SearchArchives for February 2010
23 February, 2010Tangled findings
in web report
The Public Sector Commission has released a report to help Agencies and Departments take a consistent approach to managing their websites and improve the way they deliver information to the public.The 72-page publication, 2008/09 Website Report, looks at Agency adherence to the State’s Website Governance Framework (WGF).
The WGF was developed in 2007 after a 2005 review of WA Government websites found there was a lack of accountability and governance in website management practices.
Agencies are required to comply with the Framework and to report on their websites annually.
According to the report many Agencies have not adopted the WGF adequately with a large number of new and redeveloped sites failing to meet various WGF requirements and also falling short on annual reporting requirements.
The report found that significant improvements could be made to the number of Agencies complying with the WGF requirements.
“The primary focus of the WGF to date has been on applying WGF requirements to new and redeveloped websites,” the report says.
“This approach recognises the significant cost and effort required to bring the existing stock of WA Government websites into line with the WGF.
“Accordingly, the percentage of websites reported as meeting with specific requirements of the WGF is low at this point in time and indicates significant room for improvement.”
The report said as websites were created, decommissioned and redeveloped the percentage that meet the WGF requirements should increase significantly.
The Public Sector Commission said as the WGF was a “relatively new requirement”, the Framework’s profile needed to be raised with Departments and Agencies and that a better understanding of the importance of websites needed to be created.
“The Public Sector Commissioner will communicate with all Directors General and Chief Executive Officers, indicating that the WGF continues to be the key strategic tool for the Western Australian Government to deliver better outcomes in online service delivery and re-advising of the requirement to adopt and comply with the WGF,” the report says.
For the 2008/09 Website Report, Agencies had to report on any cost savings achieved in the 2008/09 financial year due to the consolidation and/or rationalisation of their website; cost of website service delivery; and validate and update their websites’ profile information.
The 2008/09 report covers the first full year of operation for the WGF and was available from www.publicsector.wa.gov.au
23 February, 2010
Ships shape up for
seagoing safety
The Department of Transport has lifted the level of safety standards and insurance requirements maritime vessels will need to meet if they wish to use Departmental facilities.General Manager of Coastal Infrastructure at the Department, Steve Jenkins said there had been recent changes to the legislation governing on-board electrical and gas installations and connections to onshore power supplies to reflect the relevant Australian Standard.
Mr Jenkins said vessels moored or berthed at Department of Transport facilities must comply with the updated standards for electrical connections and gas installations and meet a minimum level of insurance coverage.
“At the same time as adopting the new safety standards, Transport has also implemented a minimum level of insurance providing liability to other parties of $10 million,” Mr Jenkins said.
He said the Department had published a document outlining the new requirements in detail to assist vessel owners.
He said he expected many of the current users of Transport maritime facilities were already compliant with the new standards and that their insurance would meet the new minimum level required for use.
“Transport has written to current users to highlight the new requirements and asked that proof of compliance be provided as soon as possible to the Harbour Manager,” Mr Jenkins said.
“It is important for the safety of the facility and other users that all vessels meet Australian Standards and have an appropriate level of insurance cover.”
A copy of the new requirements was available from www.transport.wa.gov.au
23 February, 2010
Have funds
will travel
The Minister for Housing, Troy Buswell, has revealed that more than 30 public housing tenants have been evicted in the past five months for exceeding the income limits for public accommodation.Mr Buswell said Department of Housing officials involved in the crackdown had so far interviewed 76 tenants and issued 31 notices of eviction to those whose income or assets exceeded the allowable limits.
He said more homes would be available for people on the waiting list if the audit team’s “40 per cent strike rate” was repeated across the remaining 743 cases of potentially ineligible tenants.
“It is unfair that people who can afford to move into the private market are occupying public housing when there are people who are struggling to find a home for themselves and their families,” Mr Buswell said.
“If people in public housing can afford to buy an investment property, or their income is now substantially higher than when they moved into public housing, these people will be asked to move out into private rentals or their own investment property.”
The Minister said he expected “a significant number” of eviction notices to be issued by the time the Department finished interviews in October.
Case studies from the audit team include several examples of tenants whose weekly earnings exceeded set income limits by several hundred dollars.
The homes of evicted ineligible tenants have been allocated to various tenants, including families who have been on the public housing waiting list for over a year.
Mr Buswell said public housing was a safety net for people who would otherwise have nowhere else to go.
“Public housing is there for a reason, to help people who are in difficult social or financial circumstances, and assist them to get back on their feet and to put a roof over their heads,” he said.
Investigations last year identified up to 1,350 tenants who were potentially ineligible for housing assistance.
Further investigation cleared 607 people, including tenants whose households were subject to higher income limits either because they were located in the North-West of the State or their household included a person with a disability.
23 February, 2010
Trainee timetable has
program back on rails
Reducing the minimum part-time hours of work required to undertake a traineeship in the community sector from 20 to 15 a week is expected to attract large numbers of new trainees according to the Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier.Mr Collier said the reduced hours were being trialled under the traineeship pilot program, which targets selected traineeships in the Western Australian Aged Care, Disability and Community Care sectors.
He said the program would mean a greater number of people who work part-time in the community services sector would become eligible to undertake a traineeship.
“Previously, requirements for a part-time worker in WA seeking to undertake a traineeship meant they had to be employed for a minimum of 20 hours per week,” Mr Collier said.
“In the aged care, disability, and home and community care sectors, many people work a minimum of 15 hours, therefore making them ineligible to undertake a traineeship.”
Describing the project as “groundbreaking”, Mr Collier said it would significantly increase the opportunity for care workers to undertake training and gain a nationally recognised qualification.
The project was developed following discussions with the Community Services, Health and Education Training Council, and consultation with the National Disability Services, and Aged and Community Services WA.
It is to be implemented over two years and focus exclusively on six traineeships: Aged Care Work (levels 3 and 4), Disability Services (levels 3 and 4), and Community Care (levels 3 and 4).
“The new opportunities these traineeships provide will make a significant difference at a time of growing demand for people needing aged, disability and community care, and at a time of increased competition for all workers,” Mr Collier said.
“This is a great example of industry, Government and the Training Council working together to address workforce requirements and develop practical and innovative solutions.”
23 February, 2010
Green inspectors
no longer green
Six officers from the Department of Environment and Conservation have become environmental investigators after graduating from a training course.Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher said the new investigators were an important part of the Government’s plan to strengthen environmental safeguards across the State, and would help improve environmental monitoring and compliance programs.
”The creation of these new investigative positions will increase our regional capacity to deliver improved environmental outcomes for the community and industry,” Ms Faragher said.
“Their role will primarily involve conducting and managing investigations in response to suspected breaches of the environmental legislation that the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) administers.”
She said the graduating officers and two officers that were already in place would attend and investigate environmental incidents throughout WA.
Ms Faragher said $4 million in funding had been provided for the next four years to fund regional investigator positions in the Mid-West, South-West, South Coast, Pilbara and Swan regions.
The Minister said funding would also be used to employ two senior investigator positions within the DEC’s Environmental Enforcement Unit in Perth.
Graduating alongside the DEC officers were also five staff from the Perth Region Natural Resource Management, which last year received $250,000 from the Government to undertake an environmental monitoring program to help small businesses reduce the discharge of pollutants into the Swan-Canning catchment.
23 February, 2010
Crime rates down as
Police powers up
Police statistics revealing an overall drop in reported crime have been released by the Attorney-General, Christian Porter and Minister for Police, Rob Johnson.The statistics show overall reported crime in Western Australia fell 8.5 per cent in 2009 compared to 2008.
Reported crimes against people and property were down 11.5 per cent in the second half of 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.
Mr Porter said the quarterly breakdown of total reported crime throughout 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008, showed a steady downward trend.
He said because the falls were across a range of offences, the information was particularly pleasing.
He said that in the October to December quarter reported offences against property showed an overall drop of 11.5 per cent; burglary was down by 12.6 per cent; and motor vehicle theft decreased by 14 per cent.
Mr Johnson said the Government would continue to put downward pressure on crime by introducing new weapons offences, additional stop-and-search powers for police and prohibited behaviour orders.
“While these trends are encouraging, we know that we need to continue to pursue those policies that we believe will be in the best long-term benefit of the community,” Mr John son said.
Mr Porter said significant decreases in reported crime had coincided with a rise in the prison population between March and December last year.
“The community expects the Government to target crime; they expect there to be serious consequences for criminal behaviour; and they expect that once sentenced, offenders will be dealt with strictly but with the opportunity to rehabilitate themselves,” he said.
“If we take serious criminals off our streets the effect of keeping offenders in prison longer means there is less potential for them to reoffend and more potential for them to get the rehabilitative programs they need.”
23 February, 2010
Teachers to log onto
computer training
Western Australian teachers could be about to benefit from a national program to provide comprehensive training in information and communication technology.Federal Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, announced the program which she said would cost $40 million.
Ms Gillard said the Digital Strategy for Teachers and School Leaders was part of the Commonwealth’s $2.2 billion Digital Education Revolution and would help teachers and school leaders achieve ICT proficiency and embed those skills across the curriculum and teaching practices.
“The Government will consult with education sectors to determine how ICT proficiency can best be achieved in schools, and the first part of the strategy will develop a national ICT self-assessment tool to be trialled in selected schools from February 2011,” she said.
“An in-school professional development program will also be developed based on the results of the self-assessment tool to help guide teachers and school leaders towards customised professional development to support their needs.”
Ms Gillard said a $20 million ICT Innovation Fund would be established to provide grants for ICT projects.
She said organisations including universities, State and Territory Education Departments, businesses and non-government education sectors would be encouraged to apply for funding from 2010 until 2012.
The Minister said projects eligible for funding would improve the capability of pre-service teachers; enhance the capacity of in-service teachers and drive innovation through leadership.
Ms Gillard said the strategy would also complement the new Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership’s work to strengthen and advance the teaching profession.
The fund will call for its first applications in April this year.
23 February, 2010
Loyal servant gives
name to new award
A new award is to be added to the Western Australian Citizen of the Year program to honour the contribution of former Public Servant, lawyer, judge and social activist, Sir Ronald Wilson.Announcing the opening of nominations, Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, John Castrilli said the inclusion of the Sir Ronald Wilson Leadership Award recognised Sir Ronald’s work in the fields of equality, human rights and social justice.
“Sir Ronald Wilson had a deep concern for the fundamental rights of ordinary people and was an exceptional leader in his own right,” Mr Castrilli said.
“The award honours the life of a remarkable Western Australian.
“For 37 years the WA Citizen of the Year Award has produced awe-inspiring winners and demonstrated that WA’s greatest assets are its people,” he said.
Mr Castrilli said there was a “tremendous amount” of talent in the community and many people who deserved to be acknowledged for their contributions.
“I am very pleased to recognise the achievements, vision, commitment and spirit of individuals and service organisations which make our State a better place to work and live in,” he said.
“The State Government is proud to support the awards and encourages people to get involved.”
Nominations close on 1 April. The Governor, Ken Michael, will announce recipients at a gala award presentation dinner on 29 May.
Further information was available from www.celebratewa.com.au
23 February, 2010
World of information
in multicultural kit
A new resource kit for schools has been developed to highlight the importance of multiculturalism and cultural diversity in Western Australia.Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, John Castrilli said A World of Difference had been designed to help teachers to provide knowledge, skills, understanding and appreciation of the State’s cultural diversity.
Mr Castrilli said the kit would promote awareness and policies and would focus on equality and discrimination, two key issues affecting multiculturalism.
“Using A World of Difference empowers teachers by providing learning tools and stimulating activities that can be taught as a complete or integrated program,” he said.
Mr Castrilli said WA had a higher proportion of people born overseas than any other State in Australia and was home to over 200 cultural groups and nearly 300 languages.
He said WA’s Charter of Multiculturalism describes the State as a “multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multicultural society, whose members are drawn from a rich heritage of cultural traditions and histories.”
Mr Castrilli said WA’s cultural diversity continued to grow.
“We must prepare for the future by increasing our young people’s knowledge of multiculturalism,” he said.
“Schools have been given access to a sophisticated resource - an essential tool to learn and understand more about cultural diversity.”
A World of Difference is produced by the Department of Education in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Interests.
It was available from www.det.wa.gov.au and www.omi.wa.gov.au
23 February, 2010
Heavy duty debate
on freight rules
A discussion paper on issues relating to road freight has been released for public comment by the Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien.The paper was developed by the Ministerial Heavy Vehicle Advisory Panel (MHVAP) in consultation with Main Roads WA and the transport industry.
Mr O’Brien said the paper was the latest step in the State Government’s push for the safe and efficient transport of goods by road while protecting the State’s competitiveness in the wider global trading environment.
“The scheme under consideration is based on rewarding operators with increased mass limits, providing they adopt loading controls and management systems,” he said.
“While the paper recognises we must protect our road and bridge assets, it also suggests it would be in our State’s economic interests to allow higher productivity vehicles, which meet rigorous safety and operating standards, to use the road network.”
Mr O’Brien said the discussion paper also looked at reducing the administrative burden for industry and Regulatory Agencies by implementing a simplified, streamlined mass management scheme.
He said it was MHVAP’s intention to offer the public and transport industry an opportunity to provide input into the development of the mass management scheme.
The closing date for submissions is 19 March and the discussion paper was available from www.mainroads.wa.gov.au
23 February, 2010
Redress WA addresses
allegations of abuse
About 100 victims of alleged abuse and neglect at the hands of past State Government authorities have been offered ex-gratia payments as part of the Redress WA scheme.Minister for Community Services, Robyn McSweeney, announced the offers saying they would range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $45,000.
Mrs McSweeney said the payments were in acknowledgment of the fact that recipients suffered while in State care and were not compensation for the impact the “terrible experiences” had on their lives.
“Redress WA anticipates that applicants involved in the initial round of offers will have money deposited in their accounts in the coming weeks,” she said.
Mrs McSweeney said applicants for the payments would not be required to waive their rights to seek further legal redress.
“We are also making sure that people with a life threatening illness or condition, who have already received an interim payment, will be the first to receive an ex-gratia payment offer,” she said.
A total of $114 million has been allocated to the Redress WA scheme, $90.2 million of which was set aside for ex-gratia payments alone.
Mrs McSweeney said the ex-gratia payment offers would be based on information provided by applicants - including their records of time in care - and would be assessed against set criteria established for the scheme.
“All applicants will be contacted prior to their applications being assessed, allowing them the opportunity to provide further information to support their claim,” she said.
Mrs McSweeney said those who accept an ex-gratia payment will receive a formal letter of apology from the State Government.
“Redress WA applicants have told us that a formal apology is an extremely important part of helping them move forward with their lives,” she said.
Redress WA expects to make all ex-gratia payment offers to eligible applicants by mid-2011, with approximately 100 applications to be randomly selected at a time for assessment.
23 February, 2010
Local food campaign
is to everyone’s taste
A new media campaign encouraging shoppers to buy locally-produced foods has been launched jointly by the State Government and a collaboration of growers, producers, manufacturers and retailers.Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman said the Be Vocal About Eating Local campaign was a novel way for producers to speak directly to their WA customers.
The campaign is an initiative of the Buy West Eat Best Program.
Mr Redman said the television ads featured animated food and were designed to increase awareness of the Buy West Eat Best logo, which helped consumers identify products grown, farmed, fished or produced in WA.
“This campaign will see the Buy West Eat Best logo plastered across the State as it uses television, newspaper, online, in-store and other promotional strategies to help shoppers spot local produce quickly and easily,” Mr Redman said.
He said the campaign has been backed by independent research which revealed consumers preferred to buy local produce but wanted to be able to easily identify those products in-store.
“There are now more than 90 Buy West Eat Best partners, including major retailers, producers and growers, all passionate about producing and promoting WA food,” the Minister said.
“Look in-store for the logo and if you can’t find your favourite WA product, make sure you ask your local store manager and be vocal about eating local.”
A list of businesses that are signed up to the campaign was available from www.buywesteatbest.org.au
23 February, 2010
Mite no match for
researchers’ might
Scientists from the Department of Agriculture and Food have succeeded in developing two new varieties of pest-resistant pasture fodder.Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman said the scientists had increased the resistance of two varieties of subterranean clover, Bindoon and Rosabrook, to the destructive Redlegged Earth Mite.
Mr Redman said Senior Research Officer, Phillip Nichols was responsible for developing the clovers.
“Redlegged Earth Mite can result in major economic losses through substantial damage to pastures, particularly at the seedling stage,” Mr Redman said.
“The mite is believed to have arrived in 1917 on a cargo ship from South Africa and has since proved a scourge for southern Australian growers.”
He said the pest had mainly been controlled by using chemicals, but resistance among some mite populations to two widely-used chemicals had recently been reported.
“The development of varieties with increased resistance at the seedling stage to mites will reduce the need for chemical use and prove more cost-effective for farmers,” Mr Redman said.
“Both of these new varieties have shown outstanding performance in grazed field evaluation trials.”
The clovers were bred by the Department as part of the National Annual Pasture Legume Improvement Program.
Financial assistance was provided by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Australian Wool Innovation, and Pastures Australia.
Mr Redman said limited seed quantities of Bindoon, a mid-season cultivar, will be made available this year while seed for Rosabrook, a late flowering cultivar, was expected to be commercially available in 2011.
23 February, 2010
Miner digs deep for
education support
A new sponsorship agreement between the Department of Education and mining giant BHP Billiton has been signed to improve education and training in the East Pilbara region.Minister for Education, Liz Constable said almost $3 million funding was being provided as part of the Pilbara Education Partnership which was formed in 2005.
“The positive outcomes of the Pilbara Education Partnership to date are extremely encouraging,” Dr Constable said.
“Through our partnerships, we continue to work together to strengthen Pilbara communities - of which schools are an integral and crucial part - and to ensure that people in the region have access to quality services.”
She said the Government recognised the importance of working collaboratively with industry partners to provide strong outcomes for all Western Australians and looked forward to a continued collaboration with BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Hedland and Newman schools.
Dr Constable said some key programs funded by the Partnership included providing scholarships at Hedland and Newman senior high schools; collaboration between primary schools in the Port Hedland area; trade training programs at Hedland SHS; and early childhood programs for the Martu Community at Newman.
She said the Department of Education’s programs helped promote long-term sustainable development in the Pilbara.
“The partnerships have resulted in targeted educational programs that enhanced education and training opportunities within the region, assisted individuals and families to progress their learning and career development aims within the Pilbara and assisted business and industry to recruit and retain appropriately skilled staff within the region,” Dr Constable said.
23 February, 2010
New angle taken
on fishing quotas
A discussion paper on the allocation of fishing quotas has been released for public comment.Prepared by the Principal Management Officer at the Department of Fisheries, Chris Reid, the paper examines mechanisms for adjusting or trading fishery catch allocations within a sustainable management framework.
Dr Reid said fisheries managers across Australia were increasingly seeking appropriate mechanisms to adjust allocations of fish resources to various sectors.
“How ecologically sustainable harvests of fish resources can best be shared between competing user groups is an increasingly important issue for fisheries managers,” he said.
“This research project looks at mechanisms to allow for future adjustments, once initial allocations have been established.”
Dr Reid said feedback was now being sought on the discussion paper and the options it presented.
He said commercial, recreational and customary fishers along with members of the public and other stakeholders were invited to comment on the discussion paper.
“While this research project has been based on the lobster fisheries in both WA and South Australia, the approaches presented in the paper also have application to other fisheries where competing sectors vie for catch shares,” Dr Reid said.
“The paper details the Department of Fisheries’ initial findings and puts forward a range of options for consideration, covering both administrative and market-based approaches.
“It also notes that before any inter-sectoral reallocation mechanisms can be developed, a resource-sharing (or Integrated Fisheries Management) framework must be in place, on to which the re-allocation mechanism can be built.”
The paper, Developing Mechanisms for the Transfer and/or Adjustment of Rock Lobster Shares Between Sectors in Western Australia and South Australia was funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and was available from www.fish.wa.gov.au
23 February, 2010
Centre opens door
on autistic children
The Commonwealth Government has funded a new Early Learning and Care Centre in Perth for autistic children at a cost of $2.5 million.The funds were provided to the Autism Association of Western Australia and Jellybeans Child Care who established the centre in partnership with Curtin University of Technology.
Federal Minister for Families, Housing and Community Services, Jenny Macklin, officially opened the centre which is operating out of an existing Jelly Beans Child Care Centre in Warwick.
Ms Macklin said the centre provides a minimum of 20 child care places for children from birth to six years with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
She said it was one of six autism specific centres which are part of the Australian Government’s $190 million Helping Children with Autism package.
The new centre is staffed by trained child care workers and offers programs run by speech pathologists, psychologists, occupational therapists and other professionals experienced in dealing with autism.
“As many as one in 160 Australian children have an autism spectrum disorder,” Ms Macklin said.
“Early intervention and ongoing family support can make a huge difference to these children’s quality of life, making it easier for them to attend school and participate in everyday activities.”
Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education and Child Care, Kate Ellis said the centre draws on international best practice.
“The work done in this centre will build on the existing evidence base about autism-specific disorders and promote best practice through the involvement of Curtin University,” Ms Ellis said.
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten said the Perth centre would also offer crucial support and information to parents.
“The collaboration with Curtin University also means that the centre will be able to undertake research and build our knowledge of autism, as well as increasing the number of specialists who understand the condition.”
23 February, 2010
Atlas SLIPS
The Geographic Data Atlas is to be decommissioned by the Department of Environment and Conservation and replaced by access to the State Land Information Platform (SLIP) located at Landgate.
SLIP operates across a wide range of WA Government Agencies, providing data with improved consistency and performance in an online real-time basis.
Its portal displays data via the WA Atlas and provides a separate download facility for specific datasets. Further information was available from www.landgate.wa.gov.au
Spinal injuries up
Spinal injuries relating to water activities have reached record levels with 30 recorded at the Royal Perth Hospital in 2009, up from 21 in the previous year.
Minister for Health, Kim Hames said the total had prompted him to warn residents of the dangers of diving and swimming accidents during hot weather.
In the last 10 years the number of patients with spinal injuries due to water-related accidents doubled from 15 to 30.
DAFWA releases wheat guide
The Department of Agriculture and Food’s Wheat Variety Guide 2010 is set to be launched at the Department’s Agribusiness Crop Updates later this week.
The guide summarises the performance characteristics of commercially available wheat varieties and provides information for grain growers when making sowing decisions.
The performance of new wheat varieties will also be reviewed at the Crop Updates which will be held from 25 to 26 February.
Finance fund in hand out
Almost $1 million is to be shared among four WA organisations to help them provide more intensive support to people under financial pressure.
The Federal funding will be received by UnitingCare West ($300,000); Anglicare WA ($308,000); Multicultural Services Centre Inc ($189,000) and the Salvation Army Property Trust WA ($189,000).
The funding brings the total Australian Government emergency relief funding for Western Australia to more than $10 million for 2009-11.
Grain network meetings
Officers at the Department of Transport and the Chairman of the Strategic Grain Network Committee (SGNC) are to meet with grain-growing communities to discuss the findings of a report into grain logistics and freight that was released by the SGNC.
Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien said he had written to all affected Local Governments through the WA Local Government Association to offer them a series of briefings and information sessions on the review and its findings.
“The Government must consider how to tackle the longer term issues identified in the report - an issue made even more compelling by the deregulation of the wheat market,” Mr O’ Brien said.
New homes for Mandurah
A total of 96 new homes for the aged are to be built in Mandurah in a joint project between the Department of Housing and the Bethanie Group.
The $19.44 million project is being funded as part of Stage 2 of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Package.
Under the proposal, the Department of Housing will fund 96 units in Maclaggan Turn which adjoins an existing aged care facility managed by the Bethanie Group.
16 February, 2010
Unplanned end for
planning committees
The Western Australian Planning Commission is to disband 13 planning committees following a review in line with Government policy.Minister for Planning, John Day said all Government Agencies had been required to review, and where appropriate reduce, the number of boards and committees.
Mr Day said the review aimed to improve operational efficiencies, reduce costs and make Government more responsive to the needs of Western Australians.
“The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) has performed a strategic review of their committees to determine the role and effectiveness of each committee and to ensure that resources are focused in the right area,’ he said.
“The review has resulted in the discharge of 13 committees where it was considered they had either fulfilled their purpose or were no longer required.”
Mr Day said the functions of the discharged committees had been incorporated into a revised committee structure or alternative arrangements had been put in place.
The discharged committees are Araluen Park Board of Management; Environment and Natural Resources Management Committee; Goldfields, Esperance Regional Planning and Infrastructure Coordinating Committee; Greater Bunbury Region Planning Committee; Metropolitan Region Planning Committee; Parliament House Precinct Committee; Priorities Committee; Public Utilities Services Committee; School Sites Planning Committee; Sustainability Committee; WAPC/WALGA Committee; Western Victoria Quay Advisory Committee; and Whiteman Park Board of Management.
Mr Day said the WAPC had also made seven long-standing committees advisory as part of the restructure.
“These committees will continue to play a role in establishing positive planning outcomes but, rather than having scheduled meeting dates and times, they will only convene to discuss issues of strategic importance for the State as and when required,” he said.
These committees are: Coastal Planning and Coordination Council; Sustainable Transport Committee; and five metropolitan district planning committees.
Mr Day said the WAPC elected to retain the following committees: Infrastructure Coordinating Committee; Statutory Planning Committee; Executive, Finance and Property Committee; Central Perth Planning Committee; and six regional planning committees (South-West, Peel, Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne and Mid-West).
16 February, 2010
New home for
home schemes
A major overhaul of the Government’s low cost home ownership scheme has been announced.Minister for Housing, Troy Buswell, said the new arrangements would see four existing schemes consolidated into one and renamed the “Step Up Home Ownership Scheme,” which would be run by the Government’s home lending arm, Keystart.
Mr Buswell estimated the initiative could double the number of loans available to all shared equity customers in 2009-10.
He said the move would harmonise eligibility and lending criteria for loans to people with disabilities, sole parents, public housing tenants and Aboriginal borrowers.
As part of the changes, a dedicated network of Indigenous regional brokers is to be established to assist Aboriginal borrowers.
“The improved scheme will help reduce the financial barriers often faced by low income households when trying to buy a home,” Mr Buswell said.
“This initiative is also an important element of the Government’s strategy to reform public housing and help rental tenants transition into their own homes in order to free up opportunities for others on the waiting list.”
He said the Department of Housing would use its regional office network to identify tenants who could benefit from the scheme.
Since 2002, more than 1,500 households have been helped under the previous targeted shared equity schemes.
16 February, 2010
Website steps up to
support disabled
A new website providing information on accessible venues and facilities for people with disabilities has been launched by the Minister for Disability Services, Simon O’Brien.A joint initiative of the Disability Services Commission and Western Australian Local Government Association, the You’re Welcome WA website has attracted the support of 36 Local Governments and more than 1,000 businesses, community organisations and Government Agencies.
“Every day, people with disabilities and their families face challenges to do things others take for granted - going to the shops, having a meal at a café, picnicking in a park or going on a holiday,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Now with You’re Welcome WA, a lot of the information people with a disability need when choosing venues with appropriate access is just a few clicks away.”
He said that in addition to the website, the You’re Welcome WA Initiative provided its partners with training and support to ensure their facilities were accessible.
“The benefits flow both ways as organisations and businesses are educated on the needs of customers with disabilities,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The project is another step forward in creating a more welcoming, accessible and inclusive WA.”
The initiative has received $950,000 funding from the State Government.
You’re Welcome WA was available from www.accesswa.com.au
16 February, 2010
Safety net widens
for internet use
A world-first pilot program addressing internet safety for students is to be run in 14 schools across Western Australia.Federal Minister for Education, Julia Gillard said 164 schools in Australia would take part in the $3 million national initiative.
Ms Gillard said participating schools would implement policies and practices to support the safe, smart and responsible use of technology.
She said the schools would be provided with web resources to allow them to create an approach to cyber safety that met their individual needs.
“There is no one size fits all approach to bullying in schools but we are determined to provide teachers and school leaders with a range of tools to help them deal with bullying,” Ms Gillard said.
“Government and non-Government primary and secondary schools in urban, rural and remote Australia will participate in the cyber safety pilot which will run until 30 April 2010.
“The project will help clarify the role that schools play in ensuring responsible and safe use of technology.”
She said the pilot aimed to make cyber safety an integral part of student wellbeing practices in schools by improving cyber safety curriculum and increasing teachers’ skills in the area.
The Minister said the program would also help schools work with parents and the community
“Content for the initiative has been informed by extensive research and by a number of cyber-safety experts from across Australia,” Ms Gillard said.
“The Government is deeply concerned about the emergence of cyber-bullying in our schools and the impact it is having on students.”
She said the outcomes of the pilot would be independently evaluated and used to inform the Government’s review of the National Safe Schools Framework (NSSF) which is expected to be completed in June 2010.
The initiative was developed and conducted by child safety charity, the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
WA Schools to be included in the program are:
Christmas Island District High School, Christmas Island
East Waikiki Primary School, Cooloongup
Kalbarri District High School, Kalbarri
Newman S.H.S., Newman
Port Hedland Primary School, Port Hedland
Roleystone Primary School, Roleystone
Spearwood Primary School, Spearwood
Wagin District High School, Wagin
Denmark High School, Denmark
Aranmore Catholic College, Leederville
Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, Gelorup
Lance Holt School, Fremantle
Methodist Ladies’ College, Claremont
Moerlina School, Mount Claremont
16 February, 2010
Greenhouse funding to
be taken for granted
Government Departments and Agencies are among the organisations being urged to apply for funding to develop sustainable, low-emission, green-house friendly technologies under the State Government’s Low Emissions Energy Development (LEED) fund.Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher, issued the invitation, also calling on businesses, universities and other non-Government organisations to become involved.
Ms Faragher said up to $10 million was available for the project.
“The State Government is focused on supporting technologies that could help WA lead the nation in low emissions bio-energy and renewable energy including solar, wave, tidal and geothermal,” she said.
“We are investing in the ingenuity of WA’s brightest minds to provide practical climate change solutions through low emissions technologies, which have the potential to create new jobs and open up important export markets.”
Minister for Energy, Peter Collier said funding was subject to successful applicants matching every dollar invested by the State Government with $3 from elsewhere.
Mr Collier said previous LEED funding had included $12.5 million for the construction of a low-emissions wave energy power station off Garden Island.
“The five-megawatt power station will use submerged pumping units on the sea floor to collect wave energy in the form of pressurised sea water, which will generate electricity from a hydroelectric turbine onshore,” he said.
“LEED funding of $1.5 million has also been invested in designing, building and testing an oil mallee harvesting machine.
“Oil mallees are recognised for their potential to provide a bioenergy source which can be grown in combination with conventional cereal cropping.”
Applications for funding close on 24 March 2010, with further information available from www.dec.wa.gov.au
16 February, 2010
DET buckles down
on seatbelt safety
A 10-year program to replace over 150 school buses with new ones fitted with seat belts has been completed five years early.The $22 million program, which was launched in 2005, was completed in time for the start of the 2010 school year.
Minister for Education, Liz Constable said the Department of Education and Training fast-tracked the program with the safety of students foremost in mind.
“Western Australia is the first State in the nation to make seatbelts mandatory for buses used to transport public school students,” Dr Constable said.
“The new buses - some of which replaced vehicles that were up to 40 years old - were distributed to public schools around the State in time for the start of this school year.”
The Minister said parents could now be assured that students using these buses would be transported in safety and comfort.
A total of 76 new buses were provided to public schools in the metropolitan area and 78 were supplied to regional schools, agricultural colleges and residential student hostels.
Dr Constable said the buses would generally be used to transport students for school activities such as excursions and camps.
16 February, 2010
New look TAFE
gets facelift
Central West TAFE has been relaunched as Durack Institute of Technology to herald a new era in training and workforce development in WA.Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier said the rebranding would provide Durack with a new platform from which to build on its past achievements.
Mr Collier said it would allow the school to enhance and evolve its products and services and increase its student and client base.
“It is an exciting and challenging time to be involved in training and workforce development in WA,” he said.
“The Mid-West and Gascoyne regions are moving into new territory, with major projects being developed in the mining, resources and science sectors, and training will play a vital role as these projects’ progress.”
Mr Collier said Durack was the latest college to undergo a change in brand, following the Government’s decision to provide colleges with greater autonomy and flexibility and to make them more innovative and effective in a competitive marketplace.
“These changes will contribute greatly to raising the status of training and publicly-funded training colleges, while providing the opportunity for the colleges to be presented as centres of excellence,” he said.
“This is a significant initiative for regional WA, opening up new opportunities for regional residents.”
The Minister said the college’s new brand was the latest phase of its evolution that had spanned over half a century, from when it first opened in 1958 as Geraldton Technical Education Centre.
The Durack name honours a well-known pioneering family who came to WA in the late 1800s to lay the foundations of the cattle industry in the Kimberley region.
16 February, 2010
Floating dock
comes on stream
A six-year project by LandCorp, the Department of Commerce and the management of the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson has culminated in the launch of the most technically advanced floating dock and transfer system in the world.Ministers for Lands and Commerce, Brendon Grylls and Troy Buswell launched the dock and transfer system at the AMC in Henderson.
Mr Grylls said the dock was part of a $170 million upgrade to the AMC which also includes self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs), the eastern wharf and a transfer wharf.
He said the Government expected the floating dock to add more than $2 billion to the State’s economy over 25 years through naval contracts and up to $100 million a year for resources-related projects.
The 99-metre by 53-metre dock can lift vessels weighing up to 12,000 tonnes out of the water for service and maintenance and facilitate the water-to-land transfer of vessels up to 3,500 tonnes.
Mr Grylls said the dock’s capabilities were vital for supporting the Royal Australian Navy Collins Class submarine fleet which would be serviced at the Common User Facility until at least 2032.
“No other dock in the world can move in more than one direction at a time and very few docks have the capability to transfer and offload vessels,” he said.
Mr Buswell said the new infrastructure would enhance the common use capabilities of the AMC and link Western Australian industries with the development and operation of major resources, petroleum and defence projects.
“The addition of the floating dock to this important facility will ensure it remains at the forefront of major project delivery,” he said.
“In particular, the dock will play a major role in assisting local industry to capitalise on opportunities from the 2009 Defence White Paper.”
Mr Buswell said the Government was looking at a range of options regarding the second stage of the dock.
He said the SPMTs would be available to all Western Australian industries to use at the complex.
16 February, 2010
Student employers
face workplace tests
Inspectors from the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman are to visit students at WA universities to ensure they understand their workplace rights and are not missing out on money in their pay packets.Inspectors will visit students at Edith Cowan University, University of WA and Curtin University as a part of O-Week activities.
Fair Work Ombudsman, Nicholas Wilson said knowledge was the best defence against young workers being unwittingly taken advantage of.
“Money can be tight when you’re a student, so it’s important to make sure you’re not missing out on pay and entitlements,” Mr Wilson said.
“Even one or two dollars less in your hourly rate of pay can make a difference.
“Students, especially those who are living in Australia for the first time, can be vulnerable to exploitation as they are often unaware of their right to minimum wage conditions, penalty rates and leave entitlements.”
The Ombudsman said young workers needed to know they should receive a payslip, that unpaid work trials were generally against the law and that having money deducted from wages if the cash register was short or customers had damaged stock was illegal.
“Students can visit www.fairwork.gov.au/youngworkers or chat online with a
Fair Work Adviser for information and advice,” Mr Wilson said.
The Fair Work Ombudsman will visit 16 universities across Australia during O-Week to raise awareness among students of their workplace rights.
In January last year, more than 1,700 young people were back-paid a total of
$634,000 after a national audit campaign by the Ombudsman found they had been short-changed at work.
16 February, 2010
Bird owners warned
against being cocky
Bird owners have been warned by the Department of Agriculture and Food to keep their pet birds secure following the discovery of Indian ringneck parakeets in the wild.Development Officer at the Department, Marion Massam, said Indian ringnecks, also called rose-ringed parakeets, were pests which posed a high risk of establishment in the wild if they were released or escaped.
Ms Massam said the Department would continue to capture the birds and keep them in secure facilities to prevent them from becoming established in the wild.
“Escapees have been regularly found in the wild, with the two most recent detections both in Wembley,” she said.
“Over the past year, ringnecks have been removed from West Swan, Belmont, Applecross, St James and Hamilton Hill.”
The species was a declared pest in Western Australia and all escapee birds found in the wild are immediately removed.
Their pest status requires they be kept under secure conditions.
Ms Massam said the Department’s risk assessments indicated the ringneck posed a significant threat to agriculture and had the potential to damage a range of crops including cereals, oilseeds and horticulture as well as stored grain.
She said the birds may also compete with native species for nest hollows and food.
“In the UK, where there may be as many as 50,000 feral ringnecks, there have been reports of damage to fruit crops, including wine grapes, and of ringnecks fighting with native birds for nesting hollows in trees,” Ms Massam said.
“Large numbers of these birds are kept as pets here in Western Australia and owners need to be vigilant to ensure they do not escape.”
Further information was available from www.agric.wa.gov.au
16 February, 2010
Tourism campaign
shows way ahead
A new tourism marketing initiative to showcase Western Australia’s ‘extraordinary’ destinations and experiences has been launched jointly by the Premier, Colin Barnett and Minister for Tourism, Liz Constable.Mr Barnett said the initiative, Experience Extraordinary, would promote hundreds of destinations across the State.
“Experience Extraordinary is a new marketing direction that will engage all Western Australians and help sell our State to the world,” Mr Barnett said.
“In WA, we’re no strangers to the extraordinary.”
He said Experience Extraordinary would help to spread information about tourism in WA to visitors and demonstrate that the State offered experiences that could not be replicated anywhere else in Australia or the world.
Dr Constable unveiled The Extraordinary Taxi Ride, the first marketing campaign to be developed under the Experience Extraordinary brand.
She said the interactive campaign would involve a specially-branded taxi undertaking a nine-week journey around WA’s extraordinary locations.
Dr Constable said people would have the opportunity to enter a competition to become a passenger on sections of the journey, in the company of celebrity guests.
She said the public would also be able to vote for one of five finalists vying to be the official taxi driver for the journey.
“Experience Extraordinary is a new theme for us to communicate the State’s events and marketing and the Extraordinary Taxi Ride is the first in a series of innovative campaigns which will bring this theme to life,” Dr Constable said.
“A taxi was chosen as it is an internationally recognised image which crosses cultural boundaries.
“WA’s unique landscape, places and events will be seen by people from all over the world as they follow the journey on the internet and through the media.”
16 February, 2010
Schools on board
for water safety
The Department of Transport has introduced a new water safety initiative enlisting the support of primary schools to deliver the safety message.Launching the Junior Crew program at the Department’s Marine Education Boatshed in East Fremantle, Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien said its aim was to introduce children to boating safety messages.
Mr O’Brien said the initiative was especially designed for students in years three, four and five and would help provide a basic understanding of the skills and knowledge required to be safe on the water.
“WA’s coastal lifestyle sees many school-aged children involved in a range of water-based activities,” he said.
“Developed over several years by Marine Education Boatshed officers, in consultation with the Western Australian Curriculum Council and the Department of Education, students are required to log completed activities to receive a Junior Crew Certificate.”
Mr O’Brien said the State-wide introduction of the program followed a comprehensive trial in selected WA primary schools last year.
He said the trial resulted in “overwhelming support from teachers and the more than 300 students who participated.”
The Minister said the program provides a resource pack for teachers, including learning aids such as a story book introducing students to ‘Skip the Boat Safe Bird’, as well as worksheets and flash cards.
Mr O’Brien said a highlight of the program was a visit to a patrol vessel.
Further information about the program was available from www.transport.wa.gov.au
16 February, 2010
History-making school
holds history lesson
A local school in the wheatbelt has been identified for State heritage listing in recognition of an Aboriginal man’s fight to have his children educated in the early 1900s.The former Quairading State School and quarters are to be included on the State Register of Heritage Places.
Minister for Heritage, John Castrilli said the 1913 weatherboard and iron school building was central to a remarkable story.
“It is symbolic of a wider movement by Aboriginal families to end segregated education through the first half of the 20th century,” Mr Castrilli said.
“Today, 28 per cent of the Quairading school population is Indigenous, illustrating how attitudes have changed.”
In 1915, local farmer John Kickett began an unsuccessful campaign to have his children attend the local Quairading State School.
During this period, segregation and exclusions were common at numerous schools with the Department of Education insisting the education of Aboriginal children was the sole responsibility of the former Department for Aborigines.
“Mr Kickett remained undaunted, repeatedly writing to the Education Minister for a number of years,” Mr Castrilli said.
The Minister said Mr Kickett organised a petition, which was signed by the majority of ‘white’ parents and gained the support of his local Member of Parliament, the Chief Protector of Aborigines and the new head teacher at Quairading - all to no avail.
“In one poignant letter, written in 1918, Mr Kickett outlined how one of his children’s uncles had died and four others were fighting in France on behalf of ‘King and Country’ and yet his children continued to be excluded from school,” Mr Castrilli said.
In 1948, it became compulsory for Aboriginal children to attend school although it was still on the proviso that parents of non-Aboriginal children did not object.
In the same year in Quairading, a new brick school was built across the road, which has since been attended by many of John Kickett’s descendants.
“While the original building is a good representative example of a single-room timber-framed country school built during this era, it is the stories around it that make it worthy of being included on the State Register of Heritage Places,” Mr Castrilli said.
16 February, 2010
New parking scheme
to kerb confusion
A new national parking permit scheme for people with disabilities is expected to be in place by July this year.Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten said a national scheme would deliver a more consistent system for the estimated 900,000 disability parking permit holders across Australia.
Mr Shorten said consultations on the scheme had shown community support for the plan, with those who submitted their views saying a national scheme was needed to make it less confusing for people with a permit when they travelled interstate.
He said the consultations also showed the public backed better enforcement of penalties against those who broke disability parking rules.
“It is clear that people with disability rely on disability parking schemes and want to see them better enforced,” Mr Shorten said.
“The consultations also endorse the commitment of Disability Ministers to create a scheme where no existing permit-holder will be worse off.”
He said any uniform concessions imposed would be minimum standards and that States which had more generous concessions for permit holders would be able to maintain them.
Mr Shorten said the current system was confusing and stressful as there are more than 100 different types of parking permits and differing eligibility criteria across the country.
“Disability parking schemes give independence and dignity to many Australians with limited mobility,” he said.
“We want to make sure we get this national scheme right, which is why we have taken the time to consult widely with the public and key organisations.”
Mr Shorten said consultations with States, Territories and disability and medical groups were continuing to determine the final eligibility and concessions criteria.
16 February, 2010
Minister takes aim
at training targets
Ambitious new targets for training apprentices and trainees in Western Australia have been announced by the Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier.Mr Collier said the Government would aim to train 47,100 apprentices and trainees by 2012, an increase of 26 per cent over three years.
He said this represented an additional 10,000 workers compared to the last peak period which was in 2008.
“This target surpasses the previous figure of 37,076 recorded between 2005 and 2008,” Mr Collier said.
“This target will be monitored closely and updated in response to industry needs as the economy continues to grow.”
The Minister said the new target for apprenticeship and trainee growth during the next three years had been based on wide consultation with industry and reflected future skills needs.
“The Government is dedicated to developing a skilled workforce for the future and ensuring the State is adequately prepared to take advantage of opportunities that are starting to emerge,” he said.
Mr Collier said a key element of this was WA’s Workforce Development Plan: A Skilled Workforce for the Future, the issues paper for which was released in November 2009.
“This plan will drive the development and co-ordination of future skills and labour needs, addressing key areas of labour demand and supply, identifying skill shortages and increasing participation in the workforce,” he said
“We have also created a dedicated Department for training and workforce development, which places a greater emphasis on this sector and will elevate the status of training across the State.”
The Government has also introduced initiatives to boost training in WA, as outlined in Training WA - a targeted blueprint to transform the State’s training system.
16 February, 2010
Council reforms
progressing well
The Minister for Local Government has described reforms in the sector as “on course” and “progressing well.”The Minister, John Castrilli told 400 delegates at the Local Government Reform Forum in Perth that the State Government remained firmly resolved to see the State-wide reforms introduced.
Mr Castrilli congratulated those Local Governments that had embraced amalgamation and encouraged other Councils to further consider the benefits of reform.
He said the State Government remained committed to reducing the number of Local Councils from 139 to less than 100 in five years.
“Local Government reform will generate stronger and more efficient delivery of services throughout the State,” Mr Castrilli said.
“It will also assist in reducing unnecessary governance and bureaucracy within the Local Government sector.”
He said it would provide an improved focus on regional priorities while attracting funding and economic development, thus improving outcomes for the communities.
Up to $2.5 million is expected to be made available this year and in 2010-11 from the Country Local Government Fund to help Local Government groups which have formalised their position and want to proceed to amalgamation.
Mr Castrilli said participation in a regional transition group was voluntary and that Local Governments that did not want not to engage in the process were free to decide not to.
He said they were also free to choose their partners.
“For those Local Governments which have not reached agreement but wish to amalgamate, the Government is offering a staged process to assist in progressing reform at a considered pace, with options for review and negotiation,” Mr Castrilli said.
Local Governments have been asked to advise the Minister of their intention to join a regional group by 26 March.
16 February, 2010
PSC to run induction course
The Public Sector Commission is to run an induction course for WA Public Servants at award Level 6 and above (or equivalent) in Perth.
The course aims to help new employees in the PS understand how it operates and what responsibilities its employees have.
It will concentrate on the structure, role and make-up of the PS, principles of public sector employment, Government priorities and directions, accountability obligations and the role of the Corruption and Crime Commission.
Further information was available from www.publicsector.wa.gov.au
Main building for Main Roads
Main Roads WA’s new administration complex that serves the Great Southern region has been officially opened in Albany.
Staff at the new office will be responsible for maintaining links in Western Australia’s road and transport network and will have State-wide responsibility for timber bridges on WA roads.
The former office building, dating from the 1960s was no longer viable to maintain.
Nature reserves restricted
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has warned dog owners not to allow their animals on to nature reserves in the Dampier Archipelago.
Pilbara Marine Program Coordinator with the DEC, Cath Samson said dogs in the reserves were a concern as the islands were home to several species of native marsupials and rodents, numerous reptiles and shore birds.
Ms Samson warned dog owners that bait laid out to control foxes and cats could kill dogs.
EOI called for Trust
Expressions of interest have invited from people interested in serving on the Western Australian Regional Development Trust.
The Trust will determine the allocation of money from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Fund to promote and facilitate economic, business and social growth in regional WA. Appointments would be for up to three years.
Expressions of interest close on 1 March, with further information available from www.rdl.wa.gov.au
City search on
Entries for the Sustainable City Awards in WA are now open.
Run by Keep Australia Beautiful (WA), the awards began in 2008 and aim to find the most sustainable cities in the State.
They recognise urban communities across the State that are working towards environmental sustainability and are open to schools, Local Government, environmental groups and businesses. Further information on the awards was available from www.kabc.wa.gov.au
9 February, 2010
Welfare transfers
unhealthy for PS
Government plans to transfer more welfare services to non-Government organisations could cost thousands of Public Service jobs, according to the Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association of WA.The Premier, Colin Barnett, has announced a plan to transfer more services out of the PS to community based organisations which he said would allow taxpayers’ money to be used more efficiently.
Mr Barnett said the Government’s partnership with not-for-profit groups would also result in better services for the needy across the State.
“We believe they will be more effective in reaching out to a wider community, and use the taxpayers’ money better,” the Premier said.
“This will be the trend in a whole range of social services delivered in Western Australia and you will see that increasingly throughout this year.”
But the Branch Secretary of the CPSU/CSA, Toni Walkington said the plan to transfer the services would threaten jobs.
“There is a whole range of services so we could be talking about thousands, tens of thousands of jobs if the Government is very aggressive about this,” Ms Walkington said.
She said the union would consult with its members on the issue.
Mr Barnett made the announcement at the launch of an inner-city service centre for Uniting Care West in East Perth which will focus on helping the homeless.
He said transferring services was the way of the future.
“This will be the trend in a whole range of social services delivered in Western Australia and you will see that increasingly throughout this year.”
To Ms Walkington however, the case has yet to be proven.
“Our members feel very strongly about this and I would expect that they will not allow that to happen without a fight.”
9 February, 2010
Mental health body
brings peace of mind
A Mental Health Commission is to be set up to expand on the work of the Department of Health’s Mental Health Division.Announced by Premier, Colin Barnett, the Australia-first initiative will come into being next month and focus on people living with a mental illness and their ability to recover.
Mr Barnett said the Commission would have its own management and budget after an initial phase-in period.
“Over coming years, mental health will be separated from the Health portfolio,” he said.
“The Commission will be responsible for operating all aspects of mental health services throughout the State, with final responsibility resting with the Mental Health Minister.
“It will have powers broadly consistent with the successful Disability Services Commission.”
Mr Barnett said services would continue to be delivered by a range of providers, including area health services, community and non-profit organisations and the private sector.
“This focus on mental health will enable the State Government to have dedicated and tailored services to provide the best possible services and planning for people with mental illness,” the Premier said.
“For a long time mental health issues were a taboo subject but for this Government, silence is not acceptable.”
He said the new Mental Health Commissioner would help implement much-needed reforms to better help people with mental illness.
Mr Barnett said the reforms placed Western Australia in line with international leaders in mental health service delivery such as Canada, Scotland and New Zealand.
Minister for Mental Health, Graham Jacobs said statistics on mental health supported the Government’s push for reform.
“Each year one in five Western Australians experience a mental illness,” Mr Jacobs said.
“In 2007, a population health study found at least half of all Australians with a mental health disorder have an issue with alcohol or drugs.
“Too many Western Australians with a mental illness end up in our hospitals. Too many relapse and have to return to hospital because there is no alternative.”
He said the new approach would ensure that mental health consumers and carers would have more input into the planning and delivery of mental health services.
Steps are currently being taken to recruit a Commissioner who will be a senior Public Service Chief Executive empowered to lead a broad and rigorous reform agenda.
9 February, 2010
Public colleges go
to top of the class
Publicly-funded training colleges are to offer potential students 17 per cent more places this year, building on solid increases in the past two years.Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier said 12,903 students received first-round offers for study in semester one this year, compared to 10,985 last year and 9,870 in 2008.
“This steady increase during the past three years shows that more Western Australians realise the importance of a vocational education and training qualification,” Mr Collier said.
“The State Government introduced a number of initiatives last year to boost training in WA, including course fee exemptions for unemployed people wanting to learn in publicly- subsidised training.”
He said the program had been successfully implemented with 1,400 students receiving course fee exemptions as at the end of October 2009.
Mr Collier said of the 15,411 applications received by the Department of Training and Workforce Development’s TAFE admissions for semester one, 84 per cent received an offer of a place in a training course and 92 per cent of these were offered their first choice.
He said more than 40 per cent were lodged by school leavers.
Eighty-two per cent of total applications were lodged electronically, which was the highest rate ever achieved and contrasts with a rate of only seven per cent in 2004.
Mr Collier said the most popular areas of study included mining, engineering, building, construction, business, computing and information technology, community services, health, education, arts and entertainment.
The Minister said it was important that WA had a skilled workforce to meet the State’s growing employment opportunities.
“TAFE colleges have been given the opportunity to increase their autonomy to be more competitive in Australia and overseas,” he said.
“It will also allow them to be more responsive to a rapidly growing and changing population and workforce.”
9 February, 2010
Independent schools
make the grade
The first group of Independent Public Schools has welcomed their first students for 2010, heralding a “new era in public education in Western Australia” according to the Minister for Education, Liz Constable.Dr Constable visited Highgate Primary School for the start of the school year, saying the Independent Public School (IPS) initiative would give greater control to schools while maintaining the support and benefits of the public school system.
“For the first time, principals, teachers and the wider school community will be empowered with greater responsibility to ensure students have the best possible learning opportunities and outcomes,” she said.
“The IPS initiative will allow strong leadership to flourish in the public school system, but it will bring other benefits - it means greater responsibility for principals and flexibility in their recruitment of teachers and other school staff.”
Dr Constable praised the willingness of the 34 school communities who opted to be involved in the initiative, saying their pioneering role was crucial.
“Almost 500 teacher graduates will also begin work today - which is similar to last year’s level at the same stage - and I expect that many more graduates will be placed as the year progresses and vacancies become available,” she said.
The 34 IPSs were selected by an independent panel from more than 100 schools which submitted expressions of interest.
The Minister urged schools that were not selected to strengthen their bid for consideration in the next intake.
9 February, 2010
Vision for city is
ahead of its time
The City of Perth has invited public comment on its draft 20-year framework for development.Releasing the draft plan to the public, Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi said the plan, An Urban Design Framework – a Vision for Perth 2029, covered a wide range of issues that would influence the physical and social fabric of the city over the next two decades.
“There are many planning approaches recommended in the Urban Design Framework (UDF), such as providing new parks and public open spaces through to better public transport connections, including a light rail option,” Ms Scaffidi said.
“Implementing these projects will help to make the city more active and functional and improve its attractiveness as a place to live, visit and do business.”
She said the UDF was a significant milestone in planning for the future growth of Perth.
‘When adopted – after taking into account public consultation – the framework can be used by all planning Agencies, developers and the Council to coordinate their projects so we can achieve the high quality, integrated city to which we all aspire,” Ms Scaffidi said.
“The development industry has been calling for an overall planning and design framework for the city for some time and the UDF will meet that need.”
She said the UDF would also be used to support applications for Federal and State Government funding for infrastructure.
The Mayor said the Federal Government had made it very clear that funds would only be allocated for major projects if there was an overall planning framework in place.
“The City of Perth welcomes positive debate and comments on the UDF and written comments can be lodged until 9 April,” she said.
Further information was available from www.perth.wa.gov.au
9 February, 2010
Commission Inquiry
ends in tiers
The Australian Law Reform Commission has called for a new tier of public enquiry to be established to provide an alternative to Royal Commissions.Following a nine-month enquiry, the ALRC’s report Making Inquiries: A New Statutory Framework makes 82 recommendations for reform.
President of the ALRC, Professor Rosalind Croucher said a key recommendation was to amend the Commissions Act 1902 (Cth) and rename it the Inquiries Act to establish the two tiers of public inquiry - Royal Commissions and Official Inquiries, each with defined coercive and investigatory powers.
“Whenever there are controversial issues that cannot be satisfactorily dealt with by the Courts or the political process, there are inevitably calls for a Royal Commission,” Professor Croucher said, “although not all such issues warrant such an elaborate inquiry.”
“Royal Commissions should be reserved for the highest form of inquiry dealing with matters of substantial public importance, which may warrant the abrogation of certain privileges and protections, such as the right against self-incrimination.
“Official Inquiries would provide a more streamlined, cost-effective and flexible alternative to resolve matters of public importance, but which do not require extraordinary powers, such as those abrogating fundamental protections available to inquiry participants.”
She said other ALRC recommendations focused on openness and accountability including the publication of inquiry reports and monitoring resulting activities.
The ALRC also called for new legislation to ensure the prompt tabling of Royal Commission and Official Inquiry reports in Parliament; the publication of a summary of costs of Royal Commissions and Official Inquiries; and a framework for the protection of protected national security information utilised in proceedings.
Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said the Commonwealth Government had commissioned the report following issues identified in the Report of the Inquiry into the Case of Dr Mohamed Haneef which needed more detailed exploration.
The ALRC report was available from www.alrc.gov.au
9 February, 2010
Graffiti artists
to come clean
A pilot restitution program that requires graffiti vandals to remove the results of their handiwork has been unveiled for Joondalup and Victoria Park.Minister for Police, Rob Johnson said the Juvenile Clean-Up Referral Program was part of the State Government’s Tough on Graffiti strategy.
“Graffiti is a scourge on the community and people are fed up with their local area being scarred by mindless vandalism,” Mr Johnson said.
“It costs taxpayers about $25 million every year for the Government to clean up and remove graffiti from private and public property.
He said under the program juvenile offenders who were referred to the Department of Corrective Services’ Juvenile Justice Teams would clean up graffiti while being supervised.
“During the program, offenders will be educated on the impact graffiti and their anti-social actions have on the community,” the Minister said.
“The program will also connect the young participants with trade-based professionals, providing them with a range of skills that may lead to future career options.”
The Government also recently announced new penalties for graffiti vandals who now face up to two years in jail or a $24,000 fine.
Mr Johnson said the new laws had made it an offence for retailers to sell graffiti equipment such as spray cans to people under 18 years old, with maximum penalties of $6,000 for a first offence and $12,000 for subsequent offences.
In addition, the State Government’s Graffiti Taskforce has so far provided more than $600,000 to Local Governments and non-profit organisations for graffiti reduction strategies.
9 February, 2010
Tax hits back
on email attack
Internet users have been warned of a new email scam that claims to be from the Australian Taxation Office.Assistant Federal Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry said the emails used the lure of a tax refund to attempt to steal people’s personal information.
“This particular scam is quite sophisticated and uses convincing fakes of what could be easily mistaken for Australian Tax Office web pages,” Senator Sherry said.
He said the emails used the ATO’s logo, a false ATO email address as the sender, and included the words “tax refund” in the subject heading.
Senator Sherry said the email included the following text: “General information about e-tax, including the demonstration, benefits of using e-tax, computer and eligibility requirements, and security.”
He said there may be variations to the text but that the emails asked people to enter their email, name and date of birth to search for any refund owing.
The email then directs them to a bogus Tax Office website and asks for personal and credit card details.
He said reports indicated that the emails were being sent out in high volumes.
“Anyone who receives the email should delete it immediately,” Senator Sherry said.
“The Tax Office never sends emails asking people to provide personal information or credit card details.
“You should always be wary of unsolicited emails claiming to be from the Tax Office, particularly those that encourage you to follow embedded links to other sites.”
Senator Sherry advised anyone who had provided their credit card details on the site to contact their credit card provider.
Further information on the scam was available from www.ato.gov.au
9 February, 2010
Gardeners stung in
cheap plant deals
The Department of Agriculture and Food has issued a warning to gardeners to be wary of buying plants from car boot sales, markets and fetes.South West Invasive Species Project Manager at the Department, Dennis Rafferty said people needed to know what they were buying to ensure the plants were not invasive weeds.
“We have just found water hyacinth in a water feature at a Mount Hawthorn business,” Mr Rafferty said.
“The plant had been bought at a car boot sale in the Perth northern suburbs, and the buyer did not realise that it was an invasive plant that poses a major threat to our waterways in Western Australia.”
He said water hyacinth was one of the world’s worst weeds, choking up rivers, lakes and other waterways.
It is a declared plant in Western Australia and is prohibited from sale and must be destroyed when found.
“If anyone thinks they have this plant or any other suspect plants, they should not dump them in creeks or drains, or in bushland where they could proliferate and spread,” Mr Rafferty said.
“They should be put in a plastic bag in the sun, and the Department of Agriculture and Food should be called for advice.”
He said the discovery of the water hyacinth emphasised the need for caution when buying plants from amateurs.
“They may seem a cheap option, but could prove a major cost to the State’s environment and economy if they spread to our natural habitats, farmlands and waterways,” Mr Rafferty said.
“Department biosecurity officers do random spot checks of markets, and respond to reports of sales of banned plants. However, the public has a major role to play in exercising caution when buying or trading plants, and should report any suspect plants.”
He said reports could be made to Department’s Pest and Disease Information Service on 1800 084 881.
9 February, 2010
Poison bait program
a catastrophe for cats
Research scientists with the Department of Environment and Conservation look to be winning the war against feral cats.Minister for Environment, Donna Faragher said a new bait, Eradicat, was being used at a number of sites in arid and semi-arid regions of Western Australia.
Ms Faragher said numerous trials have been undertaken over a number of years to determine the bait’s effectiveness.
“Feral cats are recognised as significant threats to fauna conservation in Australia,” she said.
“Not only do they prey on native fauna and have the potential to spread diseases, they are also a major obstacle to fauna reintroduction programs.”
Ms Faragher said the development of Eradicat was an exciting breakthrough as it could effectively control feral cat populations across big areas.
She said it would open the door to a number of fauna reintroductions and help build resilience in the populations of many native species.
The Minister said the baits had reduced feral cat densities by up to 85 per cent and could also prove to be effective in controlling other introduced predators such as foxes and wild dogs.
Senior Research Scientist at the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), Dr Dave Algar said the bait had already been used to eradicate feral cats from several islands including Hermite Island in the Montebellos and Faure Island in Shark Bay.
“Cat-control programs using ground-based baiting have also been established on the Cocos and Christmas Islands and a feral cat eradication campaign is being planned for Dirk Hartog Island,” Dr Algar said.
He said the bait, which is injected with a toxin, resembles a small sausage and contains kangaroo meat mince, chicken fat and flavour enhancers to attract feral cats.
It was developed as part of a collaborative project between DEC, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).
9 February, 2010
Report makes noise
about loud workplaces
Safe Work Australia has released a report dealing with the dangers of loud noise in the workplace.The report, titled National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance Report: Noise Exposure and the Provision of Noise Control Measures in Australian Workplaces, was developed from the National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance survey.
Chair of Safe Work Australia, Tom Phillips said the report aimed to outline the demographic and employment characteristics of workers who reported exposure to loud noise.
Mr Phillips said the report also looked at the types of noise control measures that were provided in workplaces.
He said the study would help Governments and employers to produce better targeted occupational health and safety policies and campaigns to reduce the risk of workplace noise injuries.
“It is concerning that more is not being done to eliminate or reduce the exposure to noise in the workplace when occupational noise induced hearing loss is an entirely preventable but irreversible condition,” Mr Phillips said.
He said it had led to more than 3,600 workers’ compensation claims across Australia in 2007-08, amounting in $41 million in worker’s compensation payouts.
He said the report found that between 28 and 32 per cent of workers surveyed were likely to work in an environment where they were exposed to loud noise.
It found male workers were more likely to report exposure to noise than their female counterparts, while young workers were more likely to report exposure than older ones.
People who worked night shifts were also more likely to report being exposed to loud noises.
The worst industries for exposure were manufacturing and construction.
The report found that of the exposed workers, only 41 per cent said they had received training in noise injury prevention.
9 February, 2010
Cooler complaints
raise temperatures
The Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll, has warned potential buyers of air conditioning units this summer to take great care in light of increasing numbers of consumer complaints. Ms Driscoll said there were 124 enquiries to Consumer Protection about air conditioning in January 2010 compared to 105 in December 2009 - a 20 per cent rise.
She said many complaints involved an inability to get a faulty air conditioning unit fixed because manufacturers or traders had gone out of business and consumers paying large deposits for air conditioners which had yet to be installed.
Ms Driscoll said consumers should take care when making big money purchases like air conditioning.
“Shop around for quotes, ask friends or relatives for recommendations, research a trader via the internet, request references before entering into a contract with them and make sure that the unit you decide on is big enough to air condition the space you require it to,” she said.
“Don’t pay a huge deposit with nothing in return - we recommend no more than 10 per cent of the total cost, which should be made clear from the outset.
“Ideally make stage payments to coincide with the delivery of materials and wait until the job has been completed before paying the balance in full.”
Ms Driscoll said purchases like air conditioning units were covered by a statutory warranty under Western Australia’s Fair Trading Act.
“A statutory warranty means the item should match any description given and be fit for the purpose for which it was sold,” she said.
“If it turns out to be faulty, a consumer is legally entitled to a remedy from the seller.
“This could be a repair, replacement or refund,” she said.
9 February, 2010
Boat plan soothes
troubled waters
A review of recreational boating and water activities between Hillarys Boat Harbour and Quinns Beach in the northern suburbs has led to major changes in permissible uses.According to the Manager of Navigational Safety and Compliance at the Department of Transport, Ray Buchholz, increased boating activity, coupled with safety concerns, had caused congestion and conflict between users.
“The changes to the gazetted areas for on-water activities, combined with improved education and increased compliance patrols, will ensure safer operation of the waters even at the busiest times,” Mr Buchholz said.
“As part of the 12-month review undertaken by the Department, officers consulted extensively with the City of Joondalup, City of Wanneroo, Department of Environment and Conservation, Department of Fisheries, Water Police, Whitfords Sea Search Rescue, Surf Lifesaving WA, Boating WA and the Hillarys Yacht Club.”
He said the changes included a significant expansion of the existing Whitfords ski area; the creation of a new ski area off Quinns Beach; a new eight-knot speed restriction extending 200 metres offshore for some areas and amendments to some existing eight-knot speed restriction areas.
Mr Buchholz said 25 marker buoys defining the new zones had been installed at strategic points and new signage had been erected at adjacent boat ramps to assist skippers and other users comply with new gazettal areas.
“The Department of Transport has also updated its boating guide for the waters between Hillarys and Quinns Beach to clearly show the gazetted areas for boating, water skiing and personal watercraft and it is available free of charge,” he said.
The guide was available from www.transport.wa.gov.au
9 February, 2010
Plain sailing for
marine study
A new partnership between the Department of Fisheries and Woodside Petroleum is expected to enhance the study of the State’s marine environment.Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore said the partnership would give WA students and teachers better tools to study the marine environment.
Mr Moore said a social investment program would see the marine education manual and teachers’ kit provided to schools for free in an example of Government and private sector cooperation.
“This collaboration will provide access to teaching tools developed specifically to improve marine education in WA,” he said.
Mr Moore said due to the State’s vast coastline it was important students understand WA’s marine environment to allow them to make informed decisions about future sustainable management.
“Woodside’s $300,000 support over two years means the marine education manual and teachers’ kit will be provided free-of-charge to every school in WA,” he said.
“This will allow consistency and quality of education in this specialist and important subject.
“Education is fundamental to understanding the issues facing our fisheries today and in the future.”
Executive Vice President of Woodside, Kevin Gallagher said that as a marine operator, Woodside and its workers understood and valued the diversity, complexity and beauty of the marine environment.
“For most Australians the marine environment, filled with all manner of life and energy, is an unknown world,” Mr Gallagher said.
“Our support and involvement with Marine Discovery West is a great fit.”
Marine Discovery West, the education arm of the Department of Fisheries, carries out programs for the approximately 385,000 students in more than 1,100 State Government and independent schools in WA’s metropolitan and regional areas.
Part one of the marine education manual (for primary schools) will be implemented in 2011 with Part two (for secondary schools) expected to be implemented in 2012.
9 February, 2010
Youth awards
come of age
The Commissioner for Children and Young People has joined up with the Department for Communities’ Office for Youth to launch a new category in the WA Youth Awards, the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Participate! Award.The award recognises a young person who has shown outstanding dedication to making a positive change in their community, and who has inspired other young people to participate.
The Commissioner, Michelle Scott, said the winner could encourage participation by giving youths a voice in important decisions; getting young people involved in their community; addressing a community need or issue; and bringing groups together to create a stronger community.
Ms Scott said she sponsored the award to recognise the positive involvement of young people in communities across Western Australia.
“In my travels around the State, I have seen first hand the benefits young people bring to a community when they are involved in decision-making,” she said.
“I have also met hundreds of young people who are enthusiastic and innovative contributors to their communities and inspire others to do the same.”
Other categories in the annual awards are the BHP Billiton Innovate! Award; Woodside Motivate! Award; Office for Youth Recreate! Award; Propel Youth Arts Create! Award; Department of Environment and Conservation Activate! Award; Edith Cowan University Educate! Award and the Minister for Youth’s Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award.
Category winners will be announced on 16 July and receive a $2,000 cash prize and a trophy.
The WA Young Person of the Year will also receive return flights for two people to a European destination.
Entries close on 6 March and finalists are to be announced during National Youth Week which is held from 10 to 18 April.
To make a nomination visit www.communities.wa.gov.au
9 February, 2010
Building Commission
closer to rubble
Moves to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission and replace it with an equally effective Fair Work – Building Industry Inspectorate have gained ground, with the Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, saying she will propose changes to legislation to ensure the Inspectorate has the powers to do its job.Ms Gillard said the legislation was part of the Government’s commitment to abolish the ABCC.
She said existing coercive powers would be maintained with the new Fair Work – Building Industry Inspectorate, along with safeguards recommended by former Federal Court judge Murray Wilcox.
Under the amendments, the Minister would have the power to direct the Building Inspectorate about the allocation of resources, ensuring they were targeted effectively to combat unlawful behaviour in the building industry and ensure those who broke the law faced “tough and decisive” action.
Ms Gillard said this would target the “unlawful” industrial action taking place in the north of Western Australia.
Other changes include giving the Director of the Building Inspectorate the power to intervene in proceedings for contempt of Court where building industry participants do not comply with a court order, and to take action against them.
“The changes should send a signal to those who would break the law in the building industry that there will be repercussions,” Ms Gillard said.
9 February, 2010
Super planning seminar
Superannuation provider GESB is hosting a free retirement planning seminar at Perth Zoo on 17 February.
The seminar will help people understand the current economic environment and its affect on superannuation, how much money they may need in later life and how to make use of a transition to retirement strategy.
Head of Wealth Management at GESB, Fabian Ross said singles needed around
$38,000 and couples around $51,000 each year to retire comfortably. Further information was available from gesb.com.au
Book prize boost
An additional $80,000 a year in State Government funding is to be made available to the Premier’s Book Awards following a comprehensive external review.
The funds will boost the Premiers Prize to $25,000 and when combined with one of the sub-categories will provide the winner with $40,000.
The additional funding is designed to strengthen the Premier’s Book Awards, however the Australia-Asia Literary Award will be discontinued.
Entries will open on 15 February. Further information was available from www.slwa.wa.gov.au
Sun targeted for safety
Safe Work Australia has released a new report on workers who are exposed to direct sunlight.
The report, National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance Report: Exposure to Direct Sunlight and the Provision of Sun Exposure Controls in Australian Workplaces, was written by the Cancer Council Victoria.
It found male workers were more likely to be exposed to sunlight, along with workers in industries such as agriculture, forestry, fishing construction and recreational services.
The report, the first national study on workplace ultraviolet radiation exposure from direct sunlight across all industries, is available from www.worksafe.gov.au
Motorcycle bay trial
The City of Perth will conduct a 12-month trial involving the provision of 53 free motorcycle bays in the city.
The all-day bays will be situated at the western end of the central business district at Mounts Bay Road near the Mitchell Freeway.
The bays aim to encourage motorcycle use as means of reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. They will be on the fringe of the CBD in close proximity to public transport.
Talks on Knowledge Centre
Consultations have begun on a feasibility study into a National Indigenous Knowledge Centre to promote Indigenous cultures and knowledge in the community.
The idea for the Centre was first raised at last year’s 2020 Summit.
Community consultations will be led by the Indigenous leader and academic, Dr Jackie Huggins. Submissions close on 31 March 2010 and further information was available from www.slq.qld.gov.au
Safety checks for airports
Airports in regional and remote areas of Western Australia will be visited by Airservices Flight Inspection Service (FIS) this month as part of a national program to check the safety of navigation equipment.
Based in Brisbane, the inspection service will carry out 26 separate routine or special flight inspections on equipment.
The airports involved in WA are Perth, Kalgoorlie, Albany, Caiguna, Gin Gin, Beermullah, Meekatharra, Paraburdoo, Norseman and Pearce.
Homesteads win protection
State Heritage protection has been given to two homesteads that provide insight into the early colonial past of the Mid-West.
Sandsprings Homestead has been farmed continuously by six generations of the Sewell family since its establishment in 1860.
Belay Farm was established in 1858 by former stonemason John Jones and farmed by three generations of his family. In 1971 the property was purchased by its current owners, Robert and Norma Martin.
2 February, 2010
Root-and-branch
reform for FPC
A taskforce has been set up to look at selling the fee-for-service and sharefarming division of the Forest Products Commission (FPC).Minister for Forestry, Terry Redman said the sale would allow the FPC to take on a redefined role and return to focusing on its core business of supplying wood to the forestry industry.
Mr Redman said the State Government wanted to get out of the business of planting trees for carbon off-sets and investing in sharefarming by growing trees on farms for the purposes of harvesting as this could be better done by the private sector.
“For this reason, the Government will be exploring ways it can transfer this work to the private sector,” Mr Redman said.
“These areas of activity have now matured to a point where private companies are creating plantations on private land. It is inappropriate to have Government competing against the private sector.”
The Minister said much more could be achieved in sharefarming by changing the Government’s role from direct investor on a small scale to a support Agency that could provide advice, research and practical assistance to private sector projects of a larger scale.
“As we move forward with the investigation of a sale, consultation will occur with various groups including other Government Departments, FPC staff and the private sector,” he said.
“Approximately 90 FPC staff are involved in these areas and have a huge wealth of resources and knowledge that could be very attractive to private investors.
“A sale option will be thoroughly investigated as an alternative to redeployments or voluntary redundancies.”
Mr Redman said obligations to investors and landowners would be met regardless of any sale or restructure.
The taskforce is expected to report back within the next two months.
2 February, 2010
Business Boards cut
to untangle red tape
The Minister for Commerce has announced that three licensing and advisory boards in the property industry are to be abolished in a bid to slash bureaucratic red tape.The Minister, Troy Buswell said the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board; the Settlement Agents Supervisory Board; and the Land Valuers Licensing Board were set to be abolished by 1 July 2011.
Mr Buswell said a smaller committee of industry and consumer representativeswould be formed so the property industry had a more streamlined process for providing the Government with input.
“Reducing the number of Consumer Protection boards will reduce costs but more importantly, it will also cut duplication which will be better for all stakeholders,” he said.
“When a single regulator is responsible and accountable for dealing with issues there is also less red tape and issues are less likely to fall through the cracks.”
Mr Buswell said that under the new regime licensing and regulatory functions would be managed by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection and employing authority and financial responsibility would be handled by the Director General of the Department of Commerce.
He said the changes would position the local property industry for the national harmonisation of licensing, standards and regulatory arrangements of property agents under the National Occupational Licensing system which is expected to begin on 1 July 2012.
Mr Buswell thanked all the members of the old boards for their contribution.
He said the latest reform followed the Government’s announcement in March last year that it would reduce the number of existing boards and committees.
2 February, 2010
Productivity at work
probing PS services
A report on the effectiveness and efficiency of Government services across the nation has been released by the Productivity Commission.Report on Government Services 2010 was produced by a Steering Committee comprised of Senior Officials from all State and Territory Governments as well as the Commonwealth and is the fifteenth edition of the report.
The Committee was chaired by the Chairman of the Productivity Commission, Gary Banks.
Mr Banks said the report aimed to promote debate about the performance of Federal, State and Territory Governments across Australia
“Improving Government services is important to us all: everyone relies on these services at different life stages, and the services are particularly important for more disadvantaged members of society,” Mr Banks said.
The report includes chapters on early childhood education and training, justice, emergency management, health, community services and housing and measures Government performance in each area, comparing the role and responsibilities of State, Territory and Federal Governments.
“Governments need to know whether their policies are effective and being implemented efficiently, and whether services are reaching those people for whom they are intended,” the report says.
The report also looks at improving Government service provision to promote social and economic benefits
It found 66.4 per cent of all Australians were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with Police services across the nation, with 65.6 per cent of Western Australians expressing the same view.
In 2007/08 Western Australia spent $15,055 on in-school costs per full-time equivalent student, compared to the national average of $12,017 per student.
The State’s recurrent expenditure per person for public hospitals was $1,357.4 during 2007/08, a six per cent increase on 2006/07 figures ($1,281.6) and on par with the national average ($1,360.2)
The Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision included representatives from State and Territory Departments of Premier and Cabinet, Treasury and Finance and the Federal Departments of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Treasury, and Finance and Deregulation.
The full report can be accessed at www.pc.gov.au
2 February, 2010
School website gets
pass mark in WA
The launch of the Commonwealth Government’s My School website which allows parents, teachers and the community to compare schools, has been welcomed by the Minister for Education, Liz Constable.Dr Constable said the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) data displayed on the website was useful for assessing success in improving the levels of literacy and numeracy among Western Australian school students.
She said the data was best used in conjunction with a range of assessment methods to form a wider picture of the effectiveness of numeracy and literacy programs.
“NAPLAN testing can help us measure schools’ success - and identify those children who may need extra help - but it is not the only measure of the effectiveness of numeracy and literacy programs in schools and should not be used to make simplistic comparisons between schools,” Dr Constable said.
“It is important that judgements about a school’s success in helping children to gain sound numeracy and literacy skills in the early years of learning are not based on any single criterion.”
The Minister said NAPLAN data would be used along with other information to identify children whose performance showed they may need more attention and help to improve their literacy and numeracy.
The My School website had more than 9 million hits in its first day of operation. Federal Minister for Education, Julia Gillard said it contained important information about each of Australia’s 10,000 schools including the number of students and teachers at the school and how the school was performing in national literacy and numeracy testing.
Ms Gillard said parents and school communities would also be able to compare their school’s results with neighbouring schools and up to 60 statistically similar schools.
2 February, 2010
Statistics find
life a challenge
Findings from a study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics have revealed that the majority of adults in Western Australia do not possess the intellectual skills needed to cope with the demands of modern society.Almost seven out of 10 Western Australians could not solve problems that arise as a matter of course in day-to-day life, the ABS found.
When it explored literacy and comprehension, understanding of documents, numeracy and health, approximately half of Western Australian adults aged between 15 and 74 years-of-age were found to be below the minimum literacy requirement deemed necessary to function effectively in a complex society.
Literacy was found to be poorest in the older age groups, among those with lower levels of education and those who were not employed in the labour force.
Lower literacy was also associated with lower income earners.
Individuals with poor literacy tended to follow similar lifestyles and were more likely to watch television and less likely to enjoy reading.
People with poor literacy skills were also less likely to use a computer and the internet, with 43 per cent of those with lower literacy skills reporting they watched television for between two and five hours a day.
Almost one third of people with lower literacy levels (32 per cent) reported that they did not use internet and computer facilities whereas the comparable proportion for those with higher literacy levels was only 4 per cent.
Fewer people with low literacy levels were motivated to participate in formal and informal learning activities.
Despite these findings, the levels of adult literacy in Western Australia were generally found to be similar, or slightly above, the national average.
2 February, 2010
Police won’t cop
badge scam
WA Police have warned internet users to beware of a scam making unauthorised use of the Police’s banner, badge and logo.A spokeswoman for WA Police said that in order to convince Australian victims to send money overseas, online fraudsters were now using WA Police signage in their emails to lend some legitimacy to their scams.
The spokeswoman said the emails claimed PayPal and Australian Police Agencies had partnered up and the ruse could force victims to send the fraudsters money or risk facing legal action.
She said the emails contained a large Western Australia Police banner, a WA Police badge and the WA Police website address, but that clicking on the link would take users to the Metropolitan Police website for United Kingdom Police.
“These emails are typically being received by victims who are trying to sell high value items online for example, motor vehicles,” the spokeswoman said.
“The offender concocts a story as to why they cannot collect the item such as working offshore, out of the country, and they require the victim to send a fee ($650 to $1,200) to their delivery agent overseas to arrange delivery of the item.
“The offender then claims that they cannot pay the delivery agent directly so they ask the victim to pay the delivery agent via a money transfer service.”
The spokeswoman said in the email the offender advised they would credit this extra amount into the victim’s PayPal account.
She said the victim would then receive a notification email purporting to be from PayPal (they have nothing to do with PayPal) advising that the sale amount plus the amount to be paid to the delivery agent was being held for deposit into their PayPal account.
If the victim does not pay the fee, they receive an email (containing the police signage) threatening legal action by Australian Police.
“Anyone who receives this scam email is advised not to respond to it and should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” the spokeswoman said.
2 February, 2010
Tighter rein for
childcarers
The Minister for Community Services has announced a tougher approach to childcare providers in financial trouble.The Minister, Robyn McSweeney said providers who operated outside the Corporations Act were not needed within the childcare sector, especially when the State Government and the sector itself sought to provide quality childcare to WA parents.
Mrs McSweeney’s announcement followed the liquidation of Cuddles Management Pty Ltd, which elected to go into voluntary administration in December 2009.
She said the company had a history of repeatedly breaching childcare regulations and a poor financial track record.
The Minister said she was following the Cuddles Management case carefully and intended to apply for an Intent to Suspend all licenses held by the affected provider, through the State Administrative Tribunal.
“My primary concern is for the parents using these centres and their children and I am exploring what options may be available to parents if they choose to use another service that suits their needs,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“I am also concerned about Cuddles’ employees who would be worried about their jobs now the company has been liquidated and have met with their union representatives to discuss this issue.”
She said she was also looking at options regarding the provision of additional information to parents regarding minor concerns recorded against providers by the Department for Communities’ Child Care Licensing Unit.
Mrs McSweeney said she was pleased to see recent moves to publish serious breaches and prosecutions online had met with early parental support.
2 February, 2010
DAFWA finds plant you
wouldn’t ‘weed’ about
The Department of Agriculture and Food has uncovered a rare aquatic plant in a dam near Balladonia on the Nullarbor.Researcher at the Department, Sandy Lloyd said Biosecurity officers initially thought they had detected an infestation of the declared weed Parrot’s Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) at the dam.
But when Ms Lloyd saw a sample sent to Perth for identification she suspected it could be a rare native Myriophyllum balladoniense and sent it on to the Western Australian Herbarium at the Department of Environment and Conservation for confirmation.
“We were delighted when indeed the mystery plant turned out to be this rare native plant, and it will now be protected,” Ms Lloyd said.
Myriophyllum balladoniense is an aquatic plant with fine feathery leaves and is usually found in rock pools.
“The discovery of the plant shows the importance of surveillance and having an accurate identification of plants suspected of being weeds,” Ms Lloyd said.
“This plant will now be protected in Balladonia, instead of being eradicated, which would have happened if it had been mistaken for a weed.
“The correct identification of the plant is also a good example of the good relationship between the Department’s Biosecurity staff and the WA Herbarium in work to identify and protect important Western Australian plants.”
She said the Department’s Biosecurity officers had undertaken training with the herbarium over the past two years and were now submitting samples of various weeds to boost the herbarium’s collection.
2 February, 2010
Tourism funds boost
is just the ticket
A million-dollar-plus boost to tourism marketing campaigns targeting WA’s short haul overseas markets has been announced by the Minister for Tourism, Liz Constable.Dr Constable said Tourism WA was able to secure $450,000 of Federal funding after matching the figure with $450,000 of its own.
She said an additional $450,000 had been raised through Tourism WA’s airline partners.
“The funding helps the tourism industry recover from the effects of the global financial crisis and complements marketing strategies already in place,” Dr Constable said.
“Although the WA tourism industry weathered the financial storm better than some, this funding will help increase confidence among operators and help them capitalise on a return of consumer confidence and international travel,” she said.
The funding is part of a national $20 million tourism campaign - $11 million of which is coming from airlines and State and regional tourism bodies and $9 million from the Federal Government.
“This new marketing activity will work alongside and reflect Tourism WA’s new brand campaign to be launched in February,” Dr Constable said.
She said consultation with industry and consumers on the brand strategy had been undertaken and feedback had already been received.
Markets targeted with new campaigns that will run until 30 June are China, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand and Malaysia.
2 February, 2010
Farm schools to plant
seeds of learning
A review of the education needs of Western Australia’s agriculture sector has been ordered by the Minister for Education, Liz Constable.Dr Constable said the review would be the first significant look at agricultural education in WA since 1981.
The chancellor of Edith Cowan University and former Parliamentarian, Hendy Cowan is to chair the review.
“The agriculture industry faces challenges from rapidly changing markets and cost pressures, encompassing the need to incorporate new technology and to pursue new opportunities,” Dr Constable said.
“This review will identify current and future requirements of the agricultural sector in WA for university graduates and examine whether agricultural education is presently being fully catered for by the university sector or training sector.”
She said it was vital that the industry has access to well-trained farmers, researchers and service providers to ensure support for the agriculture sector was effective.
Dr Constable said the review would also identify the future needs of universities offering agricultural education at all levels and examining the pathways between schools and further education.
“It will explore the need for expansion, rationalisation or restructuring of programs and effective co-operation between the organisations involved and facilities available for agricultural education,” she said.
Minister of Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman said a review of the effectiveness of WA’s education and training structures in agriculture was overdue.
“A strong agricultural sector generating export revenue and jobs is vital to the State and it is essential that the industry has access to a well-trained workforce,” Mr Redman said.
The review will also examine the role of the Muresk Institute and its place in providing a tertiary agricultural program and will investigate options for combining the tertiary program with educational programs of similar disciplines.
2 February, 2010
Law system reports
are all in the family
Three reports evaluating aspects of Australia’s family law system have been released by the Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland.Mr McClelland said the reports focus on how the Family Law Courts deal with family violence cases and found that further progress was needed to ensure the cases were responded to effectively.
“The reports provide a comprehensive and objective analysis of the family law system against the aim of providing fair and sustainable solutions for families, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children,” Mr McClelland said.
He said the Evaluation of the 2006 Family Law Reformsby the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) examined the impacts of changes to family law.
He said some of the changes included introducing shared parenting; requiring separating parents to attend family dispute resolution before Court; and establishing Family Relationship Centres to provide information, advice and assistance to families.
According to Mr McClelland, the AIFS report found the idea of shared parental responsibility was widely supported but often misunderstood to mean equal shared care time and had led to unrealistic expectations among some parents.
The AIFS reported that the majority of parents in shared care arrangements believed they were working well but identified concerns where an ongoing fear of violence existed.
The report also found there had been a shift away from using the Family Law Courts and that more separated parents were using dispute resolution services.
Mr McClelland said two reviews, Family Courts Violence Review, conducted by Professor Richard Chisholm and Improving Responses to Family Violence in the Family Law System, conducted by the Family Law Council, addressed the effectiveness of legislation and Court practices involving cases of family violence.
“The Government is committed to improving the family law system so that separated families can effectively access the help they need and disputes can be resolved in the best interests of children,” he said.
Mr McClelland said the Commonwealth Government would consider the findings and recommendations of the reports before responding.
Copies of the reports were available from www.ag.gov.au
2 February, 2010
IT skills ingrained
in wheat farmers
A program supported by the Department of Agriculture and Food is to offer computer tuition to farmers in the wheatbelt.The Partners in Grain (PinG) project aims to satisfy the growing need for information technology workshops for people running farm offices in the bush.
Farmer and spokeswoman for PinG, Ali Cooke said people working in big organisations and in major centres had access to IT help desks, but many farm offices struggled to deal with many computer issues with little assistance.
Ms Cooke, who is a PinG Reference Group member from Badgingarra, said there was a growing need for IT workshops in the bush
“The PinG workshops will deal with a wide range of topics including electronic filing, backing up and dealing with power surges, virus software, email systems, and setting up a computer for a farm office,” she said.
Farmers who participate will be able to use Small Business Smart Business vouchers towards the cost of the workshops.
Workshops will be held on 15 February at Jerramungup Telecentre; 16 February at Ravensthorpe Telecentre meeting room; 17 February at the Esperance Department of Agriculture and Food meeting room; 18 February at the Gibson Soak; 19 February at the Scaddan Country Club; 2 March at the Williams Telecentre; 3 March at Narrogin; 4 March at Katanning Department of Agriculture and Food; and on 5 March at Hyden Telecentre.
Further information was available from www.partnersingrain.org.au or by phoning 0408 908 989.
2 February, 2010
Taskforce seeks
truth on scams
The Australian Institute of Criminology is conducting an online survey into consumer fraud for the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce.The Taskforce has invited consumers to participate in the survey to help it obtain information on what scams people have received and how they responded to them.
It said gathering the information would help to improve the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of scam offenders.
The Taskforce was founded in 2005 with the aim of reducing the number and impact of frauds and scams, and to create a yearly co-ordinated consumer information campaign.
It comprises 20 Government Agencies and Departments in Australia and New Zealand with responsibility for consumer protection, including the Consumer Protection Division of the WA Department of Commerce.
The Taskforce said the online survey was part of this year’s awareness campaign and was voluntary and only took a few minutes to complete.
Responses will remain anonymous, will not be disclosed to third parties and will only be used for statistical analysis.
The survey includes questions on whether people have received particular scams, such as emails involving Nigerian money transfers or unsolicited notifications of lottery wins, and if and how they responded to them.
It also asks if people have ever disclosed personal details or sent money to the scammers.
The survey also looks at reasons for not responding to the scams or not reporting them to relevant Government Agencies.
The survey results are expected to be released later this year and to participate, visit www.aic.gov.au
2 February, 2010
Litterbugs pick up
on litter warning
Keep Australia Beautiful WA has teamed up with the Perth Heat baseball club to spread the anti-litter message, starting with the home of baseball in WA, Baseball Park.Volunteers have collected litter and recyclables during the Heat’s January matches and promoted responsible waste management and reduction both at the game and at home.
Assistant General Manager of Perth Heat, Matt Dompe said patrons were supportive of the anti-littering messages.
Mr Dompe said the ground, located in Thornlie, had benefited from the litter collection efforts of staff and volunteers.
“It’s so great to see our supporters not only barracking for their team but also for the environment and doing their bit to keep Baseball Park clean,” he said.
Mr Dompe said the Heat had hosted its first ‘Green Game’ against Victoria, promoting sustainability and focusing on waste reduction and energy saving.
The Chairman of Keep Australia Beautiful WA, Mel Hay praised Perth Heat for being proactive about waste reduction and encouraged other sporting clubs and venues to consider following suit.
“Many Australians enjoy watching live sport,” Mr Hay said.
“However, too often sporting grounds are left trashed after the game and it’s left to clubs to clean up.
“Keep Australia Beautiful WA can provide resources and information to clubs to help them be proactive in reducing the litter problem and encouraging responsible waste disposal by supporters.”
Further information was available from www.kabc.wa.gov.au
2 February, 2010
New ad laws reach
for the sky
The first major sporting event to make use of new laws guarding against ‘ambush advertising’ has been held in Perth.The Australia versus Pakistan cricket match at the Western Australia Cricket Association Ground on 29 January was the first to be subject to the Major Events (Aerial Advertising) Act.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Terry Waldron said the Act restricted companies from advertising during the match by employing aerial techniques such as sky-writing, the use of banners and advertising attached to aircraft, blimps, hang gliders and hot air balloons.
Mr Waldron said the Act controlled aerial advertising at major events and provided the organiser and sponsors with assurance that their rights and privileges would be protected.
He said the Act was introduced partially in response to incidents in recent years where matches at the WACA Ground were used as advertising opportunities by businesses with no connection to the game.
“Major sporting and entertainment events have increasingly been subject to ambush marketing through aerial advertising,” Mr Waldron said.
“The new law makes it an offence for companies to run rogue aerial advertising campaigns that can damage popular major events.
“These activities have a major impact on event organisers as they could not offer any real protection to their sponsors.”
He said the legislation would ensure that the rights of sponsors of a major event would be protected and provide a further incentive to sponsors to invest in major events in WA.
Mr Waldron said it was fitting that the Australia-Pakistan One Day International was the first event in Western Australia where the protection applied, as Cricket Australia had been one of the key drivers in the move to introduce the legislation across Australia.
2 February, 2010
Worthy cause wins in
gambling hand-out
Over $250,000 in unclaimed gambling winnings is to be used to make the lives of young people with disabilities more enjoyable.Minister for Racing and Gaming, Terry Waldron said the $277,728 from the Gaming Community Trust would go to the Brightwater Care Group to help it provide holiday programs for younger people with disabilities.
“The Brightwater Care Group provides a very worthwhile service which gives younger people with disabilities and their carers access to a range of respite options,” Mr Waldron said.
“This funding, which will be delivered across three years, will be specifically used by the group’s Services for Younger People (SYP) program to provide short holidays for about 150 people.”
The Brightwater Care Group was established in 1901 to provide quality care and support services for people with disabilities by providing residential, rehabilitation and respite accommodation.
The group also provides training and inter-organisational support to a number of other organisations.
Mr Waldron said the funding would allow the Brightwater Care Group to continue to provide outstanding care to people with disabilities.
The Gaming Community Trust is funded by unclaimed winnings from authorised gaming events, predominantly from the Burswood Casino.
The Trust was established in 2002 to give advice and make recommendations to the Minister on grants for worthy community programs and organisations.
2 February, 2010
Citizens break record
Western Australia staged the largest citizenship ceremony in the country’s history when 2,600 people became citizens at Wanneroo on Australia Day.
Federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans said Australia had been enriched by the cultures of people from over 200 countries who have chosen to call Australia home.
“Becoming an Australian citizen is an exciting step that shows commitment and loyalty to this country and the desire to share a common future,” Senator Evans said.
Cultural revival goes on
The Perth Cultural Centre’s revitalisation is continuing under the management of the East Perth Redevelopment Authority, with work being undertaken in stages to reduce the impact on the area’s amenity and accessibility.
Upcoming events at the Centre include St Jerome’s Laneway Festival and Danish water installation artist Jeppe Heim’s outdoor sculpture Appearing Rooms and Spiral Labyrinth1, which are on display as part of the Perth International Arts Festival.
More cane toads pop up
Two adult cane toads have been discovered about 12 kilometres east of Kununurra.
Coordinator of the State Cane Toad Initiative Program at the Department of Environment and Conservation, Corrin Everitt said the cane toads appeared to have arrived in the area under their own steam despite the Program’s best efforts.
“We have sent local residents information packs which contain brochures to assist with identifying cane toads from local native frogs and recommendations for keeping the invasive species out of their backyards,” Ms Everitt said.
She said further information was available from www.dec.wa.gov.au
Planners eye Ashfield
A proposal for Ashfield to become a more significant employment-focused strategic centre over the next two decades has been developed by the Western Australian Planning Commission in conjunction with the Town of Bassendean and City of Bayswater.
Chairman of the Commission, Gary Prattley said Ashfield had been identified as a strategically important area in Directions 2031: Spatial Framework for Perth and Peel, which outlines plans to accommodate future growth in the region.
The report was available from www.planning.wa.gov.au
Lobster plan changed
A revised management strategy has been introduced for the C Zone of the rock lobster fishery after industry called for the current pot usage ratio to be lowered from 44 per cent for the 2009-10 season and for fishing days to be adjusted.
Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore said industry and Government had agreed on alternative arrangements involving a mix of non-fishing days and additional pot reductions.
Mr Moore said pots would have to be out of the water during fishing closures and that a reduced pot usage of 30 per cent of licensed pots (instead of 44 per cent) would apply for the rest of the season.
Italian sisters visit
A 26-strong delegation from Perth’s Italian sister city of Vasto has visited Western Australia.
The visitors were entertained at an official reception at the Perth Town Hall and visited Council House where they met Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi and other Councillors.
They were also guests at the Australia Day citizenship ceremony and celebrations and participated in tourism and trade workshops.
The visit marked the 20th anniversary of the Sister City relationship.