SearchArchives for September 2009
29 September, 2009Investigators warned
on PS objectivity
Public Service Investigators have been warned to take a “step back” when making professional decisions.This was the message given by John Clarke, the corruption commissioner who conducted the investigation into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s national Good > Better > Best – Changes in public integrity conference in Canberra, Mr Clarke emphasised the importance of objectivity in the Public Service.
“Decision makers need to step back for some moments and reflect on what they’re going to do and consider if it’s right,” Mr Clarke said.
“Too many decision makers don’t do that and that’s why we get such a proliferation of mistakes.
“In the Haneef case, the person making the decision got too close to the action and got suspicions which, frankly, weren’t justifiable. I know that he thought Haneef was guilty but that, in my view, is because he lost his objectivity.”
Speaking for the first time about his inquiry into the Dr Haneef case, Mr Clarke said conducting a public inquiry into a matter relating to national security had been challenging.
“I recognise that lawyers, judges, everyone who was involved in considering the Haneef case thought hearings in public are the Holy Grail, and I wanted to have a hearing in public, but I only got anywhere when I went to ground and did it privately,” he said.
“Also matters of national security should not be investigated by an investigator with no powers.
“It’s sheer luck if the investigator gets there, and they’re put under enormous pressures. I am concerned that anyone else be as foolhardy as I was to undertake a national security investigation without any power.”
Commonwealth Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan said problems could arise when multiple Agencies were required to cooperate.
Professor McMillan pointed to the Access to Justice report, which was published by the Attorney-General and recommended an Ombudsman role in developing a Charter of Good Administration, a project he said was already underway.
“The report favours a new approach to resolving disputes – one that I strongly support – that places less emphasis on formal justice processes, and more emphasis on prevention and affordable, informal mechanisms for people to resolve disputes,” he said.
29 September, 2009
New roads lead
to great future
The opening of the Kwinana Freeway extension and Forrest Highway have heralded a new era for the Western Australian road network according to the Premier, Colin Barnett, and Transport Minister Simon O’Brien.Recognising the project as the State’s biggest ever road infrastructure achievement, the Premier and Minister said the continuous dual carriageway from Perth to Bunbury would significantly redefine Bunbury and the South-West’s role in the future development of WA.
“The opening of the freeway extension and new highway will take 30 minutes off the journey between Perth and Bunbury and provide a much safer route,” Mr Barnett said.
“It brings the South-West significantly closer to the metropolitan area, bringing with it immeasurable long term economic benefits.”
He said tourism in the South-West region would also be a winner.
Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien said the jointly funded State and Commonwealth project had bridged the gap between three successive State and two successive Federal governments.
“This has been a joint effort and I acknowledge the contribution made by the Federal Government,” he said.
“More than 3,000 workers toiled for a combined 3.8 million man-hours without loss time injury to bring this project to fruition,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Each and every one of them is to be congratulated on a job well done.”
Officially opening the extension and the highway, Premier Colin Barnett said it was a key moment in the State’s transport history.
“Born in Bunbury, Sir John Forrest was our State’s first Premier, a Cabinet Minister in Australia’s first Federal Parliament and a man remembered for his exploration work through WA’s interior,” Mr Barnett said.
“It is highly appropriate that this vital road link to our State’s South-West region should honour Sir John Forrest.”
Mr O’Brien said the new dual carriageway was 70.5km long, featured six interchanges, 10 intersections and 19 bridges.
“More than 12 million tonnes of sand and one million tonnes of crushed rock base was used, while 27,000 cubic metres of concrete was laid,” he said.
“There is 32km of principal shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.”
29 September, 2009
Crime review
pays for police
The Commissioner of Police has announced that the Office of Crime Prevention is to become a branch of the WA Police.A review of OCP to identify savings as part of the budget process confirmed that its role was a core policing function and it is to be retained within the Strategy and Performance Directorate and keep its name.
Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan said the new office would be seven staff members lighter than previously to ensure “streamlined and efficient service delivery” but permanent staff associated with the abolished positions would be redeployed.
He said the existing projects and functions of the OCP would be retained and a Community Engagement Office created to link the local government partnerships, Crime Prevention and Diversity Officers, and PCYC and Juvenile Justice Teams.
The Office would also be integrated into the Directorate’s accommodation with addresses and other details to be announced in due course.
According to Commissioner O’Callaghan, the review provided for the formation of a proactive crime prevention portfolio within WA Police which will develop policy; support district crime prevention resources in working with local government and communities; and give strategic direction for Statewide programs and projects.
He said the OCP and broader organisation would continue to drive State crime prevention efforts; connect the engagement and diversion activities of PCYC and Juvenile Justice Teams with the broader crime prevention agenda; and Engage with Indigenous, culturally diverse and emerging communities to reduce marginalisation.
He said the transition is to take effect from 1 October.
29 September, 2009
Planning blueprint
off the drawing board
A blueprint to make the Western Australian planning system more “efficient, flexible and outcome-focused” has been released by the Minister for Planning, John Day.Mr Day said Planning Makes It Happen - a Blueprint for Planning Reform was the most comprehensive reform agenda ever undertaken of the planning framework and set out a forward work program and a wide range of initiatives.
He said the blueprint identified 11 strategic priorities and 22 actions within a work program that covered the next two years.
“The strategic priorities and forward work program contained within this blueprint will enable the State Government to better manage economic growth and tackle issues such as land supply, climate change and regional development,” Mr Day said.
He said key strategic priorities included major project facilitation, urban land supply and infrastructure co-ordination, development assessment panels and the establishment of regional planning committees.
Mr Day said work was already underway to establish regional planning committees and to amend the Planning and Development Act.
He said the blueprint followed extensive consultation with stakeholders, which showed industry wanted simplified approval processes, less red tape, reduced timelines and greater certainty and accountability.
“In addition, the State has to develop a more strategic approach to planning, especially in support of infrastructure provision and major project developments,” Mr Day said.
“To achieve these outcomes requires a broad and strategic approach, and not quick fixes that lack the capacity and flexibility to deal with a changing and complex operating environment.
“At the end of the reform period, WA will have a very efficient, flexible and outcome-focused planning system that will be considered to be national best practice and has the confidence and support of the community,” Mr Day said.
29 September, 2009
Flu injections come
straight to point
Vaccinations against swine flu will be available to Western Australian residents from this week according to the Minister for Health, Dr Kim Hames.Dr Hames said the H1N1 influenza vaccination program was an important part of the Government’s response to the pandemic and urged all adults and children over 10 years old to get vaccinated.
“Preventing people from getting human swine flu through vaccination is a priority and as there is enough vaccine for everyone,” he said.
“I would particularly urge those most at risk of severe outcomes if they catch human swine flu to be vaccinated as soon as possible after the program commences.”
Dr Hames said people most at risk included pregnant women, Indigenous people and those with underlying medical conditions such as chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, severe obesity and conditions that suppress the immune system.
“Parents and guardians of infants too young to be vaccinated themselves (those under 6 months) are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated early in the program,” he said.
Dr Hames said the vaccine would be free and would be administered as a single dose to those who were old enough.
He said it was hoped a vaccine for children aged between six months and 10 years would be available later in the year after information on its safety and effectiveness on young children became available.
Dr Hames said the vaccine had arrived in the State and was being delivered to clinics and health services.
“The vaccine will primarily be available to the public from traditional vaccination providers including GPs and Aboriginal Medical Services across the State, and community health clinics in rural and remote areas,” he said.
Dr Hames said it could take a little longer for the vaccines to reach more regional and remote communities due to the distances involved.
He said the State Government was providing four free community vaccination clinics for people in the metropolitan area, two north of the Swan River and two south.
“Healthcare and community care workers will be able to access the vaccine through their work place, GP or vaccination clinics,” Dr Hames said.
He said while the vaccine itself was free, some GPs might charge a consultation fee, most of which could be claimed back on Medicare.
Over 800 Western Australians have been hospitalised and 24 have died due to the virus.
There have been over 170 deaths from the virus across Australia.
Vaccination clinics will be provided from 30 September to 9 October in Wanneroo, Midvale, Canning and Kwinana and from 12 to 16 October at Mirrabooka, Beechboro, Armadale and Success.
Further information was available from the Pandemic Flu hotline (180 2007) or from www.health.wa.gov.au
29 September, 2009
Car scam runs
off the road
The Crime and Corruption Commission has charged a former vehicle examiner from the former Department for Planning and Infrastructure with 30 charges of bribery following an investigation into falsified vehicle certification and inspections.The Commission said a motor vehicle wrecker and the officer were alleged to have worked together to falsely certify and record vehicles as fit for licensing without conducting the required vehicle inspections. The wrecker was also charged with 30 offences.
The Commission alleged the wrecker paid the vehicle examiner $6,450 in bribes during the second half of 2008.
Acting Director of Operations, at the CCC, Trevor Wynn said the Commission investigated the matter in 2008 and had charged the men in relation to the licensing of 129 vehicles during that time.
Mr Wynn said the alleged scam resulted in the Department having to recall over 1,000 vehicles for re-inspection last year.
He said the Commission had run public hearings into the allegations at the beginning of 2009.
Mr Wynn said that at the public hearings the Commission had shown vision allegedly revealing the wrecker handing money to the vehicle inspector.
The two men are due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court in October 2009.
29 September, 2009
Teachers hit hard
with bully report
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has released a new teaching resource to help fight cyberbullying.The new DVD and booklet resource, Let’s Fight it Together is available to all Australian schools for free and aims to teach teenagers about ways to avoid cyberbullying. Chairman of the ACMA, Chris Chapman said cyberbullying was the “use of social networking sites, mobile text messages, instant messaging, email and other websites to bully others.”
Mr Chapman said cyberbullying could be very damaging and was becoming a significant issue for children and schools.
“Cyberbullying can be more pernicious than traditional forms of bullying: hostile messages can be sent at any time from any place; they can be sent anonymously and distributed more rapidly to wider audiences,” he said.
“For the target of the cyberbullying, there can be nowhere to run—places previously considered safe and personal are safe no longer.”
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said educational resources such as Let’s Fight It Together could empower young people.
“This new resource will help raise awareness while providing important advice and support for young Australians, teachers and parents,” Senator Conroy said.
Let’s fight It Together features a short video which presents a cyberbullying scenario derived from real experiences of teenagers who have been cyberbullied.
It includes interviews with the characters in the story - teachers, parents and young people - about their perspective on the cyberbullying scenario.
An accompanying booklet has lesson plans and activities for the classroom.
The ACMA said it already had orders from over 200 schools for Let’s Fight It Together.
Schools can order a free copy of the resource by contacting the Cybersafety Contact Centre on 1800 880 176.
29 September, 2009
First class fields
in school awards
Semi-finalists for the 2009 WA Education Awards have been selected from the public’s favourite teachers and schools.Nominees for the Awards, which recognise Western Australia’s best educators, were selected from across the State and from as far away as Christmas Island District High School.
Deputy Director General of Schools for the Department of Education and Training, Margery Evans said the quality of nominations this year was outstanding.
“We received 169 nominations across the six categories for this year’s awards and the field has been narrowed down to 35 semi-finalists,” Ms Evans said.
“These awards highlight the outstanding programs and people that encourage students to engage and excel in their learning.”
She said one winner would be selected for each of the six categories.
She said some of the inventive initiatives that helped schools and educators make the semi-finals included a bio-remediation project, a working farm and a Crime Scene Investigationthemed forensic science class.
She said a semi-finalist in the WA Science School of the Year, Shenton College, was nominated for enriching students’ science experiences and an ambitious bio-remediation project aimed at restoring the health of a lake in Nedlands affected by pollution had helped another school make the semi-finals.
Ms Evans said a teacher from the Western Australian College of Agriculture, Lindsay McNeill was a semi-finalist in the Premier’s Teacher of the Year category.
Mr McNeill was nominated by the college, which recently won the WA VET in Schools Award at the WA Training Awards, for his creative approach to teaching.
Teachers, principals and support staff members nominated in the WA Education Awards are in the running to win $25,000 in each category.
Finalists, to be announced in the coming weeks, will receive $2,500 each.
Nominated schools are in the running to win $15,000 in each category and finalists will each receive $2,500.
Winners are to be announced at a presentation breakfast at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre on 7 December.
A full list of the finalists can be found here.
29 September, 2009
Investigators froth
at spa safety
Consumer Protection has advised residents to carry out an urgent safety check of their spas after safety officers discovered four spas in the marketplace that failed to meet safety standards.Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll said Consumer Protection had launched an investigation into the spas after receiving complaints from consumers.
Ms Driscoll said the main concern involved the distance between suction points in spas.
She said safety standards required a minimum of 600 millimetres between suction points, but that the spas investigated had gaps of only 450 millimetres.
“Another major problem with these spas is that the suction point covers either fell off or could easily be removed by hand,” Ms Driscoll said.
“The safety standard requires a protective cover that can only be removed by using tools. This poses a serious drowning hazard, especially for children, as they could be held below the water if their hair, arms or hands get trapped in the suction action of the spa.
She said there had been cases in the past where spa users, particularly children and young people, had drowned or suffered serious injury as a result of the problem.
Ms Driscoll said EnergySafety was also investigating the spas for compliance with electrical safety regulations.
“We are continuing our investigation into the source of these spas but, in the meantime, I urge all spa owners to do a safety check to make sure they haven't been sold a dangerous product,” she said.
She urged spa owners to measure the distance between the suction points from centre to centre and, if they were less than 600 millimetres apart, or their covers easily removed, the owner should contact Consumer Protections immediately on 1300 30 40 54 or by email at consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au
29 September, 2009
Betting fees put
on the nose
Licensed betting operators will have to pay a fee for using Western Australian race fields under legislation introduced into Parliament by the Minister for Racing and Gaming, Terry Waldron.Mr Waldron said he had proposed three Bills that provide a framework for the collection and disbursement of a levy payable by domestic and offshore betting operators.
“The levy, to be retrospectively applicable from 1 September 2008, will be based on a betting operator’s turnover or gross revenue, and will be directed to the WA racing industry,” Mr Waldron said.
“Securing the financial benefit of our racing product for the local industry is crucial. If we had not acted, the industry faced the prospect of losing around $18 million per year from the stake base.”
Mr Waldron said the legislation allowed all authorised Australian betting operators to use Western Australian race fields provided they paid the levy and complied with requirements concerning the integrity and reputation of the racing industry.
He said domestic operators could pay the levy based on a percentage of either turnover or gross revenue.
“Domestic betting operators will pay either 1.5 per cent of turnover, or the greater of 20 per cent of gross revenue or 0.2 per cent of turnover,” Mr Waldron said.
He said offshore betting operators would have to apply to the Gaming and Wagering Commission for approval to use WA race fields and would be subject to the same conditions as operators licensed in Australia, but would have to pay 1.5 per cent of their turnover.
He said the introduction of the race fields legislation follows similar moves by Eastern States which require betting operators who accept bets on race fields to pay a fee.
29 September, 2009
Lobster managers
out of their shell
New management arrangements have been announced for the commercial West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery for the 2009-10 fishing season.Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore, said this year’s arrangements would limit the overall catch to 5,500 tonnes by reducing pot usage, restricting the days when fishing was allowed and changing minimum and maximum sizes.
Mr Moore said the catch target was set to protect the sustainability of the western rock lobster fishery, smooth the catch and reduce the economic impact of the record low puerulus count in the past three years.
“I recognise that under the fishery’s current input-based management system it is extremely difficult to manage an exact catch figure,” Mr Moore said.
“The catch range around this target is likely to range between 4,950 and 6,050 tonnes.”
He said the poor puerulus count in recent years would mean significantly reduced numbers of lobsters in the seasons 2010-11 and 2011-12.
“By setting a target of 5,500 tonnes in 2009-10, it should be possible to maintain a similar catch in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.
“As well as ensuring there is a more consistent catch over the next few years, it is also important to improve the economic return from the available catch.”
He said to help achieve this, separate catch targets were likely to be applied to the three fishing zones at different times during the season and the catch would be monitored on a weekly basis and reviewed in January 2010.
Mr Moore said business rules were being developed to guide the management policy and this would be made available to the industry before the season started.
“In developing these management arrangements, I have considered advice from the Western Rock Lobster Council, the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee and the Department of Fisheries,” Mr Moore said.
“I have listened to industry’s views and believe this new management package balances the sustainability and economic objectives.”
He said this year would be the first that the 95 per cent commercial and five per cent recreational rules applied to the rock lobster fishery.
The Department of Fisheries is to keep fishing groups informed of management issues through its regular newsletter.
29 September, 2009
DCP digs deep for
funeral support
A new streamlined funeral assistance program has been announced to help families facing financial hardship pay for the burial of their loved ones.Minister for Child Protection and Community Services, Robyn McSweeney said the new Bereavement Assistance program would replace the previous Funeral Assistance scheme.
Mrs McSweeney said staff from the Department for Child Protection would be available to provide information to families, but that applications for the program needed to be made in person to the Department.
She said the Government had introduced a 24-hour help line to provide families with information on how to access the new program.
“We understand more families are experiencing financial hardship than in the past and as a Government it’s important that we are able to support disadvantaged families,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“The principal change we have made is to ensure more families are aware of the scheme and have the opportunity to access this important assistance.”
Under the new program, eligible families will receive financial assistance to contribute to the costs of the funeral director, transport, funeral notices and the attendance of a religious minister.
“In the past, assistance has been provided for up to 400 families and we would expect that number to increase marginally in the future,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“We will provide funding to cover that expected increase.”
She said the program aimed to help people in genuine need and could demonstrate genuine financial hardship.
“People who are deemed eligible will still be asked to demonstrate their ability to contribute to some of the cost of the funeral,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“Each application is assessed on a case by case basis to best meet the needs of vulnerable members of the community.”
She said further information was available by calling the hotline on 1800 854 925 or visiting the Department for Child Protection.
29 September, 2009
Ethnic artists
get brush off
A research paper commissioned by the Office of Multicultural Interests has highlighted the need to support artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, John Castrilli and the Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day said the report, Western Australia Intercultural Arts Research Project, had examined the issues faced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) artists.
Mr Day said the Department of Culture and the Arts was working closely with the Office of Multicultural Interests to support multicultural arts across the State.
He said the two Agencies had established the Intercultural Arts Working Party to share knowledge and information.
Mr Castrilli said the report had looked at how opportunities could be developed to support multicultural arts throughout WA and had provided a catalyst to raise the profile of artists from diverse backgrounds and consider appropriate funding and support.
“Multicultural arts offer WA an abundance of opportunities in areas such as cultural exchange, trade, tourism, education, community development and innovation,” he said.
Mr Castrilli said despite the challenges of migrating to a new country, limited work opportunities in the arts, language barriers and cultural differences, one in four CaLD artists surveyed had their art work exhibited or presented in public.
“A key recommendation of the report is the development of a specific policy, together with program intervention, to address the needs of artists from CaLD backgrounds,” he said.
Mr Day said many of the issues highlighted in the report had been identified by his Department previously and resonated with concerns raised through consultation with the arts and cultural sector.
“Through the State Government’s Substantive Equality framework, strategies will be implemented to ensure all artists, regardless of background, will have equitable access to programs and services,” he said.
The report was undertaken by Deakin University and is available at omi.wa.gov.au
29 September, 2009
Earth symposium to
break new ground
The Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS) has been successful in securing the 2011 International Society for Digital Earth Symposium for Perth.Minister for Lands, Brendon Grylls announced the event which he said would be held in conjunction with the WALIS Forum that would mark its 30th anniversary in 2011.
“The two events will greatly complement each other,” Mr Grylls said.
“WALIS promotes sharing of geographic information across government and the private sector and ISDE seeks international co-operation on the digital earth vision.”
He said the term Digital Earth referred to former US Vice President Al Gore’s concept of interconnecting a virtual representation of the Earth with the world’s digital knowledge archives.
“It enables the digital earth technology to play key roles in economic and social sustainable development, environmental protection, disaster mitigation, natural resources conservation and improvement of living standards,” Mr Grylls said.
He expected more than 1,000 people to participate in the Perth symposium which would be the seventh since 1999. Cities and States such as as China, Canada, the Czech Republic, Japan and the United States had already hosted the event.
Director of WALIS, Marnie Leybourne, presented the Australian bid for the Symposium in China and congratulated the WALIS team for putting the submission together and achieving its success.
29 September, 2009
Prison desks turn
tables for kids
Prisoners at Wooroloo Prison Farm have built study desks for two Northam boys who were orphaned after their parents died in a car accident.Under the direction of Wooroloo’s vocational skills officers, the computer desks and side tables each took three prisoners around two weeks to construct.
Staff from the Prison’s cabinet workshop added the final touch by delivering and installing the desks at the boys’ grandparents’ house.
Wooroloo Superintendent, Jim Dunstan said the desks were an excellent example of prisoners repaying their debt to society and of the skills they could learn in prison.
“The desks are a fantastic way to give something back to the community,” Superintendent Dunstan said.
“Many of the guys involved in the manufacturing of the furniture are fathers, so helping the children is special to them.
“As an added bonus, the desks show the kinds of skills prisoners can learn through some of the traineeships and vocational skills programs on offer at the prison.”
Superintendent Dunstan said the officers who taught the programs were skilled workers who provided “real training” to prisoners with the goal of reducing reoffending.
He said the two boys and their grandparents were “over the moon” after receiving the desks.
“It’s great for the boys to have their own space for school work and it’s been a pleasure to have contributed to that,” Superintendent Dunstan said.
He said Wooroloo’s industries workshops and Section 95 teams performed thousands of hours of charity and community work each year, from furniture building to local garden maintenance and restoration work.
29 September, 2009
Farming study
bears fruit
A study conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Food has found Western Australian farmers are “efficient and adaptable”.Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman said the study looked at the value of Government assistance received by farmers in WA compared to farmers in the Eastern States and other major agriculture producing nations.
Mr Redman said it found that Western Australian producers received much less financial assistance from the Government than other Australian states and nations.
“This demonstrates just how efficient and adaptable WA farmers are,” he said.
“While farmers in other parts of the world can hide behind trade distorting subsidies and barriers, our farmers are continuing to innovate and raise their productivity.”
Mr Redman said Western Australian farmers were “punching well above their weight” when it came to the marketplace.
“WA has a much greater focus on supplying our customers with high quality products that we have worked hard to produce,” he said.
“It also means the Government’s focus can be on practical programs to assist our farmers, for example in the area of drought preparedness.”
Mr Redman said the research highlighted the importance of reducing regulation and ensuring future Government policies didn’t place unnecessary constraints on the industry.
He said the comparative study had been made using the internationally recognised Producer Support Estimate (PSE) to quantify the percentage of a farmer’s income that came from the Government.
“In 2008, Western Australia had a PSE of 2.32 per cent whereas the national average was a much higher 5.85 per cent,” Mr Redman said.
“The difference between WA and our international competitors is even more significant.
“The WA figure is well below the Office for Economic Co-operation and Development average PSE of 21 per cent.”
He said more details of the study could be accessed from www.agric.wa.gov.au
29 September, 2009
Financial report released
The Treasurer has released the Annual Report on State Finances for 2008-09 revealing an operating surplus of $318 million.
The report also showed falls in Government income and increases in expenditures.
Treasurer, Troy Buseell said he was pleased the books were in the black and that the Governments AAA rating had been confirmed.
The Report can be found on the Department of Treasury and Finance website www.dtf.wa.gov.au
GESB launches webinars
GESB is to launch a free, online financial literacy series in October to help its members make sense of superannuation.
The planned series of webinars will outline the essential steps of planning for retirement and complement other resources GESB offers.
More information can be obtained from the GESB website www.gesb.com.au
Builders move
The Builders’ Registration Board of WA has a new address.
The BRB is now at Level 1, 31 Troode Street, West Perth.
Its office hours are from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
OEEO moves
The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity has moved.
It’s new address is Level 21, Governor Stirling Tower, 197 St Georges Terrace, Perth.
The contact details are phone: (08) 9219 6000; Toll free: 1800 676 607; Fax: (08) 9219 6001 and hearing impaired callers can ring 133 677.
Email is deope@opssc.wa.gov.au and the website is www.oeeo.wa.gov.au
Water study overflows
A project team led by the Department of Water is looking at ways of using the overflow from the Wellington Reservoir for industry and agriculture and to increase development.
Minister for Water, Graham Jacobs, said the Department had developed water quality solutions that addressed specific issues with the water and was working with industry and the community to establish the best way forward.
He said the massive body of water associated with the Wellington Dam had the potential to sustain growth in the region while protecting the environment.
Kimberly projects on the go
Four projects under the East Kimberley Development Package were now ready to begin construction.
The projects will be delivered by the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley and include a community sporting oval in Kununurra, an upgrade for the Kununurra Airport terminal, a community jetty in Wyndham and the Wyndham Picture Garden.
The total bill for the projects is expected to be about $13.5 million.
Schools break ties
The first 34 schools granted independence to make their own decisions have been announced by the Minister for Education, Liz Constable.
Dr Constable said an independent panel selected the schools from more than 100 which had expressed a wish to manage their own affairs.
She said schools that were not selected would be able to work with the Department of Education and Training to strengthen their bid for next year.
She said list of successful schools was on the DET website at det.wa.edu.au
Truckies warned
WorkSafe WA has warned truck drivers to take rest breaks on long journeys.
Following a weekend in which inspectors pulled over more than 90 commercial vehicles in Port Hedland, booking three, WorkSafe's Nina Lyhne called on employers to put fatigue management systems in place and ensure their drivers know the rules.
“We'll follow through with the companies to check their systems and take action if we find they're not in place,” Ms Lyhne said.
Hedland gets design group
A new Community Design Reference Group (CDRG) is to be established to drive a concept plan for the South Hedland town centre revitalisation.
LandCorp is to facilitate the first meeting of the Group which will include a number of key stakeholders in the town.
Nominations for membership of the Group can be made at www.landcorp.com.au/southhedlandtowncentre and registrations close 10am, Friday, 2 October.
22 September, 2009
Police to be freed
from admin duties
Up to 150 new positions of “auxiliary” police officers are to be created under new laws before State Parliament.Minister for Police, Rob Johnson has introduced the plan which would see non-operational administrative duties taken away from sworn police, freeing them up to deal with more front-line crime-fighting.
Auxiliary officers would have legislative powers as set on a case-by-case basis by Police Commissioner, Karl O’Callaghan.
Mr Johnson said putting more police on the frontline was the next step in the Government’s tough law and order program, following the successful passage of mandatory sentencing legislation in State Parliament which would protect police and other public officers.
He said introducing the Bill would enable the Commissioner to immediately recruit the first 40 of a planned 150 auxiliary officers.
“Initially, police auxiliary officers will perform custodial duties in lockups and prisoner transportation, as well as managing and handling drugs, property and firearms,” Mr Johnson said.
He said they would also carry out other support roles at police stations, enabling officers and detectives to concentrate on the front line.
Mr Johnson said the support roles could be expanded at a later stage to include investigative assistance, intelligence and prosecuting support.
“The Police Commissioner has been calling for this kind of flexibility in his staffing arrangements for years, so I am happy the Government is finally achieving that to further improve policing services in WA,” he said.
“I call on the Opposition to support this vital piece of legislation to ensure its swift passage through State Parliament so that we can start hiring the additional police officers immediately.”
Mr Johnson said auxiliary officers would wear a uniform to identify them as a member of WA Police, but distinguish them from fully-sworn police officers. It was likely to be similar in style to the uniforms worn by custody officers at the Perth Watch House.
He said they would not carry firearms but would be issued with other defensive equipment as determined by the Commissioner.
The officers would have access to police powers and be covered by the police disciplinary procedure, allowing the Commissioner to maintain high standards of professional integrity.
22 September, 2009
Vic report sparks
bushfire reform
Major changes to Western Australia’s preparations for bushfire seasons are to be made following an interim report from the Victorian Royal Commission into ‘Black Saturday’.Minister for Emergency Services, Rob Johnson said legislation was needed to enhance fire management in the State.
“The new laws will provide for a more coordinated and collaborative approach to fire management in WA which will boost community safety,” he said.
“The introduction of total fire bans will replace the current need to declare a bushfire emergency period.”
Mr Johnson said WA was the only State in Australia where the fire Agency had no legislative provisions to declare a total fire ban.
“The more defined nature of a total fire ban means that in the right circumstances with the appropriate exemptions, there will be less disruption to industry,” he said.
“The existing bushfire emergency period can interfere with the businesses that undertake ‘hot work’ such as welding or grinding and may have to down tools for lengthy periods of time.”
Under the amendments total fire bans would be introduced; there would be new arrangements for the control of major fires; there would be changes to the definition of the word ‘property’ to include Crown land and bush, as part of the State Government’s fight against arson; and a revised fire danger rating system would be brought in to include the terms ‘severe’ and ‘catastrophic’.
Mr Johnson said the proposed changes would also see new arrangements for the control of major fires in WA.
Under existing arrangements, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA), the Department of Environment and Conservation and Local Government could only manage fires on land based on their prescribed legislated role.
“Fire knows no boundaries and when fire moves onto another fire Agency’s area of responsibility then the rules are unclear and confusing,” Mr Johnson said.
“Under the new arrangements, when a major fire occurs and resources are stretched, FESA can assume control to provide an effective coordinated and collaborative approach to help ensure community safety.”
He said the amendments followed the successful trial of StateAlert, a new system that could send potentially lifesaving warnings to communities threatened by an emergency.
“WA is already ahead of other States with our StateAlert system; these new amendments will ensure that we are well prepared for the bushfire season which starts in December,” Mr Johnson said.
22 September, 2009
Consumer protection
on show for show
Consumer protection inspectors from the Department of Commerce have inspected and cleared all the showbags for sale at this year’s Perth Royal Show.Minister for Commerce, Troy Buswell said the all clear followed the inspection of 278 showbags for items with sharp edges, points or lead content and items which could be inhalation hazards.
“The close work of the Royal Agricultural Society and our Consumer Protection unit mean that families attending the Perth Royal Show this year can be assured that all of the showbags there, are safe for purchase,” Mr Buswell said.
“A total of 40 samples from the bags were submitted for lead testing and the analysis found no evidence of detrimental levels.”
He said trade measurement officers who inspected goods to ensure they complied with packaging and labelling laws found the showbags were of a very high standard.
Mr Buswell said inspectors would conduct spot inspections during the show to ensure continued compliance.
Despite the positive findings, he urged consumers to be vigilant for potentially dangerous products on sale.
President of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia, Tony Devitt said the inspections were vital to ensuring the showbags and toys met safety guidelines.
“The showbags are a much anticipated and long established feature of the Perth Royal Show,” Mr Devitt said.
Mr Buswell said the participation of over 600 exhibitors made the show a great showcase for small business in Western Australia.
“The Royal Show is also important because it brings the country and city together to celebrate all aspects of endeavour of the people of WA,” he said.
22 September, 2009
Sex education to
be bedded down
A project to upgrade support materials for sex education in WA schools has been announced by the Minister for Education, Liz Constable.One of three Ministers responding to concerns about the adequacy of the State’s sex education program, Dr Constable joined the Ministers for Health, Kim Hames and Child Protection, Robyn McSweeney to give an undertaking to address the issue.
“We are very keen to work together to ensure that students in all WA schools receive useful and relevant information on relationships and sex in an appropriate manner,” Dr Constable said.
“The Department of Education and Training (DET) has collaborated with the Department of Health to upgrade the Growing and Developing Healthy Relationships (GDHR) curriculum support materials, as well as online professional development for teachers.”
She said GDHR focused on providing students with the skills to make informed decisions about relationships.
She said it was a skills-based approach to the teaching of relationship education and provided strategies for students from pre-primary to Year 12.
Health Minister Kim Hames said his Department was leading the review of the GDHR materials which would lead to a new website becoming available in early 2010.
“The interactive website is being developed for teachers to give them training and practical support,” Dr Hames said, “to plan and prepare for sexual health and relationships lessons in the classroom.”
He said this was often a difficult area to teach but it was “critical’ the students received the information they needed.”
Ms McSweeney said she was pleased that DET was developing a curriculum resource to assist teachers.
“A priority of mine is to ensure that all children are aware of their right to be safe and are informed of critical protective behaviours and strategies,” the Child Protection Minister said.
22 September, 2009
Reporting changes to
account for Councils
Local Government Councils are to become more effective, efficient and accountable following amendments to the Local Government Act 1995.Minister for Local Government, John Castrilli said there were more than 40 amendments made to the Act that would give him and the Departments of Local Government and Regional Development stronger powers to demand information when carrying out investigations.
He said the changes would require Council members to declare financial interests and election donations, and would limit the types of gifts they could receive.
“The Bill will require Council members to disclose the actual value of gifts and travel benefits in their annual return,” Mr Castrilli said.
“Gifts valued at more than $200 are to be disclosed with details including source, description, date received and value.”
He said the changes followed extensive consultation with the Western Australian Local Government Association and other private and State-based stakeholders and would improve the operation of the Act.
“Regulations will be developed to implement the changes and it is anticipated they will come into effect towards the end of 2009.”
Mr Castrilli said other amendments included extending the circumstances in which local governments could take gravel and other materials from land for building purposes and new powers of entry for removing graffiti.
22 September, 2009
Prison watchdog gets
tough-guy powers
The Inspector of Custodial Services is to be given greater powers to ensure the safety and wellbeing of prisoners.Attorney General, Christian Porter said the changes came in light of recommendations one and two from the June 2009 Coroner’s report into the death of Mr Ward.
Mr Ward, whose first name cannot be mentioned for cultural reasons, died from a heart attack last year after being transported in the back of a prison van with no air conditioning in blistering heat.
“The State Government accepts the Coroner’s legislative recommendations and will go even further by introducing legislation that will require the Inspector to audit a percentage of individual prisoners every year, as well as prison facilities,” Mr Porter said.
“The tragic death of Mr Ward was the result of an individual human being falling through the cracks of the custodial justice system.
He said the Government intended to take “every measure to try to stop this from happening again.”
Mr Porter said the State would give the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services the power to follow individual prisoner’s passages through the custodial system and to ensure they were treated safely and humanely.
22 September, 2009
Safety laws in good hands
Draft documents setting up model national occupational health and safety legislation are to be released for public discussion by the Safe Work Australia Council.Chair of the Council, Tom Phillips said the suite of documents represented a “significant development” in the harmonisation of OHS laws around Australia and the Australian community should have six weeks to comment on them.
“We have reached a key milestone,” Mr Phillips said.
“Safe Work Australia is on track to deliver national OHS laws by December 2011.”
He said the documents to be made available included an exposure draft of the model OHS Act, a discussion paper, draft Regulations and a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS).
“I believe harmonising OHS laws will benefit workers across all industries by better protecting the lives and health of Australians,” Mr Phillips said.
“This regulatory reform will not come at the expense of the safety of Australian workers.”
He said releasing the documents would allow Australian businesses and individuals to voice their opinion on the new legislation.
He said the final decision on releasing the documents rested with the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council (WRMC) so Safe Work Australia had forwared a recommendation on.
Mr Phillips also announced that 41 organisations had sought to become Safety Partners of national Safe Work Australia Week, which would run from 25 to 31 October. He said the Safety Partners would join 16 Safety Ambassadors to promote safety during the week.
“In agreeing to become Safety Ambassadors, Council members join the Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Safety Commissioner in a strong commitment to workplace safety and the benefits of harmonised OHS,” Mr Phillips said.
“We look forward to working together to raise awareness of the benefits of harmonisation and the importance of workplace safety to reduce the incidence of death, injury and disease.”
22 September, 2009
Union survey has
the numbers
The Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association of WA has launched a workplace survey at the Family Court Counselling and Consultancy Service to support concerns about workload levels.According to the union, it was keen to understand staff perceptions about the Service’s workload, how it was being managed and whether it was having an impact on the delivery of services.
“The survey results will assist us in having a clearer, documented understanding of what the issues are so we can work together in developing a plan to address the concerns that you identify,” the CPSU/CSA says on its website.
“We invite all staff to participate in this short survey.”
The union says work overload was a health hazard that could lead to anxiety, stress and working unpaid hours.
Its online questionnaire asks respondents if they experience workplace issues such as unreasonable work demands, inadequate resources, high staff turnover or lack of training.
It asks if they find it difficult to set aside time for breaks, to balance work and family responsibilities or if they have been refused annual leave.
The union says the answers will remain confidential.
“Management will only be supplied with statistical information,” it says.
More information can be obtained from the union website www.cpsucsa.org
22 September, 2009
Mattress recyclers
flat out on the job
The first mattress recycling program in Western Australia has been hailed a success by the Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher.Mrs Faragher said the days of dumping old mattresses on street verges were gone as more than 100 mattresses were being dropped off at the Red Hill Waste Management Facility for recycling every week.
“The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) began recycling old mattresses this year, following a successful three-month trial,” Mrs Faragher said.
“For the first time in WA, residents, businesses and local governments have a sustainable disposal option for mattresses.”
She said the EMRC was extending its mattress storage and processing area and buying new equipment to improve the recovery of mattress components for recycling.
“This expansion will allow up to 10,000 mattresses to be recycled each year,” she said.
Mrs Faragher said most parts of a mattress could be recycled, depending on its brand and the way it was made.
She said the springs could be melted down to make new steel; foam could be turned into flooring underlay and the timber could be reused in particle board, animal bedding and mulch.
“With an estimated 1.25 million mattresses sent to landfill across Australia this year, the need for projects such as this is pretty clear,” the Minister said.
She said the mattress recycling program was supported under the Strategic Waste Initiative and more information was available at www.emrc.org.au.
22 September, 2009
More school is
cool for kids
West Australian preschoolers would receive an extra four hours of kindergarten per week under a Federal Government early childhood education agreement with the State.Welcoming the $98.4 million announcement, West Australian Minister for Education, Dr Liz Constable said the increased attendance hours would be offered at all public, independent and Catholic schools by 2013.
“This is a major step forward for early childhood education and will help generations of WA children get the best possible start to learning,” Dr Constable said.
“The roll-out of this new agreement, which was signed by all States and Territories under the Council of Australian Governments, will be phased-in from 2010 with priority given to areas with high economic disadvantage.”
She said schools would progressively be added each year on a district-by-district basis with the first group for 2010 to be announced in coming weeks.
“By 2013, all WA children will have access to 15 hours of kindergarten by a university-trained early childhood teacher every week, 40 weeks per year,” Dr Constable said.
She said the State Government would focus on increasing attendance by Indigenous children and ensuring programs met their needs.
“WA already offers 11 hours of early learning a week and has around 95 per cent participation - this positions our State as a national leader in kindergarten provision,” Dr Constable said.
“It is a well-known fact that children who participate in kindergarten as their entry into primary school have a head start in learning.
“That is why we want to improve the participation of Indigenous children to help close the gap between the achievements of Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.”
Dr Constable said the roll-out of the agreement was an example of the cooperative relationship between the State and the Commonwealth.
22 September, 2009
Transport stalls
emission testing
The Department of Transport has imposed a moratorium on mandatory emission testing for vehicles with aftermarket engine and exhaust modifications.General Manager of Licensing for the Department, Alastair Bryant said the IM240 hiatus would run for six months.
Mr Bryant said that in April the Department introduced procedures requiring vehicles which had undergone aftermarket engine and exhaust modifications to be subjected to IM240 emissions testing to ensure compliance with regulations that have been in force since 2002.
“Since this time, it has become increasingly apparent the testing regime, in its current form, is not well enough understood or sufficiently accessible to merit its compulsory mandating,” he said.
“Currently there is only one testing facility accredited to carrying out the specific IM240 test in WA.
“This lack of testing facilities coupled with the long lead-time required to bring more facilities online has driven the decision to introduce a moratorium for up to six-months so that greater engagement with industry can be undertaken to inform them of the changes, and to improve accessibility.”
Mr Bryant said it was important to ensure any future changes to the emissions testing regime were implemented in a considered and diligent manner to limit any negative impacts they may have.
The Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien has endorsed the formation of a broad industry-based committee made up of key industry people, Departmental officials, the RAC and other experts to examine and resolve the matter.
The committee’s first meeting is expected to be held within a fortnight.
22 September, 2009
Controlled burns
get hosing down
The Department of Environment and Conservation has completed its program of controlled burns in the Pilbara, preparing the region for the coming bushfire season.The program began at Karijini National Park in July and finished with burns in the Hamersley Range in late August.
Pilbara Regional Fire Coordinator for the Department, Don Boothey said the program mainly involved fuel reduction burns to protect biodiversity and reduce the impact of wildfires in hotter months.
“Unallocated Crown Land in the Chichester and Hamersley Ranges, Millstream-Chichester and Karijini national parks and areas of the Cane River-Mt Minnie Conservation Park were all targeted in the 2009 winter burn program,” Mr Boothey said.
“This involved 15 aircraft burns, 110km of edging and one hand burn, resulting in a total of 102,800 hectares burnt.”
He said fire regimes in the Pilbara had changed noticeably in the past few decades, with an increasing number of larger and hotter fires late in the year.
“These fires are having a major impact on the region’s ecosystems, particularly on native animal habitat and mulga,” Mr Boothey said.
“With vast inaccessible areas, limited resources and a fire-prone environment, the best approach is to work strategically towards a common goal with all stakeholders.”
Mr Boothey said the DEC had refined its fire program to include landscape mosaics or ‘patch burning’, as well as strategic buffers.
He said this strategy resulted in a web of burnt and unburnt patches across the terrain.
“This patchwork approach provides refuges for native fauna from large fires burning in early summer, while the strategic buffers are designed to limit the size of large fires,” Mr Boothey said.
“Burns in the winter season [May to September] are generally less intense and leave a mosaic pattern because of cooler weather, various types of vegetation and the rate at which the fire spreads.
“Fires later in the season burn a greater percentage of the vegetation, run for several days and even weeks and are far more intense.”
22 September, 2009
Fresh profile for
agriculture
The Department of Agriculture and Food has entered an agreement with the Royal Agricultural Society to lift the profile of agriculture in Western Australia.Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman said the agriculture and food industries were worth about $8 billion annually to the WA economy.
Mr Redman said it was the second biggest export sector after mining and accounted for 9 per cent of the workforce.
“This year’s Perth Royal Show will provide a great opportunity for the rural community to showcase a dynamic agriculture and food sector to a mainly urban audience,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic platform to highlight the careers, the products and the experiences that await in regional areas in agriculture and food.”
Mr Redman said the Department’s corporate display at the Centenary and Land Experience Pavilions this year explored the theme of food and fibre, with an emphasis on careers in agriculture.
“The hands-on displays will allow visitors to experience things like DNA extraction from strawberries, inspect exotic weeds, measure methane from cow burps and learn more about the ‘buy west eat best’ label through tasting some fresh local produce,” he said.
Mr Redman said the new agreement would build on this project and others including Follow the Yellow Brick Road; Land Experience Pavilion; Agricultural Colleges Competition; Dairy Products Competition and Rural Ambassador Award.
President of the Royal Agricultural Society, Tony Devitt welcomed the signing of the agreement to support the Society’s long tradition promoting the State’s primary industries.
“The 40 competitions held each year as part of the Perth Royal Show recognise excellence and innovation in agriculture,” Mr Devitt said.
He said the agreement would support the RAS’s focus in helping the WA community better understand the importance and value of agricultural industries, particularly in providing fresh, healthy food, understanding environmental stewardship and how the industry provided exciting career paths for youths.
22 September, 2009
New angle announced
on fishing rules
A new plan of management for Western Australia’s recreational fishing sector has been announced by the Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore.In announcing the plan, Mr Moore said the State Government had faced significant challenges in managing at-risk demersal (bottom-dwelling) species off the West Coast region.
“On taking office, I ordered a comprehensive independent review of the scientific research that showed high-risk demersal species like dhufish and pink snapper were at risk of overfishing,” Mr Moore said.
“That review substantiated Department of Fisheries’ findings that stocks of these popular species were being over-fished at unsustainable levels and that the catch had to be reduced by at least 50 per cent.”
He said he appreciated the original measures to achieve the reduction target had been unpopular but after taking public comment into account had revised the options.
“We must cut the catch and a decision about protecting our future fish stocks has to be made,” he said.
“The commercial sector has already achieved the 50 per cent reduction target for at-risk West Coast Demersal species and now it’s time for the recreational anglers to do the same.”
Mr Moore said under the new measures a two-month season closure from 15 October to 15 December would still apply.
He said tough new bag limit measures would be introduced to reduce the catch of vulnerable species and would replace the originally-planned $150 fishing licence for demersal scalefish.
“The Department of Fisheries will undertake ongoing monitoring of the West Coast region fishery to determine if the new measures are effective enough in mitigating the effects of over-fishing in the area,” Mr Moore said.
“I am prepared to take tougher measures down the track if a review of these new regulations finds that our catch reduction targets have not been reached.”
Under the new proposals, people fishing from boats still require an annual $30 recreational boat fishing licence, which would apply State-wide.
“All funds generated from the boat and other recreational fishing licences will be held in the Recreational Fishing Trust Fund and all those monies will funnel back into fisheries research, management and compliance,” Mr Moore said.
“I think it’s a small price for recreational anglers to pay for the future of sustainable fishing.”
22 September, 2009
Police hit back
against assaults
A crackdown on assaults of police and other public officers is to include mandatory jail sentences under new laws passed by the Government.Premier, Colin Barnett said the Government was given a clear mandate by the community to provide legislation to protect police officers.
Mr Barnett said a cultural shift in the way some members of the public behaved towards police officers was needed.
“The Government is helping protect our police and thereby enabling them to better protect our community,” he said.
“These laws send a very simple and clear message. If you cause bodily harm to a police officer in this State, you will go to jail.”
Mr Barnett said police officers should be assured that when they entered a dangerous situation in the course of their duties, their personal safety would be protected by law and that there would be serious consequences for people who physically assaulted or harmed them.
He said the new mandatory sentencing laws would protect public officers who were required to enforce the law or enter into dangerous situations with limited protection and support.
Mr Barnett said the mandatory sentencing legislation was the latest in a series of initiatives by the Government aimed at supporting police and improving community safety.
He said other support initiatives included laws to cover medical expenses for police who left the force due to work related injuries; a pay rise; a $13.5 million fighting fund to help combat bikie gangs and organised crime; increased recruitment; tougher anti-hoon legislation; and the reinstatement of the graffiti taskforce.
22 September, 2009
Day goes to town on
regional planning
A streamlined planning approvals process for major projects was expected to have a major positive impact in regional areas, particularly the Pilbara, according to the Minister for Planning, John Day.Mr Day said more residential lots were currently available than in the lead up to the last economic recovery in 2006-07.
“In the last financial year, conditional approval was given to 968 residential lots,” he said.
“As at June 2009 there were 1,635 residential lots with current conditional subdivision approval in the Pilbara.
“These figures compare with data from 2006-07 which show there were 873 lots conditionally approved in that year and a total of 1,036 lots with current conditional subdivision approval.”
Mr Day said the Government had announced various planning reform initiatives, including plans to set up development assessment panels throughout the State.
Under the proposal, any development in the Pilbara costing over $1million (except single houses, grouped or multiple dwellings under 10 units, and minor applications) would be assessed by a joint panel made up of elected Local Government representatives and specialists.
“These panels will ensure that development of community benefit and architectural merit will not be held up in the approvals process,” Mr Day said.
The Pilbara Regional Planning Committee, to convene for the first time later this year, is expected to deliver a more comprehensive regional planning framework and give impetus to regionally-based planning.
A major function of the Committee would be to make recommendations to the Government on infrastructure priorities in the region.
“This Committee will review public submissions made in response to the draft Pilbara Regional Profile,” Mr Day said.
“This document provides a spatial planning profile for the Pilbara. It also provides the background and rationale for the Pilbara Framework, which will set out the strategic direction for the Pilbara region and assist State Government investment in infrastructure and provide the context for local government planning in the region.”
Mr Day said Regional Planning Committees for the Kimberley, Mid-West and Gascoyne would also be established.
22 September, 2009
Water guidelines
are crystal clear
The Department of Water has issued new guidelines for the management and use of water in and around mining projects in the Pilbara.Minister for Water, Dr Graham Jacobs said the guidelines would ensure transparency in the industry and provide more certainty in the approval process.
Dr Jacobs said the guidelines had been developed in consultation with mining stakeholders.
“Mine operators and developers have asked for clear guidance from the water regulator in dealing with the complexities of water management,” he said.
“The Department has delivered that guidance which should improve water management in the Pilbara mining industry.
“The guideline sets out a flexible process for proponents and the Department to work together to define key issues and information requirements for the licence assessment process.”
Dr Jacobs said the approvals requirements for a particular project would vary depending on the local water regime and the scale and details of the proposed mining operation.
He said the Department recognised proponents of mining projects often required approval from a number of Government Agencies and had aligned the guidelines with processes administered by the Departments of Mines and Petroleum, Environment and Conservation, and State Development and the Environmental Protection Agency
“Mining projects in the Pilbara can have a significant impact on groundwater and surface water resources, particularly where mining occurs below the water table,” Dr Jacobs said.
“Issues addressed include legislative requirements, State-wide policies and water management objectives detailed in the Pilbara regional water plan.
“The guideline will operate in a dynamic environment and will need to be periodically reviewed in the light of improvements in technology, developments in the mining industry and new knowledge gained from practical experience.”
The Pilbara water in mining guideline was available from www.water.wa.gov.au.
22 September, 2009
Unions hold AGMs
The Annual General Meetings of the Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association of WA will be held simultaneously from 5pm on 30 September.
The meetings will take place in the Council Chambers, 6th floor, 445 Hay St, Perth.
There will also be an Open House event starting at 4pm to allow Members to view the newly refurbished Level 5.
IPAA weathers the weather
The Institute of Public Administration Australia WA has announced the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong will speak in WA for the first time.
Senator Wong will outline the Federal Government’s policies, their impact and what the Government hopes to achieve at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December.
Senator Wong’s address, Copenhagen, What Australia hopes to get out of it, will be held on 30 September 2009, with further information available from www.wa.ipaa.org.au.
State holds onto IR powers
Western Australia has declined a request to transfer some of its industrial relations powers to the Commonwealth as part of the national Fair Work system.
The Federal Minister for workplace relations, Julia Gillard said the State would consider other forms of harmonisation instead.
She said the Governments of Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania had announced they would join the scheme which was due to start on1 January 2010.
Planning commission goes with flow
The redevelopment of a unique coastal area south of Fremantle is a step closer with the Western Australian Planning Commission’s endorsement of the Cockburn Coast District Structure Plan.
It is anticipated that 4,850 new dwellings will be created for the development, attracting approximately 10,000 new residents to the area.
To view the Cockburn Coast District Structure Plan visit www.planning.wa.gov.au.
Shires amalgamate
The shires of Mingenew, Three Springs, Morawa and Perenjori are to amalgamate in response to the Government’s call for fewer Local Government Councils.
Minister for Local Government, John Castrilli congratulated the Mid-West shires.
He said other Councils had until 30 September to respond to the reforms.
Drinking danger assessed
A Parliamentary committee is to examine how much recreational access to dams, water courses and catchment areas that provide drinking water for Western Australians can occur without jeopardising the State’s drinking water.
The standing committee will be asked to make recommendations as part of a statutory review of Policy 13, which governs public access to drinking water catchment areas, by the end of July 2010.
Fishy practices under review
A review into allegations that around 400kg of fish used in research by the Department of Fisheries in Broome was shipped to Perth and shared among staff has been requested by the Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore.
The matter has been referred to the Corruption and Crime Commission.
The standard practice for research projects in the past had been to distribute edible remains among staff who participated in the project, but that practice has since ceased pending a more thorough review.
Price is right for AG award
The Attorney General’s Community Service Law Award for 2009 has been awarded to a Barrister from Francis Burt Chambers, Richard Price.
Mr Price has provided pro bono legal expertise to support youths for over a decade to youth organisations such as Youth Legal Service and Perth YMCA.
The award acknowledges the valuable pro bono contributions made by legal practitioners in the WA.
Youth putting out smokes
Less than five per cent of Western Australians aged 12 to 17 are regular smokers, according to the 2008 Australian School Students Alcohol and Drug survey, conducted for the Department of Health.
This is the first time in the history of the survey that the figure has been under five per cent.
In 2008, 4.8 per cent of 12 to 17 year-olds had smoked in the past week, down from 6.1 per cent in 2005, and 17.5 per cent in 1984.
Aussie ‘Skippies’ sworn in
Twelve people from six countries became Australian citizens as the State celebrated Australian Citizenship Day on September 17.
Among Australia’s new citizens was British-born film maker, Stephen Oliver, whose latest documentary, Skippy, Australia’s first super star: The remarkable story of how a crime-fighting marsupial conquered the world, aired on the ABC last week. Nationwide, over 4,500 people from 120 countries become citizens.
15 September, 2009
Recruitment review
turns on hire power
The Public Sector Commissioner, Mal Wauchope, has warned Departments and Agencies of the need to anticipate public interest and media scrutiny when they stray into controversial territory in the appointment of new staff.Called on by the Premier to report on the impact of comments made by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards (CPSS) following an appointment at the Fire and Emergency Services Agency (FESA), Mr Wauchope said his advice was particularly relevant when the appointment was to a senior position.
“Comments made by the CPSS serve to remind Agencies of the need to anticipate
public interest and scrutiny when unique situations arise and to ensure that the
integrity of the selection process is not seen to be compromised,” Mr Wauchope said.
“Agencies should ensure, however, that such individuals are not disadvantaged or denied procedural fairness.”
The report on which he was commenting related to a vacancy at FESA that was filled by the appointment of former policeman David Caporn at the beginning of this year.
The CPSS had investigated the appointment and found a number of shortcomings in FESA’s processes which the Commissioner, Dr Ruth Shean, found did not comply with the PS Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Standard or section 8 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994.
In particular, Dr Shean found problems with the composition of the interviewing panel, inadequate selection criteria for the position; inadequate verification of the successful candidate’s claims; and poor documentation that would hamper a review of the decision to appoint.
She also found that matters relating to Mr Caporn’s previous employment with the Police had not been managed appropriately by FESA.
Following the tabling of her report in Parliament, Premier Colin Barnett requested the Public Service Commissioner to take a look at it and provide him with advice on “the implications of the opinions, findings and recommendations contained in the report for FESA and, if relevant, the public sector in general.”
Mr Wauchope’s investigations led him to endorse the appointment of Mr Caporn to the FESA position but it also led him to report issues with the Agency’s processes.
“There were matters that could have been handled in a manner that would have enhanced the integrity of the process,” Mr Wauchope said.
“FESA has already acknowledged this. “
He said that while all Agencies needed to anticipate public interest in ‘unique situations,’ the answer was not in stricter regulations or rules.
“While the need to uphold integrity in recruitment and selection processes is critical, it should not be interpreted as requiring highly prescriptive processes,” Mr Wauchope said.
15 September, 2009
Housing shows tenants
the door
The Department of Housing has begun taking action against ineligible tenants of social housing following a crackdown announced two weeks ago.According to the Minister for Housing and Works, Troy Buswell, the Department had already evicted a number of ineligible tenants and was assessing up to 1,300 more.
One tenant living in a three-bedroom house in Perth’s southern suburbs was found to be earning an income of more than $85,000 a year in a job he’d started late in 2008. After he failed to attend three appointments to discuss the matter, the Department has evicted him.
Mr Buswell said another tenant in a four-bedroom house in the Wheatbelt was found to be a part-owner of land worth in excess of a million dollars and had also been evicted.
“Those two properties could have been used to house two families in genuine need of affordable accommodation,” Mr Buswell said.
“People on the social housing waiting list miss out when others cheat the system. If you own an investment property, or you’re making a good salary, clearly you should not be relying on taxpayers to provide subsidised accommodation.”
He said tenants who advised that they had become ineligible would be offered relocation assistance, including six months to find a new home and bond assistance for a private lease.
The Minister said the crackdown on social housing cheats was just one part of the Government’s campaign to tackle the waiting list.
“The social housing building program now under way will deliver more social housing than achieved under any other Government in recent decades,” he said.
“We sold the first of a package of million dollar properties in the western suburbs that will yield many more houses in more affordable suburbs across Perth.”
He said subject to routine maintenance, the two recently vacated dwellings would be leased to eligible tenants as soon as possible.
15 September, 2009
PS clocks on for
training awards
The Public Service was well-represented among the winners of the Western Australian Training Awards, announced recently by the Minister for Training, Peter Collier.The awards recognised and rewarded the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees and vocational students, and the contribution of training providers and employers.
“The winners of each category, and indeed every finalist in the awards, are leaders in their field and testament to the strength of training in this State,” Mr Collier said.
“The students, apprentices, trainees, trainers, employers and training providers who received a WA Training Award represent the very best WA’s training system has to offer.”
He said Central TAFE was honoured as the State’s Large Training Provider of the Year, the award that recognises outstanding achievements by large registered training providers (1500+ students) in all aspects of the delivery of vocational education and training.
As the winner, Central TAFE secured $8,000 worth of advertising from The Sunday Times and will now go forward to represent the State at the Australian Training Awards held at Canberra in November.
Other winners of WA Training Awards 2009 included:
WA Apprentice of the Year 2009
Blake McCarthy.
Trained at Swan TAFE and is now employed by the Water Corporation as an electrotechnology systems electrician.
WA Vocational Student of the Year 2009
Jon Arlow.
Growing up in Geraldton, Mr Arlow was surrounded by the ocean and dreamt of becoming a fisheries officer.
His hard work, diligence and dedication to his studies led him to win many local awards, as well as a scholarship for the Diploma of Aquaculture at Central West TAFE.
WA Trainer of the Year 2009
Bel Skinner.
Employed by Kimberley TAFE, Ms Skinner works with students in remote locations as a music lecturer.
She gives her students as much workplace training as possible, building relationships with local pubs and event organisers to get opportunities for her students to showcase their skills.
WA Large Training Provider of the Year 2009
Central TAFE, Perth.
By investing in its staff, infrastructure and training delivery, Central TAFE is leading the way in delivering higher level qualifications.
It is one of Australia’s biggest TAFE colleges and trains more than 25,000 students, including 1300 WA-based international students and 2500 overseas students.
WA Training Initiative 2009
Department of Corrective Services, Perth
Through its “ASETS Through-care Model the Department provides innovative training and support to prisoners who want to re-enter the workforce once released.
WA VET in Schools Award 2009
Western Australian College of Agriculture, Cunderdin.
The college provides a broad curriculum, dedicated staff and links to further education to ensure its students receive the best possible experience and meet the needs of tomorrow’s workforce.
Other awards went to:
WA Trainee of the Year 2009 - Adam Selby;
WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 2009 - Salathiel McKay;
WA School-based Apprentice of the Year 2009 - Daniel Lowe;
WA Employer of the Year 2009 - Hollywood Private Hospital, Nedlands; and,
WA Small Training Provider of the Year 2009 - Jobs South West Community Services, Bunbury.
15 September, 2009
TAFE trains eyes
on independence
West Coast TAFE has become the first TAFE college in Western Australia to exercise its independence and relaunch itself with a new brand.Minister for Training, Peter Collier unveiled the new TAFE as the West Coast Institute of Training.
“This is more than just a change of name and logo,” Mr Collier said, “it represents a new direction for the college, allowing it and others to become more effective in this increasingly competitive and open training market.
“I have provided all TAFE colleges with an opportunity to reinvent themselves to meet the requirements of the volatile economic climate and position WA for future employment demands.”
He said the new brand represented a fundamental change in the Government’s approach to managing training in WA and would help raise the status of training and TAFE colleges, while providing the opportunity to present themselves as independent centres of excellence.
“I commend the West Coast Institute of Training Governing Council for its support in helping to make this change happen, ensuring the creation of a vibrant, innovative and flexible training system to meet the skill needs of our economy.”
Mr Collier said that with greater autonomy, colleges would have the ability and freedom to become more competitive in the marketplace, both nationally and overseas.
“With its new brand, West Coast Institute of Training can stand out from its competitors, with the opportunity to highlight its innovative and industry-led training solutions,” he said.
“The Government is committed to ensuring people have the skills and qualifications to take up the many employment opportunities that will come when the economy improves.”
Located in Perth’s north-west metropolitan area, West Coast Institute of Training provides more than 150 training programs locally, nationally and internationally to meet the demands of industry, enterprise, schools, individuals and the community.
It places an emphasis on workplace training with about 45 per cent of training delivered in the workplace, supported by an integrated focus on recognition of prior learning, online, self-paced and flexible hours delivery.
“By establishing successful partnerships with organisations such as St John of God Hospital and Uniting Care West, the Institute is responding to industry demand, delivering training beyond classroom walls and geographic boundaries,” Mr Collier said.
15 September, 2009
School autonomy
passes the test
More than 100 school communities have expressed an interest in taking on more independence.Minister for Education, Liz Constable welcomed the strong show of support for the independence initiative which she said would allow those schools chosen to enjoy greater autonomy and have more flexibility to decide their own direction.
“Schools have been looking forward to this opportunity for many years and I am very pleased that they and their communities have responded so quickly and decisively,” Dr Constable said.
She said a wide range of schools had put in expressions of interest including education support schools, district high schools, small country schools as well as clusters of schools.
“I am particularly pleased that a diversity of schools have expressed interest - including schools from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as large schools with more than 1,000 students through to much smaller schools with fewer than 100 students,” she said.
“It is clear this initiative has been seen by many schools as offering the kinds of flexibility they would like to ensure their students have the best possible learning opportunities.”
The process of considering which schools would be selected for the first intake of Independent Public Schools has now begun and was being undertaken by a panel which would make recommendations to the Director General of the Department of Education and Training.
“The panel will consider the expressions of interest before them and may also call for other data and evidence for the schools they are considering,” Dr Constable said.
“We need to ensure that the schools are ready to take on increased autonomy and understand their responsibilities under legislation and industrial agreements.”
She said the schools would still be public schools, but they would have more ownership of overall school direction, teacher selection, education programs, values and ethos, discipline and behaviour management.
“Principals and staff will have more authority and freedom from central policies, procedures and compliances. However, there will be strict accountability measures in place.”
She said a comprehensive induction program for principals, registrars and School Councils (Boards) would start in October.
She said schools unsuccessful this year would automatically be considered for 2011.
15 September, 2009
Workplace watchdog
puts bite into bark
The Federal Government’s Fair Work Ombudsman has a culture of “going the extra mile” to resolve workplace issues and was “very serious” about its duty to ensure Australian workplaces were fair, according to the Ombudsman, Nicholas Wilson. Mr Wilson told a transport industry forum in Melbourne recently that his staff were committed to building knowledge and fairer workplaces.
He said although the Agency’s 300 inspectors relied on a voluntary compliance model, they were focused on informing the community of its rights and obligations.
“We aim to build knowledge and awareness,” Mr Wilson said.
“We do not insist there is only one way to achieve compliance and will help industry through the challenge of workplace compliance.
“While we will obviously start with voluntary resolution, we will go to any length to bring about compliance if that alternative does not bring results.”
Mr Wilson said the Agency now had a legislative framework to allow it to use Enforceable Undertakings as an alternative to litigation.
“The policy decision we have taken is that there have to be admissions to our contended breaches; that the admissions have to be public and that both the Enforceable Undertaking and the duties which flow from the agreement are made public,” he said.
Mr Wilson said transport sector employers ranked seventh in terms of industries generating the most complaints to his office and should focus on the sort of workplace they wanted and where their workplace strategy would take them.
15 September, 2009
Nurse tucks in prize
for excellence
The Clinical Nurse Manager at Osborne Park Hospital, Marie Slater, has been named overall winner in this year’s Awards for Excellence conducted by the Nurses and Midwives Board of Western Australia.The awards, whose recipients were nominated by either fellow healthcare professionals or consumers, provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of WA nurses to the healthcare landscape.
Ms Slater, who specialises in stroke rehabilitation, said the award was validation of the effort she and all nurses put into caring for patients across a wide range of disciplines.
“I’m very proud to be recognised, especially as I know all the other nominated nurses are just as professional and highly skilled,” she said.
“I know nurses are involved in healthcare because of a passion for helping people rather than for specific rewards, but it is very satisfying to be acknowledged.”
Department of Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Catherine Stoddart said the awards illustrated the level of professionalism among nurses and midwives in WA’s public and private health system.
“These awards are a great opportunity for nurses and midwives in WA to be acknowledged for the exemplary work they do each and every day,” she said.
“This year, 12 of the 15 awards were won by WA Health public sector nurses, which highlights the calibre of our nursing staff.”
She said most winners were nominated by their peers which indicated the level of mutual respect that most nurses had for their colleagues, and promoted an environment of professionalism within healthcare in the State.
Ms Slater said her goal was to continue to strive for the best rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients in WA.
“Rehabilitation for stroke patients is an area I’m passionate about and I’ve studied practices and been to conferences around the world,” she said.
“I also visit community facilities and provide education on management of stroke patients, which is something I enjoy and will continue to do.”
All WA nurses were eligible for nomination in a range of categories including regional, aged care, graduate and educator awards.
15 September, 2009
Scientists keep pace
with snail discoveries
Scientists from the Department of Environment and Conservation conducting a biological survey of the Kimberley islands have uncovered a number of new species of snails.Working with the traditional Kimberley land owners, the scientists have confirmed that the Kimberley is one of Australia’s diversity hotspots for ancient camaenid land snails.
Research scientist with DEC, Dr Frank Köhler said that even though they were small and might seem insignificant, the snails were an important indicator of the general condition of the islands and the threats faced by other animals.
“Although science usually moves at a snail’s pace, because the islands are largely unexplored by modern science it means that we are finding previously unrecorded species very quickly and there is a surprisingly high number of them,” he said.
“Each island is different and tends to support a unique set of species due to its isolation by water and therefore the species form distinct groups which differ from the mainland.”
Dr Köhler said so far, 48 species of snails that were unique to the islands had been recorded as part of the survey and all but three of these had never been formally described before. He said nine islands were still to be surveyed in the wet season and scientists were predicting more discoveries.
“Just like kangaroos, these land snails are among the survivors of the major changes in climate that have taken place over the last few million years,” he said.
“These days, most people will not see them because they bury themselves deep in the soil or hide in crevices to escape the heat and conserve water, only emerging during the wet season.”
Dr Köhler said different species were distinguished through the size and shape of the male organs, so what might look like the same snail from the shell was actually another species that could only be recognised from looking inside.
The survey of 22 of the largest islands in the Kimberley, designed to sample groups of mammals, reptiles, land snails, birds and plants at most risk of threats such as fire, weeds, human activity and cane toads, commenced in late 2006 and was due for completion in 2010.
The project was a collaboration between DEC, the Western Australian Museum, the Australian Museum and the Kimberley Land Council.
Dr Köhler said DEC was in the process of preparing a science and conservation strategy for the Kimberley as part of a $9 million State Government commitment.
15 September, 2009
Sprinkler ban in
the pipeline
A permanent ban on garden sprinklers each winter is likely to be introduced from next year following a successful two month trail this year.Minister for Water, Graham Jacobs said the Government had decided in principle to impose the on-going ban but would take into account community views before doing so.
“The trial ban saved more than 50 million litres of water a day in two months - about 22 Olympic swimming pools daily,” Dr Jacobs said.
“This was directly attributable to the ban and resulted in overall saving of 2.2 billion litres for the period.”
He said an independent survey had shown that 93 per cent of the community supported the trial.
“This has been an outstanding community achievement because while there has been reasonably consistent rain, we are still well below the long-term annual rainfall average,” he said.
Dr Jacobs said one of the issues which needed to be resolved was whether or not a permanent ban should take in the entire trial area south of Kalbarri through to Esperance and as far east as Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
“There might be a case for some exclusion which will be taken into account before finalisation,” he said.
A water summit was jointly convened by the Water Corporation and Department of Water and included representatives of the nursery, horticultural, turf growing, bore manufacturing, lawn mowing, landscaping, and reticulation sales and installation industries. Local Government was also represented.
Dr Jacobs said the State Government was serious about encouraging reduced water consumption, particular during winter, where it was clearly demonstrated that turning off sprinklers drove down consumption ahead of the summer period.
15 September, 2009
Homeowners land
more land
Amendments to the Metropolitan Region Scheme that reduce the road reservation on Canning Highway between Petra and Glenelg streets will provide landowners along the Highway with the opportunity to improve their properties.Minister for Planning, John Day said the amendment reduced the width from a nominal 70-80 metres to 30-40 metres.
“The 70-80 metre reservation was included in the original Metropolitan Region Scheme to allow for future expansion, but under current transport standards this is no longer necessary,” Mr Day said.
He said the proposed new width would still allow for potential bus and cycling lanes to be created when they were needed.
The amendment was advertised for public comment and reviewed by the Western Australian Planning Commission.
Submissions were received from public transport user and cyclist groups, some of which were concerned the reduced road reserve would not allow for adequate future public transport, cycling and pedestrian facilities.
“This concern has been taken into account by widening the original proposal to allow for kerbside cycle lanes, bus lanes and better pedestrian areas,” he said.
“Public transport is a key feature of a sustainable future in Perth and a 30-40 metre reservation ensures Canning Highway will safely cope with increases in public transport use.”
He said the amendment would benefit landowners and road users by removing as much road reservation as possible from private properties while still providing for adequate future transport.
He said the reduction of the reservation would allow property owners the freedom to develop.
15 September, 2009
Suicide strategy
to save lives
A State-wide strategy to help prevent suicide in Western Australia was launched on World Suicide Prevention Day, last Thursday.Mental Health Minister Graham Jacobs said the $13 million strategy would support the work of individuals, communities and agencies to reduce suicide and set the framework for the development and delivery of future WA suicide prevention initiatives.
“More Australians suicide each year than are killed on our roads,” Dr Jacobs said.
The Minister said the strategy placed an emphasis on young people - and in particular young men - and people living in rural and regional parts of WA.
He said lowering suicide rates in Aboriginal communities would also be a key priority under the new strategy.
“Suicide rates are often higher in rural and remote areas and the recent alarming increase in WA Aboriginal suicides demands that more work be done to stem the loss of life,” Dr Jacobs said.
He said under the strategy, the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention would have new responsibilities to oversee suicide prevention initiatives and to identify communities requiring more support.
The Minister said a non-Government organisation would be appointed to implement the strategy to increase public awareness and oversee research, evaluation, education and training in suicide prevention.
This organisation would also lead the response if suicide clusters emerged and work with locally-employed community coordinators to develop action plans. Dr Jacobs said these would identify at-risk groups and outline additional support needed.
“This strategy represents a significant State Government and community commitment to suicide and self-harm prevention,” he said.
“It also sends a strong message that suicide is everyone’s business and outlines a way forward for individuals, groups and organisations to work collaboratively to reduce the loss of life from suicide.”
To view the strategy, follow the link to the WA Mental Health homepage from www.health.wa.gov.au
15 September, 2009
Prison courses are
almost a cell-out
Programs offering prison inmates access to interventions programs are on their way to achieving targeted outcomes according to the Attorney General, Christian Porter.Mr Porter said the number of prisoners and offenders accessing the programs had increased markedly over the past two years.
He said the biggest increase had been among Aboriginal offenders where program attendance rates had jumped 61 per cent over the 2007-08 and 2008-09 period, with individual participation in programs even higher.
“Program delivery for prisoners and offenders continues to improve under the State Government, and we are expecting this to continue into the future,” he said.
The Attorney General said that during the period, the overall number of offenders enrolled in programs increased by 45 per cent.
“This financial year we expect this to increase by a further 68 per cent - with an overall participation increase over two years of 113 per cent,” he said.
“The State Government has made considerable improvements for staffing and logistical support for programs, directly resulting in an increase in the number of offenders participating in programs - both in the community and prisons.”
Mr Porter said addiction programs had grown by 123 per cent, violence program participation by 163 per cent and Aboriginal sex offending program participation by a high 483 per cent.
“This is an outstanding result and sets real targets for the Government and the Department of Corrective Services to move forward with in the next few years,” he said.
“I believe suitable intervention programs such as education and training play a key role in breaking the cycle of offending and will continue to receive appropriate attention and focus.”
The Attorney General said a new intervention program would be implemented later this year, focusing on improving the quality and quantity of available programs, especially in the transition from prison to the community.
These programs would include addictions, sex offending, violent offending and cognitive skills.
“The new model will also better target remote and regional areas as well as Aboriginal and female offenders,” he said.
15 September, 2009
New members lock
in prison Boards
Expressions of Interest have been called for prospective members of three corrective services committees.Attorney General, Christian Porter said members were being sought for the Prisoner’s Review Board (PRB), the Mentally Impaired Accused Review Board (MIARB) and the Supervised Release Review Board (SRRB).
Mr Porter said applicants for any of the Boards should have some knowledge and experience dealing with at least one of the following categories: the criminal justice system; victims’ issues; Western Australian indigenous culture; and multicultural issues.
“The Boards play a vital role in the WA justice system and members need to be suitably qualified and experienced to take on their responsibilities,” Mr Porter said.
“Applicants should also have had exposure to other community issues such as unemployment, substance abuse, physical or mental illness, disability, homelessness and poor education. “
He said the PRB and MIARB have responsibility for granting, deferring or refusing parole to prisoners - taking into account factors affecting the offender, victims of crime and, most importantly, the safety of the community.
“The SRRB has responsibility for granting, deferring or refusing release into the community of juvenile offenders, in accordance with the general principles of juvenile justice.”
Mr Porter said the Boards needed Deputy Chairpersons, psychiatrists, psychologists and community members.
“It’s important to create a pool from which potential future members can be drawn, for up to three years,” he said.
“By making sure we have a well resourced pool of potential members the operations of these important boards should be seamless.”
He said successful candidates received remuneration and sitting fees for their services.
The PRB and MIARB are headed by Supreme Court Judge, Justice Narelle Johnson and the SRRB is headed up by retired District Court Judge, Alton Jackson QC. Information packs can be obtained from the PRB by phoning 9423 8700 and applications close on 25 September 2009.
15 September, 2009
Minister digs in on
resources criticism
The State Government has rejected claims that WA’s approach to reforming its resources approval system represented a high risk to the resources industry. Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Norman Moore said the reforms were guided by industry consultations and a working group, and were “never going to be a quick fix”.
His comments followed the publication of industry results in Resourcestocks Magazine for the World Risk Survey 2009 which identified WA as high risk.
“When this Government came into power it very quickly identified that WA’s approvals processes were less than efficient and that industry was demanding change,” Mr Moore said.
“This Government consulted with industry and established a working group that could identify ways to improve the existing system.”
He said the Government remained focused on delivering significant improvements – “not just some minor adjustments that would have little long term benefits.”
The Minister said recommendations from the working group’s report, which was tabled in August, were being considered.
He said in tandem with the review process, the Department of Mines and Petroleum had also implemented some approval reform initiatives including:
* establishing approval timeline targets for key mining and petroleum approvals;
* publishing quarterly approval performance measures for the sector (since January);
* completing a review of the Memorandum of Understanding with the EPA which provides more certainty for industry;
* establishing an approvals application tracking system for mining and petroleum proposals; and
* provision of an upgraded online petroleum and geothermal register (PGR) system - the first such online system in Australia.
Mr Moore said that in April, the State Government announced its $80 million Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) initiative to boost mineral and petroleum exploration in WA and encourage exploration throughout greenfield and frontier areas during the next five years.
He said WA had also consulted with other States and Territories regarding approval and regulatory reform.
“Industry has supported the changes that this State Government has already initiated,” he said.
“I expect the resources sector will continue to work closely with the State Government to ensure any reform measures for WA will bring real efficiency improvements.”
He said he was confident that WA would steadily improve on the industry survey tables over the coming years to outrank some of the top performers.
15 September, 2009
Housing estate sends
package through roof
A $23 million affordable housing estate at Success in the Cockburn Central Regional Centre has been officially announced jointly by the Minister for Housing and Works, Troy Buswell, and the Federal Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek.The new funding - from Stage Two of the Commonwealth Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan - would be used by the WA Department of Housing to purchase 78 units at the development south of Perth to accommodate low-income earners.
The Ministers said funding from the Social Housing Initiative of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan would deliver at least 1,704 new homes across Western Australia.
They said almost 2,000 homes would be built from the first two stages of the Stimulus Plan which would see a total of $550 million spent.
Mr Buswell said the joint efforts of the State and Federal Governments provided an important boost to Western Australia’s affordable housing stock.
“The Federal Government’s investment in Stage 2 of the Stella Orion Apartments will ensure the continued development of this suburb and help deliver a range of social and affordable housing,” Mr Buswell said.
“Purchasers of these units are living in a well-designed community and can easily access the freeway, public transport, shopping centres and schools.
“This funding will help us reach our goal of providing 20,000 new affordable dwellings by 2020.”
Ms Plibersek said the stimulus funding had been instrumental in protecting jobs in the Australian economy during the worst global recession in 75 years.
“The social housing component of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan has been estimated by Treasury to support 15,000 jobs nationally over the next two years,” she said.
“It’s our builders, tradies, manufacturers and suppliers who keep the economy ticking over.
“There is also the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to those who need it the most,” Ms Plibersek said.
15 September, 2009
Theatre initiative is
in its first stage
The Theatre Board of the Australia Council for the Arts is supporting three innovative new theatre projects in the first round of its Western Australian Theatre Development Initiative (WATDI).According to the Australia Council, WATDI is a unique funding model, driven and delivered by the sector through a partnership between The Blue Room, PICA and ARTRAGE.
The two-year pilot program would support new theatre in WA by funding companies and independents to pursue creative, risk-taking and ambitious ideas through an extended period of development.
The first three successful projects all aspire to take WA theatre into some new territories.
The successful applicants include the pvi collective with their interactive performance consumer, Perth-based Sudanese writer Areif Ismail with a collaborative project adapting one of his original plays and HydraPoesis with their multi-location and interactive project, Prompter Live Studio.
“The partnership of PICA, The Blue Room and ARTAGE, has really delivered great outcomes for WATDI,” said the Director of Theatre for the Australia Council, Lyn Wallis.
“The selections were made by leading WA practitioners attuned to the particular needs and strengths of the local theatre environment. It’s been a rigorous process that has supported some fascinating and complex work.”
An open forum for people interested in the WATDI and its future, featuring presentations from the successful projects was held at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. For more information visit www.watdi.org.au
15 September, 2009
Uni staff in payrise
Curtin University of Technology has made a new pay offer to academic and general staff.
Academic staff have been offered an 18 per cent increase and general staff 17 per cent to the end of 2012.
There was a small difference between the offers as the two groups of staff have slightly different working conditions.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeanette Hacket, said she hoped the National Tertiary Education Union and the unions representing general staff would encourage their members to accept the pay offer.
Safety inquiry
Housing Minister, Troy Buswell has ordered an independent inquiry into the installation program of safety devices in public housing following the death of a young boy.
The two and a half year old was electrocuted while playing hide-and-seek at a Homeswest house in Roebourne, in WA’s north-west.
All state-owned properties were supposed to be fitted with a safety device to prevent electrocutions by 2007 but Mr Buswell said the house where the boy was electrocuted did not have one of the devices fitted, despite reports saying it did.
Firies return
Six Western Australian bushfire management specialists have returned home after five weeks assisting Canadian authorities with bushfires in British Columbia.
The team, five from the Department of Environment and Conservation and one from the Forest Products Commission, were part of a 30-strong Australia-New Zealand contingent which worked on fires in the Kamloops area, 350km east of Vancouver.
Archer case dropped
The Corruption and Crime Commission has accepted the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision to drop a proposed Court case against former MP, Shelley Archer.
The Commissioner, Len Roberts-Smith QC, said a review of the matter had led the DPP to decide there was not sufficient prospect of a conviction to proceed, and the prosecution was not in the public interest.
“The decision not to proceed was one for the DPP to make and of course the Commission respects that decision,” Mr Roberts-Smith said.
He said the CCC initially laid two charges against Ms Archer because it believed there was a prima facie case.
Seniors on the net
Two free internet kiosks for seniors have been opened at the Manjimup Public Library and the Greenbushes Telecentre Inc, as part of the Commonwealth Government’s Broadband for Seniors initiative.
$15 million is being invested over three years to install up to 2000 kiosks across the country in the hope that more seniors will use the internet to stay better connected to family, friends and the technological age with free computer training and internet access.
Estates win payment
The deceased estates of people eligible for Redress WA, but who have passed away before their application for an ex-gratia payment was finalised, would now receive a $5,000 eligibility payment.
The Government changed the Redress WA guidelines in light of cases where people with a terminal illness or life-threatening condition had died before their application for an interim payment had been assessed.
New scanner for SCGH
Western Australians are benefiting from a new $3.5 million state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
Shortly to be upgraded with cutting edge “multi transmit” technology, the scanner - a Philips Achieva 3.0 Tesla MRI - the first of its kind in Australia, produces clearer images than conventional MRI scanners.
Green plans funded
140 projects have been funded in the first round of the Government’s Community Environmental Grants Program with $1.53 million going to community environmental and conservation groups and individuals throughout the State.
More than 280 applications were received over the seven categories: major conservation and environment organisations; fauna rescue and rehabilitation; biodiversity conservation; private landholders; regional parks and Bush Forever; sustainable catchment management; and nature appreciation in natural areas.
Bus station upgrade
The Government has released $2.6 million to redevelop the Mirrabooka Bus Station.
The station was initially developed in the 1970s and it is hoped the redevelopment will generate significant benefits for the local community including enhanced transport outcomes, employment and business generation and improved social amenity.
The bus station plans to also utilise design standards that would assist in preventing and managing crime and anti-social problems.
Dialysis expansion
The Government would provide almost $8 million to expand renal services in the Kimberley so more patients can be treated closer to home.
Health Minister, Kim Hames said the funding would ensure health services in the Kimberley could meet the increasing demand for dialysis services for the next four years.
Currently, 100 Kimberley residents were undergoing dialysis; 30 have had to move to Perth for treatment and more than one-third of the State’s indigenous renal patients live in the Kimberley.
8 September, 2009
Wheels of change hit
Training Department
A new Department of Training and Workforce Developmenthas been established to take over the training functions of the Department of Education and Training.Premier Colin Barnett said the new Department would ensure a more focused delivery of both education and training services to the community.
“With the system this Government inherited, training was placed in the shadow of the larger education portfolio,” he said. “This re-focus will change that and elevate the status of training."
“This structure will provide a greater focus on both education and training services and ensure there is an uncluttered commitment and drive by singular Departments.”
He said the Government had to make training more attractive and relevant and a first option for many people, especially young people.
“The new Department will focus on elevating training across the State and working across Government, at both the State and national level, to plan and prepare Western Australia’s workforce to avoid gaps in both skilled and unskilled labour.”
The new Department continues the commitment on jobs and training established by the Government in this year’s State Budget with its raft of initiatives to boost training in WA, including course fee exemptions for unemployed people.
Mr Barnett said the Government had been building capacity to ensure jobs and training were delivered.
“With a period of long-term economic development driven by the resources sector nearing with projects like Ord Stage Two, Oakajee Port, Gorgon, the Perdaman urea plant and our record $8.3billion asset investment program … we are now ensuring we have people with the relevant skills needed to capitalise on the thousands of job opportunities resource and development projects will create.”
Training Minister Peter Collier was enthusiastic about the greater emphasis on training in WA.
“At the training level, we have an immediate job to ensure young people and older people who may have lost their job or require re-training, can acquire skills that will not only enable them to work in the mining and petroleum sector, but also fill gaps left by workers attracted to the resources industry,” Mr Collier said.
“Within the resources sector there are hundreds of jobs - from truck driving, geology, and engineering to IT, computer-assisted design and a range of continually evolving scientific advancements that demand ongoing education and training.”
8 September, 2009
Walking challenge
is a step forward
The Department of Transport has launched a new online corporate challenge to encourage walkers to exercise in the workplace.Department of Transport Manager Walking and Access Alice Haning said the new online Walk Week challenge was a first for WA and was an easy way for more people to track their steps while going about their daily business.
“Walk Week has traditionally catered to schools and community groups through scheduled events,” Ms Haning said.
“This year, more people will be able to participate through their workplace simply by using a pedometer and logging their steps into an online challenge register.”
She said groups could then see at a glance how they were faring against others, which would boost the competitiveness of the challenge.
Walk Week 2009 runs from 2-8 November, but the corporate challenge would run for a month from 12 October to 8 November.
Groups would need to purchase their own pedometers from around $10 each at a range of outlets and could log their pedometer steps online daily or weekly.
Each member of the team that logs the most steps would win a sports voucher, the new Heart Foundation BBQ cookbook and a Bibbulmun track package.
“There has already been great interest in this challenge and we are expecting hundreds of participants from workplaces across the State,” Ms Haning said.
“It’s a great opportunity for employers to promote a healthier workplace.”
Groups could register online at www.transport.wa.gov.au/walkinguntil Monday 5 October and could begin logging their steps from 12 October. Teams that registered by 16 September could win a variety of merchandise including water bottles, lanyards and t-shirts to use in the challenge.
8 September, 2009
New land management
breaks new ground
The Conservation Commission has announced major changes to the way land management plans are developed and implemented in Western Australia.The Commission is working with the Department of Environment and Conservation to bring about the changes which are supported by a wide-ranging review of land management practices in the State.
A large percentage of the State’s vested terrestrial conservation estate is not covered by a management plan. The Government says this is a problem at a statutory level, with the need to show that the lands held on behalf of the public were being managed appropriately.
The Government recognises that the amount of information contained within management plans has increased over time and this produced very wordy documents containing a large amount of material that might not be directly applicable to the specifics of management strategies.
All management plans would now apply to regional areas rather than to individual reserves. Plans would be concise and objectives would be measurable and realistic. These changes would make the management planning process and management plans more efficient and effective.
In addition, the Conservation Commission has contracted a study by Murdoch University that would provide information about the best practice approach to management planning.
The Conservation Commission has compiled a package of information explaining the changes that have been adopted, along with details and early findings (Stage One Report) of the study being undertaken by Murdoch University that would be considered by the Conservation Commission along with the full report later in 2009.
The Conservation Commission is also concerned with ensuring that the new management planning framework is appropriate in the West Australian context, and in identifying an efficient and effective process for implementing the new framework. The Government said all aspects of plan preparation should eventually be investigated.
8 September, 2009
Miners dig deep to
improve safety
Major changes are to be made to the safety system in the State’s mining industry after the Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Norman Moore, said the current system was not up to scratch.“The recent spike in mine site-related fatalities is unacceptable and has contributed to the need for urgent action,” Mr Moore said.
After considering submissions from the Department of Mines and Petroleum, the Government has decided to implement a new regulatory framework for resources safety, incorporating key recommendations from the Kenner Report.
“This is a major shake-up of mine safety in the State,” he said.
Key components of the plan include:
significant additional resources for the Resources Safety Division of the DMP, including more money to increase compliance activities by DMP inspectors;
an industry cost recovery model the details of which will be discussed with industry;
a new approach to safety management based on evidence and risk, and focused on reducing the likelihood of a serious incident.
The introduction of a cost recovery regime would provide the funding necessary for an appropriately resourced safety regulator.
In the first six months of operation, next year, it was anticipated that additional funding of $7.95 million would be available.
State Cabinet has also approved up to an extra 37 full-time staff positions available in the same six-month period with up to an additional 35 full time positions in the 12 months following.
Mr Moore envisaged it would take about two years, with the co-operation of industry, to make the necessary legislative and regulatory changes and to establish the inspectorate.
“I urge the Opposition and the union movement, to support the State Government’s plan to fix the problem,” he said.
“I strongly believe that when this new system is in place, WA will have a world’s best practice regulatory framework. It will take time to achieve, but with the co-operation of industry and workers, we can set in place a robust, flexible and effective system that will enhance safety in this vital sector of the State’s workforce.”
8 September, 2009
Uranium program
gets green light
The Department of Mines and Petroleum has embarked on a public consultation program to develop safety regulations to apply to uranium mining.The Department’s Director General, Richard Sellers, was one of several presenters at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy’s recent uranium briefing session in Kalgoorlie.
Mr Sellers told the attendees that Western Australia had a long history of regulating radioactive materials, which meant it was well placed to regulate a uranium industry.
“Western Australia has mined and transported radioactive materials for 40 years in the form of mineral sands and tantalum,” he said.
“The mining, processing and transportation of these materials have long been regulated by the Department of Mines and Petroleum, the Resources Safety Division and the Radiological Council.”
He said the Resources Safety Division also had an extensive database of the radiation monitoring of 383 resource workers and this experience had given the Department a solid understanding of the issues involved with uranium mining and exploration.
Despite this extensive experience, the Department still took the step of assessing whether existing legislation and regulations could be applied to uranium mining.
It formed an interagency working group which concluded that when combined with international and commonwealth legislation, guidelines and policies, Western Australia’s current regulatory framework did provide for the development of uranium mining and associated activities.
The group’s findings have been endorsed by Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore.
Mr Sellers also said the Department would return to the region to conduct its own community briefing sessions on uranium.
8 September, 2009
Fisheries fishing
for more staff
The Department of Fisheries is hoping to appoint more Fisheries and Marine Officers but if Cassandra Price’s experience is any guide, it won’t have much trouble.Ms Price was studying science at university and working as a dive instructor and boat skipper, as well as hair dressing. Now she is a Fisheries Marine Officer based in Denham.
“It took me quite a while to work through the selection process but the wait was worth it,” she said.
“Now I spend my day on and in the water. I might be diving one day, on a quad bike in sand dunes the next, doing marine park checks or involved in commercial fishing monitoring. It is my dream job.”
Ms Price said she loves working outdoors and interacting with the community.
“Recently our team at Denham was involved in taking some local kids fishing, with the focus on educating them about the ecosystem and how important it is to abide by fishing regulations,” she said.
“It was a great opportunity to help educate young people and reinforce the need for new legislation in regard to recreational fishing.”
She said the highlight of her role was being out on a boat regularly.
“I get to do some of my favourite things including being a member of the Department’s dive team and often see sea snakes, Spanish dancers and sometimes whales. Not long ago, whilst working at the Fremantle office, I was able to help save a dolphin,” she said.
“To be involved in helping to conserve our amazing marine environment and have fun on the water, working with incredible people, I have all of my work needs fulfilled.”
More details about the positions are available on the Department’s website at www.fish.wa.gov.au.
8 September, 2009
Enrolments on a roll
at Electoral Office
The Australian Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn has reported that the recent Enrol to Vote Week generated more than 12,700 new enrolments from students all over Australia with more expected in the coming weeks.He said 210 West Australian schools took part in the Week this year, contributing to a record number Australia-wide,
Enrol to Vote Week, which was held from 27 July to 2 August 2009, involved the AEC working in partnership with more than 1800 Australian secondary schools to encourage 17- and 18-year-old students to enrol to vote.
Mr Killesteyn said working with schools across the country through Enrol to Vote Week was an important way for young people to understand they needed to be enrolled to vote to have their say.
“Currently one in two 18-year-olds is not enrolled to vote and many 17-year-olds are not aware that they too can enrol,” he said.
“Many 17-year-olds are likely to be first time voters at the next federal election. Our aim is to enrol them now so they will be automatically able to vote as soon as they turn 18.”
8 September, 2009
Native Title plan
loses ground
A decision by the Federal Government to withhold a shared funding agreement for native title cases has been described as a “shock” by Attorney General, Christian Porter.He said the decision was particularly disappointing as Ministers had already committed their Governments to adopting the Federal Government’s new native title agenda on the basis that the Commonwealth would make good its agreement to fund native title settlements to the extent of 75 per cent.
“The new agenda calls for innovative agreement-making, a less technical approach to native title and a commitment to broader outcomes going beyond native title and to address Aboriginal disadvantage,” Mr Porter said.
“However, it also requires the Commonwealth to make good its promise of 75 per cent funding for settlement packages.”
He said it was always going to be an expensive exercise and labour intensive; because without Commonwealth funding the entire system of negotiated outcomes was in jeopardy.
“State and Territory Government officials across the country have been working around the clock to find ways to reach speedy native title settlements and now we are told that there is no Commonwealth money to fund it,” he said.
“This is more than disappointing - it threatens to wind back all the advantages in native title settlements in WA that underpin our State’s and Aboriginal peoples’ economic development.”
He said that for more than a decade, WA had been in negotiation with successive Federal Governments to develop a suitable financial assistance arrangement to meet former Prime Minister Paul Keating’s unfulfilled promise to provide funding to offset 75 per cent of the State’s compensation liabilities for the extinguishment of native title and administrative costs.
“Despite repeated attempts, nothing concrete has ever eventuated,” he said. “Ministers embraced the Rudd Government’s new approach, eagerly anticipating Commonwealth assistance to resolve native title matters in a way that would ensure the continuing economic development of WA and its Aboriginal people, while at the same time resolving their governments’ compensation liabilities.”
8 September, 2009
Parenting program is
Education’s new baby
A new program to improve parenting skills is to be offered to parents of three to five-year-olds in country and metropolitan public schools.The internationally acclaimed Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is expected to contribute to improved student behaviour in the schools.
Education Minister Liz Constable said the expansion of the Positive Parenting Program was part of the Government’s multi-pronged strategy to teach students how to manage their emotions and behave appropriately.
“Research has shown that improving parenting skills is one of the most practical and cost-effective ways of reducing the incidence of behavioural and conduct problems in children,” Dr Constable said.
“This program will provide parents with a road-map for positive parenting and has been shown to significantly improve parenting skills and child behaviour, as well as reduce parental depression, anxiety and stress.”
The Government will provide $1.4 million to train school psychologists to deliver this Positive Parenting Program throughout WA. Up until now it has only been available in four of the metropolitan education districts.
Run in conjunction with the Department of Health, the program consists of two-hour group sessions once a week for four weeks, followed by a weekly 15-minute telephone conversation for the following four weeks.
The Minister said the Government had taken a broad approach to improving student behaviour at public schools, in line with its election commitment.
“We want to tackle the issue of behaviour head-on - by changing unacceptable behaviour early and working intensively with students and parents to improve behaviour and outcomes for older children,” she said.
“We recently announced a major expansion of the Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies (PATHS) program in public schools and the establishment of six new behaviour centres in Bunbury, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Port Hedland and Geraldton.
“The PATHS program has proven results in reducing aggressive behaviour and is targeted toward students aged five to 12. It will be rolled out to 100 schools across WA over the next four years,” Dr Constable said.
“The behaviour centres, a combination of primary and secondary, provide students with intensive support and guidance, aiming to help them either return to schooling, or engage in training or employment.”
8 September, 2009
Winemakers drink to
successful audit
An audit of the South-West and Great Southern wine regions by the Fair Work Ombudsman has passed two-thirds of the businesses checked.Fair Work inspectors checked the books of 27 businesses - including wineries, vineyards and vineyard contractors – before last harvest. Three of the businesses were in the Great Southern region, 23 were in the Margaret River region and one was elsewhere in the South-West.
Inspectors found 18 businesses to be compliant with federal workplace laws. Six Margaret River businesses and one Great Southern business recorded breaches relating to the issuing of payslips and time-and-wages records.
Two Great Southern businesses were found to have underpaid 11 employees working as wine bottlers and grape pickers/vineyard maintainers a total of $4396.
Inspectors assisted businesses with breaches to bring their payslip and record-keeping
practices into line with workplace laws and recovered the money owed to underpaid workers.
Fair Work Ombudsman WA Director Leigh Quealy said the campaign was conducted in response to worker complaints and information from industry associations that suggested employers in the Great Southern and South West wine regions did not properly understand their obligations under the Wine Industry Award (WA) 2005.
“The focus of the campaign was to educate employers about their obligations,” Mr Quealy said.
“It was encouraging that all of businesses we found to be in breach were receptive to the education and assistance provided by inspectors to help them voluntarily rectify their issues.”
The Fair Work Ombudsman promotes co-operative, harmonious and productive Australian workplaces. Mr Quealy said the Fair Work Ombudsman could help workers and employers to understand recent changes to Australia’s workplace relations laws, including agreement making provisions, transfer of business rules and workplace rights’ actions.
Employers or employees seeking assistance should contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 or visit www.fwo.gov.au For translations call 13 14 50.
8 September, 2009
Health campaign is
good for workplaces
The Department of Sport and Recreation is to offer State-wide training and support for a new Healthy Active Workplace policy announced by the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Terry Waldron.He said workplaces were an important setting for health promotion and strong evidence supported investment in healthy active workplace programs.
“Today’s working environment can contribute to inactive lifestyles and high levels of stress, which impacts on employees’ health and increases costs to the business sector through loss of productivity and absenteeism,” Mr Waldron said.
“Creating a workplace culture supporting and enhancing the health and wellbeing of Western Australians is a priority to provide health, social and economic benefits across the State.”
He said the coordinated approach highlighted the importance of the issue for all unions, members of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the State Government.
In signing to the policy, the three bodies agreed to:
endorsing and supporting the implementation of best-practice workplace health and wellbeing programs
making guidelines available to public, private and not-for-profit organisations on how to implement a best practice program
implementing supportive policy to strengthen action across all sectors
offering centralised support to all Agencies to develop their existing or new health and wellbeing programs.
World Health Organisation research showed workplace health programs could reduce sick leave by up to 30 per cent and increase productivity by up to 53 per cent.
Within Western Australia, a 1 per cent increase in employee involvement in workplace programs would save about $4.5million.
Healthy Active Workplaces is a key initiative of the Physical Activity Taskforce and would be delivered in partnership with the Department of Sport and Recreation which would offer State-wide training and support in implementing health and wellbeing programs.
8 September, 2009
Jailed boot makers
get kick along
The Department of Corrective Services has revealed that prisoners in Casuarina Prison have been making thousands of pairs of shoes, boots and socks for other prisoners as part of the rehabilitation activities.Under the direction of Vocational Skills Officers prisoners spend five days a week turning out the leather-upper, synthetic-sole running shoes which cost the Department just $12 to make, about $33 cheaper than the cost of buying them externally.
The workshop isn’t only limited to boots, with prisoners producing 15,000 pairs of socks and supplying about 12,000 pairs of thongs and1300 pairs of safety boots each year.
Adult Custodial Deputy Commissioner Ian Giles said apart from the obvious cost-savings, the workshop provides the skills needed to find manufacturing employment upon release.
“At Casuarina, like many other prisons, prisoners are placed on a training program and progress through different stages of workshop production until they can work in any role and operate any of the machinery,” he said.
“They also learn practical life-skills including communication, teamwork and quality-control.”
He said the officers who teach these programs were skilled workers who provided real training and opportunities to prisoners. Employment had been proven to be a key factor in reducing the chances of reoffending.
“Many courses offered at prisons are TAFE-accredited or industry-recognised, which means effectively prisoners have the skills needed to walk into a job upon release,” Mr Giles said
He said the boot-making workshop was one of many sustainable initiatives run by the Department of Corrective Services.
“The Department’s ultimate goal is to self sustainability, which I believe we can achieve through our various industrial workshops, market gardens, textiles and garments workshops and our farming capabilities.”
8 September, 2009
Job program to get
the job done
A new program to improve the participation of Aboriginal people in skilled jobs at the local and regional level has been launched by the Minister for Training, Peter Collier.He also announced the “Training together - working together” sub-committee of the State Training Board, which included employers, registered training providers and Government Agencies which would lead the initiative.
“More than half the committee members are Aboriginal leaders of communities across WA, with Dr Sue Gordon and Keith Spence, chair of the State Training Board, as co-chairs,” he said.
“The committee will strengthen opportunities that enhance Aboriginal involvement in industry training and employment, as well as Government decision making, both at central and local levels.”
He said he would join committee members in visiting metropolitan and regional areas over the next few months to consult with Aboriginal communities.
“The visits will be part of an extensive State-wide engagement and consultation process to develop a plan with short, medium and long term actions.”
The Minister said these visits would culminate in a “Training together - working together” summit to plan the way forward for Aboriginal people to develop long-term workforce skills.
“Training and employment are building blocks for improving social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people,” he said.
“Individual committee members will play a leading role in their respective industries and communities to ensure the plan is based on research and analysis of the key issues and needs of stakeholders.”
Mr Collier said the State Government was committed to seeing all Western Australians with the skills to be part of the State’s economic future.
“We have introduced a raft of initiatives to boost training throughout WA,” he said. “Training WA: Planning for the future 2009-2018 outlines a series of targeted initiatives to ensure the skills needs of industry are met as well as providing greater access to training. A $47.4million added investment over the next three years in training was also announced in the May State Budget.”
8 September, 2009
Post delivers on
car insurance
Australia Post is to add car insurance to its line-up of on-line and phone-order products.According to the Group Manager of Financial Services with the Post Office, Andrew Wiseman the insurance will be competitively priced and will appeal to car owners looking for ‘value for money’ insurance from an organisation they can trust.
Mr Wiseman said travel, home and contents insurance would be added to the products list in months ahead.
“Australia Post has the trust and expertise to meet the needs of customers,” Mr Wiseman said.
“We already handle 177 million transactions a year and provide financial services for more than 75 financial organisations."
He said insurance was the next logicalstep.
“We are a well-known brand and we have the expertise in the financial services area,” he said.
“The success of this model overseas gives us real confidence in the future of Australia Post Insurance.”
According to Mr Wiseman, other postal organisations around the world offering insurance include those in France, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, the United kingdom, Ireland, Singapore and Japan.
“In the UK, for example,” he said, “one in every 200 homes and one in 50 cars are insured with UK’s Post Office.”
Mr Wiseman said Australia Post car insurance would feature a life-time guarantee on all repairs, a Rating 1 protection option, flexible payment terms, choice of repairer, accident hire car option and a choice of agreed or market value.
“It will promote insurance throughout its extensive retail network - the largest in Australia.
“To take up insurance, customers can pick up a brochure at a participating Australia Post retail outlet, call the hotline or visit the website.
He said the Australia Post Insurance brand would be offered in conjunction with A&G Insurance Services.
8 September, 2009
Offenders policies
not locked in
A discussion paper on issues relating to the rehabilitation of young male offenders has been released by the Inspector of Custodial Services, Professor Neil Morgan.The paper was part of an initiative to develop a new custodial facility for young offenders, and it focuses attention on the philosophies, legislation, policies, regimes and resources that will be needed to ensure success.
The Rangeview Juvenile Remand Centre in Canning Vale is to be remodelled for use as a new custodial facility for young men aged between 18 and 22. Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre, currently used only for boys (and mainly for those who have already been sentenced) would become a multi-function facility for boys and girls, both sentenced and remand.
Professor Morgan strongly supports the Rangeview initiative but wants to ensure that it offered something truly different from existing adult prisons.
“The aim must be to move in new directions, to get value for money and not simply to reshuffle the cards. And value for money is not just about costs: it is about providing programs and supports which will lengthen and improve the quality of life for young people, reduce the number of victims of crime and benefit the community as a whole.”
He said it was essential that Rangeview focused on those young men who were most in need of intensive programs.
“In particular, it must meet the needs of young Aboriginal men who constituted 55 per cent of the 18-22 year old prisoners and 75 per cent of juvenile detainees. The worst possible outcome would be for the facility to become a white middle-class enclave catering for young men who were likely to avoid future offending regardless of placement at the new centre.”
The Inspector also drew attention to the position of girls and young women.
“They are generally just as vulnerable and just as damaged by substance abuse and family instability as their male counterparts. Indeed, their issues are more complex. The vast majority have been victims of physical or sexual violence and many are young mothers. Although their numbers are small we must consider new options for them as well as for young men.”
The Issues Paper is available on the Inspector’s websitewww.custodialinspector.wa.gov.au
8 September, 2009
Mathematics Guide is
formula for success
A new guide to help the parents and carers of primary school students assist their children with mathematics has been published by the former Department of Education and Training.Education Minister Liz Constable said parent engagement in education was a major factor in a child’s success at school.
“Research shows there are strong links between parent support and involvement and improved student achievements, attendance and behaviour,” she said.
“A child’s performance in the classroom can be greatly enhanced if they are exposed to maths in their daily lives from an early age.”
The booklets - Counting on you 2 (for parents and carers of children in Kindergarten to Year Three) and Helping your child with maths really adds up (for parents and carers of children in Years Four to Seven) would be distributed to every parent in public schools with a child in the relevant year.
The Minister said the new numeracy booklets were among a number of resources produced to support parents to help their children to learn.
“Parents don’t have to be good at maths themselves and our research has found that using the ideas from the booklets helped strengthen their relationship with their children, and even improves their own skills,” she said.
“The literacy booklet Raising a Reader, which was distributed to parents of Kindergarten and pre-primary children, was an overwhelming success with more than nine out of 10 parents reporting they felt it gave them more skills and confidence to help their child read.”
Dr Constable said parents could also receive regular maths tips and updates via SMS.
“For the cost of just one local call, parents can now receive regular alerts on their mobile phone showing them how to use everyday activities like shopping, driving, gardening and watching football to teach their child the basics of maths,” she said.
“Feedback from parents shows that they want to become more involved in their child’s learning and would like more information about how to do this, and this is what the booklets and SMS service are all about.”
The booklets could also be downloaded fromwww.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsandyou
To subscribe to the SMS maths tips, parents of children in Kindergarten to Year Three should text “Fun” to 13 46 92. Parents of children in Years Four to Seven should text “Fun2” to the same number.
8 September, 2009
Union calls for delegates
The Community and Public Sector Union is calling for people to nominate as delegates for their workplace.
All delegates are elected for a two-year term (or part thereof) and have a defined role under the rules of the Union in directing the decision-making process that determines the priorities of the Union through their Electorate Delegates Committees and Councillors. The nomination form can be found at http://cpsucsa.org
Sprinkler ban turned off
The winter sprinkler ban has ended after a two month successful trial in the South-West of Western Australia including Perth and Mandurah.
Since the beginning of the trial in July, daily consumption has been consistently at or below the winter consumption of about 500 million litres.
There will be a water summit on 9 September at which the Water Corporation, Department of Water, industry and community stakeholders will discuss the effects of trial sprinkler ban.
Pilbara plan proceeding
The Western Australian Planning Commission is in the process of preparing a regional planning strategy for the Pilbara.
The first stage of this process is the publication of a Regional Profile.
The document attempts to encapsulate the essence of the region - its values, character, motivators, challenges and drivers for change.
The WAPC is calling for comments, by 2 October, tocorporate@planning.wa.gov.au
Arts achievements recognised
The State Government has recognised the success of the arts and cultural sector with the inaugural Western Australian Cultural Achievement Awards.
The Excellence in Arts Enterprise award was presented to Community Arts Network WA.
Perth International Arts Festival general manager Julian Donaldson received the award for Excellence in Arts Management.
AAA rating confirmed
International credit ratings agency Standard and Poor’s has reconfirmed Western Australia’s Triple-A credit rating after analysing the State’s financial strategy.
The tick of approval of the Government’s financial strategy followed the recent confirmation of WA’s Triple-A credit rating by fellow ratings agency Moody’s.
DVD warning for families
The WA Country Health Service, Midwest Community Drug Service and the Mullewa community have collaborated on a DVD that highlights the impact alcohol and drugs have on families and a regional community.
Slow Down is a 15 minute DVD featuring interviews and points of view from local Mullewa people, including children, ex-drug users and Aboriginal Elders.
The production of the DVD was funded through a grant from the WA Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies. It will be used to target people in the region as an educational and promotional aid.
Battery recycling charged up
A new recycling initiative has been launched to encourage Perth residents to recycle common household batteries.
The Metropolitan Household Battery Recycling program, the first community-based program of its kind in Australia, would provides householders with the opportunity to safely dispose of and recycle old batteries.
Under the program, being rolled out by Perth’s five metropolitan regional councils, 150 new battery drop-off recycling bins have been installed in public libraries, council administration offices and leisure centres across Perth.
From the bins, the batteries are collected, sorted, melted and recycled into new products.
Madeley gets third primary
A new $10.5 million primary school has been opened in Madeley, the third primary school to be built in the area.
The school has 249 students from Kindergarten to Year 7, with its enrolments expected to increase. Students and staff at Madeley have access to the latest in information and computer technology, including e-learning resources and access to technical support.
Students write on Teachers’ Day
Students from kindergarten to Year 12 are being encouraged to enter the student writing competition as part of the celebrations for World Teachers’ Day on 30 October.
Students can share in more than $6,000 worth of prizes for writing up to 150 words about their teacher.
The competition closes on 25 September 2009. To enter or see other ways to celebrate teachers this World Teachers’ Day, head towww.wacot.wa.edu.au
Horticulture plan grows
The Government has released four draft industry plans and invited feedback on the Plans to Support Industry Developmentreport for horticulture, grains, livestock and food for the next three years.
The draft plans identify some of the opportunities for industry and build on the priorities set out by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
The plans for horticulture, grains, livestock and food and a guide to making submissions are available on the Department’s websitewww.agric.wa.gov.au
Science strategy introduced
The Scitech Outer Metropolitan Strategy, which is part of Scitech’s Outreach program, has been introduced at Cecil Andrews Senior High School in Armadale with the aim of bolstering science education in Western Australian schools.
The strategy involves professional learning for teachers; the development of greater learning interest in science; and increased access to Scitech programs and initiatives at the high school and three primary schools.
Agreement in East Kimberley
The State Government and the Miriuwung Gajerrong people have reached agreement over an Aboriginal Development Package to significantly improve the traditional owners’ capacity to participate in the economic development of the East Kimberley region.
The package included Government expenditure of $12.5million over three years.
It will support Indigenous employment opportunities through local business development, local tenders, mentoring, vocational training and contract opportunities for indigenous businesses.
1 September, 2009
Brakes put on vehicle fleet
The Government vehicle fleet is to be reduced by 10 per cent in a bid to save $42 million over the next four years.Treasurer Troy Buswell said the cutback would reduce the number of Government-run vehicles from 11,772 to 10,607.
“The global financial crisis has put significant pressure on the finances of Government and families alike,” Mr Buswell said.
“Like many WA families feeling the pinch at the moment, this Government also needs to cut its cloth to suit the economic times.”
Forecasts of vehicle reductions across different Agencies indicate the fleet size of the Department of Health would decrease from 2220 at April 2009 to 1998 by 2012-13.
The Department of Environment and Conservation fleet would be reduced from 983 to 885 over the same period while the Water Corporation fleet would decrease from 976 to 878.
Under the scheme, which would commence immediately, vehicles would be sold through the weekly Government auction process when they finished their current lease term.
Agencies would determine which vehicles were surplus to their requirements and nominate them to be culled from their fleets at the end of their lease term.
The Treasurer said the fleet reduction strategy was part of the $1.1billion of savings measures over four years identified in the first stage of the Economic Audit.
“In order to ensure the State’s capacity to respond effectively is not compromised during emergency situations, the scheme will not affect frontline operational and emergency services vehicles,” he said.
Mr Buswell said agencies would provide regular updates on the reduction progress.
1 September, 2009
Warning system to
ring alarm bells
A new public warning system is on trial in the Bedfordale area to protect the community during emergencies such as bushfires and other disasters.The provision of an emergency warning system to alert local communities was one of the key recommendations of the Victorian Royal Commission’s interim report into this year’s tragic bushfires, which was released last week.
Police and Emergency Services Minister Rob Johnson said the StateAlert system would be trialled in the Bedfordale area, with more than 800 properties taking part to test the new telephone-based emergency warning system.
He said Western Australia was well ahead of the rest of the nation in developing an effective emergency warning system in preparation for this year’s bushfire season.
“While other States are still discussing the introduction of community warning systems, WA’s emergency services are well ahead of the pack in developing and operating a new warning system,” he said.
Mr Johnson said the trial of StateAlert would send a test message to a landline or mobile phone registered to households or buildings located within the test area.
“StateAlert has been developed by the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) and WA Police to help send potentially lifesaving warnings to communities where lives may be at risk from a rapidly developing emergency,” he said.
He said the new technology was just one of a range of tools used to warn the public and it would only be used for life-threatening emergencies and where there was sufficient time to send a warning.
The system includes reporting technology that would inform authorities on whether the messages were successfully sent and received, but authorities plan to obtain feedback from trial participants about the message information.
Mr Johnson acknowledged the support of the Federal Government in amending the Telecommunications Act to allow States’ access to the Integrated Public Number Database (IPND).
1 September, 2009
Police report fits the Bill
A report published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that police took action against almost 300,000 Australians in 2007-08.The study covers all States – except Western Australia!
Police proceeded against 295,600 alleged offenders during 2007-08, according to the first release of recorded crime offender statistics. This equated to 1,800 offenders per 100,000 people aged 10 years and over.
Recorded Crime - Offenders was a new publication that detailed the number and characteristics of alleged offenders aged 10 years and over for selected States and Territories, and it complements the existing ABS publications relating to victims, criminal courts and corrective services.
Young people (between 10-19 years) accounted for one-third (33 per cent) of all offenders proceeded against by police; the 15-19 age group had the highest offender rate for any age group (5,900 offenders per 100,000 people aged 15-19 years).
More than three-quarters of all offenders (78 per cent) were male.
Just more than a quarter (26 per cent) of offenders were proceeded against more than once during the year; 4 per cent of offenders were proceeded against five or more times.
The most common principal offences for offenders were: acts intended to cause injury (330 offenders per 100,000 people aged 10 years and over); public order offences (315 offenders per 100,000 people aged 10 years and over); and theft and related offences, and illicit drug offences (both at 240 offenders per 100,000 people aged 10 years and over).
Police initiated 303,000 court actions against alleged offenders during 2007-08.
More details are available in Recorded Crime - Offenders, Selected States and Territories, 2007-08 (cat. no. 4519.0) available for free download from the ABS web site www.abs.gov.au.
1 September, 2009
Standards watchdog
laps up new role
The Commissioner for Public Sector Standards, Ruth Shean has delegated her powers to oversee recruitment and appointment processes for Public Service chiefs to the Public Sector Commissioner, Mal Wauchope.In a statement Dr Shean said that because the roles of Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and Public Sector Commissioner were being amalgamated and she intended to continue to serve in the WA PS, a conflict could arise if she continued to be involved in selecting chief executives.
“I have given considerable thought to my future in the public sector,” Dr Shean said, “given that the position of Commissioner for Public Sector Standards will no longer exist.
“I wish to continue to serve the State Government of Western Australia (and) for me to do this in a senior capacity, it will be necessary for me to apply for suitable chief executive officer positions as they become vacant.”
She said overseeing the recruitment process for those positions and nominating suitable candidates to the Minister for Public Sector Management “would present a conflict.”
Dr Shean said she would continue to be involved in processing chief executive positions at the Department of Regional Development and Lands and the Department of Agriculture and Food which were already in her office but the delegation would take effect for future vacancies.
“I will continue to fulfil my other duties under the PSM Act and thePublic Interest Disclosure Act 2003, as specified,” she said.
1 September, 2009
Reports beat drum on
multicultural progress
The Office of Multicultural Interests in the Department for Communities has published two reports on the progress Departments and Agencies were making in meeting the needs of new citizens from Africa.Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister John Castrilli said humanitarian entrants were permanent visaed arrivals and were entitled to access all State services.
“We can be proud of Australia’s humanitarian program and it is important to see the potential of people as economic, social and cultural assets for WA,” he said.
The key areas of improvement identified in the reports included housing; education and training; health; mental health; and employment. The report also identified the need for Public Sector improvement incorporating greater coordination of Government services, improved data collection, cultural competency training, greater cultural diversity in Public Sector recruitment and language services.
Since 2000-01, WA has settled approximately 1200 humanitarian entrants annually. While African humanitarian entrants represented the majority of settlers in 2004-05, Mr Castrilli said the program now comprises equal allocations for the Africa, Asia and Middle-East regions.”
The reports, The Settlement Issues for African Humanitarian Entrants in Western Australia and Across Government Working Party on Settlement Issues for African Humanitarian Entrants, provide an opportunity for all Western Australians to understand how Agencies support the settlement of the new arrivals.
Mr Castrilli said in order to capture the momentum of these initiatives, the Federal Immigration and Citizenship Minister had agreed to re-establish the Interagency Settlement Group to improve coordination between Commonwealth and State Government departments. The group plans to meet three times a year and report to both Ministers annually.
Copies of the report are available on the website of the Office of Multicultural Interests at www.omi.wa.gov.au.
1 September, 2009
No flies on new
pest website
A new web-based resource containing information on Western Australia’s most common pests, diseases and weeds has been launched by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman.Speaking at the Dowerin Field Day, Mr Redman said the Common Regional Pests of Western Australia internet resource would be a good tool for the public to quickly compare observations or specimens with accurate, timely information and pictures to assist with the identification of pest, diseases and weeds.
“At the very least pests, diseases and weeds are a nuisance,” Mr Redman said. “At their worst they can cost the industry millions through loss of access to markets for agricultural produce, ruined crops, sick livestock, harvesting difficulties and land degradation.”
He said part of the battle against biosecurity threats involved knowing what was present and where, how far it had spread, what damage it could do and what you could do about it.
The Minister said the whole community had a role in helping to protect the State’s valuable agriculture industry, environment and lifestyle from biosecurity threats.
“Vigilance against pests, diseases and weeds is not the exclusive domain of farmers. It’s something the whole community can contribute to - and the internet is the best way to get the information out there,” Mr Redman said.
“This new resource will help people know which pests, weeds and diseases are already common in the regions, and to distinguish them from new or unusual biosecurity threats. I urge anyone who has the slightest concern about something unusual they have seen to visit the website and contact the department’s Pest and Disease Information Service on 1800 084 881.”
Common Regional Pests of Western Australia could be downloaded from www.agric.wa.gov.au
1 September, 2009
Transport researchers
get green light
A new research Centre for transport fuels and technologies has been officially launched at Murdoch University.Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said the Government’s $2.29million investment in the Centre for Research into Energy for Sustainable Transport (CREST) would enable Murdoch University to unite the State’s leading researchers in transport fuels and technologies.
“Today’s transport industry faces many challenges, particularly with regards to the development and delivery of alternative transport fuels and markets,” he said.
“The State Government is committed to fostering the development of new transport technologies, improving environmental efficiencies and sustainable productivity is one way of doing this.”
Minister for Commerce,Troy Buswell, who provided $2.29million to CREST through the Centres of Excellence in Science and Innovation Program, said transport currently accounted for 14 per cent of national Green House Gas emissions, the third largest sector.
“We need more sustainable transport solutions,” Mr Buswell said. “Through organisations like CREST, we can begin to make an important contribution to this critical change.”
He said the State Government’s partnership with CREST would meet the many challenges, both present and future, of providing energy for sustainable transport.
Mr O’Brien said CREST would also increase the State’s capacity in vehicle emissions testing and transport-related economic life-cycle analyses.
“This facility will provide more relevant, timely information to policy makers to help increase community and government participation in developing national transport policy and strategy,” he said.
1 September, 2009
Police unit in the firing line
A review of the WA Police Major Incident Group has been ordered as part of an exercise to improve operational efficiency.Assistant Commissioner (Specialist Crime) Nick Anticich said the review would examine the current role and functions of MIG - a large unit comprising detective and uniform officers that provided immediate response and quality management of major incidents across the metropolitan area.
Assistant Commissioner Anticich said the review would examine how to make best use of police resources. Its objective was greater operational effectiveness, not cost-cutting or reducing police numbers.
“What we certainly won’t be doing is reducing investigative or rapid response services in any way,” he said.
“We are looking to make sure that we are providing the best possible service delivery model taking into account what other units, squads and police districts provide.”
Assistant Commissioner Anticich said MIG officers had been informed and would be consulted as part of the review process.
Currently the MIG role included the initial response to major incidents such as homicides, serious and sexual assaults, armed robberies and sieges. MIG was formed 30 years ago and was formerly known as 79 Division.
The review is expected to be completed later this year.
1 September, 2009
Farmers reap new
climate strategy
A new strategy to help farmers in the North Eastern Agricultural Region respond to changes in climate is expected to improve the business of farming in the area.Launched by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman, the NEAR strategy would be particularly helpful for responding to the drought.
Mr Redman said the Government had committed an initial $1.75 million for the NEAR Strategy, resulting in more resilient family farm businesses.
“Farm profits really are at the mercy of the weather and the response to date from Governments on drought has been reactive, instead of focusing on preparation,” he said.
“The ideas behind this strategy originated in the community after several consecutive dry seasons. Farmers realised they needed access to more relevant information on weather conditions, more training and more knowledge about their local environment to be able to make decisions that will see them prepared for the tough times.”
He said the Department of Agriculture and Food, in consultation with the community and others including those from the environmental, farming, agribusiness and local government sectors, responded by developing the NEAR strategy.”
There were a number of projects to be implemented under the strategy to help farmers respond effectively to variable seasonal conditions.
“One of these involves a network of sites within the region from which localised weather data will be collected and interpreted to help farmers make informed decisions about crops and stock,” he said.
“Another project involves self-assessment tools and training to help manage seasonal variability and improve farm business management skills. There will also be a project to assist farmers to change their land use on poor soils and optimise good soils.”
He said the NEAR project would also be examining opportunities to share labour between mining and farming activities in the area and ways in which farmers could earn alternative income when the season would not deliver a profit. This could include leasing farm equipment like bulldozers and tractors to local Government and mining projects.
“The beauty of the NEAR project is that the data gathered from these projects in the Mid-West will be applied to farms in other low rainfall areas of the State,” Mr Redman said.
“The NEAR Strategy is about managing change and providing farmers with greater certainty about their future. In doing so, they will be able to make every hectare count - no matter what the season delivers.”
1 September, 2009
Indigenous reps
back on track
A Steering Committee led by Federal Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma has called for an independent Indigenous representative body to work with Government, industry and the community to achieve self-determination for Indigenous Australians.The Indigenous Steering Committee was commissioned by the Commonwealth Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, in December 2008 to undertake consultations and develop a model for a new national Indigenous representative body.
The Steering Committee’s report, Our future in our hands - creating a sustainable national representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, proposes an independent body be set up that contains an equal number of men and women in leadership roles and subject to strict ethical standards.
“This model is about a way forward,” Commissioner Calma said, “that is focused on the future and flexible enough to adapt to new or emerging priorities.
“What we are proposing today will be radically different from anything we have ever seen in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs. It will certainly not be ‘business as usual’.”
He said the new body should be a private company limited by guarantee and should be funded by the Australian Government on a recurrent basis for an initial five-year period, subject to negotiation thereafter.
Commissioner Calma said it should also be granted Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status to enable it to raise corporate support and donations.
Key components of the proposed body include a National Executive led by full-time male and female co-chairs; a National Congress that would be the primary accountability mechanism; an annual congress to set national policies and priorities; an Ethics Council; and an administrative or Executive Support Unit.
“We have proposed a body that will exhibit the highest standards of ethical conduct and will set a new benchmark for gender equality in national organisations – which all Australians can learn from,” Commissioner Calma said.
Ms Macklin welcomed the report and congratulated the Steering Committee and Commissioner Calma.
She said the Government would consider the report and respond appropriately.
“The proposed model sets a high benchmark for strong, responsible and strategic leadership,” Ms Macklin said.
“They have aimed to create a body which will build a clear vision for a positive future for Indigenous Australians, through research, policy development and advocacy.”
She said the Federal Government would be prepared to provide “modest and appropriate recurrent funding” for the body once it was established and would provide support in its establishment phase.
Ms Macklin said the new body “would not be an ATSIC.”
A copy of the report was available from www.humanrights.gov.au.
1 September, 2009
DEH shells out for
tortoise habitat
The Department of Environment and Conservation has prepared a site in a swamp as home for 30 endangered tortoises released from a breeding program at Perth Zoo.The Western Swamp Tortoises were released back into their former habitat at Moore River Nature Reserve, north of Perth.
Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher said the Department of Environment and Conservation had undertaken habitat modifications at the release site to improve conditions for the tortoises.
“The Western Swamp Tortoise is one of the world’s rarest tortoises and is Australia’s most endangered reptile,” Mrs Faragher said. Just 50 adult tortoises exist naturally in two locations in the Swan Valley.
“Since 1994, the Western Swamp Tortoise Recovery Team has made significant headway in increasing the numbers of the animals in the wild in Western Australia, but there is a long way to go to ensure the survival of the species,” she said.
“The tortoise did occur naturally in the Moore River but died out due to predation by feral animals and the onset of a drier climate in the past few decades. Rainfall levels this year have produced favourable conditions for their release.”
Prior to release the tortoises were weighed, measured and fitted with radio transmitters to ensure they could be monitored and tracked at the reserve.
DEC coordinates the recovery program in partnership with the Perth Zoo, the Natural Heritage Trust, the Perth Region Natural Resource Management Group, the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Friends of the Western Swamp Tortoise.
Recently, the Minister announced the allocation of $250,000 of NRM funding to continue tortoise recovery work.
“The Perth Zoo has run a successful breeding program since 1988 to produce more than 450 captive-bred tortoises for release into the wild,” she said.
“Since 1994, more than 400 individuals have been released with the oldest now reaching breeding age.”
Last year, 44 Western Swamp Tortoises were successfully released into Moore River Nature and Mogumber Nature Reserves.
1 September, 2009
Report opens doors on
retirement villages
A report into the laws covering retirement villages has been published by the Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll.Ms Driscoll said the 170-page draft report was the result of extensive research, widespread community consultation and a thorough review of existing legislation.
“During the preparation of the report nearly 300 submissions were received from various interest groups, and more than 900 people attended a series of large public meetings,” she said.
The report made numerous recommendations for change and the key areas were:
* the establishment of a seniors housing information and advice service to provide prospective residents and residents with independent advice on housing matters to seniors;
* the introduction of a power to remove “non-performing” managers of retirement villages and a power to appoint an administrator to manage a village where the wellbeing or financial security of residents is at risk;
* more time for prospective residents to consider information and a longer time for “cooling off” from contracts; mandatory reserve funds to enable retirement villages to be maintained in a reasonable condition; mandatory auditing of retirement village accounts;
* statutory regulation of increases in recurrent charges payable by residents;
* strengthening the effectiveness of residents’ committees; and
* strengthening the powers of the Commissioner for Consumer Protection, including a power to seek enforceable undertakings.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics forecasts that in 2051, 22.2 per cent (nearly a quarter) of Western Australia’s population would be aged more than 65.
This means that the proportion of the aged population in the State would effectively double in less than half a century.
The report found the retirement village industry appeared to be a growth industry and, with the ageing population, it was likely to continue to expand in the future.
The draft report was available from the Department of Commerce Consumer Protection website at www.commerce.wa.gov.au
The Government aims to amend the laws covering Retirement Villages in 2010.
1 September, 2009
Power boost for
energy supplies
A Strategic Energy Initiative has been developed to ensure the reliability and security of the State’s future energy needs.Unveiled by the Minister for Energy, Peter Collier, the Initiative would ensure a coordinated direction for the energy industry.
“When the Liberal-National Government took office last year, we were left with an energy sector that was in tatters because of a totally flawed disaggregation process - a legacy left by the previous Labor government,” he said, at the 9th Energy in Western Australia conference.
“In the three years prior to disaggregation, Western Power Corporation achieved a total profit before tax result of almost $1 billion.”
He said when his Government took office last year, it was left with the reality that a subsidy of $1.5billion would be required over three years to keep Verve Energy viable.
“In order to move the energy sector forward, we must address the failures of the previous Labor government and fix the fundamentals of reliability and energy security,” he said.
“Once we have the basics right, we can deliver a cleaner energy future through the development of renewable energy supplies and our commitment to the national target of 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020.”
One of the first major steps of delivering reliability and fixing the energy sector was to stem the haemorrhaging of Verve Energy, he said.
The Minister also announced at the conference that the Government would not remerge Verve and Synergy, following a review to identify the underlying causes of Verve Energy’s financial position.
“However, significant changes to the market rules and Vesting Contract will be required,” he said.
“The Government, on behalf of the taxpayers of Western Australia, cannot continue to subsidise Verve’s losses. Similarly, it is unacceptable that the State’s investment in Verve Energy has been significantly eroded since disaggregation.”
1 September, 2009
Offender scheme
breaks out in bush
The Department of Corrective Services has entered into a partnership with the City of Armadale to allow juvenile offenders in south-eastern Perth to perform bushland maintenance.The Department’s community work officers responsible for Maddington area teamed up with the City to acquire and modify a new trailer to carry gardening equipment for juvenile work parties.
Community Operations Assistant Commissioner Steve Robins said the trailer would allow young offenders from Armadale, Byford and Kelmscott to make a positive contribution to their local community by maintaining bushland.
“In the past, juveniles were mainly on rubbish-collecting duties but Maddington community work officers Peter Murphy and Brian Legen realised there was a lot of bushland maintenance work they could do,” he said.
“The pair put their case to the City for the trailer after proving juveniles could handle the gardening equipment.”
He said the City came to the party, agreeing to pay for the fuel, equipment and ongoing maintenance while a trailer was sourced from within the Department.
The City modified the trailer to accommodate an extensive range of equipment, including six whipper-snippers, a chainsaw, water pumps, rakes, shovels and pruning saws.
The new trailer would be used by the juvenile work parties to maintain bushland that could not be accessed by tractors.
The groups would also tidy up bush trails at various reserves throughout the City.
Assistant Commissioner Robins said community work allowed both juvenile and adult offenders to repay the community for their crimes, saving taxpayers money and allowing the offender to develop new skills to help them better reintegrate into society.
“The estimated value of unpaid work undertaken by offenders on community work orders is about $3.5 million every year,” he said.
City of Armadale Coordinator Parks Operations Anton Lees said the City had welcomed the opportunity to work with the Department on the trailer project and looked forward to developing further community work opportunities.
1 September, 2009
Grants injection
for health system
Special grants have been made to researchers in the State’s health system to encourage greater efficiency, realise cost savings and improve patient outcomes.Health Minister Kim Hames said the winners of the 2009 State Health Research Advisory Council’s (SHRAC) Research Translation Project funding would share in almost $2 million with grants varying from $90,000 to $195,000.
“The SHRAC awards are designed to promote forward thinking initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among WA Health employees,” Dr Hames said.
“This year we have 16 winning projects across a wide range of fields, each of which was considered a worthwhile investment for further research.”
He said a number of the winners were focusing on means of minimising hospital stays by adopting a variety of practices including decreasing re-admissions, Telehealth monitoring and palliative care.
A team of doctors from Royal Perth Hospital, led by Dr Allyson Browne and including Dr Sudhakar Rao and Dr Fiona Wood, were among this year’s winners. The team was investigating the implementation of a brief intervention program identifying severe trauma patients with harmful alcohol consumption habits and refers them for further help.
The brief intervention program aims to reduce the future financial strain on the health system from excessive alcohol consumption, giving patients an opportunity to be referred for treatment if necessary.
The Minister said other topics to be investigated by Research Translation Project winners included: improving electronic pre-operative patient assessment; up-skilling patients in self-management to reduce inpatient stay; reducing re-admission rates of coronary heart disease patients; enhancing Emergency Department triage of musculoskeletal patients; improving communicative ability of patients with traumatic brain injuries; community-based care for malignant pleural effusions; Telehealth research across the community; evaluation of rural/remote tertiary paediatric partnership program; improving patient blood management; regeneration of antibody columns used in kidney transplants; and evaluation of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the terminally ill in rural WA.
More information about the awards is available atwww.shrac.health.wa.gov.au
1 September, 2009
Unis in hard drive
for computer
A partnership between the CSIRO and Western Australia’s four universities is to see a world-class supercomputer built at Bentley Technology Park.Through the partnership known as iVEC, the Pawsey High Performance Computing Centre for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Science would house a supercomputer capable of performing computational science almost 55,000 times faster than a typical PC.
Minister for Commerce, Troy Buswell welcomed the Federal Government’s $80 million investment saying it would boost Western Australia’s existing capacity in high- speed computing, visualisation, data management and storage into a world-class capability.
“WA’s advanced computing specialist, iVEC, was established to provide key high performance computing support for the State’s research community,” he said.
“In the last four years the demands for iVEC’s services have grown to the point where they are working at full capacity; a significant outcome for this State Government-funded science infrastructure.”
He said the new centre would be instrumental in strengthening Australia and New Zealand’s bid to host the SKA as well as help to position the State as a high-performance computing hub.
The centre would be built next to the Australian Resources Research Centre in Perth on land owned by CSIRO using funds from the $160.5 million space and astronomy component of the Federal Government’s Super Science Initiative, which was announced in the 2009-10 Budget.
Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, said the centre would have a radio-astronomy focus and be closely linked with the leading-edge SKA project.
“The centre will go a long way towards demonstrating that Australia is ready to host the SKA,” Senator Carr said.
“It will also boost WA’s and Australia’s wider research credentials by supporting work in other data-intensive disciplines, including mineralogy and chemistry.”
The sparsely populated mid-west region of WA was one of two sites being considered to host the core of the SKA, the other was in Southern Africa. A decision was expected in 2012.
1 September, 2009
Commissioner apologises
The Commissioner of the Corruption and Crime Commission, Len Roberts-Smith, has apologised to a former senior officer of the Department of Conservation and Land Management, Mark Brabazon, for adverse mentions made about him in the Commission’s 2007 Smiths Beach report.
Mr Roberts-Smith said the Commission accepted the view of the Parliamentary Inspector that the reasoning and material in the report did not support the opinion expressed about Mr Brabazon.
Mr Brabazon had complained to the Parliamentary Inspector, Christopher Steytler over the matter.
Council staff for PSMP
The Department of Local Government and Regional Development is offering three scholarships for senior local Government officers to take part in the Public Sector Management Program.
The Local Government Scholarship Scheme provides funding for senior local government officers to develop management and leadership skills through this well regarded program.
Safety first in roads deal.
A two-year road safety partnership between Chevron and the Road Safety Council contains a number of initiatives based on the four cornerstones of the globally accepted “safe system” approach - safe drivers travelling in safe vehicles at safe speeds on safe roads and roadsides.
Initiatives include such things as utilising the Workplace Road Safety Toolbox for staff training and education; using Road Safety Council mass media materials throughout the workplace; providing education, training and information in accordance to the recommendations of the Office of Road Safety to ensure that all drivers are alert and safe; and coordinating with the Office of Road Safety and Main Roads WA in the development of safer roads and roadsides.
Academy wins funds
The South West Academy of Sport, the first regional sports academy in WA, is to benefit from a $136,000 grant from the Government, through its Royalties for Regions program.
Recent success stories included representation of the academy’s athletes at the Junior World Rowing Championships in France, Under 16 Australian Junior Basketball Championships in Tasmania and numerous School Sport Australia competitions.
Musician funding on-song
Talented indigenous musicians are encouraged to apply for a new scholarship supported by the Government.
The inaugural Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship, funded by the State governments of Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland, NSW and South Australia, would be administered by One Movement for Music Perth, chaired by Mark Grose, manager of ARIA-winner Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu.
Interested artists are invited to apply by sending a short biography, MP3 and photograph to info@onemovementmusic.com with AIMS Application and the artist’s name in the subject line.
Respite on way for disabled
People with disabilities have been invited, with their families and carers, to have their say on the location of two new respite centres; one in Perth’s northern suburbs and the other in the south-west metropolitan corridor.
Northern suburbs forums would be held in Joondalup on 22 and 24 September. Southern suburbs forums would be held in Warnbro on 8 September and Secret Harbour, 18 September.
People unable to attend the forums can give their feedback by calling 1800 996 214 between September 14 to 18 or emailingrespiteconsultations@dsc.wa.gov.au.
Dolls on show
An exhibition of vintage Barbie dolls is to be held at the Art Gallery of Western Australia as part of the doll’s 50th birthday celebrations.
The most valuable piece is a no. 1 1959 vintage boxed first edition Barbie, one of only two known to exist in Australia.
The collection on display at the Gallery will include Barbie and Ken, family and friends, carry cases, and licensed products such as records, games and beauty products.