestine drug laboratories uncovered by WA Police had spiralled out of control.
“This year alone, about 120 have been detected,” Mr Johnson said, “with numerous cases of explosions occurring at private residences due to the volatile mix of chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
“What is frightening is that children have been present at a quarter of these clandestine laboratories, posing an enormous threat to their health and their lives, not to mention the lives of children in neighbouring residences and schools.”
He said the legislation removed sentencing options such as fines, community based orders or intensive supervision orders for a range of drug offences involving children.
He said the new laws would ensure a person received a jail sentence commensurate with the severity of the offence.
The Minister foreshadowed further reforms that were being considered.
23 August, 2011
Coast review draws
line in the sand
The findings of a review by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) into guidelines surrounding coastal safety and rock fishing have been welcomed by the Minister for the Environment, Bill Marmion.
The review was initiated after a man drowned in April at Salmon Holes, near Albany and was focused on key fishing areas.
Mr Marmion said rock fishing occurred on much of the 3,600 kilometres of Western Australian coastline that DEC managed and it was important to ensure it was managed safely.
“Visitor safety is the Department’s number one priority,” Mr Marmion said.
“DEC has existing visitor risk safety measures in place across hazardous coastal areas, including silent sentry devices and highly visible signs to warn people of dangers.
“This review has been conducted to examine visitor risk management relating to rock fishing management on DEC-managed lands, to investigate what other Agencies across Australia are doing to manage this issue, and provide recommendations.”
He said among the 14 recommendations were the adoption of guidelines outlined in the Australian Water Safety Strategy, which urge the promotion of safe rock fishing and better education, and the formation of a multi-agency working group to ensure consistency in the approach to rock fishing across all Agencies
Mr Marmion said DEC had completed two further internal reviews in the past year, following a double fatality on the Penguin Island sandbar in December 2010 and a death at Serpentine Falls National Park in January 2011.
The rock fishing review was available on DEC’s website at this PS News link.
23 August, 2011
Wastewater project
flushed with success
A new, underground overflow storage tank at McCallum Park and upgrades to the Hordern Street and Armagh Street pumping stations have been included in a four-year wastewater infrastructure project in Victoria Park which is now complete.
According to the Minister for Water, Bill Marmion, the upgrading work would ensure that safe and reliable water services were provided to the area over the next 20 years.
Mr Marmion said a projected 21 per cent growth in Victoria Park’s population over the period has been taken into account and the project included a contingency in case the wastewaters overflowed in an emergency.
He said a multi-purpose sports court had been built over the underground tank as part of the project, providing a new leisure facility within McCallum Park.
“McCallum Park is one of the biggest open spaces in the town, and the banks of the Swan River are a favourite recreational spot for locals and visitors,” Mr Marmion said.
He said recent additional improvements to surrounding infrastructure included an upgrade to the Claisebrook-to-Armagh Street Pressure Main and minor upgrades to the Armagh Street Pressure Main. A further upgrade to this Pressure Main is scheduled for 2018-19.
Information on the Armagh Street Projects is available in the Our Projects section of the Water Corporation web site at this PS News link. or by emailing armagh.projects@watercorporation.com.au
23 August, 2011
Homeless project a
home for homeless
The construction phase of the Foyer Oxford development, designed to house young people at risk of homelessness, has begun.
Once complete, the development will cater for up to 98 young people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness at any one time, with some having just exited the Child Protection system.
Minister for Child Protection, Robyn McSweeney said young people aged 16 to 25 would be accommodated at the facility and be able to access specialised support including tutoring and mentoring. It is scheduled to open in spring 2012.
Foyer Oxford is a partnership between Anglicare WA, Foundation Housing and the Central Institute of Technology.
Its $23 million funding has come from the Department for Housing, the Federal Government and Lotterywest and a further $1.47 million over two years would be allocated to the Department for Child Protection for support services.
Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier said the consortium was offered a 50-year lease on the land from the Department of Training and Workforce Development.
“For young people to access this service, they need to be engaged, or prepared to engage, with education and training which is their best way to carve out a hopeful future for themselves,” Mr Collier said.
He said building project managers have been appointed for the project with a builder to be announced soon.
23 August, 2011
Pre-history comes
alive at museum
A new project by the WA Museum allows visitors to experience a virtual field trip into the caves of the Nullarbor Plain.
Visitors to the Museum will have access to website streams of video footage, interviews and blogs allowing them to see a scientific field trip as it happens
Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day said it was a case of science and technology coming together to tell the story of prehistoric Australia.
“The caves beneath the Nullarbor are littered with the fossil bones of Australia’s unique megafauna that lived in our prehistoric past, including oversized kangaroos and wombats and ferocious marsupial lions,” Mr Day said.
“As well as capturing this footage and providing glimpses into the work of scientists, the expedition team - a documentary director, palaeontologist and a gaming expert - are undertaking the trip as the first step in the creation of an electronic game and transmedia world.”
The team would be capturing live footage and creating a 3D scan of a cave to develop a game, video content, and an online experience that would put people in the role of palaeontologists investigating the life of Australia’s megafauna.
The WA Museum has collaborated with local digital content creator, Inkubator and a game developer from letsmakegames.org to make the virtual world.
The project secured $20,000 in April when it won an X|Media|Lab Development Award for outstanding digital media initiatives, following from the inaugural Perth X|Media|Lab.
X|Media|Lab is an international think-tank for the digital and creative industry that aims to encourage and develop interactive storytelling to engage with audiences in new and exciting ways.
The field trip to the Nullarbor will include staff from the WA Museum, Flinders University in South Australia and letsmakegames.org.
Live streaming of the trip will be available to view from the WA Museum website at this PS News link.
23 August, 2011
Scientists dig up
the facts on soil
A project aimed at improving soil fertility in both WA and Vietnam is being conducted by scientists from the Department of Agriculture and Food and Murdoch University.
Funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, the project aims to improve nutrient retention and fertiliser use efficiency in both countries.
Researcher at the Department, David Hall said sandy soils derived from granites were common in both the south-central coastal areas of Vietnam and the south coast of WA.
“In each country they have a range of issues including acidity, low water and nutrient holding capacity along with both macro and micro nutrient disorders,” Mr Hall said.
“In some respects the soil management and micro nutrient knowledge that has transformed much of the south coast sand plain in WA is applicable to large areas of the central coastal areas of Vietnam.”
The project is initially seeking to identify nutrient disorders in a range of crops including peanuts, cashew, mangoes and pastures.
In the longer term, systems for increasing nutrient retention and improving fertiliser use efficiency are required in both countries.
Parallel research in Vietnam and Australia is identifying the value of organic and mineral amendments that have the ability to retain nutrients.
Research at Murdoch University, led by Richard Bell, is examining benefits from adding biochar and clay to sands.
Project leader, Rob Summers, from the Department, said the cropping and soil systems research was part of a larger project seeking to sustainably improve crop and livestock production.
23 August, 2011
Companies line up for
Gascoyne roadworks
A total of 13 Western Australian companies have been jointly awarded a contract to provide plant and equipment for future road works in the Gascoyne region.
The $5.2 million contract will service Main Roads WA operations in the Gascoyne for the next 12 to 24 months.
Minister for Transport, Troy Buswell said 11 of the companies were regionally based, including three in Gascoyne itself, and the contract was in line with the Government’s commitment to direct as much work as possible to regional businesses.
The first project involving the 13-company panel involves construction of car parking facilities at the new Carnarvon boat ramp.
The contract will be managed by the Gascoyne regional office of Main Roads WA and the companies involved include: AL. S Crossland – Corrigin; Brian Williams – Brookton; Central Earthmoving Company Pty Ltd – Narngula; Coastal Water Truck Hire – Nilgen; Exmouth Civil Pty Ltd – Exmouth; Gingin Grading Services Pty Ltd – Gingin; P.E. & S.M. Ferguson – Toodyay; Phelps Transport – Geraldton; P.H.S. Pty Ltd – Welshpool; Rymerle Pty Ltd - Gascoyne Junction; Tremor - The Earth’s Moving Company – Carnarvon; Vernice Pty Ltd – Toodyay; and WBHO - CARR Pty Ltd – Geraldton.
Mr buswell said heavy flooding in the Gascoyne region late last year had cut roads and isolated communities and the Government had been under pressure to step up works in the area.
23 August, 2011
And in other News...
Contractor fined
A fine of $285,000 has been imposed on G4S Custodial Services - the company contracted by the Department of Corrective Services to transport persons in custody - over the death of Mr Ward in 2008.
G4S, as the employer of the drivers, pleaded guilty in the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court after it was accused of failing to ensure that safe systems of work were in place for the transportation of persons in custody.
Aboriginal Elder, Mr Ward, 46, died from heatstroke in January 2008 after being transported from Laverton to Kalgoorlie in the back of a van in which the air conditioning was either faulty or not working.
University officer guilty
A former manager of Curtin University’s Planning and Transport Research Centre has pleaded guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court to 54 charges of stealing more than $570,000 from her employer.
Tania Carter, 43, of Willetton, admitted submitting false invoices to the Centre, which were paid by the University. The offences occurred over three years.
Manager of Investigations for the Corruption and Crime Commission, Barry O’Connor, said Curtin University had initially reported the allegations to the Commission and had fully cooperated with the investigation.
New tanker for Coral Bay
A new rural tanker appliance has been supplied to the Coral Bay Volunteer Emergency Service.
The $176,000 tanker can pump 380 litres of water per minute – a significant improvement over its predecessor which was nearing the end of its service life.
The tanker also has increased braking and handling capabilities not available when the old appliance was built.
Footbridge gets boot
Perth’s William Street footbridge, also known as the Western Concourse, is to close permanently at the Roe Street end this week.
The southern end, including the Wellington Street stairs and escalator, public toilets, and connection from the Wellington Street Bus Station to the southern-most escalator to Perth Station will remain open.
Removing the Western Concourse allows the Fremantle Line to be relocated so a new train tunnel can be constructed as part of the Perth City Link Project.
Bertram Primary upgraded
New facilities at Perth’s Bertram Primary School have been officially opened.
The project, part of the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution, was opened by Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and MP for Brand, Gary Gray.
The five-classroom early childhood block and enclosed covered assembly area were funded under the Primary Schools for the 21st Century and National School Pride elements of Building the Education Revolution.
River wall restored
Restoration works to the river wall along Mounts Bay Road have been completed.
The $6 million, three-year project involved the repair or replacement of about 1,200 linear metres of a river wall.
Planning and works were extensive because of the importance of the area to Perth’s recreational and transport needs.
Development panels appointed
A total of 531 Local Government members have been appointed to Development Assessment Panels across WA.
Development Assessment Panels have been established to make the link between the vision for the State as a whole and local community views.
The panels will determine development applications made under local and regional planning schemes.
Line marking contracts let
A road line marking contract worth $37.5 million over the next five years has been awarded to three companies.
They are Intersectional Linemarkers Pty Ltd, which will be responsible for the Perth Metropolitan Area; Fulton Hogan for the Southern Rural Area and Supalux Paint Company Pty Ltd for the Northern Rural Area.
The contract covers the installation and maintenance of road markings following reseals on public roads in Western Australia, including national highways, State roads and Local Government roads.
16 August, 2011
Training on track
for collaboration
Greater collaboration between State and private providers of training services could be the way of the future following a study of successful Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) commissioned by the State Training Board.
The study investigated partnerships between Western Australian State Training Providers and industry to discover how the Government could best support a coordinated approach.
Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier said the report identified successful examples of partnerships and collaboration at many levels.
“PPP’s can create opportunities for more collaboration between industry and State training providers, allowing them to produce more relevant course content and maximise returns on Government investment,” Mr Collier said.
He said the report also identified the need for support from Government to facilitate higher level partnerships requiring significant industry investment in time and resources.
The Minister said the scope of the strategic partnerships often required intervention and assistance from Government.
“A co-ordinated approach will significantly advance the opportunities for both the training sector and industry to enter into much broader partnership arrangements to enhance the skilled workforce in Western Australia,” he said.
“The report recommends the Department of Training and Workforce Development is best placed to lead the identification and development of these strategic partnerships and I have asked the Department to take the lead in this integrated approach.”
Mr Collier said the need to plan and coordinate strategic Government responses to workforce development issues in WA was highlighted in Skilling WA - A Workforce Development Plan for Western Australia, published by the Department late last year.
16 August, 2011
Miners ‘dig’ the
digital era
Online submissions for mining and exploration applications have increased rapidly.
According to the Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Norman Moore, the number of companies using online applications for mineral exploration during the last 12 months rose from 16 per cent of the total to 54 per cent.
Mr Moore said this showed industry was embracing the technology.
“The response is a credit to the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s continued work to expand the range of online services available for the mining and petroleum industry,” Mr Moore said.
He said figures published late last year showed the assessment time for online applications was up to one week faster than paper applications.
The Minister said industry had also been providing regular feedback which would help to improve the service delivery and efficiency of the Department’s online systems.
“The shift to online lodgments has corresponded with a record level of interest in WA’s resources industry,” he said.
“During that time the Department has also received a record number of applications for exploration and mining proposals.”
He said in the 2010-11 financial year, the Department received 2,479 exploration programs of work and 356 mining proposals, an overall increase of 18 per cent compared to the 2009-10 financial year.
He said the Department also finalised 1,317 exploration licences in the past six months, compared to 1,063 in the same period last financial year.
Mr Moore said the number of exploration applications had steadily increased in the past 18 months, driven by high levels of interest in gold and uranium, and was showing no signs of slowing down.
16 August, 2011
School trainee scheme
gets top marks
Departments and Agencies hoping to appoint school-based trainees in 2012 have been invited to lodge expressions of interest with the Public Sector Commission
The School Based Traineeship Program provides students with an opportunity to undertake employment-based training in a public sector position.
It aims to give students a pathway from school to work while providing the Agency with access to young talent, fresh and innovative ideas.
The program also seeks to develop the Agency’s own qualified talent pool, training participants in the Agency’s industry-specific knowledge.
The Commission, in conjunction with the Department of Education, is responsible for the recruitment, screening and referral of students it deems suitable.
The trainees attend work two days per week and spend three days at school. They begin in Year 11 and complete the traineeship at the end of Year 12.
As a result of the training students can qualify for Certificate II in Business or Certificate II in Information Technology.
The Program is open to requests from Agencies between August and October each year.
Once a School Based Trainee request has been received, student résumés will be sent to the Agency for consideration.
The Agency should then conduct interviews to select the most suitable applicant(s) who will then complete an unpaid Workplace Learning placement for two days per week over eight weeks to assess their suitability to undertake the traineeship.
Following the trial, the Agency may offer the student a School-Based Traineeship worth $130.65 per week in Year 11 and $144 per week in Year 12.
16 August, 2011
Queensland fruit fly
nipped in the bud
The Department of Agriculture and Food has announced that the Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) has been successfully eradicated from Western Australia.
The Department began an eradication program in February following the discovery of a female Qfly in the inner city suburb of Highgate.
Entomologist at the Department, Darryl Hardie said Qfly was a serious pest for a wide variety of fruits and some vegetables, and posed a significant threat to Western Australia’s horticultural industries.
Dr Hardie said the eradication program included extensive surveillance and trapping as well as spraying host material such as fruit and street trees, with an organic bait.
“More than 20,000 Qfly trap inspections were undertaken and Department officers surveyed around 330 properties within the Qfly outbreak zone,” Dr Hardie said.
He said another Qfly was found in the area in April but since then, no further detections in the outbreak area had been made.
“This means the Department has met the national requirements for reinstating Qfly area freedom for Western Australia,” Dr Hardie said.
Residents from Highgate and surrounding suburbs who had been restricted from moving home grown fruit and vegetables had had the restrictions lifted.
“We have had a very strong show of support from people we have met while undertaking our work and many people sent in samples of fruit for testing,” he said.
Dr Hardie said Qfly was present in the eastern States and WA would need to remain vigilant against incursions in the coming spring and summer.
16 August, 2011
Health networks a
shot in the arm
Five Local Health Networks (LHNs) have been established in Western Australia in what
The Minister for Health, Kim Hames described as the most significant reform in years to the governance of the State’s public health and hospital system.
Dr Hames said the new LHNs would guide and oversee their area’s hospitals and health services with each have a Governing Council of community members and clinicians representing a broad range of interests, skills and experience.
“The move will be cost neutral and result in no net increase in the number of boards and committees, or the level of administrative activity,” Dr Hames said.
“Health advisory bodies are doing great work right across WA and this reform will extend on these by formalising and strengthening local communities’ role in health service governance.”
Hes aid the new structure aligned with national reforms, meeting WA’s commitments under the National Health Reform Agreement.
“This model strikes the right balance between strong State-wide planning and reform in relation to areas like infrastructure planning and delivery, clinical services planning and resource allocation, and greater local input into the way health services are delivered,” he said.
The Department of Health would retain responsibility for setting the overall direction of the public health system and the Minister for Health would appoint the Governing Council of each LHN.
“Positions on Governing Councils will be advertised publicly and appointees selected to bring a breadth of skills and expertise to bear in planning and controlling our health services,” Dr Hames said.
“We’re planning to advertise for members of Governing Councils in coming months, and aim to have the new governance structure operational by early in 2012.”
16 August, 2011
Tax scam attacked
by Tax Office
Indigenous Taxpayers in Western Australia have been warned to avoid a scam offering a ‘sorry payment from Kevin Rudd’ or ‘money from Oprah Winfrey’.
The warning was issued by the Commissioner for Taxation, Michael D’Ascenzo who urged anyone caught by the scam to make contact with the Australian Taxation Office.
He said victims were told they would only receive the payment if they themselves, made a payment of up to $800 and divulged their personal details.
“The scam promoters, who sometimes have claimed to work for the ATO, use these details to lodge a fraudulent Education Tax Refund application (a tax refund reserved generally for school related expenses) in the victim’s name,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.
He said the victim may then be issued with a refund cheque by the ATO but because the refund is illegal, any money issued will have to be paid back.
“We are aware of over 400 suspected fraudulent lodgements in relation to this scam,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.
“The ATO does not issue ‘sorry payments from Kevin Rudd’ or ‘money from Oprah Winfrey’.”
He advised people approached by the scam promoter or who had been affected, to contact the ATO for help sorting it out.
Mr D’Ascenzo said the ATO useds community information, data-matching and business and government networks to crack-down on scam promoters, not just in Western Australia - but all around the country and overseas.
“These types of scams take advantage of the community,” he said.
“The ATO will use the full force of the law against promoters of this scam.”
He said anyone who deliberately did the wrong thing would be brought to justice.
The contact number for the Tax Office during business hours is (08) 9268 6417.
16 August, 2011
Policy keeps heat
on gas retention
The 15 per cent domestic gas reservation requirement for all gas projects is to be retained along with initiatives to improve transparency in the gas market.
The Government’s plans were outlined in a formal response to the recommendations of the Economics and Industry Standing Committee’s Inquiry into Domestic Gas Prices.
It agrees with the recommendation that it should retain a flexible approach to how the requirement is implemented, taking into account the commercial viability of each project.
Premier, Colin Barnett said the flexibility would be retained unless an independent study could show that a stricter approach would be more effective.
He said the Government was developing a framework to clarify ‘commercial viability’ of domestic gas requirements, and would consult with industry before finalising the framework.
“The Government is already implementing a Gas Market Bulletin Board and Gas Statement of Opportunities and developing more reliable gas demand and supply forecasts as recommended by the Standing Committee,” Mr Barnett said.
“We have also approached the Federal Government to include a domestic gas supply requirement in the conditions for granting or renewing offshore petroleum leases in Commonwealth waters.”
He said many of the Standing Committee’s other recommendations were already under way in one form or another and had been noted.
These included working with operators of LNG projects to secure assurances about future supply and timelines and encouraging the safe development of unconventional gas resources.
The Premier thanked the Standing Committee for its work.
16 August, 2011
Lighting policy
is bright idea
As part of its new lighting strategy, the City of Perth has become the first Australian city to join Lighting Urban Community International (LUCI).
The French-based LUCI is a group of international cities who exchange knowledge and promote a culture of sustainability in lighting worldwide.
Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi said the strategy would ensure a coordinated approach to lighting –– from street lighting to building lighting –– which would make the city visually appealing, attract more people and improve the evening economy.
Ms Scaffidi said the strategy would guide the work carried out by the City of Perth, private developers and Government Agencies and was more important now than ever because of future redevelopment projects such as the Perth City Link and Perth Waterfront development.
“The City has been using LED lights in recent redevelopment projects including William Street, Northbridge and St Georges Terrace,” Ms Scaffidi said.
“LED lights are clearer and brighter, and with the ability to direct light exactly where needed, are 96 per cent more efficient.
“The lighting also consumes 50 per cent less power, which is important when you consider electricity is a major expense for the Council.”
She said the Council had also taken the lead with initiatives such as the colourful lighting of Council House at night and illumination of beautiful trees in Victoria Avenue and Mounts Bay Road.
16 August, 2011
Fire warnings heat
up for winter
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) has reissued its winter fire warning for August, traditionally the deadliest month of the year for fire fatalities.
On average, five people lost their lives in house fires each year and last winter there were 288 house fires that caused an estimated property loss of nearly $12.5 million.
Manager of FESA’s Fire Investigation and Analysis Unit, Craig Waters said that people should be aware of the dangers in their home as many incidents were easily prevented.
“Many of these fires could have been prevented if people had been aware of the dangers and put safety measures in place,” Mr Waters said.
“Some simple precautions could save the lives of your loved ones or your own and stop your home from going up in flames.”
He said the most common causes of house fires were flammable items being too close to heaters, open fires and candles.
“House fires are also caused by careless smoking and electric blankets,” Mr Waters said.
“People should refrain from smoking in bed and electric blankets should be switched off before going to sleep and not left on during the day as the bedding could catch fire.
FESA also recommended that working hard-wired photoelectric smoke alarms be installed in every home and tested regularly.
16 August, 2011
Barrow Island wheels
out management plan
The Barrow Group Nature Reserves Draft Management Plan has been released for a two-month public comment period.
The draft plan for the Reserve covers about 24,070 hectares of land down to the low water mark on Barrow Island and three nearby smaller islands - Boodie, Middle and Double islands - off the coast of Dampier.
Minister for the Environment, Bill Marmion said Barrow Island was especially valued for its 22 threatened fauna species, extensive cave ecosystems and nesting beaches for marine turtles and migratory shorebirds.
“The diversity of Barrow Island’s fauna can be attributed to the range of habitats available, the island’s relative isolation, and the petroleum industry’s stringent quarantine system,” Mr Marmion said.
“This has led to Barrow Island being the largest land mass in Australia that does not contain any introduced vertebrates.”
He said looking after the island’s natural values was very much a collaborative process, which was why the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) consulted extensively with key stakeholders throughout the planning process.
He said these included Chevron Australia (on behalf of the Gorgon Joint Venture, Barrow Island Joint Venture and the Barrow Island Coordination Council), the Department of Mines and Petroleum and the Department of State Development.
The Minister said the draft management plan would be implemented alongside existing environmental management documents produced by industry that provide guidance for the operator of each joint venture.
16 August, 2011
Healthy welcome for
disability scheme
The release of the Productivity Commission report into a national care and support scheme for people with disability has been welcomed by the Minister for Disability Services, Helen Morton.
Mrs Morton said the national reforms had the potential to provide increased funding, greater certainty and consistency of services across the country.
She aid Governments across the nation recognised that people with disability should receive adequate funding and reasonable and necessary services, without concern about cause, diagnoses, liability or blame.
“However, I’m concerned that a great deal could be lost to those needing care if responsibility for providing services and support is transferred to a big new national bureaucracy,” Mrs Morton said.
The Minister said this was about assurance, peace of mind and guarantees for whole of life for people with disability and she supported the vision wholeheartedly.
She said however, that the roll-out of the scheme over six to seven years was a long time to wait although aspects of the proposed national scheme were consistent with the direction set by the State Government, in particular, providing choice in the design and delivery of services and control of funding.
“We want to ensure the future offers a flexible, viable and accountable local service system,” Mrs Morton said.
“Western Australia welcomes collaboration with the Commonwealth and other States and while the discussion about a national system continues, in WA we will continue to developing and strengthening our own services.”
16 August, 2011
Youth Bail Service
raises the bar
The Metropolitan Youth Bail Service (MYBS) has been revamped to provide a more effective and efficient means of preventing and diverting young people from the criminal justice system.
The MYBS will now operate seven days a week with extended hours on Friday and Saturdays until 11pm.
A point of arrest service will be provided to divert young people from custody and include advocacy, advice and assessment; and three bail co-ordinator positions will rotate through the Perth Children’s Court and Rangeview Remand Centre.
Minister for Corrective Services, Terry Redman acknowledged the good work undertaken by the preceding Supervised Bail Program during the past 17 years.
“It is my hope this newly revamped and expanded service will continue to provide innovative and relevant services to young people and their families and assist young people to make better and more informed choices,” Mr Redman said.
Deputy Commissioner of Community and Youth Justice, Heather Harker said the MYBS’s Mackie Street premises had been refurbished by offenders completing the community work component of their orders.
“This work has involved cleaning, painting and ongoing gardening maintenance,” Deputy Commissioner Harker said.
“It has allowed offenders to complete the court’s requirements, gain some skills, and contribute back to the community.”
16 August, 2011
Heritage report
looks to future
The Australian Heritage Council has published its final national heritage assessment of the West Kimberley region.
An area of around 20 million hectares is currently being considered for inclusion in the National Heritage List.
Federal Minister for Sustainability, Tony Burke said the Kimberley and its coastline were among the most magnificent areas in Australia and there was a great deal of public interest in the proposed national heritage listing.
“Heritage Council assessments are not normally released before a decision,” Mr Burke said.
“However, I felt that it was important it be released now so that the public can be better informed about this assessment.”
He said the Australian Heritage Council found there were a number of potential natural and cultural heritage values in the west Kimberley including the dramatic and beautiful landscapes of the remote sandstone coast with its towering cliffs, rocky headlands, pristine rivers, spectacular waterfalls and thousands of islands.
He said iInland lay the rugged Kimberley plateau, with its deep gorges and cascading waterfalls, the striking King Leopold Ranges, and Windjana and Geike Gorges.
In addition, the Heritage Council found that the region had extraordinary Indigenous heritage values, including powerful images of Wanjina creator beings, ancestors, plants and animals in rock shelters and caves.
The Council also found the Devonian Reef to have outstanding heritage value for its association with Jandamarra, whose campaign of resistance was unprecedented in Australian history.
It also found that the Dampier Coast dinosaur tracks were among the best and most extensive evidence of dinosaurs from the western half of the continent, including some of the largest footprints found anywhere in the world.
Mr Burke said a final decision on the proposed listing was due by 30 August.
16 August, 2011
Science programs
put to the test
Expressions of Interest have been called for new programs to build industry, science and innovation in Western Australia
The first programs, under the Government’s Research and Innovation Fund, will encourage scientific research and foster industry-led innovation in areas of strategic importance to the State.
Speaking at the opening of National Science Week in WA, the Minister for Science and Innovation, John Day said the Fund aimed to support the growth of innovative industries, including those in key areas of mining, oil and gas, health and the environment.
“These programs will focus on attracting innovative thinkers and encouraging science participation within the community,” Mr Day said.
“They will also support industry-led research and build strong links between industry, Government and research institutions to assist the process to commercialisation.”
The Minister has also called for applications for the Western Australian Fellowships Program which seeks to attract leading researchers from overseas or interstate to conduct scientific research of strategic importance to the State.
Other programs for which expressions of interest have been called are the Innovation Co-investment Program which aims to support State, national and international research and the Research Facilities Program which provides initial and catalytic investment for the establishment and/or development of core research and technological facilities that support a broad range of users.
“Along with these important programs, the State Government has also this year provided $15.5 million for marine science research; $10.8 million to support Australia/New Zealand’s bid to host the Square Kilometre Array; and a $10 million Research and Innovation Fund,” Mr Day said.
16 August, 2011
Endangered plants
a growth industry
A translocation project by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has put 13 critically endangered plant species on the road to recovery in the Midwest and on the south coast.
Infill planting and monitoring has improved the long-term outlook of the species after 13 new populations, totalling more than 3,300 plants, were established.
Research Scientist at DEC, Rebecca Dillon said translocations have been one of the most successful management actions to prevent extinction of critically endangered plants.
“Every successful translocation greatly improves the long-term security of Western Australian threatened plants in the wild,” Ms Dillon said.
“All the complex and meticulous work of propagating the plants and establishing new populations is worth it.”
She said that in the past, most of the translocated populations focused on by DEC had survival rates of more than 50 per cent - with six above 90 per cent - despite challenges such as locust plagues, dry conditions, and animal grazing.
She said five of the species now contained more plants in the translocated populations than in the existing wild populations.
“This includes Acacia aprica (blunt wattle), a flowering shrub that grows to two metres, which has 258 individual plants in the translocated population at Coorow in the Midwest, compared to 181 plants in nine natural populations,” Ms Dillon said.
She said that in addition to the 13 species being maintained and monitored in 2010-11, DEC had improved the outlook of a further nine critically endangered plant species following the establishment of 15 new populations between 2006 and 2009.
The translocations had been funded by the State Natural Resource Management program and DEC, with infill planting and monitoring funded by DEC.
“Seed was also sourced from DEC’s Threatened Flora Seed Centre, and DEC also thanks the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority for propagation work, and DEC staff and volunteers for planting and monitoring work,” Ms Dillon said.
She said DEC had carried out or assisted with the translocation of more than 63 plant species since 1993.
16 August, 2011
Police station signs
on to heritage list
The Inglewood Police Station and its associated living quarters have received an interim listing on the State Register of Heritage Places.
According to the Minister for Heritage, John Castrilli, the heritage building represents the once-common practice of using domestic scale architecture for police buildings and is a rare example of a surviving 1940s-style police station and quarters in metropolitan Perth.
Mr Castrilli said the Police Service experienced severe strains during the Great Depression and World War II.
However, it adapted, developing programs to forge stronger links with the communities it served such as through school visits and Police Boys Clubs.
“It wasn’t until the latter part of the 1930s when some buoyancy returned to the State’s economy, that new police stations were built,” Mr Castrilli said.
“By 1937, police stationed at Maylands could not adequately maintain order in the heavily populated suburb of Inglewood.”
He said to address this need, a new red brick and terracotta tile police station and quarters was opened about three years later.
“The style and size of the Inglewood Police Station and quarters conformed to community standards, as it was built to reflect residential housing commonly built in this area during the same period,” Mr Castrillli said.
“It reflected the integration of police into the community.”
The State Register of Heritage Places is managed by the Heritage Council.
16 August, 2011
And in Other News...
PSC decides on Carson Street
The Public Service Commissioner has tabled the findings from his investigation into the Carson Street School report, concluding that no-one had intentionally acted improperly.
The Commissioner found that copies of the report, Orchestrating Lives: An Evaluation of the Early Intervention Conductive Education Trial at Carson Street School, sent to the MP for Victoria Park and Minister for Education were different from the report in possession of Carson Street School.
“The fact that the two different versions of the report were in circulation was due to an administrative error by the Department of Education and not an act of misconduct by a Public Officer,” the Commissioner decided.
Dowerin displays
Futures in Agriculture, a display for 12 to 17 year olds and their parents, is to be a feature of the Dowerin Field Days on 24 and 25 August
The display will be provided by the Department of Agriculture and Food in partnership with Scitech in Perth. It aims to help young people plan a career path in agriculture.
To support this, the display will also have a special education corner.
Drugs ban extended
A further 14 synthetic cannabinoids, including two compounds found in the new product Kronic Black Label have been banned.
The move follows confirmation that five people were hospitalised in one week with heart palpitations and high blood pressure from smoking synthetic cannabis.
WA was the first State to ban seven synthetic cannabinoids in June. The Federal Government followed by banning eight synthetic cannabinoids in July.
Prescribed burning on
A series of prescribed burns is being carried out by staff and volunteers of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA).
FESA said the aim was to protect lives and properties from future bushfires.
Affected property owners can contact the FESA Bushfire Local Government Relations Branch for more information.
GPs recruited
A recruitment campaign to attract general medical practitioners to the southern inland of Western Australia has been launched.
The press and online campaign will run nationally and internationally and is part of the $565 million Southern Inland Health Initiative, funded under the Royalties for Regions program.
Funds for homeless shelter
Funding to build and operate a new homeless men’s shelter in Perth’s central business district has been announced.
The Acute Homeless Night Shelter is a partnership with the St Vincent de Paul Society and will house up to 10 men who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets.
$4 million will be provided for capital works and the acquisition of land with an additional $1.4 million during a three-year period from 2012 to operate the shelter.
Lots for Armadale
A total of 2,700 housing lots will be delivered at Wungong Reach, in the City of Armadale over the next 10 years.
The project results from a joint venture development between the Government and Stockland.
The first 18 lots will range in size from 300 square metres to 627sqm and further releases will occur as lots become available.
Fungus hits rice
The Department of Agriculture and Food has implemented quarantine restrictions following the discovery of Rice Blast, a fungal disease, in a commercial rice crop in the Ord River Irrigation Area.
Rice Blast is a significant disease of rice and could affect crop yields.
The Department is conducting surveillance to determine the spread of the disease, whether it is eradicable or will need to be managed.
9 August, 2011
Housing death to
prompt review
The Department of Housing’s management of one of its units where the tenant was found dead is to be the subject of an independent audit.
Robert Roll’s, body was discovered in the unit on 7 July. He had been dead for 18 months to two years.
The audit will also consider the extent to which the Department had implemented the recommendations of the Auditor General’s 2010 report into the fitting and maintenance of safety devices in public housing.
Minister for Housing, Troy Buswell said he was not satisfied with the explanation of the situation provided by the Department.
“The information I received contained discrepancies in regard to the last contact the Department had with Mr Roll, and my main concern is that the Department’s systems showed that an inspection was undertaken in 2010, when an inspection did not actually occur,” Mr Buswell said.
“Whether this was caused due to human error or improper actions, we need to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
The audit is to examine the circumstances around the discovery of Mr Roll’s body, as well as the Department’s tenancy management actions throughout the history of Mr Rolls’ tenancy.
“While the Department is finalising a report on its own response to the Auditor General’s report, it seems logical to have an independent body also scrutinise this response, particularly when we are engaging someone to look at similar issues relating to Mr Roll’s case,” the Minister said.
He said the audit would be undertaken by an accounting firm and would begin this month. It was expected to take eight weeks.
9 August, 2011
Hospital outsourcing
deal hits PS nerve
The decision to privatise facilities management and support services at Fiona Stanley Hospital has angered public sector unions.
The announcement of the 20-year contact with Serco Australia sparked protests from hospital staff and the threat of industrial action.
However, Minister for Health, Kim Hames said that having an international specialist running hospital support services as facilities manager meant patients would benefit from the best possible experience at the hospital.
“The facilities manager will run the hospital using the most modern practices and up-to-date technology, carrying out the behind-the-scenes work in the most effective way possible for the benefit of patients and staff,” Dr Hames said.
The Minister’s comments failed to placate hospital staff however, with about 70 staging a protest outside Royal Perth Hospital.
The union representing hospital workers, United Voice, said it was unhappy about the $4.3 billion deal which will mean Serco will oversee the management of the public hospital for the next 20 years.
Spokesman for United Voice, Dave Kelly said there would be more industrial action to come.
“There will be more of these meetings at hospitals, whether it be in the metropolitan area or in the country and our delegates are going to have a special meeting to plan the next phase of the campaign and that will happen in the coming weeks,” Mr Kelly said.
Dr Hames insisted it was a good deal for the Government as well as for patients.
“This is a new hospital, we’ve looked at the best of all options throughout the world, and we are of the view that this is the best option in terms of the quality of care for the patients and saving to the taxpayer,” he said.
“We are very impressed with the standard of service that they (Serco) offer and we have got them to put together all the latest technology that’s available for those patients in the wards.”
Spokesman for Serco, David Campbell said the contract would mean 4,000 new jobs.
Opposition Health Spokesman, Roger Cook said there was no good reason to outsource hospital services and described it as a “reckless experiment’.
9 August, 2011
Red light for
green project
A residential energy feed-in tariff scheme, designed to help residents recover the cost of renewable energy systems, has been suspended after reaching its quota.
Under the scheme, more than 65,000 homes are to generate their own renewable electricity which would add an extra 150 megawatts of renewable energy capacity to the grid.
Minister for Energy, Peter Collier said the scheme was so popular that in order to meet the demand, the original $23 million budget allocation had been increased to $127 million.
Mr Collier said applications already received would be accepted, but there would be no more processed until further notice.
He said feed-in tariff payments would continue for residents already on the scheme for the remainder of their 10-year subsidy payment period and Synergy and Horizon Power would also continue buying excess electricity fed into the grid from all residential renewable systems under the Government’s buyback scheme.
Mr Collier said that despite the suspension, people would still be able to pay off their systems well within 10 years, as was the scheme’s original intention.
“Wholesale prices of renewable energy systems have halved in the past 12 months which has resulted in greater affordability and means customers will be able to recover the purchase cost of their systems much quicker,” Mr Collier said.
“In addition, the capacity of the average renewable system being installed has almost doubled in the past year.”
9 August, 2011
Police open gates to
detention centres
An agreement that would see local police involved in security at immigration detention centres is being developed by the Federal Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
The Department is leading preparations for a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed by police and emergency services around the country, following a series of workshops.
The matter was raised by the National Standing Council on Police and Emergency Management (SCPEM) after unrest at a number of detention centres.
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher, said the workshops reviewed existing incident management planning for each immigration detention facility owned by the Commonwealth and comprised representatives from DIAC, the Australian Federal Police, State and Territory Police and the contractor Serco.
“Following the riots at the Villawood Detention centre on 20 April 2011, it became clear these arrangements needed to be settled as a matter of urgency,” Mr Gallacher said.
“Law enforcement agencies have been concerned for some time about the lack of clarity regarding their powers, responsibilities and liabilities in relation to immigration detention centres across Australia.”
He said the Memorandum of Understanding was being developed to incorporate the new arrangements and was in response to issues raised during the workshops.
He said it would establish agency responsibility between DIAC, the direct service provider (currently Serco), AFP and the relevant State or Territory Police Force.
“DIAC will also chair a working group of representatives from each jurisdiction to examine whether there are any legislative impediments to the exercise of State and Territory police powers at immigration detention facilities,” Mr Gallacher said.
“The outcomes of the working group will be reported back to SCPEM out of session.”
9 August, 2011
Health campaign is
mental as anything
A new television advertising campaign aimed at encouraging people to improve their mental wellbeing and de-stigmatise mental illness has been announced by the Minister for Mental Health, Helen Morton.
Mrs Morton said the Act-Belong-Commit strategy would involve three Western Australians telling the stories of their experience with mental illness and the steps they took to be more mentally, physically and socially active, involved in family, community activities and of the causes that brought meaning to their lives.
She said the Mental Health Commission had doubled its funding of Act-Belong-Commit, providing $300,000 each year over the next three years to promote its message.
Mrs Morton said the new advertisements would encourage West Australians to get more out of life and to keep mental health problems at bay.
“They are part of a campaign to help break down the stigma associated with mental illness by encouraging people to talk about their mental health and seek appropriate care and support,” Mrs Morton said.
“They remind us that keeping mentally healthy is just as important as staying physically healthy.”
The Minister said the funding would help to facilitate training workshops, produce and disseminate resources and double the number of Act-Belong-Commit sites to 48 by recruiting more community partners to the campaign.
Act-Belong-Commit is directed by Mentally Healthy WA at Curtin University and is implemented through health services, Local Governments, schools, workplaces and not-for-profit groups.
9 August, 2011
More desalination
in the pipeline
The capacity of the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant (SSDP) is to be doubled.
The plant will then be able to provide 100 billion litres of drinking water a year, securing future water needs for communities stretching from Perth to the Goldfields.
Premier Colin Barnett said expansion of the new plant was now essential because of the lack of inflow from rainfall into the dams for the second winter in a row.
Mr Barnett said that despite the welcome, recent rain, long-term forecasts showed the south-west corner of Western Australia would become even drier in the future.
“It’s important we act now to ensure security for the Integrated Water Supply Scheme (IWSS) that supplies drinking water to Perth, Mandurah, the Goldfields and towns along the way to Kalgoorlie-Boulder,” Mr Barnett said.
He said the first stage of the new plant, near Binningup, had been built over the past two-and-a-half years at a cost of $955 million.
It had just started supplying water ahead of schedule and within budget and would be fully commissioned before the end of the year.
The Premier said the expansion would start delivering water by December 2012 and would cost $450 million. Of this, $300 million would be funded through the reprioritisation of capital already approved by Government in the May State Budget for the Water Corporation’s $3.6 billion four-year capital works program.
“By making the decision to expand the plant now, we can take advantage of the already established, skilled workforce at the SSDP site,” Mr Barnett said.
“The expansion of the SSDP is necessary because we can no longer rely on rainfall run-off into our dams as a major source of drinking water.”
9 August, 2011
Emergency website
on safe ground
A new website that provides information during emergencies and encourages community engagement has been launched by the Fire and Emergency Services (FESA).
Chief Executive at FESA, Jo Harrison-Ward said the website was user friendly and provided a more intuitive and efficient experience with improved search, accessibility and navigation functionality.
“The development of the website included public consultation, continuing FESA’s ongoing focus on engaging with the community,” Ms Harrison-Ward said.
“The new site will provide greater integration and visibility of FESA’s critical emergency information as well as helping to better promote seasonal and topical issues.”
She said that during an emergency, critical sites would automatically refresh at five minute intervals to ensure users received the most up-to-date information.
She said the launch was the culmination of two years of development that also included an extensive review of the online content.
Ms Harrison-Ward said the website had expanded capabilities for users to submit feedback and subscribe to alerts, warnings and other information.
“The public are increasingly tech savvy, so we have invested considerable time and effort ensuring we deliver a website that provides an efficient and user-friendly experience,” Ms Harrison-Ward said.
“Due to technical upgrades, some users may experience issues with their existing RSS feeds. We apologise in advance if this happens.”
The new FESA website can be located at this PS News link.
9 August, 2011
Agricultural college
planted in Harvey
A major new agricultural college is planned for Harvey with the opening scheduled for 2013.
The $26.4 million WA College of Agriculture – Harvey is to be built on a 905-hectare farm site at Wokalup.
Minister for Education, Liz Constable said the new college would replace the existing facilities in Harvey and would provide the best facilities for agriculture secondary schooling in Australia.
“Students will continue to learn on a fully-functioning farm complete with dairy, beef cattle, sheep, horticulture and viticulture operations, including a packing shed, and will study a range of nationally recognised training qualifications,” Dr Constable said.
She said Perkins Builders had been appointed to do the work and earthworks had already been completed.
“The new college will include three teaching blocks, seven student accommodation units and two staff houses, with the design reflecting a rural village atmosphere,” she said.
“Other facilities will include a new administration block, library, gymnasium, dining hall, and external works such as paths, roads and landscaping.”
Dr Constable said the college’s boarding facilities would be a major improvement on current dormitories, and would accommodate up to 112 students in single-room residential units.
She said since its establishment in 1953, the WA College of Agriculture - Harvey had provided Year 11 and 12 students (and Year 10 students since 2005) with skills, theory and practical experience in agriculture and related industries.
9 August, 2011
Horse health package
out of the barrier
A horse biosecurity package has been launched by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Director General of the Department, Rob Delane said Horse Alert WA was the result of work between his Department and horse industry organisations.
“The result is best practice biosecurity guidelines for Western Australia,” Mr Delane said.
“The biosecurity guidelines in this package will help industry to minimise the spread of an infectious disease or an emergency disease and thereby reduce its damaging impacts, or even prevent the introduction of a disease.”
He said the current outbreaks of Hendra virus in Queensland and NSW had reminded all horse industry members of the impacts of emergency horse diseases and of the importance in implementing effective biosecurity measures.
“These guidelines will assist industry to adopt best practice principles to improve the overall standard of horse health and infection control on individual properties and within stables,” he said.
“I congratulate Racing and Wagering Western Australia, Equestrian Western Australia and the WA Horse Council for their active development of these guidelines.”
Mr Delane said their development would also assist the industry to meet its obligations under the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA) signed in March this year.
Copies of the package have been mailed to WA horse organisation members but additional copies were available from the Department and WA horse organisations or electronically at this PS News link.
9 August, 2011
Excellence award for
excellent teacher
A teacher from Katanning High School has been recognised for achievement in the 2010 National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA).
Andrea Rundle received the national award for innovation.
She is Teacher in Charge of Engagement and Inclusive Learning at Katanning Senior High School, working with a diverse range of students and backgrounds south-east of Perth.
Ms Rundle was among just 10 teachers to be selected from more than 1,000 nominations nation-wide.
The award citation says Ms Rundle designedspecific and practical hands-on programs to re-engage, motivate and stimulate at risk students including the school’s ACCESS and Senior School Engagement Programs.
She is Coordinator of Country Week, a week-long sporting carnival held in Perth, with more than 110 upper secondary students competing in 12 different sports against 43 country senior high schools.
Ms Rundle’s expertise in re-motivating disengaged students is widely recognised.
She serves on the State Advisory Board for Senior School Engagement Programs, and is a speaker at State-based forums.
In 2008, she received an Education Award for her Outstanding Contribution to the Teaching Profession.
Her work has touched many students and families and changed their lives for the better.
NEiTA and its partner, the Australian Scholarship Group, developed the NEiTA teaching awards program in 1994 in recognition of the importance of teachers in helping children reach their education potential.
More information on the awards and their recipients can be found at this PS News link.
9 August, 2011
US visitors on top
down under
WA emergency services are drawing on the experience of senior field officers from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The four officers are pollution incident experts, highly qualified with direct experience in major incidents such as Hurricane Katrina, gas explosions, clandestine drugs laboratories and space shuttle recoveries.
Minister for the Environment, Bill Marmion said Western Australia has had a working relationship with the US EPA for eight years.
“The visiting team will lead a two-week intensive course with officers from the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority,” Mr Marmion said.
“Upon completion of their training, our local officers will be certified to US standards.
He said because of the close collaboration between DEC and the US EPA, the course would ensure that West Australians involved in responding to serious pollution incidents had been trained to world-class levels.
The Minister said hazardous materials clean-up contractors and officers from the Department of Health were also attending the course.
“The training involves a range of components including hazardous materials response procedures; decontamination; occupational safety; radiation monitoring; incident assessment; command and control; waste transport; and containment and clean up techniques,” he said.
The officers will also refine their skills on how to safely attend a hazardous materials incident and manage the situation in relation to environmental and public health protection.”
Mr Marmion said this was the fourth time since 2003 that DEC’s Pollution Response Unit had organised for the US EPA to conduct training in WA.
9 August, 2011
Businesses to drive
road safety push
A discussion paper urging businesses to become more active promoting road safety has been issued by the National Transport Commission (NTC).
A Corporate Approach to Road Safety Discussion Paper explores how the existing corporate commitment to workplace safety can contribute to achieving Australia’s national road safety strategy targets.
Chief Executive of the NTC, Nick Dimopoulos said with Governments committing to reduce death and serious injury on Australia’s roads by at least 30 per cent over the next decade it was time to consider the role of the corporate sector in road safety.
“We recognise that corporate investment in road safety has to be good for business,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“We know of a number of businesses within Australia and internationally which have introduced road safety initiatives which are good for business and good for the community.”
He said the returns for such businesses were often realised in ways not considered before, including customer loyalty, a more skilled workforce, overall reduction in corporate risk, and enhanced brand recognition.
“We’re keen to work collaboratively with the corporate sector to develop a national program that supports and encourages corporations to exert their influence over the way that the road network is used to make life safer for all Australian road users,” he said.
“Businesses can identify and act on things entirely within their control that don’t require Governments to act first and don’t require regulatory change, but will improve road safety.”
Mr Dimopoulos said the discussion paper opened the conversation with corporate Australia about the best way to harness their influence to implement positive, sustainable actions on road safety with consultation to close on 30 September, 2011.
For more information visit the Corporate Approach to Road Safety discussion paper at this PS News link.
9 August, 2011
Midwives deliver in
excellence awards
Finalists have been announced in the 2011 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.
The 50 finalists have been drawn from a record number of 230 nominations.
Minister for Health, Kim Hames said nominations making the short list came from all over the State and demonstrated excellence in their field.
He said this year’s field was particularly strong, making it tough for the judges to pick a winner.
“Western Australia’s 35,000 nurses and midwives are among the best in the world and these awards are a way of recognising their hard work and dedication,” Dr Hames said.
“Each finalist has gone above and beyond their normal duties to make a positive difference to their patients and colleagues.”
Winners of the 2011 WA Nursing and Midwifery Awards will be announced at a gala dinner on 17 September.
Dr Hames named the finalists as:
Remote and Rural Enrolled Nurse:
Gwen Patterson - Hedland Health Campus,
Cheryl Goodyear - Carnarvon Hospital,
Lynnette Allen - Geraldton Hospital.
Metropolitan Acute Care Enrolled Nurse:
Cheryl Lyons - Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital,
Ali Abrahams - Perth Clinic,
Sara Garofallou - Hollywood Private Hospital.
Remote and Rural Registered Nurse:
Lynn Burrough - Kimberley Aged Care & Community Services,
Rachel Beveridge - Geraldton Hospital,
Diane Smith - Dongara Health Service.
Metropolitan Acute Care Registered Nurse:
Kara Clozza - St John of God Hospital, Subiaco,
Tracy Swanson - Hollywood Private Hospital,
Leanne Bowers - Perth Clinic,
Barbara Stubber - Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
Metropolitan Midwife:
Brooke Jones - King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women,
Sandra Lane - Swan Kalamunda Health Service,
Elli Bush - King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women.
Remote and Rural Midwife:
Deborah Nicholson - Broome Hospital,
Vanessa Page - Derby Hospital,
Marian Lavelle - Hedland Health Campus,
Juliana Muller - Geraldton Hospital.
Community and Primary Health:
Katrina Peters - Joondalup Child Development Centre,
Janine Wright - Exmouth Hospital,
Kimberly Adey - Armadale Health Service.
Residential and Aged Care:
Helen Boardman - Brightwater Care Group,
Linda Maitland - Brightwater Care Group,
Sharyn McDavitt - Windsor Park Aged Care.
Education:
Linda Hemson - Bunbury Hospital,
Diane Williams - Osborne Park Hospital,
Richard Bostwick - Edith Cowan University.
Research and Innovative Practice:
David Lyle - Bethanie Care Group,
Tania McWilliams - Princess Margaret Hospital for Children,
Megan Thorburn - Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
Emerging Leader:
Carol Erlank - Fitzroy Crossing Hospital,
Michelle Harris - The Bethanie Care Group,
Sharon Burke - Osborne Park Hospital,
Sue Field - Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
Preceptor of the Year:
Mandy Banks - Brightwater Care Group,
Rachel Byrne - Fremantle Hospital,
Elizabeth Raffan - Hollywood Private Hospital.
Graduate of the Year:
Erica Bannister - Armadale Health Service,
Kizzi Neale - St John of God Hospital, Murdoch,
Krissy Moran - Perth Clinic, Brooke Jones - King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women.
Aboriginal Health:
Susan Walker - Hedland Health Campus,
Jane Jones - Derbarl Yerrigan Aboriginal Medical Services,
Kay Jones - WACHS Goldfields.
Consumer Appreciation:
Cheryl Higgins - Woodlake Aged Care, Kingsley
Zelda Haskins, Stacy McGreal and Daniel Berk - Home Cancer Nursing Team, Royal Perth Hospital,
Peta Louise Watts - Princess Margaret Hospital for Children.
Lifetime Achievement Award finalists will be announced in late August.
9 August, 2011
Electrical safety is
circuit breaker
All residential rental properties in Western Australia must now be fitted with at least two Residual Current Devices (RCDs) to protect power point and lighting circuits.
Installation of the devices is expected to significantly increase safety for all tenants.
According to the Director of Energy Safety, Ken Bowron, an RCD is an electrical safety device fitted at the main switchboard of a house or business.
The device detects any imbalance in the electrical current or leakage to earth and immediately cuts the power supply to avoid electrocution.
Mr Bowron said the laws were introduced in 2009 and allowed for a two-year transition period.
“Now the transition period for continuing tenancies to have the two RCDs fitted is coming to an end,” Mr Bowron said.
He said tenants should check the main switchboard to ensure that at least two RCDs were installed and if not, they should contact the managing agent or landlord and request that two RCDs be installed as soon as practicable.
“Property managers should also ensure their residential rental properties are fitted with at least two RCDs to protect all power point and lighting circuits,” he said.
Electrical inspectors will monitor compliance with the regulations and respond to any complaints.
Penalties of up to $15,000 for individuals and $100,000 for bodies corporate may apply if RCDs are not fitted.
9 August, 2011
Cue to rack up
extra land
The Shire of Cue in the State’s Mid-West is to receive 11 parcels of Crown Land to help it plan for a projected increase in demand for residential lots over the next five years.
Minister for Lands, Brendon Grylls said the transfer would greatly assist the Shire to plan ahead.
He said the recent strengthening in commodity prices was providing benefits and driving growth in towns such as Cue.
“Second only to the Pilbara as WA’s biggest producer of iron ore, the Mid-West has major, long-term iron ore projects in development, further fuelling the anticipated growth,” Mr Grylls said.
“Cue’s population of about 350 is set to increase and it is important to see the Shire planning for the community’s needs.”
He said the lots were being offered to the Shire under a conditional lease agreement which meant that if the land was not developed, it would be returned to the Crown.
“Given the resurgence of mining-related activity in the region, we are working with the Shire to literally provide building blocks for the future,” he said.
The 11 lots transferred in the agreement will be released by the Shire to meet demand as it arises.
The locations of the lots are: Six lots on Railway Street, three lots on Post Office Street and two lots on Richmond Street.
9 August, 2011
Fairer deal for
youth justice
Regional Youth Justice Services have been established in the West Kimberley, East Kimberley and Pilbara regions.
The new services will be aimed at diverting young people from a life of crime.
Minister for Corrective Services, Terry Redman said the new Services were building on the success of similar ventures in the Mid-West Gascoyne and Goldfields.
“This expansion has seen more than 60 new staff employed across these regions to significantly boost services to young people at risk of offending,” Mr Redman said.
He said the East Kimberley Regional Youth Justice Services in Kununurra would include a Youth and Family Support Service, Youth Bail Options Program and an expanded Juvenile Justice Team.
A psychologist would also be available to assess young people, provide counselling and link with other programs and Agencies.
Mr Redman said that since their beginning at the end of 2008, the Regional Youth Justice Services in the Goldfields and Mid-West Gascoyne had seen an increase in Police Juvenile Justice Team referrals and closer working relationships with the local magistrates.
He said in its first year of operation, the number of preventative cases increased from eight to 70 in Mid-West Gascoyne and six to 105 in the Goldfields; Juvenile Justice Team referrals from WA Police increased from 45 to 130 in Mid-West Gascoyne and from 32 to 51 in the Goldfields and Juvenile Justice Team referrals from the courts increased from 65 to 105 in Mid-West Gascoyne and 108 to 117 in the Goldfields
He said in addition, the number of court orders decreased from 125 to 108 in Mid-West Gascoyne and 209 to 93 in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the number of ‘distinct person’ remand admissions decreased from 54 to 38 in Mid-West Gascoyne and 57 to 37 in the Goldfields.
9 August, 2011
Conservationists cocky
about saving cockatoo
A community rehabilitation project, Bush Forever, aimed at conserving the endangered Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, has been welcomed by the Minister for Planning, John Day.
Mr Day said two Bush Forever conservation sites at Mirrabooka and Whiteman Park were to be rehabilitated to provide foraging habitat for the cockatoo and were ideal habitats.
“The park creates a space for the community while also providing for the conservation of wildlife,” Mr Day said.
“The Bush Forever area status of these sites means they will remain untouched by urban development, providing these endangered birds with a protected and well- managed bush corridor.”
He said the sites were chosen as they were potential foraging habitats for the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo which would benefit from revegetation.
A planting day, organised by Whiteman Park and the Department of Planning, with funding from the State Natural Resource Management Office, marked the beginning of the conservation effort.
Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo is listed as of National Environmental Significance under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and as vulnerable under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.
9 August, 2011
And in Other News...
Police lose union case
The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission has rejected a plan by the Police Union to enrol Public Service officers working in the police as its members.
The Commission approved a proposal to allow the Union to enrol police auxiliary officers however.
The Civil Service Association of Western Australia objected to the proposal, saying it would encroach or overlap on its membership. The Commission agreed.
More schools go independent
A total of 109 schools plan to become Independent Public Schools in 2012 and 2013.
The latest round of applications means that one in four schools in WA will now be independent, setting their own directions and making the policy to empower school communities.
The latest intake includes the first two agricultural colleges and a number of schools in regional WA.
Tax forum disappoints
The Treasurer has expressed disappointment that the Federal Government’s Minerals Resource Rent Tax and Carbon Tax will not be discussed at its October Tax Forum.
Christian Porter said the Forum provided an ideal opportunity for the taxes to be properly evaluated in the context of broader tax reform.
He said the Forum’s discussion paper was neither bold nor imaginative, which was disappointing coming from a Federal Government that talked constantly about economic reform.
FESA meet a first
Around 600 delegates attended the inaugural Fire and Emergency Services Conference recently on the theme “Challenges and change – yesterday, today and tomorrow”
The conference allowed emergency services in WA to come together for the first time to network, share and learn more about the issues, challenges and changes facing the emergency services sector.
A number of FESA award presentations were held over the weekend event, including the Volunteer Emergency Services and Volunteer Fire Services awards, Volunteer Marine Rescue Services awards and Volunteer Employer Recognition Program awards.
DAFWA reports on wind
The Department of Agriculture and Food has released a report detailing the risk of wind erosion across the Wheatbelt.
The Wind Erosion Roadside Survey Report aims to assist farmers to make decisions affecting wind erosion management, such as crop use, grazing practices and stubble burning.
Information collected relates to crop yields, ground cover, land use, vegetation, stubble burning, grazing practices, rainfall patterns, and observed wind and water erosion.
New boat harbour
Plans for a new boat harbour at Augusta have been announced with construction to start later this year.
The $25 million harbour, to be built at Flat Rock in Flinders Bay, will provide safe direct ocean access for recreational and commercial craft between Busselton and Albany.
It will service the region’s commercial and tourism fleets while providing a regional and State destination point for the increasing recreational boating sector.
Tidy judges tour
Judges for the Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Regional Awards are visiting 42 WA communities and towns.
The 13 judges will be on the road until 2 September.
Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities is a Keep Australia Beautiful program and its sponsors include the Department of Regional Development and Lands.
Keep Australia Beautiful (WA) is supported by the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Waste Authority.
2 August, 2011
Superannuation plan
has defined benefits
The Federal Minister for Public Sector Superannuation has called on the States and Territories to manage some of the PS superannuation schemes centrally.
The Minister, Senator Nick Sherry, outlined the benefits of a ‘partnership’ between the administrators of PS super schemes offering ‘defined benefits’ to a conference of Government Superannuation Funds in Perth.
Senator Sherry said there were still 33 defined benefit schemes operating in Australia, mostly in the public sector and mostly closed.
He said in 1982-83 around 82 per cent of the members of PS super funds were in defined benefit schemes but by 2008 the number had fallen to two per cent.
“Looking forward [the schemes] will generate considerable challenges,” Senator Sherry said.
“Economies could be achieved across jurisdictions.”
He said the core problem was that fund managers needed to maintain effective administration of closed schemes while cash flow and membership declined.
“I believe you should consider the fundamental issue of better cooperation across jurisdictions to meet these challenges,” Senator Sherry told the fund managers.
“In the mature superannuation market we have today, is superannuation administration a core business of any government?”
He said there were a number of common factors in the old style schemes that made them difficult to administer.
“Calculating a member’s benefit in a defined benefit scheme involves a much more complex process than in a defined contribution scheme.”
He said the data and systems used to manage the schemes were sometimes ‘decades old’; there was a diminishing number of ‘subject matter experts’ who understood the intricacies of the schemes; and importantly, they were closed.
“There is a risk if we don’t start talking to each other soon that opportunities to work together to create critical mass and to reduce costs will be lost, as each jurisdiction looks to identify its own solutions,” Senator Sherry said.
“It is likely to become increasingly difficult to attract and retain capable people with aspirations of a long-term career in superannuation administration, particularly defined benefit administration.”
He said there could be opportunities for administrators to work together “given similarities in scheme designs, member demographics and challenges faced.”
The full text of the Minister’s speech can be accessed at this PS News link.
2 August, 2011
Community strategy
out for Communities
The Department for Communities has developed a new strategic plan for 2011-2015 outlining its vision, purpose, values and strategic priorities for the next five years.
The plan’s purpose is to listen to the views of communities; improve understanding of community needs; inform and influence effective responses; strengthen the community sector’s skills, knowledge and sustainability and support social innovation and enterprise.
It aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and confidence of individuals and groups, promote community cohesion and participation and recognise and celebrate individual and community achievements.
The plan’s values include embracing and promoting diversity, mutual respect and social justice.
It commits the Department to communicate with and listen to the views of individuals, groups, organisations and communities to inform its work.
The Department will endeavour to work ever more creatively, drawing on sound experience, evidence and contemporary thinking.
Strategic priorities include identifying and addressing the unique issues faced by women; recognising and supporting the contribution of carers; enriching the lives of children and families; strengthening parenting across all communities; and supporting volunteering in the community.
The plan will encourage and support young people to engage in community life and encourage and support older people to live full and active lives.
The Department for Communities Strategic Plan 2011-2015 can be accessed at this PS News link.
2 August, 2011
New software data
based on database
A new software program to help streamline compulsory data reporting has been developed by the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP)
The Mineral Exploration Reporting Template (MRT) software is designed to improve data reporting by reducing data entry time and errors.
Executive Director of the Geological Survey, Rick Rogerson said the MRT would be of particular benefit to small and medium sized exploration companies and prospectors.
“Exploration companies are required to submit surface and drilling exploration data annually as part of their tenement conditions,” Mr Rogerson said.
“DMP receives more than 3,000 reports a year from almost 500 exploration companies or prospectors. The MRT software will allow them to process the data more efficiently.”
He said the DMP-developed software had been distributed to all Geological Surveys Australia-wide, to ensure data reporting formats were compatible.
He said the MRT program had been made easy-to-use with a comprehensive user’s guide and a tips column on every page to help as data was entered.
Mr Rogerson said there were currently more than 60,000 sets of data and reports available on DMP’s website in the WAMEX database.
“DMP’s petroleum database, the Petroleum and Geothermal Information Management System (WAPIMS), was recently rated the best in the world by the 2011 Fraser Institute Global Petroleum Survey against 135 investment destinations,” Mr Rogerson said.
“The rating of the WAPIMS database was a significant achievement for the State and the Department,” he said.
2 August, 2011
Parents warned of
curtain cord danger
Parents have been reminded about the dangers of curtain and blind cords.
The reminder follows the death of a child in Sydney after choking on a blind cord.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll said parents and people with children to care for should be vigilant.
“Loose or looped curtain and blind cords are very dangerous as children can easily become entangled and create a deadly strangulation hazard,” Ms Driscoll said.
“I urge parents to tie any loose or looped cords well out of reach of children and move away any nearby furniture or boxes that a child can use to climb up to reach the cords.
“These precautions should also apply when staying at holiday accommodation.”
She said tensioning devices such as cleats could be used to secure the cords more permanently and could be purchased from hardware or curtain shops.
Ms Driscoll said at least 16 children had died in this way in Australia since the early 1990s with four fatalities in WA.
“Of particular concern are older blinds which were designed before 2004 when it became law in WA for loop cords to be secured,” she said.
“Home owners may consider the safer option of a wand rather than a cord when having blinds installed.
The brochure Blind and Curtain Cords is available for download from the Commission’s website at this PS News link.
2 August, 2011
Mine safety rules a
mine of information
Draft national health and safety legislation relating to the mining industry is open for public comment.
Safe Work Australia, working in partnership with State, Territory and the national Governments is seeking to deliver harmonised work health and safety laws across Australia.
The laws will be aimed at achieving the best possible approach to safety for all Australian workplaces.
In support of the consultation process, Safe Work Australia has published an Issues Paper and released the draft Model Work Health and Safety Act, the proposed model Work Health and Safety Regulations and the model Codes of Practice in conjunction with the National Mine Safety Framework (NMSF).
Sub-sections of the model Codes of Practice include Work Health and Safety Management Systems; Managing Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials; Strata Control for Underground Coal Mines; Roads and Other Vehicles Operating Areas; Inundation and Inrush Hazard Management; Emergency Response for Australian Mines and Mine Records.
Chair of Safe Work Australia, Tom Phillips said regulatory reform was particularly important to the mining industry.
“Model work health and safety laws will ensure organisations can comply with one set of laws regardless of the number of States or Territories in which they operate,” Mr Phillips said.
“The public comment period provides a good opportunity for businesses, industry and workers to express their opinions on key aspects of the mining industry.”
The closing date for comment on the models Codes of Practice is 7 October; for the other documents 9 September.
2 August, 2011
New radio network
on right wavelength
Plans for a new communications network for police and emergency services in regional Western Australia have taken a step forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between law enforcement and public safety agencies.
The Community Safety Network-Regional Radio Network is to replace the Police Regional Radio Network, providing mobile digital radio coverage for more than 18,000 square kilometres.
The project will see communications for WA Police; the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA); Fire and Rescue Service; and the Department of Corrective Services (DCS) brought under one common infrastructure managed by WA Police
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Rob Johnson said the 2011-12 State Budget had allocated $94.5 million through the Royalties for Regions program to fund the common network infrastructure.
Mr Johnson said the new purpose-built, secure radio communications network would allow police and other emergency services to serve country residents better.
“This modern and effective radio network will benefit regional communities by providing a more informed, responsive and co-ordinated service,” Mr Johnson said.
The project caters for future expansion, allowing eventual access for other Agencies.
Opportunities will also be available to leverage access at minimal cost to additional radio sites across the State as part of the Regional Mobile Communications Project.
Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls said both projects would significantly improve mobile telephone and digital radio communication in regional WA.
“Albany, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Pilbara will be the first major regions to gain access to the network, with Motorola being awarded the contract to implement the network to these areas,” Mr Grylls said.
2 August, 2011
Nominations count
for Count Me In
Nominations have been called for the Count Me In Awards aimed at making communities more welcoming.
Designing and building homes for people of all ages and abilities is a key focus of this year’s awards.
According to the Minister for Disability Services, Helen Morton, the awards reward the outstanding efforts of Western Australian individuals, State and Local Governments, businesses and education and training organisations.
She said they recognise initiatives to make communities more inclusive for people with disability.
Mrs Morton said that in 2011 the focus was liveable homes, acknowledged by the Disability Future Directions Award for making homes more comfortable to live in for people of all ages and abilities.
“Developers, builders, architects, planners and others involved in building WA homes vie for this award, which was presented for the first time last year,” Mrs Morton said.
“The award recognises outstanding long-term initiatives that ensure inclusion for all West Australians with disability.”
Other categories include the Count Me In Award for an Individual; the Barry MacKinnon Award for Employment; the Count Me In Award for Local Government; Count Me In Award for State Government; Count Me In Award for Education and Training; and the Count Me In Award for Customer Service.
Winners of each category will be considered for the overall Dr Louisa Alessandri Award for Excellence.
Entries close on 30 September with the winners announced at an event on 1 December.
2 August, 2011
Testing station
facing closure
The O’Connor Vehicle Examination Centre is to close in late August.
Managing Director of Transport Services at the Department of Transport, Nina Lyhne said the DoT had come up with a range of new services to cover the closure.
“The DoT’s lease on the site has ended and the landlords have advised that the lease will not be renewed as they intend to redevelop the site,” Ms Lyhne said.
“The DoT was thorough in assessing the options post closure. The model it has chosen will maintain high levels of service and ensure the motoring public can have their vehicles inspected with minimal inconvenience.”
She said motorists would still be available to visit one of the other DoT examination centres in Kelmscott, Welshpool, Midland, Osborne Park or Warwick or take their cars to one of the newly appointed Approved Inspections Stations (AIS).
She said the AIS had begun providing services to the public, ahead of the closure of O’Connor.
Ms Lyhne said there would be no cost difference for clients and each of the examiners would provide the same level of service and integrity expected from a DoT centre.
She said the Approved Inspection Stations were located in Hamilton Hill, Spearwood, Myaree and Bibra Lake.
Additional information is available at DoT website this PS News link.
2 August, 2011
Trainees to dump
on illegal dumpers
A training workshop run by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and Keep Australia Beautiful Council (KABC) has resulted in 24 Local Government Officers being ready to enforce new anti-dumping laws.
Chairman of KABC, Mel Hay said the new illegal dumping law was good news for Local Governments, especially as illegal dumping was a growing problem in the community.
Maximum penalties for illegal dumping are $62,500 for individuals and $125,000 for corporations.
“This new legislation can empower Local Governments to take action against illegal dumping and its potentially damaging consequences to the environment,” Mr Hay said.
“Not only are Local Governments able to claim costs, but the penalties from successful prosecutions can be returned to Local Government funds under the Sentencing Act 1995”.
Local Government rangers, environmental health officers and compliance officers were eligible to undertake the training, which authorised them to prosecute offenders.
Senior Ranger at the City of Mandurah, Myra Giardini said she felt the new legislation was an important step in empowering Local Governments to join the fight against illegal dumping.
“The training workshop was a valuable opportunity for Local Governments to be involved in reducing illegal dumping in our local communities,” Ms Giardini said.
Local Government Officers from the following areas have so far undertaken the training: Bunbury, Wanneroo, Rockingham, Dandaragan, Melville, East Fremantle, Cockburn, Armadale, Mandurah, Vincent, Kwinana, Murray, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Plantagenet, Wanneroo and Swan.
2 August, 2011
Loud cheers for
quiet radio rules
A decision by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to enhance existing radio-quiet protections in the Mid-West has been welcomed by the Minister for Science and Innovation, John Day.
Mr Day said the initiative would help radio astronomy and industry, including mining, to co-exist in the area.
In 2005, ACMA established the Mid-West Radio Quiet Zone to protect the sensitive radio astronomy equipment at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO) from unwanted radio communication signals.
Mr Day said the MRO was a uniquely radio-quiet area 330 kilometres north-east of Geraldton, and was Australia-New Zealand’s selected host site in its bid for the $2.2 billion Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.
“ACMA’s decision to enhance the radio-quiet protections surrounding the MRO balances the priorities of science and the resources industry,” Mr Day said.
“The measures take into account the requirements of the radio-quietness needs of radio astronomy proponents of the MRO, major proposed mining activities in the region, and the policy of the Federal and WA Governments.”
It was important the resources industry and the SKA could co-exist so the announcement was a big step to secure this.
The Minister said the final site decision for the SKA was fast approaching and ACMA’s announcement signalled the strength of Team Australia and New Zealand’s bid.
2 August, 2011
Teenage paper
comes of age
An issues paper that examines the critical stage of early adolescence has been published by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Michelle Scott.
Titled Middle Years, it is Ms Scott’s seventh issues paper and highlights the importance of appropriate programs and services for children and young people aged between nine and 14 years.
“The research tells us that the middle years are a critical period of development and social and emotional growth,” Ms Scott said.
“But the importance of this period means it also carries a heightened risk, particularly for disadvantaged children and young people, and it becomes a key intervention point at which issues can be identified and addressed.”
She said the issues paper emphasised that priority must be given to developing a coordinated and collaborative approach to policy and services to meet the needs of children in this age group better.
“While national frameworks exist for the early years (0-8 years) and youth (12-24 years) there is no strategy that sets out a coordinated approach for the middle years at either a State or a Federal level,” Ms Scott said.
The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth describes the middle years as being associated with major physiological, neurological, cognitive and psychosocial changes with the transition from primary to secondary school being of particular significance.
Middle Years is available on the Commissioner’s website this PS News link.
2 August, 2011
Intersection safety
at a crossroads
Funding to improve safety at four city intersections with a history of crashes is being sought by the City of Perth through the Black Spot road safety program.
Black Spot provides Local Government with access to funds from two streams – the State Government program that provides money on a two-thirds/one-third basis and a Federal program that provides full funding for road safety improvements.
The qualifying criteria for the next round of funding in 2012-13 is based on the number of vehicle crashes recorded over a five-year period to December 2010.
Projects identified by the City as being high priority are the Sutherland Street, Roe Street and Railway Parade intersection; the Hay Street and Harvest Terrace intersection; the Newcastle Street and Stirling Street intersection and the Winthrop Avenue and Poole Avenue intersection.
The total cost of the projects is $685,100.
Chief Executive of the City of Perth, Frank Edwards said the intersection of Sutherland Street, Roe Street and Railway Parade was in close proximity to the busy City West train station and the City West and Harbour Town shopping centres.
A review of crash data relating to this intersection showed there had been 52 crashes over the past five years.
Mr Edwards said as a result of successful Black Spot funding applications for the current financial year, the City was undertaking work at the Victoria Avenue and Terrace Road intersection; the St Georges Terrace, Milligan Street and Mount Street intersection and the Mounts Bay Road and Spring Street intersection.
2 August, 2011
Drain plan in
the pipeline
A major drainage and water management plan covering more than 375 square kilometres between the Peel Inlet and the Darling Ranges has been published.
The plan outlines how the region’s natural waters can be better managed in facilitating urban development while taking care of the fragile environment.
Minister for Water, Bill Marmion said the region was an important growth area.
“The limited water availability and seasonally wet landscape that supports locally and world-recognised ecological systems present enormous challenges from an urban development perspective,” Mr Marmion said.
“The drainage and water management plan is proactive, identifying and addressing the issues of urban development, rather than just identifying sections of the area unsuitable for development.”
He said many wetlands in the Peel-Harvey estuary system were recognised internationally through the United Nations Ramsar convention and were of extreme importance to migratory bird species.
The Minister said the plan would help guide developments that embraced total water cycle management principles and water sensitive urban design. The finalisation of the plan came after a three-month public comment period.
“The plan’s high quality supporting technical studies provide significant information about surface and groundwater in the area,” Mr Marmion said.
The drainage and water management plan’ is available on the Department of Water website at this PS News link.
2 August, 2011
Schools win war with
Anzac victories
A West Australian high school has received a top honour in this year’s national Anzac Day Schools’ Awards.
The annual awards encourage students to learn about Australia’s wartime history and develop relationships with their local veteran and current serving communities.
Merredin Senior High School was judged to have shown outstanding initiative in its commemorations.
It conducted an exceptional research project on former Australian Prisoners of War with students studying POWs, including some from their local area, and creating an excellent display to tell their stories.
Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon said that this year 18 winners across the country shared in $20,000 prize money, funded by the Saluting their Service program.
“This year’s entries showed exceptional commitment to commemorating the service and sacrifice of Australia’s veterans and current serving members,” Mr Snowdon said.
“It is great to see the effort, thought and planning that schools have put in to remembering our wartime history and ensuring the commemorations of the Anzacs live on.”
He encouraged all Australian primary and secondary schools to consider sharing how they commemorate and learn about Australia’s wartime history and enter the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards in 2012.
“The sharing of our veterans’ stories is becoming increasingly important as we look towards the Centenary of the First World War from 2014 to 2018,” he said.
Merredin Senior High School won $2,000 for its overall national award and $1,000 for taking out the WA Secondary Schools section.
Kingston Primary School won the WA Primary Schools Award for which it received $1,000.
2 August, 2011
Seatbelt policy
really clicks
The introduction of seatbelt legislation in WA 40 years ago is claimed to have saved more than 1,100 Western Australian lives.
Minister for Police and Road Safety, Rob Johnson said it became compulsory in 1971 for the occupants of motor vehicles to wear seatbelts and for all seats to be fitted with them.
Mr Johnson said that in addition to the significant number of lives saved, the law to make seatbelts compulsory had saved a further 18,500 people from serious injury.
“Wearing a seatbelt is one of the easiest ways of protecting drivers and passengers when travelling in a vehicle,” Mr Johnson said.
“You are 10 times more likely to be killed in a road crash if you’re not wearing a seatbelt in a car.”
He said about 40 people were killed in road crashes in WA every year because they were not wearing a seatbelt.
“This anniversary is a stark reminder to all drivers and passengers that they need to belt up to prevent further deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”
Mr Johnson said seatbelts prevented vehicle occupants from being ejected from a vehicle; spread the impact force over a greater area of the body; and minimised contact of occupants with a vehicle’s interior.
He said the focus of the Belt-Up message was on country residents as 68 per cent of the fatal and serious injuries caused by non-restraint use occurred in regional WA.
Mr Johnson said new laws came into effect in October 2010 which meant children aged between four and seven were not allowed to sit in the front seat unless all other seating positions were already occupied by children under seven.
2 August, 2011
Rare frog found
warts and all
Researchers from the Western Australian Museum, the University of Western Australia and the Australian National University (ANU) have discovered a new miniature frog species or toadlet.
The discovery was made in the Pilbara region, an area previously thought to support very few of the amphibians.
Lead research author and PhD student from the Research School of Biology at ANU, Renee Catullo said the species was previously unknown to science.
“The deserts of Australia are often believed to be empty regions with few species,” Ms Catullo said.
“However genetic work on reptiles and amphibians has shown that there are large numbers of species in what looks like a barren landscape to most people.”
She said the research team had identified a new species of burrowing frog which was just over two centimetres long.
She said it was a small, brown creature found following cyclonic rains and occurring in rocky gorges and creeks.
“The good news was that it appeared to be secure from a conservation perspective,” she said.
“Toadlets are native to Australia and this new species brings the total number to 27, the second largest group of frog species in the country.”
The discovery was part of a research project funded by the Herman Slade Foundation that used genetic techniques to try and understand the true number of species of toadlets.
2 August, 2011
And in Other News...
CMC charges town employee
An employee of the Town of Cottesloe has been charged with 24 counts of corruption by the Corruption and Crime Commission.
The employee is alleged to have contracted Council work worth more than $50,000 to a business he owned.
It is alleged he concealed his ownership of the business from the Council in breach of its Code of Conduct.
Anzac centre supported
Plans for a new interactive centre in Albany that will study the stories and experiences of Australians who fought in World War I is to be supported by the Australian Government.
The Government will provide $250,000 for a scoping study to help develop an Anzac Interpretive Centre in Albany.
The Centre is a key focus of the National Commission on the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary’s report to the Government.
Weather upgrade for Port Hedland
The Bureau of Meteorology has opened a new weather observation office in Port Hedland.
The $2.3 million project is part of a Federal Government upgrade of 12 of the Bureau’s oldest meteorological offices.
Port Hedland is a single-person Bureau observation office with a 22-metre radar tower. The observer’s tasks include preparing aviation weather reports every half hour, as well as full synoptic observations every three hours and releasing a weather balloon daily.
Feds boost local health
The Federal Government is to fund 20 projects to improve health education and training infrastructure in Western Australia.
As part of a national program the Commonwealth will spend $17 million on new facilities at Universities, hospitals and health care facilities, as well as new equipment.
The projects will see more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals start work in places where the community needs them.
Kununurra tanker
A new light tanker appliance has been delivered to the Kununurra Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
The $105,000 light tanker has an increased capacity and uses water more efficiently. It replaces an old appliance that was nearing the end of service life.
The addition to the fire fighting equipment can pump 180 litres of water per minute, a significant improvement over its predecessor.
Good outcomes awarded
The 2011 Good Outcomes Awards, which reward efforts to break down the stigma associated with mental illness, are open for nominations.
They will recognise people for their contribution to improving the lives of people with mental illness and their family and friends.
Entries close on 15 August and the winners will be announced at a ceremony on 11 October.
Students score bursaries
Four WA students seeking to gain qualifications and skills to pursue their chosen careers will receive up to $9,000.
The money comes from the Long Tan Bursary Scheme which provides eligible children of Vietnam veterans with financial assistance.
The funding will help cover the costs associated with post-secondary education including university courses and vocationally-oriented courses, such as those offered by TAFE institutions, business colleges and art schools.
Applications for each academic year open on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August, and close on 31 October.
Road contract let
A contract for the maintenance of the State’s road network in the Goldfields-Esperance region has been awarded to Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd.
The $95 million Integrated Services Arrangement (ISA) is the sixth relationship-based arrangement to be awarded as the current long-term road maintenance contracts expire.
Services under the ISA arrangements will begin in September.
Insiders out
The journalists’ union in WA has written to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation asking it to include Western Australia in its weekly television program “The Insiders.”
“WA media has no role on Insiders despite the State’s major economic and political impact on national affairs,” the union said.
“WA members feel Insiders would benefit from perspectives other than those only from the eastern seaboard.”
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