25 May, 2010

New plan opens door
on PS office space

A new ‘master planning’ approach to the planning and procurement of future State Government office space has been announced by the Minister Assisting the Treasurer, Bill Marmion.
   Mr Marmion said the new approach had the potential to save between $20 million and $25 million a year by 2015.
   He said over $220 million per year was currently spent on leasing and managing office accommodation for General Government Sector Agencies.
   “There are opportunities for significant savings, as well as improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of work environments, by addressing what has been a piecemeal approach to leasing and fit-out,” Mr Marmion said.
   “State Government Agencies occupy about 360,000 square metres in the Perth central business district, East Perth and West Perth, spread across 148 separate lease agreements, and 96 buildings, and many Agencies have staff spread across a number of buildings.”
   He said consolidating accommodation into fewer buildings and taking better advantage of the Government’s buying power in negotiating leases would result in savings.
   Other initiatives included decentralising 15 to 20 per cent of office accommodation from Perth CBD leases into less expensive metropolitan centres and reducing the space leased per person from the current 19 square metres to 15 square metres.
   “Firstly, the State Government will commence the consolidation into fewer buildings by leasing the entire office space available in the 19-storey tower under construction at 140 William Street, Perth,” Mr Marmion said.
   “Secondly, the Department of Treasury and Finance will lead decentralisation by example and relocate two of its divisions - Government Procurement and Building Management and Works - to a new 13,200squre metre office building, the Optima Centre, in Herdsman Business Park by early 2011.”
   He said the new Department of Training and Workforce Development would relocate from East Perth, with 880 Public Servants moving to the Optima Centre.

25 May, 2010

Budget to cash in
on surpluses

The Premier and Treasurer, Colin Barnett has brought down the 2010 State Budget, saying it delivered improved health, education and social services for the public.
   Mr Barnett said he budgeted for a $290 million surplus for 2009-10 and another of $286m in 2010-11.
   He said there was reason to be “cautiously optimistic” despite the global financial downturn.
   “Economic growth for Western Australia is forecast to accelerate to 4.5 per cent in the coming financial year, driven by stronger household consumption, exports and a rebound in job-creating business investment,” Mr Barnett said.
   Spending on health care was boosted by over $1.1 billion in recurrent funding over four years, with the Minister for Health, Kim Hames saying the $5.6bn for recurrent spending in 2010-11 was an increase of 6.7 per cent on 2009-10 figures.
   “This investment in health represents value for money for the community,” Dr Hames said.
   “It will provide an incentive for efficiency and create transparency across the health system for patients, clinicians, health managers and the community.”
   A number of other health projects were earmarked for commencement, continuation or completion.
   Minister for Planning, John Day said the Budget included over $75.7m for metropolitan asset investment projects and funding for the East Perth Redevelopment Authority to regenerate Perth City and other areas.
   Mr Barnett said the Budget also expanded support and protection services for children, increased assistance for non‑profit organisations and improved the range of hardship assistance measures for families, small businesses and seniors.
   However, Secretary of UnionsWA, Simone McGurk said the Budget highlighted a “lack of vision” and a “desire to abdicate responsibility” for the provision of essential services.
   Ms McGurk said the Government’s plan to shift the delivery of essential services from the Public Service to community organisations suggested it was “trying to avoid accountability for service delivery.”
   “Passing responsibility for delivering essential services on to charities and community organisations is just not acceptable,” she said.
   “These organisations are often staffed by low paid workers and volunteers and they should not be expected to be accountable for services that are properly the responsibility of Government.”
   WA Budget statements were available from www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au

25 May, 2010

Budget saves day for
emergency services

Police, ambulance and emergency services are to receive a boost in the 2010-11 State Budget, with Premier and Treasurer, Colin Barnett outlining a range of initiatives to improve community safety.
   WA Police’s budget will be increased by $87.1 million, which will fund 130 additional police and other support staff, the construction of new facilities and upgrades to police stations, IT and communications.
   Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Rob Johnson said WA Police had been allocated over $1bn.
   Mr Johnson said the Budget committed funding to construct the Cockburn Police Hub and Western Suburbs Police Hub and would free up frontline police from desk duties to allow them to get back on patrol.
   $52.5m has been allocated to build a new police and justice complex in Carnarvon to bring together Courts, police and community justice services into one facility. The new complex will include facilities for victims, a jury assembly area and an integrated custody centre.
   Mr Johnson said over $128m would also be allocated to boost frontline emergency services over the next four years.
   He said new facilities, additional fire fighters and a permanent increase in the air services fleet had been earmarked for the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA).
   The Minister said FESA’s Budget for 2010-11 was $271.4m.
   “There will be a major increase to frontline services with an additional 102 fire fighters to significantly boost FESA’s response capability at a cost of $26.6 million,” Mr Johnson said.
   Minister for Health, Kim Hames said ambulance services across the State would receive a boost of $149.6 million over four years.
   Dr Hames said the Budget included funding for more staff and 25 additional ambulances.
   He said the Royalties for Regions program would contribute $26.1 million of the funding to the regional ambulance service which would see new ambulances located in Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Wyndham, Marble Bar and Nullagine.
   WA Budget statements are available at www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au

25 May, 2010

Ombudsmen complain
over name game

The peak body for Ombudsmen in Australia and New Zealand is calling for stronger controls on the use of the term ‘Ombudsman’.
   The Australian and New Zealand Ombudsman Association (ANZOA) has released a policy statement setting out six essential criteria it believes members of the public should be entitled to expect of any office described as an Ombudsman.
   In its statement, Essential Criteria, ANZOA said an ‘Ombudsman’ should have: independence, jurisdiction, powers, accessibility, procedural fairness and accountability.
   Chair of ANZOA, Fiona McLeod said when problems arose in an industry or an area of Government services, the call for an Ombudsman often followed.
   “ANZOA’s concern lies with the increasing inappropriate use of the term ‘Ombudsman’ to describe bodies that do not conform to, or show an understanding of, the accepted Ombudsman model and its 200-year history,” Ms McLeod said.
   “The term ‘Ombudsman’ is understood by the public as signifying an independent office, which primarily has a complaint handling and investigation function.”
   She said that using the term to describe an office with regulatory, disciplinary and/or prosecutorial functions confused the role of Ombudsman with that of a regulatory body.
   “This criticism applies to the Fair Work Ombudsman, the recently proposed Supermarket Ombudsman, and the proposed National Legal Services Ombudsman,” she said.
   “The concept of Ombudsman is being stretched and the confidence of the Australian public in the role and independence of the Ombudsman institution is at risk of being undermined and diminished.”
   “An ‘Ombudsman’ office under the direction or control of an industry or a Government Minister is not independent.”
   Ms McLeod said no Australian organisation should misuse the term and urged anyone considering an ‘Ombudsman’ proposal to consult ANZOA early in the process, to ensure the proposed office meets the necessary criteria for use of the term.

25 May, 2010

Tourism strategy
changes direction

A new strategic direction for Tourism WA has been announced to change the Agency’s areas of focus and operation.
   Minister for Tourism, Liz Constable said greater resources would be dedicated to marketing the State as a tourism destination, greater emphasis would be placed on event development and the Agency would concentrate on promoting investment and infrastructure projects through collaboration across all PS Agencies and Departments.
   Dr Constable said the future plans for Tourism WA had been supported by additional State Government funding of $12.4 million over the next three years.
   “The board of Tourism WA has provided a strategic framework to achieve greater impact for tourism in WA that will drive an increased economic contribution to the State beyond the current $7.3 billion value tourism now contributes,” Dr Constable said.
   She said there would be significant changes in the size and structure of Tourism WA.
   “The changes will ensure funding can be directed toward marketing, events, and greater cross-Governmental activity with less spent on operational expenses.”
   Dr Constable said a review of the regional office network for Tourism WA would see a transition from seven regional offices to representation through other Agencies by the end of 2010.
   She said these Agencies were already active in the regions and included the Department of Regional Development and Lands, the Regional Development Commissions and the Small Business Development Corporation.
   The Minister said Tourism WA would continue to support regional tourism through these existing offices.
   “Discussions will be held in the coming weeks about the transition and collaboration required for specific regional projects,” Dr Constable said.

25 May, 2010

New campaign to drive
drivers to distraction

A new $900,000 campaign is to use television, radio and outdoor media to alert motorists to the dangers of distractions while on the roads.
   Minister for Police and Road Safety, Rob Johnson said driver distraction played a part in nearly one-third of all road crash deaths and serious injuries in Western Australian.
   “The campaign uses different distracting scenarios that drivers routinely engage in and shows the potentially devastating consequences that all too frequently happen on our roads,” Mr Johnson said.
   The Minister said research undertaken by the Monash University Accident Research Centre revealed common distractions included reading a street directory, entering an address into a GPS unit, changing a CD or a song on an MP3 player, eating, having an unrestrained pet, activity from passengers in the vehicle and the most frequent distracter - using a mobile phone.
   He said a 2009 survey of West Australians showed mobile phone use was considered by the community to be the single biggest distraction in a vehicle.
   The survey showed 90 per cent of people regarded text messaging as a major distraction, while 82 per cent said making or receiving phone calls was also a danger for motorists.
   “You are four times more likely to be involved in a crash when using a mobile phone while driving and sending a text message is even more distracting,” Mr Johnson said.
   He said using a hand-held mobile phone while driving was illegal in WA and carried a $250 fine and the loss of three demerit points.

25 May, 2010

Commission peddles
recycling program

The National Water Commission has joined with the Water Services Association of Australia to release three new software tools to help water managers implement recycling schemes safely.
   Chief Executive of the National Water Commission, Ken Matthews and the Executive Director of the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), Ross Young said the tools would encourage re-use and recycling by practitioners.
   Mr Matthews said the tools were developed to help managers implement the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling.
   He said the tools comprise three software components: Requality - a self assessment and improvement tool for urban water recyclers; AquaSafe – an exposure and treatment technology performance database; and Web based user friendly guide – which explains how to use the software tools to help implement the Guidelines.
   “Water recycling is an important option in building a more reliable and diversified water supply portfolio for Australian cities and to meet the pressures of drought, climate variability and population growth,” Mr Matthews said.
   “Uptake of the tools will help improve certainty in planning recycled water systems, provide clarity on the scientific evidence used to support recycling decisions and promote national consistency for both industry and regulators in managing critical water quality issues.”
   Mr Young said there had been a rapid increase in the volume of recycled water produced across Australia.
   “These tools will assist planners, operators and regulators in improving and robustly managing potential water quality risks,” he said.
   “These tools will provide additional support to recycled water supply organisations ranging from smaller scale systems such as golf courses and Council operated systems watering parks and ovals through to large utility-managed dual reticulation schemes,” Mr Young said.
   The tools were developed with funding from the National Water Commission’s Raising National Water Standards Program.
   Further information on the tools was available from www.nwc.gov.au or www.wsaa.asn.au

25 May, 2010

Computer crunches
Budget barrier

The Interactive Virtual Environments Centre (iVEC) has received additional money in the State Budget to fund the operational requirements of its Pawsey High Performance Computing Centre.
   Minister for Commerce, Bill Marmion said the Pawsey Centre was established last year to house a supercomputer capable of performing computational science almost 55,000 times faster than a typical PC.
   Mr Marmion said the Centre was established with Federal Government funding of $80 million
   “The centre will significantly boost Australia and New Zealand’s chances of securing the $2.5 billion Square Kilometre Array (SKA), a revolutionary international radio telescope for the 21st century,” Mr Marmion said.
   “It will also help process and manage the large amounts of data from the Australian SKA Pathfinder radio telescope which CSIRO is currently building.”
   The Minister said the State funding would go towards covering the operational costs of the centre, including employing staff to manage and deliver services from the facility.
   He said the Pawsey Centre would help build a high-performance computing hub in WA to support high-end research in disciplines such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, geoinformatics, engineering and atomic physics.
   Mr Marmion said iVEC encouraged and supported the research and adoption of high performance computing, large scale storage, high speed communications, scientific visualisation through grid technologies and eResearch services.
   iVEC has its headquarters at the Australian Resources Research Centre in Bentley and is an joint venture between CSIRO, Curtin University of Technology, the University of Western Australia, Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University.

25 May, 2010

New mining system to
mind best practice

A plan to streamline the mining approval process through a single, integrated system has been announced as part of the 2010-11 State Budget.
   Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Norman Moore said the move was in response to rapid growth in the mining and petroleum industry.
   “Establishing a new integrated single approvals system that can deliver necessary approvals within an acceptable time frame and cost to proponents and across Government Agencies is vital,” Mr Moore said.
   He said the system was already under way and would be further improved by an injection of $8 million from the Budget.
   “Continuing to progress development of advanced IT systems within the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) will enable more companies to lodge, track and pay for approvals online,” the Minister said.
   “Streamlining the approvals systems is consistent with best practice and provides greater transparency to the public and industry, while enabling Departmental staff to dedicate more time to processing approvals.”
   Mr Moore said the new system would capitalise on existing systems that currently enabled industry to track the progress of most applications lodged with the DMP across all the business units.
   “The work to be developed from the funding includes the lodgement, assessment and tracking of more than 100 different types of applications across the Department, which will involve four main computer systems representing the Petroleum and Geothermal, Mineral Titles, Environment, and Resource Safety Divisions,” he said.
   Further information on the Budget was available from www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au

25 May, 2010

New fines squash
WA litter bugs

Western Australia’s littering penalties are to be toughening up to be among the highest in Australia.
   Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher said the increases were long overdue.
   Mrs Faragher said under the proposed changes, littering fines for cigarette butts would increase from $75 to $200 and individuals who were successfully prosecuted for littering offences would face maximum fines of $5,000, up from $1,000.
   She said that for the first time, higher fines would apply for serious littering offences that posed a safety risk to people, property or animals, such as lit cigarettes, syringes and broken glass.
   “The proposed new fines would complement legislation currently being drafted to make illegal dumping an offence under the Environmental Protection Act, with significant penalties,” Mrs Faragher said.
   “Littering has the potential to threaten WA’s reputation as a clean holiday destination, and to adversely impact on our beautiful natural environment.”
   She said WA had a high level of littering compared to other States and Territories with estimated clean-up costs for Local and State Government and community groups totalling more than $20 million a year.
   Mrs Faragher said the 2009 Rubbish Report, released earlier this year by the Keep Australia Beautiful Council, revealed WA led the country in the number of discarded cigarette butts which accounting for 30 per cent of total rubbish items.
   The report also found Perth beaches had more litter than any other States.
   “The Government last year launched a new, five-year litter prevention strategy to tackle the problem. The new level of penalties is part of that strategy,” she said.
   Mrs Faragher said amendments to the Litter Act would be drafted and were expected to be introduced into State Parliament later this year.

25 May, 2010

Alcohol campaign
has the right mix

A new campaign to raise awareness about the health risks associated with alcohol consumption has been launched.
   The campaign, Alcohol. Think Again, focuses on evidence linking alcohol consumption with cancer.
   Minister for Mental Health, Graham Jacobs said the facts were clear.
   “The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of developing cancer,” Dr Jacobs said.
   “In research for the latest Alcohol. Think Again campaign, we found one in three West Australians did not know about the link between drinking alcohol and cancer.”
   President of the Cancer Council WA, Christobel Saunders said the long-term use of alcohol caused a range of diseases including stroke, cardiovascular disease and diseases of the gut and liver.
   “When you drink alcohol you risk developing cancer, and every drink you have increases that risk,” Professor Saunders said.
   “Wherever we see higher rates of alcohol consumption in the community, we also see higher rates of alcohol-caused disease, including cancer.”
   Professor Saunders said that for women, alcohol-caused cancers could develop in the throat, pancreas, liver, bowel and breast, with a strong link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer.
   Dr Jacobs said the latest phase of the Alcohol. Think Again campaign was targeted to try and stop the increasing trend towards harmful drinking among women.
   “But these important health messages clearly also apply to men,” he said.
   “We need to think again about alcohol - and think seriously about the way we are drinking and how much we drink.”

25 May, 2010

Minister goes to town
on Local Council

The City of Albany has been directed to provide the Government with monthly reports on how it is addressing serious matters relating to effective governance.
   Minister for Local Government, John Castrilli said current elected members would remain in place but the City would be obliged to provide progress reports in key areas including the role of elected members in determining the city’s broad direction and a range of policy and planning issues.
   “The Department of Local Government and the City are working through a Better Practice Review, and a number of other programs to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of Local Government operations,” Mr Castrilli said.
   He said consideration had been given to the Council’s formally-adopted responses and he was satisfied there was a willingness by elected members to work together to address key areas of concern.
   “I am confident that the measure of reporting, and the Better Practice review, will place the Council in a position to deal with Albany’s ongoing governance and operational issues,” Mr Castrilli said.
   “The monthly reports will form an integral part of that process and I will be monitoring this Council’s progress very closely.”
   He said the Council’s programs to improve governance issues needed to be given a chance as they would help the Council provide good strategic decision making and leadership to the community.
   “The people of Albany deserve a high standard from their Council,” Mr Castrilli said.

25 May, 2010

New art shows
in the frame

A series of annual international art exhibitions are coming to Perth under a new five-year agreement between the Art Gallery of Western Australia and Eventscorp.
   The deal will see Peggy Guggenheim: A Collection in Veniceopenat the Galleryon 9 October and run until 31 January 2011.
   Minister for Tourism, Liz Constable said the Peggy Guggenheim Collection had never been the subject of a major exhibition in Australia and was being co-ordinated by the Art Gallery of Western Australia exclusively for WA.
   Dr Constable said it featured works by artists who had defined 20th century modern art such as Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, René Magritte, Piet Mondrian and Jackson Pollock.
   “I’m confident the exhibition will be a major drawcard for West Australians and visitors alike,” Dr Constable said.
   “It is important for Eventscorp to attract and encourage diverse events such as this and strike a balance between culture and sport.”
   Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day welcomed the initiative to develop a series of exhibitions from internationally celebrated art institutions.
   “I am delighted the first exhibition in this series brings together paintings and sculptures from one of the most acknowledged art museums in Europe,” Mr Day said.
   He said Peggy Guggenheim: A Collection in Venice would follow on the heels of another Department of Culture and the Arts and Eventscorp exhibition, A Day in Pompeii.
   The Peggy Guggenheim Collection comprises 20th century avant-garde art, displaying masterpieces collected by Peggy Guggenheim between 1938 and 1949 in London, Paris and New York.

25 May, 2010

Fisheries hooks
new patrol boat

A new vessel to replace an ageing long-range patrol boat at the Department of Fisheries is to be funded with $4 million from the State Budget.
   Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore said the purpose-built vessel would replace the patrol vessel (PV) Walcott by 2013.
   Mr Moore said the Department currently ran two 20 metre-plus patrol boats capable of operating for extended periods in remote locations and in the heavy weather conditions off WA’s coast.
   “Replacing the PV Walcott will help improve the State’s capacity to service the demands of fisheries compliance activities along WA’s 21,000- kilometre coast,” Mr Moore said.
   “The new boat will also provide a whole-of-Government platform to assist in emergencies at sea, whale entanglements, oil pollution incidents and future services for the Northern Gas Project and Commonwealth Marine Park surveys and compliance.”
   He said the Department’s big patrol boats performed compliance operations, carried out research and management services for commercial and recreational fisheries and helped manage fish habitat and protection areas.
   “The PV Walcott has also worked on joint operations with the Federal Government to apprehend foreign fishing boats,” Mr Moore said.
   “By the time the new vessel is built and brought into service in 2013, the PV Walcott will have been in use for almost 15 years.”
   The Minister said it was important to replace the vessel to ensure an efficient, up-to-date service to keep the State’s fisheries sustainable.

25 May, 2010

School’s in for
literacy program

A program designed to raise literacy levels in young children has received a funding increase in the recently handed down 2010 State Budget.
   The Better Beginnings Family Literacy Program aims to provide positive reading influences to children during the first three years of their lives.
   Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day said the additional $1.628 million funding over four years would allow the program to continue and be expanded across the State.
   Mr Day said the funding for the program was in addition to increased funding for local libraries that was announced last month.
   He said his portfolio would benefit from a total of $56.1 million, which would be spent on capital works in 2010-11.
   Mr Day said the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia in Northbridge would benefit from the funds, with construction expected to be completed by the end of 2010.
   Construction of Albany Entertainment Centre is to continue; maintenance work on the Art Gallery facade will take place; and continued funding for the Art Gallery Art Acquisition Fund will be made possible due to the figures released in the Budget.
   Mr Day said the WA Museum was working with the Department of Treasury and Finance to prepare a business case for a new museum to be created within the Perth Cultural Centre.
   The total service delivery budget for Culture and the Arts for 2010-11 was $118.7 million, an increase from $104.1 million in the 2009-10 Budget.

25 May, 2010

Thumbs up for
digital upgrade

Access to digital commercial television in remote and regional areas of Western Australia is to come a step closer next month when the Australian Communications and Media Authority issues new transmission licences.
   In a statement, ACMA said a third digital-only commercial television service would be introduced and digital simulcasting of current services would be progressively extended into the Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Western Zone TV licence areas.
   The Authority said digital simulcasts of the current WIN and Prime television services (already available at Mawson Trig, in the South West Great Southern television licence area) would commence on 10 June at transmitter sites at Mingenew, Kalgoorlie and Karratha.
   The new digital-only service would also begin at all digital sites on 10 June.
   “The exact timing of the roll out of digital services across the various parts of the remote and regional licence areas of Western Australia from this date will be set out in digital conversion implementation plans,” ACMA said.
   It said broadcasters must submit the plans to the ACMA for approval.
   “Once these plans are approved, they will be made available on the ACMA’s website.”
   ACMA is the national regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radio communications and telecommunications.
   Its website can be accessed at www.acma.gov.au

25 May, 2010
Union elections
The Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association of WA has called for nominations for Branch Councillors and Proxy Branch Councillors.
   Nominations have been called for 29 Agencies, a full list of which was available from the CPSU/CSA website, www.cpsucsa.org
   Nominations close on 31 May, and cannot be withdrawn. Nomination forms are available by request from the Australian Electoral Commission website at www.aec.gov.au or from the CPSU/CSA.

Rule goes State-Wide
The Four Hour Rule program, aimed at improving the way patients receive emergency care in WA hospitals, has been extended to the whole of the State.
   The program has begun in Albany, Broome, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland, Nickol Bay (in Karratha) and King Edward Memorial hospitals and Peel Health Campus.
   Each hospital has been given two years to implement the changes.

AAA rating retained
Western Australia has retained its triple-A credit rating.
   Rating Agency, Standard and Poor confirmed the status after the 2010-11 State Budget was handed down last week.
   A triple-A credit rating means the Government is able to keep the cost of debt low when borrowing.

Ward findings funded
A total of $7.9 million has been committed over five years to implement the remaining recommendations from the coronial inquiry into the death of Mr Ward.
   Attorney General and Minister for Corrective Services, Christian Porter said four Agencies - the Department of the Attorney General, Department of Corrective Services, Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services and the WA Police - would benefit from the additional funding.
   The inquest into the death of Mr Ward, who died while being transported in a prison van without air conditioning in the height of summer, made 14 recommendations.

Low rent houses approved
Approval has been given to build over 1,000 affordable rental homes in Perth and southern Western Australia under the Commonwealth’s National Rental Affordability Scheme.
   Yaran Residential Investments is to build 1,114 new houses that will be rented to low and moderate income earners at 20 per cent below market rent.
   The houses are to be spread over 47 projects across the Perth region from Mandurah in the far south to Merriwa in the outer north. Projects are also proposed for regional areas such as Denmark, Mount Barker and Bridgetown.

Asbestos licence changes
WorkSafe WA has reminded businesses to ensure they have the correct asbestos removal licence in place before changes to asbestos licensing come into effect on 1 June.
   Commissioner of WorkSafe WA, Nina Lyhne said under the changes business operators removing more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos - including asbestos cement material - in a workplace would need to have completed an approved training course and hold an asbestos licence.
   A list of asbestos licence holders will be displayed on the WorkSafe website to help members of the public identify licensed operators – www.worksafe.wa.gov.au

Safety Bay school opened
The redeveloped Safety Bay Primary School and new science facilities at Safety Bay Senior High School have been opened by Minister of Education, Liz Constable.
   The $12.8 million redevelopment of Safety Bay Primary School included rooms for arts and music, sporting areas, 16 classrooms equipped with smart boards, computers and wireless internet and three early childhood classrooms.
   The Senior School received modernised science labs and an upgraded chemical storage area.

Rockingham rocks
A new auditorium for dance and drama classes at Rockingham Senior High School has been opened.
   The auditorium was completed after a decade of planning and provides a space for concerts, exhibitions, award presentations and student examinations to be held.
   It includes a theatre, two multi-purpose rooms, a large lecture space with retractable seating, a drama store room and a prop store.

Busselton upgrade
Busselton’s wastewater treatment plant is to be upgraded, with work expected to commence in December and be completed by mid-2012.
   New technology employed for the upgrade is expected to reduce the amount of nutrient entering Geographe Bay.
   The upgrade aims to increase the plant’s treatment capacity to 6.75 million litres a day with the ability to treat additional flows when needed.

18 May, 2010

Bushfire blueprint
is plan for future

New planning guidelines to help lower the risk of death and property damage from bushfires have been released.
   Planning Guidelines: Planning for Bush Fire Protection were jointly published by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA).
   Minister for Planning, John Day said the guidelines would help ensure bushfire hazards were considered at all stages of the planning process.
   “We have all seen the personal and community devastation that can be caused by uncontrolled bushfires, including inappropriately located or designed land use and development which can put people at greater risk,” Mr Day said.
   “This has become even more of an issue in recent years as increases in rural subdivisions and expansion of the urban fringe mean more people and facilities are located closer to and within bushland and forests.”
   Mr Day said the guidelines covered important fire risk management and planning issues including planning processes relating to fire protection; bushfire hazard assessment; defining bushfire prone areas; fire protection requirements for subdivision and development; and strategies to limit the vulnerability to fire.
   Minister for Emergency Services, Rob Johnson said the guidelines were a welcome initiative.
   “Earlier intervention when planning land developments and establishing new communities will ensure fire protection is properly considered,” Mr Johnson said.
   The guidelines were available on the Planning WA website at www.planning.wa.gov.au

18 May, 2010

Services to deliver
on social services

A range of initiatives to help community organisations deliver better social services to the public have been announced by the Premier, Colin Barnett.
   In a speech at the WA Council of Social Services State Conference, Mr Barnett said a Community Development Investment Fund, a Social Innovation Grants Program and a Partnership Forum would be established.
   Mr Barnett said the Community Development Investment Fund and Social Innovation Grants Program would be administered by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and were expected to commence on 1 January 2011.
   He said the measures would complement the $800 million a year the Government provided in grants to non-government organisations to provide the public services.
   “As demand for services increases, the Government must support and build the capacity of the community sector organisations that work tirelessly to support people with mental illness, provide foster carers to vulnerable children and shelter for the homeless,” Mr Barnett said.
   The Premier said the Partnership Forum would oversee the relationship between the public and community sectors and would comprise equal numbers of public and community sector leaders.
   Mr Barnett said the Forum would be chaired by Peter Shergold from the Centre for Social Impact and was expected to hold its first meeting by August.
   “As part of the 2010-11 Budget, the State Government will provide $10 million for a Community Development Investment Fund through which low-interest loans will be offered to eligible community sector organisations,” he said.
   Mr Barnett said the loans, which would be for capital purposes such as building an income-generating asset base through infrastructure or purchasing property, vehicles and equipment to deliver services more effectively.
   He said the Social Innovation Grants Program would promote new and improved ways of delivering social and community services.
   “Funding of $2 million in 2010-11 and $4 million for each year thereafter will encourage the sharing of policy, practice and data across Agencies and identify co-location opportunities,” the Premier said.

18 May, 2010

Communities irons
out ageing wrinkles

The Department for Communities is to draw on international expertise for support as it plans for an ageing WA population.
   Speaking at a Seniors Sector Forum held jointly by the Department and the Council on the Ageing, the Minister for Seniors and Volunteering, Robyn McSweeney said the State was studying global trends and research in the field of ageing.
   Mrs McSweeney said Western Australia was applying some progressive strategies to tackle ageing and that social connectedness was a contributing factor to senior health and longevity.
   She said recent research into centenarians in Australia found social networks, involvement in group activities and strong family relationships were important predictors of a long life.
   Mrs McSweeney cited the work of the guest speaker at the Seniors Forum, Dr Alexandre Kalache, who is a senior advisor to the President of the United States on Global Ageing.
   She said the City of Melville in Perth was one of 42 cities around the world to take part in Dr Kalache’s 2007 Age-friendly Cities program.
   “One of my staff from the Department for Communities joined the international research team, looking into the needs of seniors’ wellbeing,” Mrs McSweeney said.
   The Minister said the Department was taking this work one step further by providing funding opportunities to enable Local Governments across WA to undertake the Age-friendly Communities planning process, in which 21 Local Governments were participating.
   “We have also recently partnered with the Council on the Ageing to commission research by Murdoch University on social isolation of older people in WA and gained some useful directions for future work,” Mrs McSweeney said.

18 May, 2010

WorkSafe Awards
in safe hands

Agencies and Departments have been invited to nominate for WorkSafe’s Work Safety Awards Western Australia 2010.
   The awards recognise outstanding occupational safety and health achievement in the workplace.
   Commissioner for WorkSafe WA, Nina Lyhne said the Awards provided organisations with an opportunity to have their safety management solutions and innovations acknowledged.
   “The Work Safety Awards Western Australia are a chance for individuals, groups, organisations and enterprises to gain not just local but also national recognition for their good work in the occupational safety and health arena,” Ms Lyhne said.
   The Commissioner said there were four award categories: best workplace safety and health management system, best workplace safety and health practices in small business, best solution to an identified workplace safety and health issue and best individual contribution to safety and health.
   She said winners in all categories would automatically be entered into the Australia-wide Safe Work Australia Awards.
   “I am consistently seeing excellent occupational safety and health practices in Western Australian organisations, and it is important that we recognise and acknowledge this publicly,” Ms Lyhne said.
   “In past years, two of our very innovative Western Australians have gone on to win at the national level and reap the benefits of national recognition.”
   Nominations for the awards close on 9 July and category winners will be announced in October.
   Winners in the national Safe Work Australia Awards will be announced in early 2011.
   Entry forms and award criteria for the Western Australia awards were available from www.worksafe.wa.gov.au

18 May, 2010

Aviation services
clear to take off

Air service operators interested in providing intrastate aviation services to regional centres have been invited to submit their proposals.
   Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien said proposals were being sought under the new air services framework and that wholesale deregulation of Western Australia’s intrastate aviation services was off the table.
   Mr O’Brien said securing air routes for regional communities and tourism destinations that could have lost their regular passenger services if wholesale deregulation was allowed to proceed was his main priority.
   He said while proposals were being invited based on a common framework, air service operators were also encouraged to put forward alternative submissions.
   “We have provided the opportunity for proponents to present submissions to achieve the best outcome for communities, industry and government,” Mr O’Brien said.
   “Ultimately, we will be testing the market to see what it comes up with.
   “However, we will not accept any proposal which does not provide greater services for all West Australians.”
   The Minister said current deregulated services from Perth to Broome, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Kambalda, Karratha, Kununurra, Newman, Paraburdoo and Port Hedland, together with the regulated service to Derby would be excluded from the process.
   “All other services, specifically those servicing remote regional communities, will continue until the new regime is implemented later this year or early 2011,” he said.
   Further information on submitting a tender was available from www.tenders.wa.gov.au

18 May, 2010

20-year plan is
water wash-up

A 20-year strategic water management plan for the South-West Region has been announced by the Minister for Water, Dr Graham Jacobs.
   Dr Jacobs said the South-West Regional Water Plan identified ways to help the South-West community handle decreased water availability without putting its economic growth and amenity at risk.
   He said the plan outlined seven themes; understanding water resources; enhancing water security for environmental uses; managing water resource health and values; facilitating water sensitive regional development; providing integrated water services for urban communities; using water efficiently; and securing community involvement in water resource management.
   “Currently about 820 gigalitres (GL) of water can be used each year, but with the pattern of decreasing rainfall this could reduce to about 610GL per year by 2030,” Dr Jacobs said.
   “This is less than the estimate of 710GL per year which will be needed and a key driver for why we need to change the way we manage and use water.”
   Dr Jacobs said the region needed to turn to non-traditional sources and drive greater efficiency in all sectors.
   “For example, the plan identifies that now scarce high-quality water should not be used for industrial processing where alternatives exist,” he said.
   “The actions and positions in the plan are designed to ensure the South-West continues to have opportunities for water-sensitive economic development in the face of this challenge.”
   Dr Jacobs said the plan outlined possible water allocation plans and was guided by the idea that making water available for new users should not occur at the expense of existing users’ entitlement security.
   “The plan also recognises the same water systems provide drinking water to a growing population and support the environment and biodiversity that make the region unique,” he said.

18 May, 2010

Mum’s the word on
newborn health

A new resource has been released to help health professionals better identify and support mothers having trouble bonding with their newborns.
   Launching the Healthy Mother-Infant Relationship Initiative, the Minister for Mental Health, Dr Graham Jacobs said research had shown if the mother-baby relationship was disrupted, babies could develop significant emotional, learning and developmental disorders.
   Dr Jacobs said mothers with mental illnesses were more likely to have problems bonding with their babies.
   “This resource aims to turn that statistic around,” Dr Jacobs said.
   “It’s about providing health professionals with the information they need to identify those who are at risk during pregnancy or following the birth.”
   The Minister said health professionals could then refer the mother to the appropriate service to help them with their mental wellbeing and to build a relationship with their baby.
   “Amongst other things, securely attached children enjoy more happiness with their parents, turn to their parents for help and support, are more trusting and have higher self-esteem,” he said.
   “Every child deserves that.”
   Dr Jacobs said the resource was a practical framework and risk assessment resource to help mental health clinicians, GPs, hospital staff and community health clinics work together to improve the care of women with mental illness.
   The Healthy Mother-Infant Relationship Initiative was developed by the North Metropolitan Area Health Service’s Clinical Application Unit with input from consumers.

18 May, 2010

Wildlife Officers to
have whale of a time

Wildlife officers at the Department of Environment and Conservation are preparing for another busy whale season as the annual migration of whales from Antarctica to waters off Western Australia’s northern coast gets underway.
   Whale Expert at the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), Doug Coughran said humpback whales made the 13,000 kilometre round-trip in small groups and would become a regular sight off the WA coast until the end of the year.
   “The west coast humpback population has been estimated at more than 22,000 and as their numbers continue to rise, nature will take its course and the weaker ones are likely to become casualties in order to maintain a healthy population,” Mr Coughran said.
   “As a result we are anticipating yet another busy whale season with more sick whales coming ashore.”
   Wildlife officers have also reported an earlier than usual start to the 2010 whale season with the bodies of two young and severely malnourished humpback whales found washed up on the south coast last month.
   Last year DEC dealt with 47 humpback whale beaching incidents in which 13 whales died while receiving care and four were put down to end their suffering.
   “Live whale beaching incidents are assessed on a case-by-case basis and due to their massive size and weight our main priority is to ensure the safety of staff and volunteers,” Mr Coughran said.
   “Consequently it’s not always possible for wildlife officers to safely access and deal with the animal.”
   Mr Coughran recently returned from an International Whaling Commission technical workshop in America where experts from nine countries discussed how to untangle large whales and euthanasia techniques.
   He urged anyone who sees an injured whale to keep a safe distance and contact DEC’s Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 9055.

18 May, 2010

Farmers’ resource to
bring fertile results

Two new tools to help dairy and beef farmers optimise fertiliser use and protect the environment have been launched by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman.
   Mr Redman said the Department of Agriculture and Food collaborated with industry to promote responsible fertiliser management and minimise impacts on the Swan Coastal Plain.
   He said the tools were developed by Western Dairy and the Department with input from consultants and fertiliser companies.
   Mr Redman said the collaboration resulted in the Soil Productivity and Nutrient Aid, known as SPANA, a colour-coded and laminated ready reckoner with information to help farmers make decisions when applying fertiliser.
   “The SPANA is a practical decision-making tool which allows farmers to easily compare soil test results with a guide on how much fertiliser to use,” Mr Redman said.
   He said the second tool was a DVD on fertiliser management.
   Mr Redman said the DVD provided information on best practise fertiliser use with farmer testimonials and insights from experts.
   He said the tools reflected the Western Australian dairy industry’s commitment to the State Fertiliser Action Plan to protect the State’s valuable natural resources.
   “The Department’s collaboration with industry on the Greener Pastures project demonstrates that improved fertiliser use results in increased profitability for farmers and greater wellbeing and sustainability of the catchments in dairy production regions,” Mr Redman said.
   “WA leads the nation in responsible fertiliser use, as highlighted in a recent Dairy Australia report.”
   The Minister commended the WA dairy sector on its determination to work together to build a more profitable and sustainable industry.
   The new tools were available from Western Dairy and the Department of Agriculture and Food.

18 May, 2010

Housing report lifts
lid on communities

A report that found living conditions for Aboriginal communities have improved over the past decade has been welcomed by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Kim Hames.
   However Dr Hames acknowledged there was still more to be achieved.
   The third Environmental Health Needs Survey was authorised by the Environmental Health Needs Coordinating Committee which comprises representatives from service delivery Agencies across the three tiers of Government.
   Dr Hames said the report showed the number of people per permanent dwelling in remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia had reduced from seven in 1997 to 5.3 in 2008.
   He said despite the reduction, housing and overcrowding remained the most significant environmental health concern reported by 69 per cent of Indigenous communities.
   Dr Hames said the report showed significant increases in the proportion of Aboriginal communities whose water, electricity and sewerage were provided by either mainstream utilities or via the Remote Area Essential Service Program.
   “It is pleasing to see that efforts to improve living conditions in remote Aboriginal communities are having an effect, but much remains to be done,” he said.
   “The programs put in place to improve services city-dwellers take for granted, like access to potable water and reliable electricity supply, need to continue and it is only through sustained co-operation we will achieve the desired results.”
   The report includes findings from 232 remote Aboriginal communities surveyed from 2007 to 2008 and could be accessed from www.dia.wa.gov.au or www.public.health.wa.gov.au

18 May, 2010

Fisheries nets new
patrol boat

The Department of Fisheries has officially launched its new long-range patrol boat.
   The 20-metre-long patrol vessel PV Houtman will help Fisheries staff monitor fish catches and perform other important duties.
   Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore said PV Houtman would operate along the West Coast and the Gascoyne bio-regions and deliver monitoring and compliance services at the Abrolhos Islands and for the rock lobster industry.
   “It will have a busy workload helping to keep WA’s fisheries sustainable,” Mr Moore said.
   “It will also be a valuable asset and help other State Government Agencies deal with search and rescue demands, whale entanglements, oil spill responses and other operations.”
   He said the Abrolhos were historically and economically significant and were an important commercial rock lobster fishing area and developing tourist destination.
   ”The Department of Fisheries manages the Abrolhos Islands as a fish habitat protection area and a boat like the PV Houtman is vital for monitoring and compliance activities there,” Mr Moore said.
   “It is a long range patrol boat, built to cope with the often demanding offshore environment along WA’s coast.”
   The Minister said the new $3.36 million craft was designed by a local Port Denison company and had been constructed in Geraldton, providing a boost to confidence and opportunity for local businesses.
   It is to be based at Geraldton, replacing the 18-year-old PV McLaughlan.
   It is named after Frederik de Houtman, the explorer who discovered the Abrolhos Islands in 1619.

18 May, 2010

Pensioners go to town
on country fuel card

A scheme that provides pensioners who live in the country with up to $500 a year towards the cost of fuel and taxi fees has been expanded.
   Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls said the Country Age Pension Fuel Card scheme would now include more eligibility categories.
   Mr Grylls said a review of the fuel card earlier this year had recommended four additional semi-rural country postcodes and four additional income support pension categories be incorporated into the scheme.
   “On 1 July this year, semi-rural country postcodes 6124 (Jarrahdale); 6125 (Hopeland, Mardella and Serpentine); 6126 (Keysbrook); and 6211 (Dawesville, Bouvard, Clifton and Herron) will be included in the scheme,” Mr Grylls said.
   “The fuel card scheme policy currently includes country pensioners who receive Centrelink Age Pension, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension, Social Security Age Pension and Income Support Supplement Pension.”
   He said that from 1 July country pensioners receiving Centrelink income support pension or benefit categories Widow B, Disability Support, Carer Payment and Wife Pension would be eligible for a Fuel Card.
   Mr Grylls said an estimated 15,000 additional country pensioners would become eligible for the card, which is provided to help those with poor access to public transport cover the costs of running a private vehicle.
   Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien said he supported the scheme, which was jointly administered by the Departments of Regional Development and Lands and the Department of Transport.
   “Existing cardholders should receive their new card by 20 July if their pension and country eligibility remains unchanged and their current contact details have not changed,” Mr O’Brien said.
   “Newly eligible country pensioners wishing to apply for the first time can obtain fuel card applications from Australia Post outlets on 1 July.”
   Mr O’Brien said the expanded scheme would see the card reach up to 43,000 people by the end of 2010.

18 May, 2010

States hook up to
deliver dialysis

A study into delivering kidney disease treatments to Indigenous people in remote communities is to be jointly undertaken by the Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia and Commonwealth Governments.
   WA Minister for Health, Dr Kim Hames said the study would investigate the best way to help people living in remote parts of the nation to access dialysis.
   Dr Hames said renal dialysis could be distressing for patients living in WA’s central desert region where accessing appropriate services was difficult.
   “WA is already part of a TriState agreement between the Northern Territory and South Australia which was signed in November last year,” Dr Hames said.
   “That agreement allows WA patients to be treated in Alice Springs for dialysis, which is closer to where they live.
   He said the new study would look at whether there were other ways the Governments could help regional patients receive the most appropriate care, service delivery and distribution of services.
   “For example, options such as self-care dialysis, nurse-assisted dialysis or services that are mobile or based in healthcare facilities will be investigated to see whether they may assist the treatment of kidney disease for patients who live in remote areas,” Dr Hames said.
   “This is an exciting step forward in investigating the best ways to provide health care in remote areas and I am pleased WA has been given the opportunity to be part of it.”
   The study is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

18 May, 2010

Breath of life for
oxygenation plant

Another oxygenation plant is to be built for the upper reaches of the Canning River and restoration and erosion projects are to be implemented as part of a plan to protect the Swan and Canning Rivers.
   Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher said $3.3 million in funding would be provided to the Swan River Trust’s Riverbank Program, Local Government and community groups to help preserve the rivers’ health.
   Mrs Faragher said $800,000 would be spent on river restoration and erosion control projects as part of the Swan River Trust’s program, $1 million would be put towards the oxygenation plant and a large portion funding had gone to Local Government and community groups.
   “This funding has been specifically targeted at projects that we believe can make a significant difference to improving the health of the waterways,” Mrs Faragher said.
   “The Swan River faces many pressures, many of them historic and many of them induced by human activities.
   “I believe the range of initiatives we are putting in place will help the Swan River to withstand these pressures.”
   The funding includes $250,000 to begin to implement the recommendations made by Chief Scientist Lyn Beazley in her report into the deaths of dolphins in the Swan River in 2009.
   Mrs Faragher said the new oxygenation plant would help maintain oxygen concentrations at a healthy level and would supplement two existing plants,
   She said funding also included $300,000 across two years to run a River Rangers program for primary school students interested in preserving and protecting Perth’s waterways.
   “River Rangers will give primary school students a chance to be involved in fun and constructive activities that reinforce the importance of protecting Perth’s waterways,” the Minister said.

18 May, 2010

Caversham laps up
Riverbank upgrade

A new Community Work Management Unit for adult and young offenders has opened at the Riverbank facility at Caversham – 50 years to the day since the original facility opened on the site.
   Over the years Riverbank facility has operated as a juvenile detention centre, maximum security prison and a location for emergency services training.
   Minister for Corrective Services, Christian Porter said the facility had been refurbished using adult offenders on work orders.
   “This has enabled offenders to repay the community for their crimes while developing new skills and gaining vocational accreditation to help them break away from criminal behaviour,” Mr Porter said.
   “With this work the site is now equipped to run a variety of reparative and self-sustainability programs for both adult and young offenders.”
   The Minister said programs would include the men’s shed carpentry workshop where wooden templates would be made for children’s toys to be given to charity.
   He said other programs would include traineeships in commercial laundry and assets maintenance; catering and kitchen hand programs; arts and crafts workshops; and educational, employment and life skills programs.
   Mr Porter said community-based offenders refurbished the two education classrooms, hall, library and the arts and crafts workshop.
   He said they also worked to upgrade the former administration and cell block areas, with the administration area being converted to a gallery exhibiting art works created through community services.
   The former detention centre buildings are expected to be fully renovated by December 2010.

18 May, 2010

Defence takes aim at
technical students

Thirty-nine students from Western Australia are among the 760 recipients of the Defence Technical Scholarships 2010.
   Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Alan Griffin said the Scholarships aimed to reward students who were interested in pursuing a technical trade career once they finished school.
   “The Australian Defence Force is not immune to the nationwide shortage of skilled technical tradespeople, and through the Defence Technical Scholarships, the Australian Defence Force seeks to help keep young people at school longer so that they build a better foundation for a future trade career,” Mr Griffin said.
   “Successful students will receive scholarships of $2,000 for Year 11 or $3,000 for Year 12.”
   The Minister said three students from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School and one from Kununurra District High School were among the Western Australian students who received scholarships.
   Mr Griffin said during their Scholarship year, some students would get opportunities to participate in Defence experiences, events and base and ship visits.
   “Recipients are under no obligation to join the Australian Defence Force on completion of their Scholarship or schooling,” he said.
   “These 39 winners should feel very proud of their achievements, and I strongly encourage technically-savvy students currently in Year 10 and Year 11 to consider applying for a Defence Technical Scholarship in 2011.”

18 May, 2010
PS reforms proceed
Proposed amendments to the Public Sector Reform Bill 2009 have been tabled in the Legislative Assembly to allow the Public Sector Commissioner to operate as an independent statutory body.
   The amendments include new arrangements for Public Sector Commissioner’s instructions, alleged breaches of discipline by PS staff and modifying the delegation powers of Chief Executives .
   Further information is available from www.publicsector.wa.gov.au

Day in Pompeii comes to town
The Western Australian Museum is to host A Day in Pompeii from 21 May to 5 September.
   The exhibition has attracted more than 160 volunteers who will undertake around 2,000 shifts and help manage the flow of traffic through the museum, greet visitors, respond to queries and tell stories about the stricken city of Pompeii.
   The Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day said National Volunteer’s Week provided a timely opportunity to recognise volunteers across the State.

Opening bell for Somerly Primary
Somerly Primary School in Clarkson has been officially opened.
   The $10.9 million school is part of the $1.1 billion investment in new schools and building, refurbishment and improvement work across the State this year.
   It includes four teaching blocks with 16 classrooms, an art room, music room, library, undercover area, canteen and administration block.

Double-opening for Police
The new $17.5 million Pilbara Police Complex at Karratha has been opened.
   The all-hours station caters for up to 62 staff and is co-located with the Karratha Courthouse, Community Justice Services, Karratha Volunteer Fire Brigade, State Emergency Service and St John’s Ambulance.
   A $17.7 million police station has also been opened in South Hedland, with the Minister for Police, Rob Johnson and Police Commissioner, Karl O’Callaghan attending both openings.

Fast forward for land release
A $22.9 million Commonwealth injection into Western Australia is aimed at bringing a faster release of new land to the market.
   Nine housing projects from Mandurah to Broome will now have reduced planning and infrastructure costs, saving home buyers an average of more than $16,000 on 1,323 new homes and housing lots.
   Over 1,871 lots will be brought forward up to two years faster than would otherwise have been the case.

Nursing/Midwifery awards open
Nominations have been invited for the 2010 Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.
   The awards, announced on International Nurses Day, are an opportunity for co-workers, patients and members of the public to acknowledge a nurse or midwife who went above and beyond their daily duties.
   Last year’s Nurse of the Year, Marie Slater said the award had been a great personal honour and a great achievement for her hospital.
   Nominations close on 23 June and further information was available from www.nursing.health.wa.gov.au

Heritage Hotel honoured
The Quindanning Hotel in the Wheatbelt has been listed on the State Register of Heritage Places.
   The hotel has served travellers for more than 100 years and is a rare example of a hotel built in the Old English style which still has much of its original timberwork, brickwork and leadlights.
   The State Register of Heritage Places is managed by the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

11 May, 2010

Bushfire blueprint
is plan for future

Services to deliver
on social services

A range of initiatives tohelp community organisations deliver better social services to the public have been announced by the Premier, Colin Barnett.
   In a speech at the WA Council of Social Services State Conference, Mr Barnett saida Community Development Investment Fund, a Social Innovation Grants Program and a Partnership Forum would be established.
   Mr Barnett said the Community Development Investment Fund and Social Innovation Grants Program would be administered by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and were expected to commence on 1 January 2011.
   He said the measures would complement the $800 million a year the Government provided in grants to non-government organisations to provide the public services.
   “As demand for services increases, the Government must support and build the capacity of the community sector organisations that work tirelessly to support people with mental illness, provide foster carers to vulnerable children and shelter for the homeless,” Mr Barnett said.
   The Premier said the Partnership Forum would oversee the relationship between the public and community sectors and would comprise equal numbers of public and community sector leaders.
   Mr Barnett said the Forum would be chaired by Peter Shergold from the Centre for Social Impact and was expected to hold its first meeting by August.
   “As part of the 2010-11 Budget, the State Government will provide $10 million for a Community Development Investment Fund through which low-interest loans will be offered to eligible community sector organisations,” he said.
   Mr Barnett said the loans, which would be for capital purposes such as building an income-generating asset base through infrastructure or purchasing property, vehicles and equipment to deliver services more effectively.
   He said the Social Innovation Grants Program would promote new and improved ways of delivering social and community services.
   “Funding of $2 million in 2010-11 and $4 million for each year thereafter will encourage the sharing of policy, practice and data across Agencies and identify co-location opportunities,” the Premier said.

11 May, 2010

Communities irons
out ageing wrinkles

WorkSafe Awards
in safe hands

Aviation services
clear to take off

20-year plan is
water wash-up

Mum’s the word on
newborn health

Wildlife Officers to
have whale of a time

Farmers’ resource to
bring fertile results

Housing report lifts
lid on communities

A report that found living conditions for Aboriginal communities have improved over the past decade has been welcomed by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Kim Hames.
   However Dr Hames acknowledged there was still more to be achieved.
   The third Environmental Health Needs Survey was authorised by the Environmental Health Needs Coordinating Committee which comprises representatives from service delivery Agencies across the three tiers of Government.
   Dr Hames said the report showed the number of people per permanent dwelling in remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia had reduced from seven in 1997 to 5.3 in 2008.
   He said despite the reduction, housing and overcrowding remained the most significant environmental health concern reported by 69 per cent of Indigenous communities.
   Dr Hames said the report showed significant increases in the proportion of Aboriginal communities whose water, electricity and sewerage were provided by either mainstream utilities or via the Remote Area Essential Service Program.
   “It is pleasing to see that efforts to improve living conditions in remote Aboriginal communities are having an effect, but much remains to be done,” he said.
   “The programs put in place to improve services city-dwellers take for granted, like access to potable water and reliable electricity supply, need to continue and it is only through sustained co-operation we will achieve the desired results.”
   The report includes findings from 232 remote Aboriginal communities surveyed from 2007 to 2008 and could be accessed fromwww.dia.wa.gov.au or www.public.health.wa.gov.au

11 May, 2010

Fisheries nets new
patrol boat

The Department of Fisheries hasofficially launched its new long-range patrol boat.
   The 20-metre-long patrol vessel PV Houtman will help Fisheries staff monitor fish catches and perform other important duties.
   Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore said PV Houtman would operate along the West Coast and the Gascoyne bio-regions and deliver monitoring and compliance services at the Abrolhos Islands and for the rock lobster industry.
   “It will have a busy workload helping to keep WA’s fisheries sustainable,” Mr Moore said.
   “It will also be a valuable asset and help other State Government Agencies deal with search and rescue demands, whale entanglements, oil spill responses and other operations.”
   He said the Abrolhos were historically and economically significant and were an important commercial rock lobster fishing area and developing tourist destination.
   ”The Department of Fisheries manages the Abrolhos Islands as a fish habitat protection area and a boat like the PV Houtman is vital for monitoring and compliance activities there,” Mr Moore said.
   “It is a long range patrol boat, built to cope with the often demanding offshore environment along WA’s coast.”
   The Minister said the new $3.36 million craft was designed by a local Port Denison company and had been constructed in Geraldton, providing a boost to confidence and opportunity for local businesses.
   It is to be based at Geraldton, replacing the 18-year-old PV McLaughlan.
   It is named after Frederik de Houtman, the explorer who discovered the Abrolhos Islands in 1619.

11 May, 2010

Pensioners go to town
on country fuel card

States hook up to
deliver dialysis

Breath of life for
oxygenation plant

Caversham laps up
Riverbank upgrade

Defence takes aim at
technical students

Thirty-nine students from Western Australia are among the 760 recipients of the Defence Technical Scholarships 2010.
   Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Alan Griffin said the Scholarships aimed to reward students who were interested in pursuing a technical trade career once they finished school.
   “The Australian Defence Force is not immune to the nationwide shortage of skilled technical tradespeople, and through the Defence Technical Scholarships, the Australian Defence Force seeks to help keep young people at school longer so that they build a better foundation for a future trade career,” Mr Griffin said.
   “Successful students will receive scholarships of $2,000 for Year 11 or $3,000 for Year 12.”
   The Minister said three students from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School and one from Kununurra District High School were among the Western Australian students who received scholarships.
   Mr Griffin said during their Scholarship year, some students would get opportunities to participate in Defence experiences, events and base and ship visits.
   “Recipients are under no obligation to join the Australian Defence Force on completion of their Scholarship or schooling,” he said.
   “These 39 winners should feel very proud of their achievements, and I strongly encourage technically-savvy students currently in Year 10 and Year 11 to consider applying for a Defence Technical Scholarship in 2011.”

11 May, 2010
PS reforms proceed
Proposed amendments to the Public Sector Reform Bill 2009 have been tabled in the Legislative Assembly to allow the Public Sector Commissioner to operate as an independent statutory body.
   The amendments include new arrangements for Public Sector Commissioner’s instructions, alleged breaches of discipline by PS staff and modifying the delegation powers of Chief Executives .
   Further information is available from www.publicsector.wa.gov.au

Day in Pompeii comes to town
The Western Australian Museum is to host A Day in Pompeiifrom 21 May to 5 September.
   The exhibition has attracted more than 160 volunteers who will undertake around 2,000 shifts and help manage the flow of traffic through the museum, greet visitors, respond to queries and tell stories about the stricken city of Pompeii.
   The Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day said National Volunteer’s Week provided a timely opportunity to recognise volunteers across the State.

Opening bell for Somerly Primary
Somerly Primary School in Clarkson has been officially opened.
   The $10.9 million school is part of the $1.1 billion investment in new schools and building, refurbishment and improvement work across the State this year.
   It includes four teaching blocks with 16 classrooms, an art room, music room, library, undercover area, canteen and administration block.

Double-opening for Police
The new $17.5 million Pilbara Police Complex at Karratha has been opened.
   The all-hours station caters for up to 62 staff and is co-located with the Karratha Courthouse, Community Justice Services, Karratha Volunteer Fire Brigade, State Emergency Service and St John’s Ambulance.
   A $17.7 million police station has also been opened in South Hedland, with the Minister for Police, Rob Johnson and Police Commissioner, Karl O’Callaghan attending both openings.

Fast forward for land release
A $22.9 million Commonwealth injection into Western Australia is aimed at bringing a faster release of new land to the market.
   Nine housing projects from Mandurah to Broome will now have reduced planning and infrastructure costs, saving home buyers an average of more than $16,000 on 1,323 new homes and housing lots.
   Over 1,871 lots will be brought forward up to two years faster than would otherwise have been the case.

Nursing/Midwifery awards open
Nominations have been invited for the 2010 Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.
   The awards, announced on International Nurses Day, are an opportunity for co-workers, patients and members of the public to acknowledge a nurse or midwife who went above and beyond their daily duties.
   Last year’s Nurse of the Year, Marie Slater said the award had been a great personal honour and a great achievement for her hospital.
   Nominations close on 23 June and further information was available from www.nursing.health.wa.gov.au

Heritage Hotel honoured
The Quindanning Hotel in the Wheatbelt has been listed on the State Register of Heritage Places.
   The hotel has served travellers for more than 100 years and is a rare example of a hotel built in the Old English style which still has much of its original timberwork, brickwork and leadlights.
   The State Register of Heritage Places is managed by the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

4 May, 2010

More schools learn
independence lesson

More schools have applied for independent status under the Government’s Independent Public Schools Initiative
   Minister for Education, Liz Constable said more than 130 primary, secondary, district high schools and education support centres want to take on Independent Public School status from 2011.
   “The early feedback from the first 34 Independent Public Schools has been overwhelmingly positive - schools and their communities have reported that the greater freedom and responsibility to ensure students have the best possible learning opportunities and outcomes has instilled a greater sense of school pride and ownership,” Dr Constable said.
   “It is pleasing to see such diversity in the expressions of interest - schools from as far north as Port Hedland and as far south as Albany, and from a broad range of socio-economic areas have applied.”
   She said principals of those schools had also reported great interest from teachers keen to work in Independent Public Schools, which can now select staff to best match schools’ needs.
   The Independent Public School initiative gives greater autonomy to schools while still providing the support and benefits of the public school system.
   The schools have the ability to make decisions about their own curriculum, staffing configuration, school resources and expenditure.
   “Community members, who are elected to school boards, provide valuable input into the strategic direction of schools and have a say in the selection of principals when positions become vacant,” the Minister said.
   An independent panel will now assess the 132 expressions of interest using the same rigorous process and criteria used to select the initial intake in 2009.
   Dr Constable said the successful schools to form the second intake would be announced in July and will then prepare to start as Independent Public Schools at the beginning of the 2011 school year.

4 May, 2010

Auxiliary police
fill the bill

The first intake of Police Auxiliary Officer recruits has been sworn in.
   Minister of Police, Rob Johnson said swearing in of the 19 auxiliary officers complemented 60 fully-sworn officers who had graduated earlier.
   “With these new officers Western Australia’s police force has never been so well-resourced,” Mr Johnson said.
   “These new Police Auxiliary Officers will provide essential support to our police force by performing supportive and administrative duties that were previously undertaken by tactically-trained police officers.”
   As a result, fully-sworn police officers would be able to concentrate on what they had been trained to do, patrolling the streets and fighting crime.
   “This Government promised to have more police officers out on the beat and we are delivering on that commitment,” the Minister said.
   He said the Government had allocated $208.5 million in recurrent funding to fulfil its election pledge to boost police ranks with an additional 500 officers and 200 support staff.
   The police auxiliary officers would be primarily responsible for detainee custody, but would also deal with firearm, property, drugs and exhibit recording and movements, as well as other support roles at police stations.
   The Auxiliary Officers would be based at the Perth Watch House for six to eight weeks before being sent to their stations. Two would be sent to Geraldton and Bunbury, while the rest would be deployed to the six major metropolitan districts.

4 May, 2010

TAFE sets course
for more funding

The Australian Educational Union (AEU) has launched a campaign for better funding for TAFEs in Western Australia.
   Federal TAFE Secretary for the AEU, Pat Forward said a new survey of staff has revealed that thousands of people are being turned away from TAFEs in WA each year due to a lack of funding and resources.
   The survey shows student demand is above the national average with 65 per cent of teachers and managers reporting an increase in the last two years.
   However, 56 per cent of teachers and managers said they had to turn away students with engineering and related technologies faring worst.
   The campaign launch, at Thornlie TAFE, was conducted by Ms Forward and Senior Vice President of the State School Teachers’ Union of WA, Pat Burke.
   Ms Forward said the results showed TAFEs were being starved of the resources required to tackle skill shortages in WA and meet future workforce demand in critical areas such as mining and energy production.
   “Thousands of people in WA are missing out on the quality education and training only TAFE can deliver because of a lack of investment,” Ms Forward said.
   “You would think the Federal Government and the Western Australian Government would understand how critical it is to be able to deliver the skilled workforce that industry needs.”
   Ms Forward said new research conducted by the Centre for the Economics of
Education and Training (CEET) at Monash University showed TAFE funding per student hour in Western Australia had fallen by 20 per cent since 2003.
   “The research shows we need to spend an additional $200 million a year until 2020 to meet new targets set by COAG for increasing the proportion of the population with higher level qualifications,” she said.
   “TAFE has a long and proud history of delivering high-quality training and education to Australians.
   “It is time to invest more in TAFE to ensure it can continue to play this vital role,” Ms Forward said.

4 May, 2010

Energy Outlook
is online outline

An Energy Generation Outlook is to be developed to ensure future energy needs are sustainable and reliable.
   Minister for Energy, Peter Collier said the Generation Outlook provided an outline of the type, size and timing of future power generation to help ensure the State had an adequate, cost-efficient electricity supply.
   It would identify significant risks and deficiencies in the electricity supply chain and develop strategies to address such risks.
   “The Generation Outlook is crucial to ensure the Government has the ability to identify emerging power issues before they arise and to make the necessary adjustments to policy and market settings,” Mr Collier said.
   “The plan is not intended to see a return to centralised decision-making; rather it will provide the Government and industry with a better medium-term outlook for the sector as a whole.”
   He said the Government had lacked a complete picture of power generation in the past and this knowledge gap had been identified in the Oates Review.
   “For example, a lack of this type of planning has resulted in too much base-load power, which is now stranding some of the State’s cleanest and most efficient power plants,” Mr Collier said.
   The benefits flowing from the development of the Generation Outlook would include the discouragement of excessive oversupply of capacity; support for the existing capacity mechanism to ensure reliability and security is maintained; investment clarity for market participants; an increase in competition within and between given fuel types; the identification and addressing of potential barriers to investment and the facilitation of the rollout of renewable energy.

4 May, 2010

Post Office delivers
on 5-year plan

Australia Post has launched a five year program it says will lay the foundations to create a more customer-focused and sustainable organisation.
   Managing Director and CEO of Australia Post, Ahmed Fahour said the program, Future Ready would allow the organisation to do everything it does in the physical world in the digital world.
   “As the world has moved on from the horse and buggy and has shifted from the telegraph to the telephone, Australia Post must embrace the digital world,” Mr Fahour said.
   He said the program mapped a strong growth platform based on a growth in parcels, retail and business-to-business express delivery, that would offset the decline in letters being sent.
   He said Australia Post would be restructured into four strategic business units with individual profit and loss accountability: Postal Services, Retail Services, Express Distribution Services, and e-Services.
   Mr Fahour said Postal Services would be responsible for providing both letters and parcels, enabling Australia Post to offset the decline in letters with the growth in parcels, while Retail Services would handle the services offered in its 4,433 retail stores.
   “We are in every major town across Australia and play a vital role at the centre of each community,” he said.
   “We want to be the community hub for important trusted services like passports, identity verification, payments and more.”
   Mr Fahour said Express Distribution Services would oversee Australia Post’s courier and logistics business, as well as joint ventures such as Australian Air Express, Star Track Express and Sai Cheng Logistics, focusing on the business-to-business market, particularly in Australia and Asia.
   He said e-Services would be a dedicated new business incubator focusing on opportunities such as secure, identity-verified, digital communications, e-commerce initiatives and other services that can be offered electronically, to complement Australia Post’s physical network.
   Mr Fahour said under Future Ready, a new structure would be established in 2010/11, while the “rebuilding and growing” phase would occur from 2012.
   He said the restructure would be based on a customer-focused approach, and building a collaborative culture with strong accountability and transparency.
   “The new organisation structure is designed to unlock the depth of talent within Australia Post which will be developed and rewarded for sustainable outcomes,” Mr Fahour said.

4 May, 2010

WorkSafe speaks up
over workplace noise

WorkSafe is to conduct an inspection campaign to curb exposure to excessive noise in the workplace.
   WA Commissioner for WorkSafe, Nina Lyhne said that although noise had been a recognised workplace hazard for some time, it remained a problem.
   “The health effects of exposure to excessive noise are often not felt until much later,” Ms Lyhne said, “making it crucial to manage noise in a proactive manner before the damage can be done.”
   “There is also the risk that workers in noisy environments – especially those whose hearing has been damaged – may not hear alarms, warning signals from machinery or voiced warnings from other workers.”
   Noise-induced hearing loss is responsible for a significant number of Worker’s Compensation claims - 81 in 2007-08, she said.
   Research by Safe Work Australia showed that 32 per cent of Australian workers surveyed reported that they worked in an environment where they were exposed to loud noise.
   Industries with a high risk of worker exposure to excessive noise were mining (68 per cent), manufacturing (58 per cent), construction (53 per cent), transport and storage (41 per cent) and primary industries (39 per cent), while some exposure was reported in all industries.
   “The primary aim of the inspection campaign will be to increase awareness of the hazards and to ensure that appropriate control measures are in place, with an emphasis on controlling noise at its source where this is practicable,” Ms Lyhne said.
   “During May, inspectors who visit workplaces for any reason will also be assessing whether hazardous noise is present and, if it is, they may run through a checklist based around identification, assessment and control of noise.”
   The inspection campaign was part of a continuing program of proactive inspections aimed at providing employers with information on how to comply with occupational safety and health laws.

4 May, 2010

Water study ranks
liquid assets

WA’s water utilities have been found to be among the best in the nation in the Water Services Association of Australia’s Urban and National Performance Reports.
   Minister for Water, Graham Jacobs said the report detailed the key performance indicators for WA’s water and wastewater service providers: Water Corporation, Aqwest (Bunbury), and Busselton Water.
   “It is encouraging to see that WA’s largest service provider, the Water Corporation, has the lowest operating cost in relation to the number of properties it serves,” Dr Jacobs said.
   Now in its fourth year, the national report card presented comprehensive information on a range of critical performance areas and charted the response by water utilities to the challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and declining and variable rainfall patterns.
   The Minister said that what stood out from the 117 indicators covered in the report was Perth’s per household water use which was the highest of any capital city.
   “These figures are an important reminder to us all that there is still scope for improvement in our water use,” he said.
   Dr Jacobs said water use had largely stayed on target throughout the summer but autumn was a crucial time when it typically went off track.
   The Minister said because the report covered 2008-09, the water saved from last year’s winter sprinkler ban was not included.

4 May, 2010

Greece is the word
for Anzac hopefuls

School students have been urged to apply for places on the 2011 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour to Greece.
   Ten school students, from Years Eight to 11, will be selected to travel to learn more about the role played by Anzac forces in defending Greece during World War II.
   The tour will mark the 70th anniversary of that defence.
   Australians fought side by side with New Zealanders, as well as British and Greek forces, and troops included the 2/11th City of Perth Battalion which landed on Crete on 26 April 1941.
   Applicants will be required to prepare an essay on one of two topics: ‘the youth of Western Australia value and honour the service of our veterans and those currently serving with the Australian Defence Force’; or ‘examine the story of the ANZACs in Greece during World War II. To what extent do these experiences add to your understanding of the Anzac legacy and the contribution of Western Australians?’
   Students will also need to demonstrate their understanding of some of the lessons of war and the positive values embodied by ANZAC troops during times of conflict.
   Shortlisted students will proceed to the next stage where they will have to present a speech and attend an interview.
   Premier, Colin Barnett encouraged students to apply before Friday, 13 August, saying successful applicants would be announced on Remembrance Day, 11 November.

4 May, 2010

Human rights to
right human wrongs

A new range of interactive human rights education resources have been released for schools by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
   President of the Commission, Cathy Branson, said complimentary DVDs would be sent to each school in Australia in an effort to educate students about human rights and responsibilities.
   “The importance of human rights education should not be underestimated in our efforts to create a more respectful human rights culture in Australia,” Ms Branson said.
   “Human rights education is critical if we are to make real inroads in our efforts towards true social inclusion.”
   Ms Branson said the rightsED resource was guided by a clear set of education principles and learning outcomes, and included interactive education activities for teachers and students which would introduce human rights concepts in an engaging and relevant way.
   She said there were nine resources, each of which focussed on different human rights issues: understanding human rights, commemorating Human Rights Day, child rights, bringing them home, face the facts, voices of Australia, disability rights – what about Doug’s rights?, young people in the workplace, and tackling sexual harassment.
   “rightsED comprises more than 400 pages of worksheets, resources and activities and is the culmination of over a year’s work,” Ms Branson said.
   “The resource fits in well with the emphasis on human rights education announced by the Attorney-General.”
   Ms Branson said the Commission would be taking a strong focus on education over the coming year and she urged teachers to take advantage of the resources available to them.
   She said more information was available at www.humanrights.gov.au/education, on phone 1300 369711 or by emailing education@humanrights.gov.au

4 May, 2010

New database to
weed all about

The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has expanded an online database to manage invasive weeds better.
   Management notes for more than 70 environmental weed grass species have been added to the DEC Florabase website, the State’s premier online flora database that references more than 13,000 WA plant species.
   Project Officer at the Department, Karen Bettink said many of the estimated 1,350 species of environmental weeds in WA posed a serious threat to biodiversity, particularly remnant bushland and wetlands in the south-west and on the south coast.
   “For this reason, it is important to provide accessible, current biological and best practice management information to enable us to understand and control some of our most problematic species,” Ms Bettink said.
   “These invasive grasses, many of which originate from similar environments in South Africa, can form dense monocultures, produce prolific seed that can readily be dispersed, are able to survive fire, displace native plants and animals, and suppress growth or regeneration of other plants.”
   The species added to the database include the invasive haas grass, which has been the subject of an eradication program in Perth but has recently been discovered near Mt Barker, and tambookie or coolatai grass, a common sight on roadsides around the south-west, but also a serious weed that was rapidly spreading into bushland in the region.
   Ms Bettink said each year thousands of hectares of conservation lands are treated for weed control or eradication by DEC, with a focus on the State’s highest priority invasive species.

4 May, 2010

Landcorp nails
building project

Landcorp is managing a project to build a workers’ village in Karratha, which will deliver much-needed affordable rental accommodation for non-resource sector employees.
   Minister for Lands, Brendon Grylls said the $30.4 million village is the first of its kind in Western Australia and would provide 100 units to house up to 250 people.
   “The village will include a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom units and will become a key tool to help local employers retain staff in jobs outside the mining sector,” Mr Grylls said.
   “The initiative aims to deliver rents in the range of $350 to $450, significantly less than average weekly rent prices in the town.
   The Minister said the private sector had been invited to submit expressions of interest to construct the accommodation village on a five-hectare site at the corner of Searipple and Warrambie roads in the heart of Karratha. The preferred proponent was National Lifestyle Villages.
   “The National Lifestyle Villages proposal has added real benefit to the project by not requiring the full site for the village,” Mr Grylls said.
   “We have ended up with an additional 1.3ha which we have awarded to Finbar to develop high-rise apartments and a vibrant blend of cafes, offices and shops.”
   National Lifestyle Villages was expected to begin construction when the bulk earthworks were completed in mid-2010.
   “Eligibility criteria and a mechanism for people to register their interest in living in the accommodation village should be released in mid-2010, with the first housing available by Christmas,” the Minister said.

4 May, 2010

Experts land for
native title talks

Officers from the National Native Title Tribunal attended the North West Expo at Broome over the weekend.
   They were on hand to discuss native title in the region with anyone who was interested.
   Regional Manager of the Tribunal, Tom Weaver, Case Manager, Trish Sinclair-Jones and Geospatial Specialist, Paul Rowe talked to visitors about native title processes and the Tribunal’s services.
   Mr Weaver said the officers’ breadth of expertise meant they were able to assist with a range of inquiries, including native title processes, indigenous land use agreements, mediation, mapping and other geospatial services.
   “The Tribunal has a role in each stage of native title proceedings, from providing assistance before claims are lodged through to the registration of native title determinations and indigenous land use agreements,” Mr Weaver said.
   “The annual North West Expo gives us an opportunity to meet new and existing clients and stakeholders in person and to talk about the native title issues that are important to people in the North West.”
   He said having the Geospatial Officer at the Expo meant he could search particular tenures and provide information about which claims cover what areas and how this might affect individual interests in land.
   “We were also able to print maps or other geospatial products when required,” Mr Weaver said.

4 May, 2010

Collie park collars
heritage listing

Soldiers Park in Collie has been permanently listed on the State Register of Heritage Places.
   Minister for Heritage, John Castrilli said the park had been central to Anzac Day services since 1921 and the listing reinforced this significance.
   “The assessment by the Heritage Council of Western Australia indicates that Soldiers Park is quite rare for the number of memorials located together in one park,” Mr Castrilli said.
   “Significantly, it includes what is thought to be the first memorial to Aboriginal servicemen in WA,” he said.
   “Memorials to Aboriginal servicemen and servicewomen are still quite rare in this State and nationally.”
   The Minister said Soldiers Park served as a reminder of Australia’s involvement in World Wars I and II and the Korean conflict.
   It demonstrated to the people who participated in those wars that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
   Soldiers Park, located on the bank of the Collie River, also includes the Collie War Memorial (1921), Honour Avenue (1921), the Commemorative Arch and Gates (1930) and Memorial Rose Gardens (1990).
   The Memorial Rose Gardens commemorate local Victoria Cross recipient, Captain Martin O’Meara for his actions at Pozieres in 1916 and Australia’s first Korean casualty, Private Ken Sketchley who died in 1950.
   “Soldiers Park continues to be the focal point for Anzac Day ceremonies in Collie and is a well kept and treasured part of the Collie Township,” the Minister said.
   The State Register of Heritage Places is managed by the Heritage Council of WA.

4 May, 2010

Name changed in
name of autonomy

The new name of the former TAFE college at Albany is the Great Southern Institute of Technology.
   Great Southern is the latest college to undergo a change in brand, following the Government’s decision to provide colleges with greater autonomy while working to prepare the future WA workforce.
   Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier said the institute was the region’s major provider of training to individuals and employees in local businesses.
   He acknowledged its achievements since it opened in 1974 and its evolution into a dynamic registered training organisation.
   The institute provides 95 per cent of the region’s vocational education and training delivery, and enrolments this year have exceeded 6,000.
   “Despite the economic slowdown last year, Great Southern’s existing contracts for apprentices were maintained and the number of traineeships actually increased, in large part due to the institute’s excellent reputation with local employers,” Mr Collier said.
   “These achievements are the result of the institute’s capacity to anticipate, innovate, contribute and respond to local business, industry and community needs.
   The Minister said the institute would remain focused on providing high-quality training while offering cutting-edge facilities and a modern environment.

4 May, 2010

Taxis wheel out new
deal for disabled

Perth taxi services have been improved for wheelchair customers.
Minister for Transport and Disability Services, Simon O’Brien said three initiatives involving Multi Purpose Taxis (MPTs) would improve access for people living with a disability, many of whom were dependent on taxis as their main mode of transport.
The initiatives were:

A 12-month extension for the ‘standby taxi’ system to ensure that all wheelchair taxi requests can be met in a timely and reliable manner;
A 12-month trial of an increased night time lifting incentive of $20 for MPT operators to provide a wheelchair service between 6pm and 8am; and
An increase in the Taxi User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS) cap on the level of subsidy from $25 to $35 for trips undertaken by 75 per cent eligible TUSS members travelling in wheelchairs, or with a scooter, in an MPT or wheelchair accessible country taxi.

   “The implementation of the standby vehicle will create a greater equality of taxi services for people with disabilities in terms of timeliness and reliability,” Mr O’Brien said.
   By doubling the night time lifting incentive from $10 to $20, MPT operators would be encouraged to give priority to wheelchair jobs allocated by taxi dispatch services.
   The new TUSS cap increase should ensure longer journeys were more economical for wheelchair taxi users.
   “This is the first time the TUSS cap has been increased since the scheme’s inception in 1988,” he said.
   The implementation of the standby vehicle service and the $20 night time lifting incentive, totalling $225,000 will be funded by the State Government through the Taxi Industry Development Account, while the Department of Transport will provide funding for the increased TUSS cap.

4 May, 2010

New laws get tough
on family violence

Public comment is being sought on ways to improve laws that protect women and children from family violence.
   The Australian Law Reform Commission has joined with the NSW Law Reform Commission to release a Consultation Paper on the issue, entitled Family Violence: Improving Legal Frameworks (Consultation Paper 1).
   President of the ALRC, Professor Rosalind Croucher said input from over 60 individuals and organisations involved in family violence, sexual assault and child protection had formed the thinking behind the consultation paper.
   Professor Croucher said the paper was released as part of the Commissions’ Inquiry into family violence laws.
   “This Inquiry will be one of the largest and most significant in the ALRC’s recent history,” Professor Croucher said.
   “The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference have asked the Commissions to focus on laws and legal processes and to consider what improvements could be made to protect women and children from family violence.”
   She said the Australia-wide Inquiry would cover at least nine sets of criminal laws, eight sets of child protection laws, eight sets of family violence laws, the Family Law Act and evidence and sentencing laws.
   “The importance of what we are trying to achieve - a more integrated, seamless and accessible system of justice that will help people dealing with family violence and sexual assault, to have their voices heard - makes it imperative that we get our proposals for reform right,” Professor Croucher said.
   Commissioner for the NSWLRC, Professor Hilary Astor said families in crisis were currently faced with a complex maze of Courts, legal processes and services which didn’t always relate well to each other.
   “At the moment, it is far too easy for people to fall through the cracks, for them to leave the process disillusioned, or for outcomes not to deliver maximum safety for families in crisis,” Professor Astor said.
   She urged people to contribute their ideas for improving law and practice to ensure the systems for dealing with family violence were approachable, effective and easy to navigate.
   Those working in and around the justice system have been encouraged to inform the Commissions of which Federal and State laws do or do not work.
   Submissions close on 4 June, with the Consultation Paper and information on how to make a submission available from www.alrc.gov.au
   The Commissions are expected to submit their final report to their respective Attorneys-General on 31 July.

4 May, 2010

WorkSafe takes plunge
on farm falls guide

Public comment has been sought by the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health on a proposed guidance note on preventing falls from heights in the agricultural sector.
   Draft Guidance Note: Fall Prevention in the Agricultural Sector outlines ways in which to address the risks associated with accidental falls when working at heights in agriculture.
   WA Commissioner for WorkSafe, Nina Lyhne said the agricultural sector presented some quite specific fall hazards.
   “On average, one person per week in the WA agricultural sector is injured seriously enough in a fall to need to take time off work,” Ms Lyhne said.
   “However, this figure is likely to be the tip of the iceberg because a large number of farmers are self-employed and injuries often go unreported.”
   She said falls from heights on farms could involve silos, vats, field bins and windmills. Falls from lesser heights often involved trucks and farm machinery.
   “The proposed guidance note was developed by a working party that included a number of industry representatives, and the aim is to provide employers and employees in the agricultural sector with practical advice on preventing falls,” Ms Lyhne said.
   “I urge anyone with an interest in the agricultural sector to look at the draft document and consider submitting comments or suggestions.
   “Comments can make a valuable contribution to the safety and health of Western Australian workers.”
   Guidance notes are aimed at providing practical guidance on ways of complying with occupational safety and health laws.
   Workplaces should follow guidance notes relevant to them and have them available in the workplace at all times.
   Ms Lyhne said the closing date for submissions was 23 July.

4 May, 2010
Artists reach finals
Finalists in the Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards have been announced.
   A total of 16 artists have been selected to take part in an exhibition and have an opportunity to share in the $65,000 prize money.
   The exhibition will on display at the Art Gallery of Western Australia from 31 July and the 16 artists are Richard Bell, Mick Jawalji, Sonia Kurarra, Pauline Moran, Makinto Napanangka, Rea, Nura Rupert, Yhonnie Scarce, Nellie Stewart, Wakartu Cory Surprise, Ken Thaiday Snr., Christine Thompson, Harry Tjutjuna, Judy Watson, Bugai Whylouter and Gulumbu Yunupingu.

ABS reveals casual stats
New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that in November 2009, one in five, or 20 per cent of Australian workers were casual employees, with no paid holiday or sick leave entitlements.
   The ABS said this represented over two million people, with women more likely than men to have no paid leave entitlements.
   Over half (58 per cent) of all employed people in the accommodation and food services industry did not have paid leave entitlements.

Google improves ABS data
Regional information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics will now be easier to find with the implementation of a new Google Maps interface.
   The National Regional Profiles now use Google Maps to make it easier to find information on Local Government Areas and other types of regions.
   There are more than 2,000 Regional Profiles, each offering a range of current social and economic indicators over a five year period.

Innovation festival on
The Australian Innovation Festival, which started on 26 April and runs until the end of May, is expected to attract 400,000 participants to over 650 events across the country.
   The Festival will show businesses how to use ideas to prosper during the economic recovery.
   Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr urged businesses to get involved in what was the biggest festival of its kind in Australia.

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New plan opens door on PS office space

Budget to cash in on surpluses

Budget saves day for emergency services

Ombudsmen complain over name game

Tourism strategy changes direction

New campaign to drive drivers to distraction

Commission peddles recycling program

Computer crunches Budget barrier

New mining system to mind best practice

New fines squash WA litter bugs

Alcohol campaign has the right mix

Minister goes to town on Local Council

New art shows in the frame

Fisheries hooks new patrol boat

School’s in for literacy program

Thumbs up for digital upgrade

Bushfire blueprint is plan for future

Services to deliver on social services

Communities irons out ageing wrinkles

WorkSafe Awards in safe hands

Aviation services clear to take off

20-year plan is water wash-up

Mum’s the word on newborn health

Wildlife Officers to have whale of a time

Farmers’ resource to bring fertile results

Housing report lifts lid on communities

Fisheries nets new patrol boat

Pensioners go to town on country fuel card

States hook up to deliver dialysis

Breath of life for oxygenation plant

Caversham laps up Riverbank upgrade

Defence takes aim at technical students

Bushfire blueprint is plan for future

Services to deliver on social services

Communities irons out ageing wrinkles

WorkSafe Awards in safe hands

Aviation services clear to take off

20-year plan is water wash-up

Mum’s the word on newborn health

Wildlife Officers to have whale of a time

Farmers’ resource to bring fertile results

Housing report lifts lid on communities

Fisheries nets new patrol boat

Pensioners go to town on country fuel card

States hook up to deliver dialysis

Breath of life for oxygenation plant

Caversham laps up Riverbank upgrade

Defence takes aim at technical students

More schools learn independence lesson

Auxiliary police fill the bill

TAFE sets course for more funding

Energy Outlook is online outline

Post Office delivers on 5-year plan

WorkSafe speaks up over workplace noise

Water study ranks liquid assets

Greece is the word for Anzac hopefuls

Human rights to right human wrongs

New database to weed all about

Landcorp nails building project

Experts land for native title talks

Collie park collars heritage listing

Name changed in name of autonomy

Taxis wheel out new deal for disabled

New laws get tough on family violence

WorkSafe takes plunge on farm falls guide

New plan opens door
on PS office space

Budget to cash in
on surpluses

Budget saves day for
emergency services

Ombudsmen complain
over name game

Tourism strategy
changes direction

New campaign to drive
drivers to distraction

Commission peddles
recycling program

Computer crunches
Budget barrier

New mining system to
mind best practice

New fines squash
WA litter bugs

Alcohol campaign
has the right mix

Minister goes to town
on Local Council

New art shows
in the frame

Fisheries hooks
new patrol boat

School’s in for
literacy program

Thumbs up for
digital upgrade

Bushfire blueprint
is plan for future

Services to deliver
on social services

Communities irons
out ageing wrinkles

WorkSafe Awards
in safe hands

Aviation services
clear to take off

20-year plan is
water wash-up

Mum’s the word on
newborn health

Wildlife Officers to
have whale of a time

Farmers’ resource to
bring fertile results

Housing report lifts
lid on communities

Fisheries nets new
patrol boat

Pensioners go to town
on country fuel card

States hook up to
deliver dialysis

Breath of life for
oxygenation plant

Caversham laps up
Riverbank upgrade

Defence takes aim at
technical students

Bushfire blueprint
is plan for future

Services to deliver
on social services

Communities irons
out ageing wrinkles

WorkSafe Awards
in safe hands

Aviation services
clear to take off

20-year plan is
water wash-up

Mum’s the word on
newborn health

Wildlife Officers to
have whale of a time

Farmers’ resource to
bring fertile results

Housing report lifts
lid on communities

Fisheries nets new
patrol boat

Pensioners go to town
on country fuel card

States hook up to
deliver dialysis

Breath of life for
oxygenation plant

Caversham laps up
Riverbank upgrade

Defence takes aim at
technical students

More schools learn
independence lesson

Auxiliary police
fill the bill

TAFE sets course
for more funding

Energy Outlook
is online outline

Post Office delivers
on 5-year plan

WorkSafe speaks up
over workplace noise

Water study ranks
liquid assets

Greece is the word
for Anzac hopefuls

Human rights to
right human wrongs

New database to
weed all about

Landcorp nails
building project

Experts land for
native title talks

Collie park collars
heritage listing

Name changed in
name of autonomy

Taxis wheel out new
deal for disabled

New laws get tough
on family violence

WorkSafe takes plunge
on farm falls guide