SearchArchives for July 2009
28 July, 2009Super adviser to
take interest in GESB
An independent adviser has been appointed to review the mutualisation of GESB, the public sector superannuation fund, Treasurer Troy Buswell said.Mr Buswell said Federal Public Servant, Rob Whithear, who was working on superannuation policy in the Federal Department of Finance and Deregulation, had been seconded to the Western Australian Public Service to review the proposed mutualisation.
He said several factors had delayed the mutualisation of GESB.
“The global downturn in financial markets has reduced the level of GESB’s reserves, raising issues about the costs to taxpayers of mutualisation,” Mr Buswell said.
He said the Federal Government had flagged GESB’s largest fund, West State Super, saying it may be subject to higher taxation if mutualisation proceeded.
¨I am not prepared to expose GESB members or WA taxpayers to that risk,¨ he said.
Mr Buswell said the Whithear Review would give him advice on ways to revitalise the stalled reform process.
He said it would also ensure the delivery of superannuation choice while maintaining protection for the State and members.
Mr Buswell said Mr Whithear, who had more than 20 years´ experience serving successive Federal Governments, would commence his review before the end of July with recommendations to be delivered by the end of 2009
He said the Federal Department of Finance and Deregulation had agreed to second Mr Whithear in order for Western Australia to utilise the knowledge of Federal and State Government superannuation arrangements gained through Mr Whithear´s recent Scoping Study.
Mr Whithear said he was pleased to be working with the Government.
“I look forward to providing advice to the Government on the most efficient and effective arrangements for State Government superannuation that work in the interests of State taxpayers and members of Government superannuation schemes,” Mr Whithear said.
28 July, 2009
PS housing homes
in to Tom Price
A program of providing housing to State Government employees in regional areas is on the verge of accommodating its first tenants at Tom Price.Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls, said he was pleased with the high standard of the first of eight homes to be delivered to Tom Price, and hoped it would encourage Government workers to live and work in the regions.
“The State Government has committed $200million through Royalties for Regions to boost the Government Regional Officers Housing program and these first homes are good examples of what can be achieved,” Mr Grylls said.
He said the eight homes were built under contract by Maddington-based Quality Brothers.
Minister for Housing and Works, Troy Buswell, said the homes were energy efficient 5-Star Plus compliant homes.
“They have a cyclone region C rating and meet the demanding cyclone proofing requirements of the Tom Price region,” Mr Buswell said.
He said six of the eight homes had three bedrooms and two bathrooms while the remaining two had four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Mr Buswell said all eight homes would be located on 800 sqm blocks, and would feature an outdoor area and carport.
Construction Manager for Quality Brothers, Paul Rintoul, said the Royalties for Regions program had been important for businesses such as theirs.
“Rather than downsizing as a result of the recession, we’ve actually been recruiting trades people and other staff to keep up with demand,” Mr Rintoul said.
Mr Buswell said the eight modular homes would also generate employment at their destination because wherever possible builders would use local tradesmen.
“Five carpenters, four sparkies, three plumbers and three grano workers will complete the homes at Tom Price,” he said.
Mr Buswell also said another 51 modular and prefabricated properties were being built under the Royalties for Regions program.
28 July, 2009
NatureMap a natural
for green award
The Department of Environment and Conservation’s NatureMap website has won a prestigious award at the 2009 WA Spatial Excellence Awards.Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher congratulated the Department on the win saying said the Awards recognised projects that showed exceptional innovation, community or environmental benefits and raised the public profile of information databases.
“NatureMap is an online window into the State’s native plants and animals and where they live,” Mrs Faragher said, “and is designed to provide users with comprehensive and up-to-date information on groups of biodiversity.”
She said the site listed 14,201 flowering plants, 691 algae, 525 lichens and liverworts, 170 mosses, 3,885 invertebrates, 76 amphibians, 728 birds, 224 mammals and 549 reptiles.
It is a joint venture between DEC, WA Museum and Fugro Spatial Solutions Pty Ltd.
Mrs Faragher said NatureMap allowed researchers, conservation planners, consultants and others, including the general public, to produce maps, lists of species, reports and information on WA’s biodiversity.
“It also provides links to DEC’s native plant information site FloraBase,” she said.
Access to NatureMap is free and easy to navigate. It is the second time DEC has won the award.
Mrs Faragher said the award-winning website was now in the running for the Asia Pacific Spatial Excellence awards to be announced in November.
She said NatureMap was available on the DEC website: naturemap.dec.wa.gov.au
28 July, 2009
Property sales
well grounded
The sale of surplus State-owned properties by the Department for Child Protection has been defended by the Department’s Minister, Robyn McSweeney who said it was a strategic decision to fund the expansion of residential care services.Mrs McSweeney denied suggestions the sales were to meet Budget cuts.
“In 2007, the Department for Child Protection undertook a strategic review of all of its land and buildings to identify all surplus properties,” she said.
“The purpose of this review was to initiate the sale of surplus properties, with the proceeds directed towards the reform and expansion of the Department’s residential care services, through the purchase and construction of additional residential care facilities.”
She said the plan was a “smart and responsible reinvestment of funds” that would go into the infrastructure needed for child protection services.
“(It) will ultimately lead to better outcomes for children and young people placed in residential care,” she said,
Mrs McSweeney said the new facilities would provide an additional 144 beds in group homes and intensive therapeutic homes, and 20 beds in a secure care facility.
She said the new facilities followed the 2007 Ford Review that identified the need for reform and expansion of residential care services.
“For the record, the Department for Child Protection has successfully managed to meet the three per cent (Budget) cuts through a combination of streamlined services and good management, and will meet their requirements without any impact on service delivery,” Mrs McSweeney said.
28 July, 2009
Public to hop on
Ambulance review
Comments from the public have been invited as part of the review of ambulance services in the State.Minister for Health, Kim Hames, said the Government had appointed former Director-General of the Department of Housing and Works, Greg Joyce, to conduct the review.
He said the review would be overseen by the Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health, Dr Simon Towler.
“I urge any interested parties to take the time to make a submission as we would like this review to thoroughly investigate existing practices and identify any areas of change required,¨ Dr Hames said.
He said following a meeting between paramedics and the Australian Liquor, Hospitality, and Miscellaneous Workers Union, the terms of the review had been modified slightly.
He said the inquiry would: investigate all reported critical incidents and the four (4) patient deaths specifically referred to in the ABC Four Corners television program of Monday 6 July 2009.
Investigate the performance and management of the St John Ambulance – WA Ambulance Service Inc communication centre, consider staffing, training, staff performance, prioritisation of calls and the use of procedures, clinical protocols, guidelines and decision support tools in the communication centre.
Determine the adequacy and effectiveness of current clinical governance programs, including their timeliness and whether appropriate recommendations have been developed and acted upon.
Compare the service’s current clinical governance systems with the clinical review systems utilised in ambulance services in other jurisdictions within Australia.
Assess the consumer complaint management system and its ability to develop and act upon outcomes.
Advise the Minister of any matters revealed during the investigation which warrant further assessment.
Dr Hames said submissions should be sent to Ms Kim Loh, Development Division, Department of Health, PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre, WA, 6849, or emailed to loh.kim@health.wa.gov.au by the close of business on 3 August.
28 July, 2009
Tracking system
collars numbats
A joint effort by the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Perth Zoo, Australian Wildlife Conservancy and the community group Project Numbat to save the State’s mammal emblem, the numbat from extinction has been boosted with the launch of a radio-tracking project. Minister for Environment, Donna Faragher, said the funding had provided radio-collars for Project Numbat and enabled two radio-tracking flights over Cocanarup Timber Reserve near Ravensthorpe.
She said an estimated 1,000 numbats existed in the wild.
“Numbats, classified as ‘vulnerable’ on State and Federal lists, were recently elevated to Endangered on the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species,¨ Mrs Faragher said.
She said the flights would allow the Department to search for numbats with radio collars, and to gather information about the translocated population at Cocanarup.
Mrs Faragher said as a result DEC had found five numbats it had previously lost contact with.
She said an on-ground survey of the numbat population in Dryandra Woodland was also supported by the funding.
“Protecting numbats from feral predators and loss of habitat is a massive undertaking, and the contribution made by Project Numbat is invaluable for the future survival of this unique marsupial,” she said.
Mrs Faragher said more than 140 numbats had been released into the wild by the Perth Zoo with 20 of those going into Cocanarup in the past three years.
She said the Cocanarup Timber Reserve was chosen because it baited each month for foxes and it was a eucalypt woodland with good densities of hollow logs and termites.
28 July, 2009
New liquor bans are
dry arguments
The sale or supply of liquor in two Aboriginal communities has been banned following approaches by the communities to the Minister for Racing and Gaming, Terry Waldron.Mr Waldron said the ban, which began on 25 July, made it illegal to sell/supply, possess, or bring liquor into Noonkanbah in the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley and Juwurlinji in the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley.
“Last year, the Yungngora Association wrote to me asking for the introduction of regulations under section 175 of the Act to restrict alcohol in the Noonkanbah community,” Mr Waldron said.
“This was because the existing by-laws did not apply to the whole community and were therefore not the most effective way of reducing the amount of alcohol-related harm and ill-health in the community.”
Mr Waldron said the Juwulinypany Community Aboriginal Corporation also contacted his office to request section 175 of the Liquor Control Act 1988 be implemented.
“The State Government takes such requests seriously as it shows that people within the community are determined to tackle the harm and ill-health issues connected with excessive alcohol consumption,” he said.
Mr Waldron said liquor licensees found in breach of the restrictions would be fined $5,000, while individuals would be liable for a $2,000 fine.
He said the laws, supported by the police and the shire of Derby-West Kimberley and Wyndham East Kimberley, allowed police to seize and dispose of opened or unopened liquor containers.
28 July, 2009
Rail safety campaign
on the right track
Western Australia has joined a nationwide public information campaign promoting safety at rail level and pedestrian crossings. Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien launched Rail Safety Week saying there were 50 serious near misses between motor cars, trucks and trains reported at level crossings in WA each year.
“While Main Roads WA will spend around $20 million on rail level crossing improvements in 2009-10 (including a recent Federal allocation of $14.07million to install boom gates on unguarded level crossings), it is still vital that drivers take care around level crossings and be aware of the dangers,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Crashes between trains and vehicles have a devastating effect on everyone involved and, in most cases, could have been avoided.”
He said over 90 per cent of fatal crashes can be attributed to motorist error.
“Of the State’s 1,251 level crossings, 804 have only passive protection - stop and give way signage,” he said.
“The Federal funding will allow the State Government to spend an additional $12.57million in regional WA on crossings from Geraldton to Albany, and Kalgoorlie to Esperance, and $1.5 million will be spent by the Public Transport Authority to upgrade sites in the metropolitan area, including Byford and Serpentine.”
He said a total of 42 crossings would be upgraded.
Mr O’Brien said regardless of the safety measures in place at level crossings it was essential that motorists slowed down, looked, listened and prepared to stop.
He said the campaign also called for safer pedestrian behaviour.
“We are seeing a disturbing trend in the Perth metropolitan area of pedestrians also taking dangerous short cuts at rail crossings,” he said.
Mr O’Brien urged pedestrians to follow safety signs and cross train tracks with caution.
He said Rail Safety Week, which runs in Australia and New Zealand until 31 July, is funded by the Public Transport Authority, the Office of Road Safety, Westnet Rail, and the Australian Railroad Group.
He said television, radio, outdoor and online advertisements were based around the idea of your life flashing before your eyes, with the tag line - ‘some things are worth waiting for’.
28 July, 2009
Employment stats
show job at hand
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed that Western Australia has experienced both its lowest unemployment rate on record and its fastest increase in unemployment on record in the past 12 months.According to the ABS, the Western Australian unemployment rate fell to 2.7 per cent (trend) in September 2008, when the national rate had reached 4.3 per cent.
The Bureau said in the nine months after September 2008, Western Australia's unemployment climbed steadily reaching 5.2 per cent in trend terms or 5.1 per cent seasonally adjusted in June of this year.
Although the ABS said Western Australia still remained well below other Australian states as well as the majority of OECD countries.
¨WA's unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate for most of the last 15 years,¨ the Bureau said.
The ABS said nearly 20,000 jobs had been lost in the West Australian mining industry since 2008, while over the same period many industries had noticed a rise in part-time workers.
¨In 1979, males in full-time employment comprised 62% of the Western Australian workforce. Today they account for less than half,¨ the Bureau said.
¨Part-time workers, of both sexes, now comprise much larger proportions of the workforce than was the case 30 years ago.¨
The Bureau said more details could be found in Western Australian Statistical Indicators (cat. no. 1367.5) which could be downloaded free of charge from the ABS website.
28 July, 2009
Bushland program
is burning issue
A dry season burning program in the Kimberley has been completed by the Department of Environment and Conservation.Minister for Environment, Donna Faragher, said the burning program would aim to create a patchwork of burnt and unburnt bushland to minimise long fire runs.
“This year’s program involved prescribed burns totalling 725,000ha in some of the major conservation reserves including Prince Regent and Parry lagoons’ nature reserves, King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park, and in Mitchell River, Drysdale and Purnululu national parks,” Mrs Faragher said.
She said burns also took place on Aboriginal land and unallocated Crown land
“The program involved more than 20 DEC staff as well as Aboriginal rangers and traditional owners from Kalumburu, Derby and the Central Kimberley,¨ she said.
Mrs Faragher said the Department had appointed two additional staff members in the previous 12 months to help engage traditional land owners and teach then contemporary fire practices that complement traditional fire-management techniques.
“It is expected with the continued development of these relationships through the Kimberley Land Council and other partnerships with traditional owners, we will see an improvement in fire management across the region,” she said.
“Fire management will be a critical theme of the Government’s Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy,” Mrs Faragher said.
28 July, 2009
Site office shows
site is in sight
A new office on the Fiona Stanley Hospital site has received its first contingent of project managers and construction experts, moving the $1.76billion project an important step forward.Minister for Health, Kim Hames, said the 1,300sqm site would house 87 industry professionals but had the capacity to house 120.
“With the site cleared and bulk earthworks complete, and with the design of the hospital progressing well, I’m pleased to see the State team will be working alongside the managing contractor under one roof as we head into the construction phase of the project,” Dr Hames said.
He said construction is to begin on the main hospital buildings later this year and team members would provide support and guidance to the facility.
“The site office will be their home until the hospital opens its doors in 2014,” he said.
Dr Hames said the hospital would be home to a major trauma centre and the State Burns Unit.
He said it would also house services for cancer, paediatric, radiology, renal transplant and dislysis, mental health, obstetric and neonatal care.
Dr Hames said more information on the Fiona Stanley Hospital project could be found at www.fionastanley.health.wa.gov.au or by calling 1800 659 475.
28 July, 2009
New boats make waves
for marine managers
The management of three marine parks has been improved with the addition of three new boats for the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).Minister for Environment, Donna Faragher, said the first boat was a 5.8 metre rigid inflatable Nalad, named ¨Kgaiup Spirit´ meaning ´water spirit´.
She said the boat, built by Kirby Marine at a cost of $145,000, would be the main operational vessel in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.
“‘Kgaiup Spirit’ will be used for general marine park patrols, educating park users and for responding to injured animals such as seals,” Mrs Faragher said.
She said it would also be used to monitor the park´s marine plants and animals, as well as maintaining zone markers.
Mrs Faragher said the two other vessels, built by Elite Marine for $280,000 each, were 9.3 metre catamarans.
She said the first catamaran, named LaKela meaning ´dolphin over water´ in Noongar, had been stationed at Marmion Marine Park.
She said the second catamaran, named ´Pseudorca III´ after the false killer whale would be used for State-wide wildlife management operations, including marine animal rescues and shark hazard management.
“This commitment will substantially improve DEC’s capacity to deliver the objectives contained in the management plan for, and new zoning system in, the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park for nature conservation, public enjoyment, education and sustainable use,” Mrs Faragher said.
28 July, 2009
Heritage Awards
make the list
Nominations for the 2009 Heritage Awards have been announced by the Minister for Heritage, John Castrilli.Mr Castrilli said there was a wide range of nominees, including major commercial developers and volunteer groups.
“The nominees demonstrate real commitment to heritage conservation at the community, government and private industry levels,” Mr Castrilli said.
He said there were four award categories including contribution to heritage by an individual, contribution to heritage by an organisation, conservation and/or interpretation of a places listed in the State Register of Heritage Places, and excellence in adaptive reuse.
“Individual nominees Barrie Baker, Wesley Olson, Loretta Wright and Ian Maitland each show strong commitment to heritage in professional and voluntary capacities,” he said.
Mr Castrilli said the organisation category would to be fiercely contested with nominees including the Rottnest Island Authority, Midland Redevelopment Authority, as well as the cities of Perth and Stirling.
He said the conservation project at Canning Town Hall was a nominee for category three while the final category, established this year in honour of the Heritage Council´s late chairman, Gerry Gauntlett, included the conversion of the former Geraldton Police Barracks into public housing by Bruce Sherwood Architects.
“It is heartening to see such a strong field of nominees, demonstrating widespread commitment to heritage conservation across our State,” he said.
Mr Castrilli said the presentation of the 2009 Heritage Council Awards would take place at the West Australian Rowing Club on 30 July 2009.
28 July, 2009
New gas bill is
well received
The level of royalties payable on ‘tight gas’ has been cut from 10 per cent to five.Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Norman Moore, announced the cut saying it had the potential to significantly boost the State’s gas supply
Mr Moore said the royalty was paid on the value of the gas at the wellhead and the cut recognised the different start up and operational costs the tight gas industry was subject to compared with other petroleum producers.
“The tight gas industry is in its very early stages,” Mr Moore said, “and the State Government needs to remove hurdles and encourage investment in this area.”
“Where an offshore petroleum producer may drill 10 to 20 wells, a tight gas producer needs to drill 200 to 300 wells to maintain production levels.”
He said tight gas was found in low permeable rocks and required special equipment to access it but had the potential to become a major source of alternative energy for WA.
“North America has used tight gas for decades and unconventional gas, which includes tight gas, is increasingly becoming part of the United States energy supply,” he said.
“The Perth Basin could hold between nine and 12 trillion cubic feet of tight gas … enough gas to supply WA’s domestic needs for up to 30 years.”
Mr Moore said that many of the tight gas fields were also located near industry that was heavily gas reliant.
He said the royalty relief would be applied immediately for small to medium-sized fields, and portions of larger fields.
Legislative amendments were required for the total area of larger fields but Mr Moore was confident the changes would be implemented.
28 July, 2009
Clearing Regulations
get all-clear
New regulations to control the clearing of native vegetation in Western Australia have been recommended by a review committee.Minister for Environment, Donna Faragher, said she was thankful to the people and organisations who made submissions to the four-member review committee, chaired by Associate Professor Garry Middle.
“There were 23 submissions, ranging from conservation groups to industry and government bodies,” Mrs Faragher said.
She said the recommendations included a risk based assessment of clearing applications and tracking of assessment timeframes to provide more streamlined assessment pathways, greater certainty and timely decisions, the development of a shared database on native vegetation to allow for improved decision making, monitoring and auditing of land clearing by government, and clarification of the role of offsets.
Mrs Faragher said the Minister's Environmental Stakeholder Advisory Committee would consider the report, as well as other reviews, when providing advice to the Minister on future legislative reform within the environment portfolio.
She said the report was available to the public through the Department of Environment and Conservation website www.dec.wa.gov.au
28 July, 2009
Consultants dive in
for water recovery
A study of potential strategies for recovering water in the Collie River Basin has begun.Minister for Water, Graham Jacobs, announced that consultants KPMG and Worley Parsons had commenced work and would provide independent advice to the Government on the strategies available to recover the important water resource.
He said in the coming weeks, the review would be calling for proposals to improve water resource quality in the Collie River Basin.
“This Government made a commitment to exploring the options for recovery of the Collie River Basin,” Dr Jacobs said.
“The recent endorsement to continue the $30million Collie pilot expansion, funded from the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (a joint Federal and State Government initiative) is another commitment from this Government to salinity recovery.¨
Dr Jacobs said the review would analyse the best way to reverse the impact of salinity on the water available from the Collie Basin.
He said the recovery of the Collie River would allow the State to meet the demand for water from irrigators and developers.
He said the salinity problem in the Collie River had restricted use of the Wellington Reservoir.
“Reducing salinity in the Collie River and Wellington Reservoir will benefit irrigators, ensure viability of South-West inland towns and pave the way for the development of an industrial water supply, as well as supply water to the IWSS (Integrated Water Supply Scheme),” Dr Jacobs said.
28 July, 2009
PTA fines up
The Public Transport Authority has announced that fines for some offences on public transport have increased.
The PTA said the penalty for most minor offences had increased from $50 to $100 with maximum penalties going from $250 to $500.
The changes are in revisions to the Public Transport Authority Regulations and include fines for fare evasion, smoking and alcohol consumption, acting as a nuisance and carrying graffiti materials.
Kimberley strategy success
Minister for Environment, Donna Faragher, has welcomed the community and industry feedback received from a series of workshops and forums on the Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy.
Mrs Faragher said more than 100 verbal and written submissions have been received, with the Government allocating $9 million over four years to develop and implement the strategy.
Planning forum coming
LandCorp is to host a four-day Planning Design Forum to guide the development of the Broome North.
Minister for Lands, Brendon Grylls, said the Forum would be held at the Mangrove Design Forum from 19 to 22 August.
He said several of the sessions would be open to the local community, and he encouraged everyone to participate.
Details could be found at www.landcorp.com.au
Heat put on hot water bottles
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has joined with State and Territory Fair Trading Offices to crack down on faulty hot water bottles.
The ACCC is to put suppliers and manufacturers on notice, with serious penalties in place for those who do not comply with safety standards.
In the past year 38 people have been hospitalised with serious burns caused by hot water bottles.
A brochure providing safety tips on hot water bottles was available from www.accc.gov.au
PM awards go to schools
The Prime Minister and Acting Federal Education Minister have congratulated student recipients of the 2008 Prime Minister´s Awards for Skills Excellence in School.
Jerrah Menary of the Schools of Isolated and Distance Education in WA received an award in the Highest Achieving Students in States and Territories category.
More information about the Award and a full list of 2008 winners can be found at www.deewr.gov.au/avsp
Health EOI called
The State Government has called on the private sector for Expressions of Interest for the development and provision of health services for the Albany Health Campus.
Minister for Health, Kim Hames, said he anticipated a series of ´core services’, including emergency care, operating theatres, central sterilising service etc, would continue to be provided by the public sector.
He said Expressions of Interest should be submitted by 9 August 9 and more information could be found at www.tenders.wa.gov.au
Power station going up
Perth Energy´s new power station in Kwinana has begun construction, Minister for Energy Peter Collier announced.
Mr Collier said the gas-fired station - with a capacity of 120 megawatts - is to start service in mid-2010.
He said the open-cycle gas turbines of the new station would take just five minutes to reach full capacity.
Careers week for ICT
National ICT Careers Week has been launched to showcase the study and career opportunities available in information communications and technology for young people.
From 27 July to 1 August special events, activities and competitions will be available to youths interested in ICT.
For more information on event dates and locations visit www.ictcareersweek.info
21 July, 2009
PS managers merge in
management shake-up
The Public Sector Commissioner and Commissioner for Public Sector Standards are to be merged in a major reform to the Western Australian Public Service.Premier Colin Barnett announced the merger saying it would remove an overlap of responsibility between the two offices which would make the work of the Corruption and Crime Commission easier.
He said the change was part of the Government’s commitment to the flexibility and integrity of the public sector.
Mr Barnett said the reforms provided a more logical and integrated approach to both the management efficiency of the PS - currently the responsibility of the Public Sector Commissioner - and its appropriate standards, which were the responsibility of the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards
“This direction has been endorsed by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee which, in its report into the new Department of Premier and Cabinet and Public Sector Commission of June this year, recommended consolidation of public sector management into a single office,” he said.
He said Mal Wauchope would continue as Public Sector Commissioner with the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards, Dr Ruth Shean remaining to work on the changes until the necessary legislative amendments were finalised. She would then return to a senior post in the Public Service
Mr Barnett said amendments to the Public Sector Management Act and the Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003 would be necessary to bring about the reforms.
“We intend to bring forward these amendments in the Spring session of Parliament, with the intention of having the arrangements in place in the New Year,” Mr Barnett said.
He said he had asked the Director of Public Prosecutions, Robert Cock to take on the role of Special Counsel to the Government to assist it in guiding the implementation of the changes
According to Attorney General, Christian Porter, Mr Cock was one of the sharpest legal minds in Western Australia and had particular expertise in both public sector and CCC legislation.
Mr Barnett said the work to be undertaken by Mr Cock would take 12 to 18 months and would include a register and scheme to monitor the activities of Government lobbyists.
“Lobbying is a legitimate part of the political process however the Liberal-National Government believes their activities should be monitored and reported on a regular basis,” Mr Barnett said.
He said the reforms were further steps towards better government for Western Australia.
The Community and Public Sector Union was critical of the reforms saying another review of public sector activity was not needed.
“We already have a number of bodies overseeing public sector management reform making recommendations and providing advice for the Government,” the CPSU’s Toni Walkington said.
“The Government just needs to get on an implement some of the recommendations rather than engaging in further review processes.”
21 July, 2009
DSR goes into bat
for baseball
The Department of Sport and Recreation has launched the Diamond Sports Academy to replace the high performance sports program for baseball and softball dropped by the Western Australian Institute of Sport.Acting Director General of Sport and Recreation, Graham Brimage, said the academy was a collaboration between the Department, Baseball WA, Softball WA, and the Tee-ball Association of WA.
He said it would provide clear pathways for juniors as well as the sharing of support services.
"This is a great example of sports that might traditionally compete against each other coming together to share resources and pursue common goals," Mr Brimage said.
He said the General Managers of Baseball WA and Softball WA, Geoff Hooker and Craig Hamer-Matthew as well as representatives from DSR, the Australian Baseball Federation and Softball Australia would lead the program.
Mr Hooker said the funding from the Department ensured that baseball players could continue to achieve success at a national and international level.
Mr Hamer-Matthew said the three year agreement provided a solid foundation to build upon the high standard of Western Australian softball.
"We are all hoping that baseball and softball will be reinstated as Olympic sports for the 2016 games," Mr Hamer-Matthew said.
21 July, 2009
Department shanghied
for Chinese expo
The Department of State Development has been announced as the coordinator of Western Australia's involvement in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.The Expo is expected to attract more than 170 nations and at least 40 international organisations.
A statement released by the Department said more than 70 million people were expected at the Expo, with seven million likely to visit the Australia Pavilion.
¨The theme of Expo 2010, running from 1 May to 31 October 2010 is ‘Better Cities, Better Life,’ and will feature an ‘Urban Best Practice Area’ on sustainable urban environments,¨ the statement said.
The Department said the Expo would cover 5.28sqkm of reclaimed industrial land in Central Shanghai.
¨Western Australia's Expo presence will be complemented by Ministerial-led trade and investment missions focussed on industries of significant importance to the State's trade with China, including Agriculture and Food; Design and Construction Services; Education and Training; and Mining, Oil & Gas,¨ the Department said.
It said the missions would visit the Shanghai World Expo 2010 as well as other economically significant Chinese regions.
Full details on Australia's involvement in Shanghai World Expo 2010 could be found at www.australianpavilion.com
21 July, 2009
Circular management
for returning staff
A Public Sector Commissioner’s Circular dealing with the re-employment of PS staff assigned to Statutory Offices has been issued by the Public Service Commissioner, Mal Wauchope.Entitled Re-Employment of Public Service Officers Employed in Statutory Offices, the Circular outlines a policy framework for re-employing eligible staff and principal Statutory Office holders on their return to the PS.
According to the Circular, the enabling legislation of some Statutory Offices entitles some permanent PS staff appointed to it to return to the Public Service at a classification at or at least at the equivalent of the position they held prior to moving over to the Statutory Office.
“However, the enabling legislation does not identify the process and mechanisms to give effect to the statutory entitlement,” the Circular says.
So the Circular does.
Under the framework set up by the Circular, an employee electing to return to the PS must do so in writing at least a month in advance of his or her intended cessation with the Statutory Office.
The Statutory Office must then notify the Public Sector Commission of the officer’s election, certify that he or she satisfies the necessary conditions and then propose a re-employment date.
The Statutory Office is required to continue providing meaningful work for the officer and for paying him or her until the agreed cessation date.
Under the re-employment framework, the PSC would then work with the officer’s former Department or Agency to arrange the re-employment.
According to the Circular, if an officer has been promoted to a higher level while with the Statutory Office, there will be no guarantee that he or she can return to the PS at that higher level but they will have the opportunity to do so, based on a number of principles:
- the availability of a position at the equivalent higher level;
- the nature of the position; and
- the experience, skills and qualifications needed for that position.
“Where the former Public Service Department no longer exists, an alternative Department under the same or nearest Minister’s portfolio may assume responsibility for the officer’s re-employment,” it says.
The Circular says the PSC will ‘actively’ facilitate the re-employment process.
“It is anticipated that an individual returning to the Public service will be offered employment in their previous Agency, unless otherwise agreed,” it says.
Copies of the Circular can be downloaded from the PSC website at www.publicsector.wa.gov.au
21 July, 2009
Council changes to be
taken to the people
Plans to reform Local Government are being taken to the people with the Minister for Local Government, John Castrilli, hosting a series of meetings in communities across the State.Mr Castrilli said it was important for communities to contribute to Local Government development.
“Local governments exist to serve the community and a community voice is essential to shape the future of local government in this State,” Mr Castrilli said.
He said the meetings would give locals the chance to learn about the reform initiatives and ask any questions.
Mr Castrilli said there was a community meeting planned for Bridgetown on 22 July and another in Wagin in early August.
He said he would also be meeting with Local Government elected members later this month and in August.
“Local Government reform is a valuable opportunity for local governments to plan for their future sustainability and ensure the best possible service delivery to their communities,” he said.
He encouraged residents to contact their Local Government to discover how they could contribute to the reform process and that he looked forward to meeting with community members.
Mr Castrilli said all Local Governments were required to provide a reform submission to the Minister by 31 August.
21 July, 2009
TAFE enrolments go
to top of the class
Applications to study a TAFE course in Semester Two this year jumped 72 per cent over that for the same time last year.Minister for Training, Peter Collier, said the Government had introduced various initiatives to encourage training, including course fee exemptions for unemployed people wanting to train in publicly subsidised training.
He said 7,390 people had applied to study full-time TAFE courses in semester two compared with 4,287 at the last time in 2008.
“A 10-year plan for training and a $47.4million added investment in training was announced in the May Budget.”
Mr Collier said the increase demonstrated that people were trying to recession-proof their careers in a time of economic uncertainty.
“Since the beginning of the year there has been an overall 24 per cent boost in applications for full-time TAFE courses, with 22,107 people applying through the TAFE Admissions Centre compared to 16,818 for the same time in 2008,” he said.
Mr Collier said the most popular semester two courses included Certificate III in Teaching Assistant; Diploma of Enrolled Nursing; Certificate I in Electrotechnology (Pre Apprentice Electrical); and Certificate III in Fitness and Certificate III in Children’s Services.
He said teenagers between 15 and 19 years lodged 50 per cent of the applications, 23 per cent were from people aged between 20 and 24, while 10 per cent were more than 40 years of age.
“Increasing your skills and qualifications is good for your career, particularly for mature-aged workers who may want to re-skill and move into different industries or careers,” he said.
Mr Collier said training was also available through registered training organisations as well as TAFE.
“Training WA: Planning for the future 2009-2018 outlines a series of targeted initiatives to ensure the skills needs of industry are met and to give individuals greater access to training,” Mr Collier said.
21 July, 2009
Plain sailing for
endangered marron
Researchers from the Department of Fisheries have helped bring a critically endangered marron back from the edge of extinction.Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore, said there were concerns the hairy marron, a freshwater crustacean unique to Western Australia, had been displaced by the more common smooth marron.
He said the Department of Fisheries had obtained a grant from the South West Catchments Council in 2005 to establish a breeding program with more than 1,500 wild hairy marron.
Mr Moore said University of Western Australia researchers helped develop a DNA test in order to distinguish between pure hairy marrons and hairy smooth marron hybrids.
He said DNA fingerprinting showed only 15 per cent of the 1,500 specimens were pure hairy marron and as a result 230 hairy marron were used to establish a genetic repository at the Department of Fisheries Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre (PFRC).
“The research centre is the biggest freshwater hatchery in WA and its successful breeding program has reached the stage where we have enough hairy marron to allow restocking of the Margaret River,” Mr Moore said.
He said more than 2,000 hairy marron juveniles would be tagged and released, with another 10,000 hopefully restocked each year.
Mr Moore congratulated project leader Craig Lawrence, technical officer Chris Bird, PFRC hatchery manager Tony Church and UWA researchers Phil Vercoe and Emily Trainer for their hard work in saving the hairy marron.
“This effort will help re-establish this species in its natural environment and prevent extinction,” Mr Moore said.
21 July, 2009
Paper points way for
digital direction
A directions paper on the future of the digital economy has been released by the Federal Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.Titled Australia's Digital Economy: Future Directions, the paper examines key areas of focus for Government, industry and the community in promoting Australia's success in the digital economy.
It features case studies of 12 Australians who have successfully engaged with the digital economy.
Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said the digital economy was essential to Australia's productivity, global competitive standing and improved social well-being.
“It is the computers, the phones, our TVs, the networks and the banking systems that we use in our personal life and our business each day,” Senator Conroy said.
“In the future it will be so much more, connecting every part of our lives and providing new opportunities across society and the economy.”
He said the paper would identify the benefits of maximising investment in broadband and developing a “world-class” digital economy.
“Australia needs a digitally aware and enabling Government, a digitally confident, innovative and skilled industry and a digitally literate and empowered community,” Senator Conroy said.
“The paper explores the actions we need to advance to enhance these key factors for success.”
He said the paper had been developed in consultation with industry and other stakeholders.
The Australian Computer Society – the peak body for information and communication technology professionals – welcomed the launch of the paper.
Chairman of ACS, Kumar Parakala said the Society would focus its efforts on supporting Government and industry to develop three key areas – e-security, e-health and e-learning.
Mr Parakala said unlike other traditional sectors of the economy, the digital economy had “no barriers or ceilings to its growth” and that the paper illustrated the foundations were already in place for a developing a strong sector within Australia.
Further information on the paper was available from the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy website: www.dbcde.gov.au
21 July, 2009
Perth expansion
a shore thing
Plans to extend the eastern end of Perth to the river foreshore have moved another step forward with the Minister for Planning, John Day, agreeing to allow further development in line with the 2008 Master Plan.Mr Day said Riverside would be a sustainable urban community that would include pedestrian and cyclist-friendly neighbourhoods, environmentally-designed buildings, and waterfront open spaces.
He said it would also provide a unique eastern entry statement for Perth´s visitors and residents.
“It will reinvigorate the city and create a bustling, vibrant place with entertainment, commercial, retail, civic and residential uses that take advantage of its fantastic location,¨ Mr Day said.
He said the Government was investing $130m in the project and once completed, Riverside would create more than 3,400 dwellings for 5,800 residents as well as 81,000sqm of commercial and retail floor space for approximately 1,700 workers.
He said the zoning allowed private developers, such as the Western Australian Cricket Association, to progress the planning and development of their sites.
Chief Executive of WACA, Graeme Wood, said he was keen to progress the plan for the famous cricket grounds.
“The WACA is currently working on plans with its joint venture partner Ascot Capital Limited including an eight-to-10 storey commercial development on the western side of the WACA grounds; redevelopment of the stadium stands; and a significant mixed-use development of the north-east corner of the site,” Mr Wood said.
He said WACA had met with the East Perth Redevelopment Authority and expected to lodge a development application in the near future.
Mr Day said more information about Riverside was available at www.epra.wa.gov.au
21 July, 2009
Maths award winner
has the numbers
An Education Measurement Officer with the Department of Education and Training, Dr Elena Stoyanova, has won one of Australia’s most prestigious mathematics awards.Director General of Training with DET, Sharyn O´Neill, said the BH Neumann Awards were presented to a maximum of three people each year for continued and important contributions to the enrichment of Australian mathematics learning.
She said the win demonstrated the talent within the Department.
“Dr Stoyanova, who has been employed by the Department for nine years, arrived in Australia 17 years ago with her husband for what she initially thought would be a holiday,” Ms O’Neill said.
“Since that time, she has worked tirelessly in both a professional and a voluntary capacity to promote excellence in mathematics education in Western Australia.”
Ms O´Neill said the other awards for 2009 were presented to Professor Lucho Stoyanova, Dr Stoyanova´s husband, and Katrina Sims from South Australia.
She said Dr Stoyanova was involved with the Mathematics Olympiads and had also designed and helped implement several enrichment programs for universities in Western Australia as well as the Department.
“She is currently working on the development of materials for teachers to help them teach students with a wide range of abilities.¨
“The Department is very fortunate to have someone like Mrs Stoyanova on its staff and the students of Western Australia are the richer for her work,” Ms O´Neill said.
21 July, 2009
Students plug in to
communications line
Central TAFE is to introduce a new service for communication and collaboration between staff and students when it installs the Microsoft Live@EDU communication solution.A statement on Central TAFE´s website said Microsoft Live@EDU provided a simple, practical way for students and staff to communicate with each other, as well as giving them new ways to deliver and handle their work.
Central TAFE said the software provided hosted email, calendars, online workspaces, mobile alerts, document sharing, instant messaging, blogs, videoconferencing, mobile access and address books which could all be accessed though Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices.
Managing Director of Central TAFE, Neil Fernandes, said Microsoft´s Live@EDU would meet the growing needs of the TAFE students.
¨We will be introducing a multi-purpose online offering, that streamlines the way we work and communicate and enables instant connectivity and collaboration right across our campuses,” Mr Fernandes said.
He said roughly 1,000 students would start using the pilot of Live@EDU in Semester two of this year.
He said the pilot group would provide feedback on the suitability of the service.
Education Director at Microsoft Australia, Neil Jackson, said he was very pleased to see more Australian education institutions discover the benefits of Live@EDU.
¨This offering is providing educational facilities with a cost effective and advanced email service without compromising their budgets,” Mr Jackson said.
Central TAFE said Live@EDU made it possible to create communities that could last a lifetime, with e-mail addresses students can retain after they graduate.
21 July, 2009
Light going out for
NightRider buses
A number of NightRider bus services are to be scaled back from the end of this month. Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien, said extremely low passenger patronage was to blame for the decision but the Northbridge service had never been strong and ongoing funding was no longer sustainable.
“This decision reflects a continuing decline to single-figure numbers and the City of Perth’s decision to discontinue its partial funding contribution,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said that in May, the Scarborough Beach Road service and the Fremantle route carried an average of 3.85 and 4.85 passengers respectively.
He said it had always been known that taxis were the preferable option for late night revellers since they delivered a door-to-door service.
“The State Government is enhancing taxi services in the late night entertainment precincts by making it safer and easier for patrons to catch them,¨ he said.
Mr O´Brien said more than $550,000 had been provided in the last few weeks for extra security measures, including taxi marshalls.
Lord Mayor of Perth, Lisa Scaffidi, agreed with the decision saying the low passenger levels meant the service was no longer viable.
“In view of the enhanced taxi service and proposed moves to incorporate more maxi taxis into this late-night time slot, the service is being evolved to one we feel will have greater patronage than the current NightRider service,” Ms Scaffidi said.
Mr O´Brien said the Leach Highway route was also being droppped, with figures from May showing an average of 6.75 passengers per trip.
“The Fremantle-Northbridge service, which operates reciprocally with the Northbridge-Fremantle run, will go only as far as Henley Street, Como from 26 July, while Fremantle’s South Street NightRider will remain unchanged,” Mr O´Brien said.
21 July, 2009
Depts stick beaks
into cockatoo case
A joint project between the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department of Planning is to be conducted to protect the endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo.Minister for Environment, Donna Faragher, said Carnaby´s nesting and living habitats would be surveyed with the information made available to planners and developers, landholders, and the general community.
She said the project would lead to a more informed decision making process in future land development and would include a survey of potential breeding sites.
“Carnaby’s black cockatoos have been specially protected by the State Government in response to the reduction of habitat and food sources which has caused a decline in numbers over the years,” Mrs Faragher said.
She said the project would include a survey of potential breeding sites as well as information on what to plant in order to create an ideal habitat for the Carnaby.
Mrs Faragher said roughly 15,000 of the cockatoos visited the Swan Coastal Plain, however, stakeholders and the community needed to make a concerted effort.
Minister for Planning, John Day, said a major objective of the project was to develop a geographic information system tool.
He said this tool would assist in conservation and land use planning as well as ensuring an adequate habitat for the birds in the Swan, Avon, and South Coast regions.
"This project will provide benefits for the interface between planning and the environment by providing a clearer understanding of land use pressures and constraints,” Mr Day said.
“It will allow more informed planning to take place by providing valuable information on Carnaby’s black cockatoo habitats as part of the planning decision process.”
Mrs Faragher said all survey information, which is due to be finalised by the middle of 2010, would be made available online through DEC and the Department of Planning.
21 July, 2009
Comments crop up
in GM review
Public comment has been called for plans to review the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act 2003.Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman, said the Act prohibited the cultivation of certain genetically modified crops in designated areas and in certain cases provided for their destruction.
He said it was a requirement under the Act, which came into operation 24 December 2003, for a review five years after the commencement date and a report to be tabled in Parliament by 24 December 2009.
Mr Redman said former Parliamentary Counsel, Greg Calcutt, had been appointed to undertake the review.
“The review will look at the need for the Act and whether it is appropriate; its operations and effectiveness; and the orders prohibiting the cultivation of GM crops and the granting of exemptions,” Mr Redman said.
He welcomed submissions from the public but said however the review was not a general inquiry into gene technology and GM organisms, nor did it relate to the policy behind the current GM canola trials.
“Issues such as the safety and labelling of GM foods, legal liability, use of pesticides, intellectual property and the role of multinationals are not covered by the scope of this review,¨ he said.
“It will look at the effectiveness of the Act, rather than what policy should or should not be implemented via the Act.”
Mr Redman said the public submission period would run until 14 August and all submissions must be received in writing and meet the Department´s guidelines available at www.agric.wa.gov.au
He said a background paper relating to the review was also available on the website, or by emailing gmcrops@agric.wa.gov.au or phoning 9368 3327 or 9368 3530.
21 July, 2009
Sports academy scores
with first birthday
The South West Academy of Sport has celebrated the first birthday of its partner sports programs, an initiative it says has helped make it an important training ground for young athletes in the region.Chairman of the SWAS Board, Don Punch, said it was exciting to see the academy develop and there was plenty to celebrate on its first birthday.
"The academy has helped 147 athletes pursue their sporting dreams in its first year," Mr Punch said.
"This is an outstanding effort and a reflection of the hard work of the athletes, coaches and program coordinators, as well as the generous sponsorship from local groups and businesses."
The Chief Executive of SWAS, Bernice Butlion, said the Academy was looking forward to an inaugural awards night to celebrate the achievements of SWAS athletes as it moved into its second year.
"The annual awards night will be held in November and will be our chance to publicly acknowledge the accomplishments of our young sportsmen and sportswomen,’’ Ms Butlion said.
She said the Academy would continue to boost the potential of athletes and strengthen its partner sports programs.
"We’ve got a good project here - I’m passionate about it because sport changes lives," Ms Butlion said.
21 July, 2009
Electrical safety
sparks new idea
New Regulations requiring electrical safety devices to be installed in rented homes and those that are sold have been announced by the Minister for Commerce, Troy Buswell.Mr Buswell said under the regulations, a Residual Current Device or RCD would need to be fitted to the main switchboard of a house, and if an imbalance in the electrical current was detected, it would immediately cut the electricity supply.
“Many people already have circuit breakers installed in their homes, to protect against overloading and short circuits,” he said.
“However, these will not prevent electrocution. RCDs are the only devices that will.”
He said it had been compulsory since 2000 for newly constructed homes to have two RCDs fitted
Mr Buswell said under the new regulations, two RCDs must be fitted to properties before they could be sold.
He said all rental properties must have two RCDs fitted before they could be re-leased and where the rental property was not re-leased the RCDs must be fitted before August 2011.
He said for a home to be fully protected it must have circuit breakers and at least two RCDs with the cost for the supply and installation of two-single phase RCDs on an average sized home reaching about $400 and $500.
“It is estimated, under this legislation, nearly 90 per cent of all housing stock will comply within 15 years, which will significantly reduce the number of deaths from electrocution,” he said.
Mr Buswell encouraged property owners to install RCDs even if they did not plan to sell or lease, as peace of mind was worth the cost.
He said electrical inspectors would monitor compliance with the regulations and penalties of up to $15,000 for individuals and $100,000 for bodies corporate could apply if the RCDs were not fitted.
Mr Buswell said more information was available from the EnergySafety website at www.energysafety.wa.gov.au/RCD
21 July, 2009
DSR champions champions
The Department of Sport and Recreation has combined its Champions to the Region funding scheme into its Community Sport Enrichment Scheme to make applying for funding a simpler process.
The Department said the total amount of money to be allocated under the CSES had risen by $100,000 to $375,000.
Groundwater forums
The Department of Water is to hold several public forums on the future of the Gnangara groundwater system.
Director of Strategic Policy and Water Services for the Department of Water, John Loney, said the forums would be held on 22 July 2009 at the Ellenbrook Community Resource Centre at 90 Main Street Ellenbrook and on 23 July at Burswood on Swan at 1 Camsfield Drive, Burswood.
He said electronic copies of the strategy were available from the Gnangara sustainability strategy website at www.gnangara.water.wa.gov.au
Vessel honoured
BPA's standby Pilot Vessel, Koombana, a jarrah planked hull boat built in Fremantle in 1961, has been accepted onto the Australian Register of Historic Vessels by the ARHV Council.
The ARHV features vessels relevant to Australia´s maritime heritage that were built before 1965. It does not include wrecks or replicas.
Teachers move
The Western Australian College of Teaching secretariat office is to be located at Unit four, 398 Great Eastern Highway, Ascot from 27 July 2009.
The College said the existing office at Level two, 165 Adelaide Terrace would close at 1pm on the 24 July 2009.
Landcare awards close soon
Nominations for the Western Australian Landcare Awards, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Food, are due to close on 7 August 2009.
Public relations manager for WA Landcare, Amy Green, said there were 13 award categories and winners of the 10 main State awards were automatically entered into the National Landcare Awards.
She said information regarding entry requirements could be found at wa.landcareheroes.com or by contacting Natalie Moore on 9368 3166 or email Natalie.moore@agric.wa.gov.au
Party grants closing
Applications for grants under the Celebrate WA Week´s Small Grants Scheme will close on 23 July 2009.
The Department of Communities said not-for-profit community groups and organisations could apply for up to $1,000 to coordinate a WA Week project or event during 19 and 25 October 2009.
The Department said more information was available at www.celebratewa.com.au
Grants recipients named
Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls, has congratulated local recipients of the South West Regional Grants Scheme.
Mr Grylls said the scheme was designed to support projects that would help attract investment, increase jobs and improve quality of life.
He said the Boiler Room was one of 66 projects to receive funding and would expand an existing rehearsal space into a recording studio.
Refugee consultation coming
The Commonwealth Government is to hold a community consultation on Australia's refugee settlement services in Perth on 28 and 29 July 2009.
The Department of immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) said anyone who was not able to participate in the consultations could make a written submission until 31 July 2009.
Further details on the consultations and the IHSS discussion paper were available on DIAC’s website www.immi.gov.au
14 July, 2009
Gallery closure is
is art-felt pain
The Art Gallery of Western Australia has begun closing on Tuesdays in an effort to save money.The Gallery said on its website that the closure was to assist in achieving the three per cent efficiency dividend requested by the Government.
“After careful consideration, Tuesday was chosen as the Gallery’s quietest day and therefore the day which would least inconvenience our audience,” the Gallery said.
“This means that we will still be open all weekend and on public holiday Mondays, so there will be no impact on visitors’ enjoyment of the Gallery on long weekends.”
The one day per week closure would provide half of the three per cent efficiency cuts and is in line will other cultural institutions across the world.
“In a time of rapidly escalating costs, it was decided that closing for a day a week was the best way to enable the Gallery to maintain the quality of exhibitions and the accompanying programs,” the Gallery said.
Minister for Culture and Art, John Day applauded his Department’s response to meeting the State´s efficiency savings, especially in light of the global economic climate.
“DCA proved itself to be adaptable and creative in its response to the Government’s directives while maintaining an outstanding level of delivery,” Mr Day said.
He said the total budget for Culture and the Arts for 2009-10 had decreased by roughly $9m, although $7.6m of that reduction was due to the cashflow variation of the Arts funding.
“It’s important to note that this Arts funding (formerly Ignite) has not decreased. The cashflow variation merely means that most of the funding for this program over four years occurred in the first year (2008-09),” he said.
Mr Day said $2.566m would be saved through the three per cent efficiency measures, including $174,000 from the reduced opening hours.
He said closing the Art Gallery to the public each Tuesday would result in a more cost efficient organisation..
“Other international cultural institutions such as the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York have been following this practice of a public-free day for many years,” he said.
“This public-free day will allow the Art Gallery of WA to better focus its operations on core business activities and identify possible new revenue streams.”
According to the Gallery, the closure would be beneficial to the working life of the institution as staff would be able install major artwork and provide care for the art collections while simultaneously minimising disruption to the public.
14 July, 2009
PS news is good
news for PS
Welcome to the first edition of the on-line Public Service newspaper ‘PS News’, the only independent source of news, information and feature articles focussing on the events, activities, policies and programs affecting State Public Servants in Western Australia.PS News was launched at the national level in November 2005 to provide a one-stop drop-in shop for news and information about the Commonwealth Public Service and since then has expanded to cover the NSW, Victorian, Queensland and South Australian Public Services and now Western Australia as well.
The launch of the Western Australian edition means there is now a PS News for each mainland State as well as the Commonwealth.
PS News WA will be updated every Tuesday and as the first news source of its type will focus solely on State Public Service issues and stories of interest to State Government employees.
It has an unashamed pro-PS stance, choosing to report the good things about Public Service rather than the more usual PS-bashing which is a favourite game of the mainstay media.
Since its launch, this approach has proven popular with Public Servants across the States who are accessing its pages at an ever-increasing rate, scoring more than 5 million hits last month and growing at an average rate of 27 per cent every month. The free PS News email subscription service already alerts over 44,000 subscribers to the main stories in each edition and many thousands of additional keen readers visit it regularly without a reminder.
A key to the success of PS News is its independence of Government, union or political influence and its ability to deliver articles of interest and value to PS staff easily, professionally and regularly.
The founder of PS News, Frank Cassidy, has 20 years experience in the Public Service and another 20 in the media, including the highly successful “Public Eye” newspaper that served the Commonwealth PS through the 1980s and 90’s until bought by a bigger player and closed down.
Cassidy brings all that experience to PS News and along with a team of journalists and computer techno-wizzes has designed the Western Australian Public Service edition to be every bit as informative and interesting as its five predecessors, confident in the belief that over time it will come to play a responsible, valuable and useful role in the PS communication function.
So welcome to PS News – Western Australian style!
14 July, 2009
Auditor brings
issues to book
The Auditor General has tabled his second Public Sector Performance Report for 2009, reporting on the management of dangerous goods and compliance with the State’s fishing laws. He found issues with both.According to the Auditor General, Colin Murphy, there were weaknesses in the licensing and compliance of dangerous goods such as explosives, flammable liquids and dangerous gases.
The Auditor General said that while the Department of Mines and Petroleum had made progress adapting to a new Dangerous Goods Act that came into effect last year, there were still a number of shortcomings needing to be addressed.
“I have found instances where licences to handle dangerous goods were issued without the necessary background checks by WA Police,” Mr Murphy said.
“In other instances, remediation notices are not issued when problems are identified during inspections at explosives sites, and overdue remediation notices are not always followed up.”
He found the Department lacked an adequate information system to manage its compliance and inspection activities and it would not be until 2012 that it introduced a system that would help.
“Significant weaknesses in some systems and practice are evident, and the Department needs to address these to effectively manage dangerous goods safety in the State,” he said.
In his report on compliance with fishing laws the Auditor General found that despite committing considerable resources to enforcement, including well-trained, professional fisheries and marine officers, the Department of Fisheries was unable to demonstrate that it was having any effect on compliance levels.
“State-wide risks are not ranked or prioritised to determine where compliance activities should be directed, and not all fisheries have had risk assessments,” the Auditor General said.
“Compliance activities in some fisheries are reactive only, undertaken in response to reports from the public.
“For these reasons, some ‘at-risk’ fisheries may receive inadequate enforcement activity.”
He found that the Department’s information systems did not support the effective monitoring or reporting of compliance activities and results and recommended it conduct a series of compliance risk assessments to use as a basis for targeting and fine-tuning its compliance program.
“The Department has identified the deficiencies in its different data systems and is taking steps to improve data linkage, collection and reporting,” the Auditor General said.
The full Second Public Sector Performance Report 2009 can be accessed at www.audit.wa.gov.au
14 July, 2009
Training program
is put in train
The Public Service Commission is sponsoring two senior training programs being conducted by the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG).The programs are the Executive Master of Public Administration Program (EMPA) and the Executive Fellows Program (EFP).
Announcing the programs, the PSC said ANZSOG provided world-class postgraduate education to emerging leaders and senior executives in the public sector and offered participants in its courses the chance to study alongside colleagues from public sector jurisdictions across Australia and New Zealand.
It said the EMPA program was part-time degree commencing in February 2010 and taking 2-3 years to complete and was targetted at mid-level management, senior managers, and aspiring leaders. The PSC would offer 10 scholarships for next year’s course.
“This program is designed to significantly develop management and policy skills of our future public sector leaders,” the PSC said on its website.
“The scholarship covers all tuition fees, airfares and accommodation.”
Applications are being called this month and more information is available from Ellen Jones at the PSC at ellen.jones@psc.wa.gov.au.
The EFP course is a three-week residential program being run from 19 October to 6 November this year at the Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand.
It is targetted at Senior Executives and has been designed to help them enhance their core leadership and management skills in order to direct organisations within the public sector.
“Participants will focus on real-life issues and challenges faced by senior public sector executives, whilst being part of an engaging and dynamic learning environment,” the PSC said.
Up to 80 senior Public Servants from Australia and New Zealand were expected to take part in the course and the PSC will be awarding three scholarships for senior executives from WA.
Applications are already being accepted but more information is available from the ANZSOG website www.anzsog.edu.au or Ellen Jones at ellen.jones@psc.wa.gov.au
14 July, 2009
Ambulance to get
health check
The Minister for Health has defended the State’s Ambulance service following criticisms in a recent Four Corners television program.The Minister, Kim Hames, reassured the Western Australian community that the service was safe and the claims made in the program would be investigated.
“SJA has been serving the people of this State for more than 100 years and during this time has provided an excellent service,” Dr Hames said.
He said he had confidence in the St John Ambulance paramedics, but this was an important issue.
¨When whistleblowers speak out, as they have done in this program, the State Government takes the matter very seriously and therefore it is important that we investigate the claims being made,¨ he said.
Dr Hames said an investigation was appropriate as the Department of Health was negotiating a new five-year contract with SJA.
He said the former Director-General of the Department of Housing and Works, Greg Joyce, would conduct a review into the safety and quality of the St John Ambulance service.
¨Mr Joyce is an excellent choice to undertake this work,” Dr Hames said.
“He had been the previous government’s selection to lead a review of road ambulance services in Western Australia they had proposed last year,”
He said the review would be delivered within three months, and SJA´s contract would not be finalised until the Government had considered it.
Dr Hames said that the chief medical officer of the Department of Health, Dr Simon Towler, would oversee the review.
He said Dr Towler would provide clinical advice, paying particular attention to the cases outlined in the Four Corners episode and SJA´s clinical governance system.
“It is important that we investigate the claims being made and that is why I have set up this independent review process to identify any areas of change required,” he said.
The review´s terms of reference state that the inquiry will be to:
“Investigate all reported critical incidents and the four patient deaths specifically referred to in the ABC Four Corners, investigate the performance and management of the St John Ambulance - WA Ambulance Service Inc communication centre.
Determine the adequacy and effectiveness of current clinical governance programs. Assess the consumer complaint management system and advise the Minister of any matters revealed during the investigation which warrant further.”
Dr Hames said comparing the practices of SJA with other States and Territories was imperative.
“I am confident that at the end of the three-month period, the Government will have a clear picture of any improvements required of the existing service,¨ he said.
“Should improvements be needed, the State Government will ensure SJA takes immediate steps to implement the required changes.¨
Dr Hames said he had committed to releasing as much of the review´s report as patient confidentiality would allow.
“We want to ensure that the necessary systems are in place to minimise the risk of errors occurring,” Dr Hames said.
14 July, 2009
Public trustee has
will for change
The Public Trustee has unveiled a new service to help Western Australians safeguard their wills.Attorney General, Christian Porter, said people could store their wills, free of charge, in the new WA Will Bank.
Mr Porter said the service would ensure families could readily locate their loved ones´ wills and that everyone´s wishes would be more likely to be carried out after they had passed away.
“The WA Will Bank is a single, convenient place people can think of when looking for a will, and as a statutory authority of Government, it’s one that will be about for the long term,” Mr Porter said.
Public Trustee, John Skinner said the wills would be stored in a vault to prevent loss, theft, or damage.
He said the WA Will Bank would help to prevent situations where a person was deemed to have died intestate or without a will, and the law subsequently decided how to divide the estate and who their beneficiaries were.
“An up-to-date will allows you to provide for your loved ones and to ensure that your affairs are properly managed, but unfortunately only 49 per cent of Western Australians over 30 have an up-to-date will,” Mr Skinner said.
He said it is logical to have a safe, central location in which to store one´s will and since the Public Trustee already held more than 100,000 wills, it was reasonable for the Trustee to provide this service.
Mr Porter said to store a will in the WA Will Bank, a citizen needed only take their will and two forms of identification to the Public Trustee at 565 Hay Street and complete a lodgement form.
He said while it was free for a person to lodge their own will, an application to lodge on behalf of another would cost $195.
14 July, 2009
Guarantee is
no sure thing
Western Australia has decided not to avail itself of the Commonwealth Government’s guarantee on borrowings during the Global Financial Crisis.Treasurer, Troy Buswell, said market conditions had improved since the guarantee was offered last March.
“The State needed to make a judgement about how much improvement in access to capital markets and borrowing costs the adoption of the bond guarantee could provide,” Mr Buswell said.
He said it took into account the State’s borrowing requirements and the cost of the Commonwealth´s guarantee fee.
“Standard and Poor’s affirmation of the State’s AAA credit rating after we handed down our Budget in May has also influenced this decision,” Mr Buswell said.
“The State’s stable, solid balance sheet and the underlying strength of the economy give us a firm basis to continue to issue bonds utilising the sovereign credit rating and the Government Guarantee of the State of Western Australia.¨
He said the State´s declination would not prevent Western Australia from accepting the Commonwealth´s offer at some time in the future should market conditions warrant it.
14 July, 2009
Consumer warning
off back of truck
The Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll, has issued a warning to consumers to be alert for two men selling electronic equipment from the back of a van.The Commissioner said there have been several reports of two men in a white Volkswagen van with ACT number plates approaching consumers in Victoria Park and Subiaco.
“Do not deal with these itinerant salespeople,” Commissioner Driscoll said.
“Our experience is that the goods being sold are almost always counterfeit and, although they are touted as a bargain, this is far from the truth.
She said she would like to hear from any consumer who may have been approached and had dealings with the vendors.
She said the two men would be very mobile and would move between suburbs looking for sales.
“Technically, consumers who buy from itinerant vendors have the same rights as those who buy from stores in terms of the statutory warranty. However, in these street sales, consumers’ rights are disregarded,” she said.
She said the vendors were commiting a crime by not allowing the cooling off period under the Door to Door Trading Act and by accepting money before the cooling off period had expired.
“They also appear to be misleading consumers by exaggerating the qualities and features of the products, including the sale price, claiming the goods normally sell for $5,000,” she said
Ms Driscoll said she feared for the safety of consumers since the counterfeit products may not meet Australian standards.
“Previous cases in Western Australia have seen fake leather jackets, fake oil paintings, re-badged electronic goods and defective construction equipment sold illegally to unsuspecting consumers.”
She urged consumers approached by street vendors or door-to-door salespeople to contact the Consumer Protection Advice Line on 1300 304 054 immediately so an investigation could be launched.
14 July, 2009
Plan for boat pens
buoyed by interest
The Department of Transport is preparing to call for expressions of interest to build more boat pens at Geraldton and Exmouth.Minister for Transport, Simon O´Brien, officially opened 67 new pens at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and said the proposed new construction projects would rely on boaters prepaying the mooring pen licence fees.
Mr O´Brien said the success of the project at Fremantle, which utilised a similar funding arrangement, cleared the way for more projects.
“Growth in the recreational boating sector in recent years has increased demand for mooring facilities throughout the State and there are long waiting lists for pens at the Batavia Coast Marina and Exmouth Boat Harbour," Mr O´Brien said.
Geraldon MLA Ian Blayney said the Geraldton boating community would welcome the enhanced infrastructure.
“These new initiatives come only two weeks after the State Government announced that an additional $390,000 will be invested in Geraldton to improve traffic flow and parking at Batavia Marina,” Mr Blayney said.
Mr O´Brien said the amount of larger registered vessels measuring more than 7.5m in length had increased by more than 40 per cent and the Department of Transport projections have shown that if the growth was sustained, the number of these vessels could double by 2025.
"The Department of Transport will advertise next month for expressions of interest in the new pens at Geraldton and Exmouth and people will be asked to make a financial commitment and clarify the size of pen required," he said.
Mr O´Brien said that anyone wishing to enquire about the project could contact the Department on 9216 8876.
14 July, 2009
Public in the swim
over water issues
The community is being invited to comment on plans put forward to deal with a serious decline in Perth’s underground water reserves.Minister for Water, Graham Jacobs, has opened the Gnangara Sustainability Strategy (GSS) for public comment until 31 August.
Dr Jacobs said he wanted to ensure the environment was protected in the future and that the Gnangara groundwater was used sustainably for drinking and commercial purposes.
“We are acknowledging the effects of population and economic growth coupled with predicted greater rainfall declines, increasing pressure on the Gnangara system,” Dr Jacobs said.
He said the strategy was a cross-Government initiative guided by a committee appointed from the Departments of Agriculture and Food WA; Environment and Conservation; Planning; the Forest Products Commission; Water Corporation and CSIRO - with the Department of Water as lead agency.
Dr Jacobs said the plans tackled the combined impacts of land use and management change on groundwater availability and quality, and its effect on biodiversity, social and economic values of the system.
“A significant body of research, monitoring and community consultation underpins the recommendations contained within the GSS,” he said.
“The work has been documented in a number of reports published separately to the strategy and will provide a strong platform for further management.”
He said the threat to the Gnangara groundwater system had resulted from declining rainfall in the Perth region since the 1970s.
Dr Jacobs said increased abstraction for public and private use; interception of rainfall by the pine plantations; and a reduced frequency of burning natural woodlands have resulted in localised declines in water levels.
He said the GSS recommended the removal of 22,000 hectares of pine plantations from the system as well as a reduction of around 20 per cent of both public and private water supply abstraction, once the Southern Seawater Desalination Project began in 2011.
“Another recommendation is that recycled water be used for private irrigation and as a future source of drinking water, and provide opportunities to prevent saltwater intrusion, restore wetlands and support the environment,” he said.
Dr Jacobs said the GSS also advocated ongoing reviews of management options for changing ecological systems.
He said electronic copies of the strategy were available from the Gnangara sustainability strategy website at www.gnangara.water.wa.gov.au while hard copies were available by contacting the Department of Water on 6364 7600.
14 July, 2009
Lucky visitor has
brush with treetop
The Department of Environment and Conservation has welcomed the 2.5 millionth visitor to its Tree Top Walk near Walpole.Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher, said the achievement was a major milestone for the attraction and congratulated Liz Fletcher and Ben Bonolla from Victoria on being the milestone visitors. They each received lifetime membership of the Walk to mark the occasion.
“The Tree Top Walk, built in 1996, is a great success story for tourism in Western Australia,” Mrs Faragher said, “having won national and international tourism awards in its 13-year history.”
She said the Tree Top Walk was one of the most sustainable tourism facilities in the world with roughly 160,000 visitors a year.
“It impacts on just three square metres of the forest floor, which is an engineering achievement,¨ she said.
Mrs Faragher said the Department of Environment and Conservation opened the Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre earlier this year.
“The Centre comprises three sites across the region including the Tree Top Walk, the award-winning Swarbrick forest art walk and the Mt Frankland lookout,” she said.
She said she appreciated the contribution made by DEC staff, community members and tourism representatives since the Walk´s opening.
“It has been a great team effort and one which is paying economic dividends for the tourism industry across the region,” she said.
14 July, 2009
Insurance scheme
meets an accident
A study by the Department of Agriculture and Food has found that a proposed Multi Peril Crop Insurance Scheme for farmers would not be viable in Western Australia.The Department had been asked to conduct the study by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman, who said he was supportive of such a scheme.
Mr Redman said in light of the Department’s findings, any MPCI insurance scheme in WA would need to be driven and funded by industry.
“Currently WA farmers can insure their crops against fire and hail but the concept of insuring against other risks such as drought, flooding and frost has been discussed Australia wide for a number of years,” Mr Redman said.
He said that while Western Australian insurers could offer MPCI, they viewed it as too risky.
“However, the report does note that there is now an emergence of other types of innovative risk mitigation products which are at an early stage of grower take-up, and that these insurance products may prove supportive for growers in the future,” he said.
Mr Redman said the Department’s report concluded that the likelihood of a successful MPCI scheme increased if it was offered across Australia, as it would reduce the risk undertaken by insurers.
He said industry comments would be welcome and should be directed to the Department of Agriculture and Food at mpcireport2009@agric.wa.gov.au by 30 July.
14 July, 2009
Development deal
a groundbreaker
The State and Federal Governments have signed a National Partnership Agreement for the East Kimberley Development Package.Premier Colin Barnett said the State Government would contribute $220m, in conjunction with the Commonwealth´s injection of $195m in five priority areas.
He said significant progress was made in the Ord project with the pumping flow of the Mabijim channel (formerly Green Swamp) opened.
“Expansion of the Ord is an important project that has stalled for many years,” Mr Barnett said.
“I am proud to be leading a government which has made a strong decision, moved ahead and is actually delivering a project that will have significant long-term benefits for Western Australia.”
He said the work on the Ord would provide for Western Australia's agricultural future, with the aim to see Kununurra emerge as a major regional city founded on agriculture and eco and cultural tourism.
“The Federal Government’s support of our work is recognition of the importance and soundness of the State’s commitments and plans for the region,¨ he said.
Mr Barnett said initial work on the district´s main water supply channel (M1) would begin during this year´s dry season with the major extension expected to be completed by April 2010.
He said on completion, the Ord irrigation area would double to 28,000ha, with the first release of the new agricultural blocks expected by 2011-12 following environmental approvals.
Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls said the Agreement supported the State´s focus on regional development and bolstered the Government´s commitment to regional Western Australia.
He said the Government’s projects for the Ord which would also help the Miriuwung Gajerrong people include a health education unit program, aimed at preserving Miriuwung and Gajerrong language and the employment of youth workers
Mr Grylls said he wanted to ensure the growth of the Ord project and that Kununurra headed towards regional city status.
14 July, 2009
Wrinkles ironed out
of seniors’ program
A program that refunds to seniors part of the cost of buying security devices has been introduced by the State Government.Minister for Seniors and Volunteering, Robyn McSweeney, announced that from the start of this month, holders of Western Australian Seniors Cards have been eligible to claim a security rebate of up to $200 per household.
“It is a $10m investment in seniors’ wellbeing and I am proud this Government will be providing the financial assistance to WA seniors to be able to improve their personal safety and sense of security within their homes,” Ms Sweeney said.
She said the rebate was payable from October this year and seniors had until 31 March 2012 to make a claim.
She said receipts for purchases and installations made after 1 July must be kept in order to properly lodge a rebate claim and that Seniors Card holders could only apply for one rebate per household during the life of the scheme.
She said claim forms were available from Australia Post outlets from mid-July onwards or by telephoning the Seniors Card Centre on 6217 8855 or 1800 671 233. Forms are also available from www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au
14 July, 2009
Explosion reports
inflame change
A joint inquiry by the Western Australian and Commonwealth Governments into the regulatory regime and performance of regulators in the resources sector following the rupture and explosion of a gas pipeline on Varanus Island last year, has led to the preparation of two reports, The reports entitled Better Practice and the Effectiveness of NOPSA and Marine Issues were released by the Ministerial Council on Mineral and Petroleum Resources (MCMPR) and set out the role of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA), and its dealings with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
They find there are gaps in the regulatory regime that need to be addressed.
Federal Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson, released the reports saying the Inquiry panel consulted closely with Government Agencies, industry, and the maritime unions in conducting its investigations.
"While the Inquiry found the safety case regime remains the most appropriate policy basis for regulating offshore petroleum safety, it also found that implementation can be improved,” Mr Ferguson said.
“The MCMPR will consult with the industry and respond to the detailed findings and recommendations of the Inquiry by the end of November 2009 with a view to introducing appropriate legislative amendments in early 2010."
He said the main findings and recommendations of the inquiry were:
- NOPSA's authority should extend to the nearest valve on the mainland above the shore crossing;
- The safety case regime should continue but the requirement for implementation of the safety case should be provided for within the Act;
- Risk assessment processes need improvement;
- Better compliance tools are needed;
- Assessment of safety culture should be provided for;
- NOPSA needs higher resourcing levels;
- Environmental requirements should not be imposed after safety assessments and there is need to ensure there is no increase in safety risk; and
- There is a role for an independent national safety investigation capacity.
14 July, 2009
20 schools contracts
are first class start
Contracts worth $342 million have been awarded to 20 building companies to construct or refurbish major infrastructure facilities at the State’s primary schools, including libraries and multi-purpose halls.Treasurer, Troy Buswell, said awarding the contracts represented a major milestone in the Government’s Building the Education Revolution program.
“The Federal Government has set very tight deadlines for the commencement of construction, and to have contracts now awarded for projects under rounds one and two of the BER program actually puts us ahead of most of the other States in terms of progressing works,” Mr Buswell said.
He said he was pleased that the scope of what is to be delivered would not be compromised.
“Department of Treasury and Finance’s Building Management and Works has worked closely with the Department of Education and Training to negotiate exceptionally good value in all these contracts and get the best possible outcomes for our schools,” he said.
He said the program was also good news for the building industry.
“The BER program forms a key part of the Federal Government’s Nation Building - Economic Stimulus Plan and will provide economic stimulus through the rapid construction and refurbishment of school infrastructure,” he said.
14 July, 2009
Cost committee moved
Administration of Cabinet’s Economic and Expenditure Reform Committee has been moved from the Department of Treasury and Finance to Premier and Cabinet.
Premier Colin Barnett told reporters the move was to bring the EERC into line with other Cabinet sub-committees.
He said DTF would still provide advice on each EERC matter and that on all expenditure matters, Treasury was the lead agency.
Builders brought down
An investigation by the Builders´ Registration Board has resulted in the prosecution of an unregistered building firm.
The company was found guilty of offences against the Builders´ Registration Act 1939 and the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 and fined $64,000 plus costs.
The BRB said the matter highlighted the dangers posed to the public by unregistered builders.
Chairman of BRB, Mark Cuorno advised consumers to visit the BRB website www.builders.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9476 1200 to check if a builder was registered.
Insurance paper
A discussion paper on Multi-Peril Crop Insurance has been released by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman.
The paper looks at the feasibility of MPCI and concludes it is not commercially viable in Western Australia.
Mr Redman said public comment on the report would be received until 31 July and could be made via email to mpcireport2009@agric.wa.gov.au or by post to the MPCI Report 2009, Farm Business Development, Department of Agriculture and Food, Locked Bag No. 4,
Bentley Delivery Centre, BENTLEY WA 6983.
Youth Week vacancy
The Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations is encouraging young Australians to apply for a role with the National Youth Week Planning Group for 2010.
The successful applicant will help increase Indigenous participation at the event.
Candidates must be aged between 15 and 24, and be an Australian citizen. Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians are encouraged to apply.
For more information go to: www.youthweek.com/getinvolved.html
Science studies welcomed
The Mining Industry Skills Centre has applauded changes made to national high school science curriculum, with earth and environmental sciences to become major study streams by 2011.
A report by the Centre recognised a drop in geology graduates from Australian universities and an under-representation of earth sciences being taught in high schools.
The Centre believes the new curriculum highlights the importance of earth sciences to Australia's long-term economic stability.
Agents surveyed
The Settlement Agents Supervisory Board is conducting an online survey among the State’s licensed settlement agents to determine the most appropriate amendments to the law.
The SASB has encouraged the agents to take part in the survey which follows the release of a discussion paper last year and consideration of subsequent submissions.
The Board hopes to have the 13-question survey returned by 24 July.