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SearchArchives for August 2011
31 August, 2011
Industrial action to
push stalled pay talks
The Community and Public Sector Union is looking to take industrial action as its next step in progressing a stalled pay claim.
Branch Secretary of the Union, Karen Batt said a meeting last week failed to resolve the deadlock prompting the CPSU to exercise its rights under Federal law and apply to hold a ballot among members to take protected industrial action.
“While the Government is happy to legislate to backdate MP’s pay rises, there is no such offer or urgency when it comes to reaching Agreement on their workforces’ wages,” Ms Batt said.
“Our Victorian Public Service Agreement, with 14 other Agreements applying to Arts Institutions, Parks, VicSES, and Parliamentary Officers, amongst others, all expired eight weeks ago.”
She said the Government had informed the Union that it could not make an offer for maybe another 2 weeks and the CPSU would now exercise its right under Federal legislation and commence applications to take protected action (PABO).
“The Government has had this eight week period and longer to cost what their package was worth and should have done so,” Ms Batt said.
“Increasing the spending power of the Public Sector workforce at this time would actually help stimulate and grow the Victorian economy.”
More information on the pay campaign can be found on the CPSU website at this PS News link.
31 August, 2011
Ambulance Service
brought back to life
A new Board has been appointed to Ambulance Victoria to oversee a range of improvements to the service.
Minister for Health, David Davis said decisive action was being taken to deal with what he called “long-standing problems in Ambulance Victoria”, to benefit both metropolitan and country Victoria.
“A new board will be charged with the task of improving Ambulance Victoria’s performance across the State,” Mr Davis said.
“The new Ambulance Victoria board will bring the balance and mix of skills and experience needed.”
He said there had been serious financial and operational performance issues at Ambulance Victoria and there was a need to improve the State’s frontline ambulance service.
He said the changes would include spending $151 million over four years for 340 additional ambulance staff; introducing 10 MICA Single Responder Units for regional Victoria; building new ambulance stations; and halving the cost of ambulance membership.
Mr Davis said the release of data on patient transfer times between ambulance and hospital emergency departments as well as Hospital Early Warning System data, or mini bypass, would also be included in the reforms.
“Now the Government is ensuring that the new board of Ambulance Victoria has the right balance and mix of skills and experience to fix the problems within the organisation and prepare for the future,” he said.
“The new board will combine a keen understanding of health service management, financial acumen, insurance scheme management and knowledge of the unique challenges in country Victoria.”
31 August, 2011
Plans heat up for
bushfire week
A week of preparation and education in the lead-up to the summer bushfire season is to be held in November.
Fire Action Week is to be a State-wide campaign to ensure all Victorians understand the importance of bushfire preparation and planning and will run from 13 to 20 November.
Minister for Emergency Services, Peter Ryan said Fire Action Week would include a range of events put on by the fire agencies to promote bushfire preparation and planning.
“Victorians need to prepare for the upcoming fire season no matter where they live and take responsibility for their community and for themselves,” Mr Ryan said.
“Fire Action Week events will give people practical tips and advice on fire preparation and include many family-friendly events including CFA and MFB family days, fire planning days and other important education programs that will help people get on the front foot and understand fire risk.”
He said a comprehensive four month advertising campaign would also run during the high risk period to reinforce the message about preparing and planning for bushfires.
“The advertising campaign will feature print, radio, online, outdoor and television ads to help encourage a proactive approach to bushfire preparedness and keep Victorians safe this fire season,” he said.
“All communities and people who live, work or plan to holiday in areas of high bushfire risk need to be aware of the potential fire risks around them, think about how to prepare their properties, and to know what they would do in the event of an emergency.”
Victorian Fire Services Commissioner, Craig Lapsley said Fire Action Week was a whole-of-Government initiative that included a partnership with Local Councils and communities to ensure all Victorians were well prepared.
“Fires don’t just pose a threat to people who live in country Victoria, Mr Lapsley said.
“Bush and grass fires can place lives and property in jeopardy in suburban areas near parklands, presenting a threat to residents and visitors.”
31 August, 2011
IPAA names
good fellows
Public Servants from across Australia have been named National Fellows of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) at its 2011 National Conference held in Hobart last week.
Gerard Vaughan and Professor Peter Dawkins from the Victorian Public Service were among those honoured for their work.
Acknowledging the recipients of the awards, the National President of the Institute, Percy Allan, said each one had made an outstanding contribution to public administration.
“Australia is fortunate to have dedicated, talented and passionate public administrators at all levels of Government,” Mr Allan said, “and it is appropriate that IPAA – the professional association of the Public Sector – acknowledge and celebrate their achievements.
“To be made a National Fellow of the Institute is the highest accolade for IPAA members.”
Mr Allan said Mr Vaughan was the Director and Chief Executive of the National Gallery of Victoria and since his appointment had been responsible for redevelopment programs and increased fundraising from the private sector.
“When he came to the Gallery in 1999, capital totalled $9 million,” Mr Allan said.
“It’s now more than $94 million as the gallery celebrates its 150th year.”
He said the Vice Chancellor and President of Victoria University in Melbourne, Professor Dawkins was recognised for his key public role in the fields of teaching and research, management and leadership both in Australia and Britain.
He said Professor Dawkins was the former Secretary of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance.
“He has undertaken extensive research and published widely on economic and social issues especially relating to labour markets, human capital and education and training policy, as well as welfare to work issues and the economics of industry and innovation,” Mr Allan said.
He said all awardees had dedicated their careers to serving the public interest.
“The 2011 recipients join a pre-eminent group of leaders from across jurisdictions and agencies, who capably demonstrate the qualities and attributes required of the profession,” he said.
“These individuals have and have made a significant contribution to the work of IPAA.”
More information is available from this PS News link.
31 August, 2011
Privacy issues in
public forum
A free public forum on privacy issues is to be held tomorrow (1 September) to mark the 10th anniversary of the commencement of the Information Privacy Act 2000.
Privacy: Then and Now will feature an address by Paul Chadwick, Victoria’s first Privacy Commissioner and a panel discussion about the many privacy issues affecting the Victorian public sector and wider community since 1 September 2001.
Current Privacy Commissioner, Helen Versey said the Information Privacy Act was designed to give Victorians confidence that the personal information about them held by Government would be protected.
“The Act aims to balance the public interest in the free flow of information with the public interest in protecting the privacy of personal information,” Ms Versey said.
She said just after its commencement the world witnessed the attacks of 11 September 2001, events that set the scene for continuing privacy challenges.
She said those challenges tested the balancing act articulated in the Act, most recently in the Cybercrime legislation passed by the Australian House of Representatives.
“Add to this situation private and public sector privacy breaches, the phenomenal growth in social networking, increasingly powerful portable communication and storage devices and international media scandals and you have the ingredients for a robust and informative discussion,” Ms Versey said.
“Space is limited so registration is a must.”
Ms Versey said panelists would include former editor of The Age and inaugural Director of the Centre for Advanced Journalism at the University of Melbourne, Michael Gawenda; former Deputy Privacy Commissioner (NSW) and privacy consultant, Anna Johnston; privacy advocate and consultant Nigel Waters; Manage of Government Affairs at Microsoft Australia, Sassoon Grigorian; and Dr Bridget Bainbridge, who was involved in drafting the Information Privacy Act.
For more information including details about online registration, visit this PS News link.
31 August, 2011
Employers toolkit to
aid injured workers
WorkSafe Victoria has launched a new online toolkit for employers designed to assist injured workers return to work earlier.
Released as part of WorkSafe’s Return to Work, Return to Life campaign, the employers’ toolkit has templates, checklists and forms that can be customised to suit individual needs.
Director of the campaign, Dorothy Frost said it would be particularly useful for small to medium sized businesses and for those who did not have a lot of experience with workplace injury insurance claims.
“It’s very important employers understand and comply with their return to work obligations,” Ms Frost said.
“This toolkit provides everything they need to know.”
She said each year around 28,000 Victorian workers were seriously hurt and more than 3,000 did not return to work within six months of being injured.
She said in the past five years, nearly 150,000 Victorians had lodged compensation claims with WorkSafe, totalling more than $2.7 billion in treatment and rehabilitation costs.
“Obviously prevention is the best cure and more needs to be done to ensure as many of these injuries don’t happen, but for those workers who are injured on the job, getting back to work sooner is good for them and it’s good for business,” Ms Frost said.
“An early return to work reduces claim costs and keeps the cost of a business’s injury insurance premium down.”
She said medical evidence showed that the longer someone was off work, the harder it was for them to return and the greater the chance they would suffer adverse health effects.
“It’s important injured workers are given the best possible chance of getting back into the workplace,” she said.
“A successful return to work does not have to mean going straight back into full time work or the initial position that was originally held – it can be a gradual return, or a return to modified duties or even undertaking further training at work while the worker recovers.”
Ms Frost said WorkSafe was calling on businesses to submit their successful comeback stories in this year’s WorkSafe Awards, an initiative to encourage a progressive and proactive approach to helping injured workers return.
She said entries could be submitted at this PS News link and more information was available at this PS News link.
31 August, 2011
Stadium kicks goal
for Major Projects
Major Projects Victoria has been honoured with an award at the 2011 Australian Institute of Project Management Achievement Awards.
MPV’s work on Melbourne’s AAMI Park stadium was judged the best on a project over $100 million and received the award for construction and engineering.
Minister for Major Projects, Denis Napthine congratulated the MPV team for their management of the AAMI Park project.
“I am delighted that Major Projects Victoria has received industry acknowledgment for their work on what has fast become one of Australia’s most iconic sports stadiums,’ Dr Napthine said.
“A project of this scope and complexity could not have been delivered so successfully without a stellar project team behind it.
“Everyone involved in the project including Major Projects Victoria, Cox Architects, Arup, Norman Disney Young and Grocon can be very proud of what they have achieved in AAMI Park.”
Dr Napthine said the AIPM award was the seventh major award received by AAMI Park this year.
He said others included Master Builder of the Year Award (won by Grocon); the Commercial Building Over $80 million Award; The Victorian Architecture Medal; The William Wardell Award for Public Architecture; the Melbourne Prize; and the Colourbond Award for Steel Architecture.
31 August, 2011
Reviving old trains
is just the ticket
A study into the long term feasibility of returning passenger trains between some of Victoria’s largest cities has been announced by the Minister for Public Transport, Terry Mulder.
Mr Mulder said the study would focus on train services between Victoria’s second, third and fourth largest cities, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo (via Meredith, Maryborough and Castlemaine).
He said the study was being carried out with part of $2 million provided in the May Budget, and contracts had been awarded to a number of specialist consultants.
“This two year study is a key step in linking Geelong, Ballarat, Maryborough, Castlemaine and Bendigo by train,” Mr Mulder said.
“It is part of the Government’s plan to provide improved travel options for 400,000 residents in the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo areas.”
He said the consultants would examine existing and future passenger rail infrastructure including stations, passing loops and signalling, but local residents’ views would be important.
“We are examining a number of options to improve public transport in these regions – both in the short and long term,” Mr Mulder said.
He said the Department of Transport would work with Local Councils as part of the study to identify key challenges and priorities for communities in the region as the State’s rural population continued to grow.
“It is important that the study considers possible future development or changes to transport along the corridor,” he said.
“The extensive investigations will examine the feasibility of upgrading the rail line between Geelong and Ballarat and Castlemaine and Bendigo for regular passenger trains, and reopening the line between Maryborough and Castlemaine.”
Mr Mulder said the study would also examine the feasibility of reopening disused railway stations along the lines including Bannockburn, Lethbridge, Meredith, Lal Lal, Carisbrook and Newstead although there was already a commitment to reopening Clunes and Talbot stations.
“The study includes railway station inspections, cultural, heritage and environmental investigations, infrastructure assessments and public transport planning,” he said.
More information about the plans is available on this PS News link or by calling 1300 130 176.
31 August, 2011
Safe conclusions from
VMIA risk conference
A conference on risk management has been told that the biggest threat to an organisation’s online security was its workers.
Cyber crime expert, Craig Scroggie made the claim at the Second biennial risk conference of the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA).
The conference featured a range of Australian and overseas speakers, addressing the latest issues on current and emerging risk management topics.
Subjects canvassed at the conference included the proliferation of social media; risk communications in advertising; resource security; the risks of having staff in dangerous overseas assignments; and risks to patients in a clinical setting.
Speaking on online security, Mr Scroggie said cyber crime was a “faceless and silent threat” although the deepest fear felt by corporations from cyber attack was not financial loss but damage to reputation.
The conference was also told that possibly the most topical issue facing risk managers worldwide was the increasing number of natural catastrophes.
Member of the 2007 joint-Nobel Laureate Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr Evan Mills from US Department of Energy gave the keynote address saying climate change was the biggest global health threat of the 21st century.
Also addressing the global risk agenda, Fellow of the World Economic Forum, Gareth Shepherd, said risk management was not being appropriately delivered.
“Twentieth century systems are failing to manage 21st century risks,” Mr Shepherd said.
“The alternative? Repeated crises followed by knee-jerk action,”
Chief Executive Officer of VMIA, Steve Marshall said the VMIA was the ‘captive’ insurer for the State of Victoria and its assets.
“After our inaugural Risk Conference in 2009, this event is now firmly on the calendar for risk management professionals across the VPS,” Mr Marshall said.
“Importantly, the VMIA Risk Conference is another way we try to reduce the total cost of risk to the State of Victoria by bringing the public sector together and highlighting key risks.”
He said the next VMIA Risk Conference would be held in 2013.
More information about the conference is available from this PS News link.
31 August, 2011
TEENS program
turns 10
A Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB) program that encourages young people to drive safely has entered its 10th year.
Teaching, Enlightening, Encouraging and Nurturing Safe Drivers (TEENS) exposes Year 10 students to the reality of car crashes and their potential devastating consequences using lectures and role playing exercises drawn from real life crashes attended by MFB firefighters.
Chief Executive of MFB, Nick Easy said TEENS had proven consistently popular with local schools and the community.
Mr Easy said it added another layer to the overall road safety effort by demonstrating the harsh realities of a car crash to 15-year-old school students.
“All emergency service providers work to try to reduce the human cost of road crashes,” Mr Easy said.
“MFB firefighters too regularly have to attend the scene of a crash and witness first hand the devastation that is caused both to the vehicle occupants and the vehicle itself.”
He said TEENS illustrated the reality to children on the eve of them becoming drivers in an effort to instil better driving behaviour.
“We know new and young drivers are in a higher risk road user group and MFB wants to contribute to improving driving attitudes and the understanding of the associated risks,” Mr Easy said.
He said the program educated students through a realistic role-play scenario, which addressed the harsh and often shocking realities of teenage-related fatalities and injuries in car crashes.
He said MFB was keen to talk to road safety agencies about TEENS and gain their future involvement.
“MFB partners with road safety agencies including TAC, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and VicRoads on the Fit to Drive program and believes there could be potential to work with the road safety community to shape the TEENS program to contribute further to the overall safety effort,” Mr Easy said.
31 August, 2011
Chemical warning
to dissolve danger
Victoria’s fire services have issued a public safety message on what people should do in a chemical emergency.
They said that if someone was outside and smelled gas, saw a chemical explosion, or was downwind of a toxic plume, they needed to stay inside.
The message was delivered at Coode Island, 20 years to the day since the major chemical explosion that threatened the CBD and Melbourne’s inner west with a toxic cloud that lasted for two days.
Victoria’s Fire Commissioner, Craig Lapsley said the Coode Island explosion was the chemical emergency that loomed largest in the minds of Victorians.
“But the fact is a chemical emergency can happen anywhere, anytime, as the result of a fire, explosion or a chemical spill at a fixed site, or from a road or train accident,” Mr Lapsley said.
He said the new Shelter-in-Place approach was best-practice in chemical emergency management.
“Significant research conducted by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, the Country Fire Authority and ChemCentre has demonstrated that the best way to protect yourself in a chemical emergency is to shelter inside, shut all windows and doors and turn off any ventilation systems, and listen to emergency service broadcasts,” he said.
Chief Executive of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB), Nick Easy said evacuation was not the safest option when exposed to a short-term release of toxic chemicals.
“The fresh air inside a building can provide protection for several hours, therefore the shelter-in-place directive is the best response,” Mr Easy said.
“In an emergency, updates – through all the usual emergency services broadcasters – would be regular, and the public would be informed when it is safe to open windows and doors, or leave their home again.”
He said communication with the community was paramount in any emergency and the MFB would let it know, either directly through emergency workers knocking on doors or via the media, of the status of a chemical incident.
31 August, 2011
Young reporters
urged to report
Young writers under 24 have been encouraged to apply for a reporter’s job on the Department of Planning and Community Development’s Youthcentral website.
Minister for Youth Affairs, Ryan Smith said Victorian writers and bloggers between 16 and 24 would benefit greatly from Youthcentral’s Roving Reporter program.
“The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that young people have a say in our community and develop skills that will enable them to make the most out of their lives,” Mr Smith said.
“The Roving Reporter program provides young people an opportunity to learn how to research and write news articles.”
He said developing skills in communication, research, multimedia and information technology would help young people with their study or career opportunities.
“There are many benefits to being a Roving Reporter,” he said.
“Roving Reporters will be paid for their articles, develop an online writing portfolio and experience the world of professional journalism first-hand.”
Mr Smith said other benefits included having the opportunity to attend launches, expos, festivals and concerts.
“The Roving Reporters will contribute reviews, interviews and articles to the Victorian Government’s Youthcentral website on a regular basis,” he said.
“Youthcentral is designed for young people, by young people, and is a vehicle for youth to express their interests.”
He encouraged all keen and passionate young people to sign up to become part of youthcentral’s new Roving Reporter team.
He said Youthcentral boasted the most popular government website for young people, receiving 90,000 visits per month.
He said the program ran for 6 months and applications for the Roving Reporter program were open until 14 September 2011.
Forms and position details can be found at this PS News link.
31 August, 2011
Toolern floated as
water neutral
A new suburb of Melbourne is to be the first in Australia to be ‘water neutral’.
Minister for Water, Peter Walsh said the suburb of Toolern was expected to house 50,000 residents by 2030.
“These kinds of developments are the way of the future,” Mr Walsh said.
“Toolern will capture and re-use stormwater and recycled water to greatly reduce the suburb’s demand for potable water.”
He said it would be the first suburb in Victoria where a potable water substitution target was being included in its precinct structure plan.
“Homes in the new development will be supplied with Class A recycled water from the Surbiton Park Recycled Water Plant to flush toilets, water gardens and wash cars,” he said.
“Stormwater will be captured and held in wetlands for treatment and filtration before it is piped to Melton Reservoir for future reuse, such as irrigation within Toolern or in other parts of the region.”
Mr Walsh said the self-sustaining nature of the development was particularly important at that location as it was one of the lower rainfall areas of the State.
He said up to 3,500 megalitres of stormwater would be harvested in Toolern each year, with around 2,700 megalitres of recycled water supplied by Western Water to flush toilets and water gardens and outdoor spaces.
Managing Director of Western Water, John Wilkinson said the amount of water harvested at Toolern for reuse would be roughly equal to the amount of drinking water used by residents.
“Toolern will truly be a suburb of the future when it comes to water management, setting the standard for urban planning in Victoria in a time of climate change,” Mr Wilkinson said.
Mr Walsh said $50 million had been set aside to help fund projects which integrated the use of stormwater, recycled water and rainfall.
31 August, 2011
Weed crackdown
planted in regions
The Department of Primary Industries has announced a crackdown on gorse and blackberry plants in some regional areas to protect waterways.
Biosecurity Officer at DPI, Marchchtin Deering said gorse (Ulex europaeus) and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) were of particular concern in the Glenlyon, Lauriston, and Ashbourne areas.
“DPI will support these communities’ effort to protect valuable north central waterways,” Mr Deering said.
“DPI staff will inspect 120 properties and where required, issue directions notices to control gorse and blackberry.”
He said landowners had a legal responsibility to manage pest plants and animals on their property to ensure they did not adversely affect agricultural production on neighbouring farms or impact on the natural environment.
He said that where non-compliance for weed control occurred, penalties could apply.
“Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act (CaLP) 1994 landowners are liable for fines of up to $29,000,” Mr Deering said.
President of the Glenlyon Upper Loddon Landcare Group, Evan Davis said DPI was supporting local efforts to control gorse and blackberry.
“All members of the local community need to do their bit to help control gorse and blackberry and when this doesn’t occur DPI will step in,” Mr Davis said.
Mr Deering said DPI had received a clear message from the Glenlyon, Malmsbury and Ashbourne Landcare groups that they wanted the Department to enforce action on such species to bolster the community led effort.
More information is available from the DPI website this PS News link.
31 August, 2011
Double trouble for
public drunks
New laws that help reduce public drunkenness have now come into force.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien said changes to the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 and increased police powers had been introduced to impose tougher penalties on offenders and allow barring orders to help licensees tackle alcohol-related offences.
“Tougher penalties send a strong message to the community that drunkenness and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and the Victorian Government is empowering police and licensees with a range of deterrents to combat such behaviour,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The penalty for revellers who fail to leave a venue when drunk, violent or quarrelsome has doubled from $2,442 to more than $5,900, while drunk and disorderly behaviour will now result in an increased fine of more than $590 for a first offence, and more than $1,100 for a second and subsequent offence.”
He said barring orders under the new laws also gave licensees and police officers the power to bar patrons who were acting in an antisocial or threatening manner from entering or remaining in the venue for a set period of time.
“Drunk, violent and quarrelsome behaviour around Victoria’s licensed venues will simply not be tolerated,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Troublemakers and repeat offenders will pay a high price if they refuse to keep their drinking and behaviour in check.”
He said the Government was empowering police and licensees with as many enforcement tools as possible to tackle anti-social behaviour in and around licensed venues.
“We also want to ensure the laws keep troublesome patrons out of licensed venues after they have been ejected,” he said.
“It is now an offence to remain around a licensed venue when you have been refused entry or have been ejected.
“You will be breaking the law if you try to re-enter the venue within 24 hours.”
31 August, 2011
Women’s prison
in the pink
The Dame Phyllis Frost Centre women’s prison is to be expanded.
Minister for Corrections, Andrew McIntosh said the 84-bed expansion was part of a plan to deliver 500 new beds across the Victorian prison system.
“The Dame Phyllis Frost Centre extension will increase the Centre’s capacity to 344 beds, allowing greater focus on rehabilitation programs for women prisoners,” Mr McIntosh said.
“The expansion will add a two-storey block with 48 cells, and three house-style units to accommodate 12 prisoners each in a self-contained living environment.”
He said the prison would create local jobs during construction and full-time positions for prison staff.
He also said the principal contractor for the construction would be the APM Group and the principal architect was Perumal Pedavoli Architects.
“In addition to the extra 84 beds, the $21 million expansion will provide additional support facilities including an industries area, an extension to the prison kitchen and a new stores area,” Mr McIntosh said.
“When it is complete, this expansion will play a major role in catering for additional demand within the prison system.”
He said the prison delivered a range of programs to aid prisoner rehabilitation, including addressing and stopping offending behaviour; women’s mentoring; women’s integrated support; family support programs; and a mother and child program.
“Prisoners are also offered onsite and distance education, and integrated legal, financial and health services to aid with reintegration,” he said.
Mr McIntosh said that in 2010, 58 beds were added to the women’s prison system, 40 of which were at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, and 18 at Tarrengower, and earlier this year an 88-bed expansion opened at Marngoneet prison while a 40-bed expansion opened at the Beechworth Correctional Centre.
He said in 2012 an additional 85-bed unit would be completed at Port Phillip Prison and a 350-bed expansion of the Ararat Prison was due to become operational in early 2013.
31 August, 2011
And in Other News...
Fire entries open
Entries for the 2011 Fire Awareness Awards are now open.
Coordinated by Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB) and the Country Fire Authority(CFA), the awards have been running for over 17 years and recognise projects including safety, awareness, prevention, response and post-fire recovery.
The award categories include community; education; fire services; media; industry; design or construction; new and emerging technologies; as well as government and municipal.
Entries close 30 September 2011 and more information is available from the Fire Awareness Awards website.
Rail consortiums listed
Two consortiums have been shortlisted to deliver the next stage of the Regional Rail Link project from Southern Cross Station to Footscray.
Integrate Rail and Leighton Contractors, Downer EDI, SMEC & Mott MacDonald are in the running to deliver the country’s biggest public transport infrastructure project.
The two bidders have been invited to develop and submit fully costed proposals, with the final contract expected to be awarded next year.
Upgraded library opened
The redevelopment of the Deer Park Library has been officially opened.
Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell opened the facility saying it had study space for 80 students, 24 new computers with internet access and 4 new touch screen computers providing access to educational content.
She said the library was already attracting many new users with a 26 per cent increase in library visits and a 16 per cent jump in information requests joining an 86 per cent increase in wireless internet access compared to July 2010.
New sheep tags
New initiatives to increase the voluntary take up of electronic tagging of sheep have been announced.
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said a new deal had been signed to provide Victoria’s sheep and lamb producers with low-cost electronic tags.
$500,000 has also been allocated, matched by the Sheep and Goats Compensation Fund, to test the scanning of electronic sheep tags on a large scale.
Retail rules eased
Reforms to the definition of the ‘restricted retail’ zoning have been announced.
The changes will include a wider range of allowable retail types and are aimed at increasing economic development by removing red tape.
The proposed changes are supported by the Productivity Commission’s retail competition report issued earlier this month to provide Councils with an ability to consider each permit request on its merits.
24 August, 2011
IPAA leading with
leadership awards
Nominations are being called for the annual Leadership in the Public Sector Awards.
The Awards are conducted each year by the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) to recognise outstanding achievements and practices by teams and individuals in the PS.
They are open to State, Commonwealth, Local Government and community sector organisations delivering government services in Victoria and acknowledge leadership potential; commitment to excellence; and continuous improvement.
The awards are divided into six categories with presentations for Indigenous Employment; Innovation in People Development; Innovation in Policy Development; Innovation in Service Delivery; Leading the Way in Health, Safety and Wellbeing; and a Risk Management Award.
The Indigenous Employment Award recognises an initiative or program that has made a significant contribution to Indigenous employment within a work unit or organisation and will be chosen from nominations of individual Victorian public sector employees, teams or work units operating in Victoria.
Initiatives for Leading the Way in Health, Safety and Wellbeing will also be recognised with a focus on the application of the OHS leadership framework and the Risk Management award will recognise leadership in, and commitment to, the promotion of a culture of risk management in an organisation or unit and sharing that commitment with other areas of the PS.
Individual Departments and Agencies that develop their own OHS systems, key performance indicators, accountabilities and continuous improvement programs are encouraged to enter the awards but judges will be looking for proven excellence in the field.
Nominations for three innovation awards - People Development, Policy Development and Service Delivery - are also being sought.
IPAA will accept nominations until 31 October 2011 and the winners will be announced at a presentation in Queens Hall, Parliament House in early 2012.
More information, including nomination criteria and the necessary forms, is available from this PS News link.
24 August, 2011
Senior leaders
appointed
A number of changes at senior levels in the Victorian Public Service have been announced by the Premier, Ted Baillieu.
Mr Baillieu said Andrew Tongue had been appointed Secretary of the Department of Planning and Community Development, Richard Bolt the Secretary of Education and Early Childhood Development and Jeff Rosewarne, Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries.
Mr Baillieu welcomed the new appointments, saying the VPS had a proven record of professionalism and leadership.
He said Mr Tongue had enjoyed a distinguished career with the Commonwealth Public Service, most recently as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Mr Bolt had been the Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries since 2006 and held a strong record of public administration and policy reform and Mr Rosewarne had led the Department of Education Early Childhood and Development for most of the past year after serving as Deputy Secretary of the Department before that.
“I wish also to record my thanks on behalf of the Victorian Government to Yehudi Blacher, who is retiring from the position of Secretary of the Department of Planning and Community Development,” Mr Baillieu said.
“Mr Blacher has made a significant contribution to the Victorian Public Service over the last 30 years and made an important contribution to the State of Victoria.”
24 August, 2011
Women’s website to
beat discrimination
A new website has been launched to raise awareness about discrimination among young women.
Developed by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, the online tool My Work Rights can be accessed at www.myworkrights.com.au.
Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Helen Szoke said the tool was developed in response to research by the Commission which revealed that more than a third of Victorian young women had been discriminated against at work and a third had been sexually harassed.
“While we already knew that lots of young women encounter sexual harassment and discrimination at work, we were also worried by the fact that almost one in five didn’t know whether they had experienced discrimination,” Dr Szoke said, “which begs the question of whether they recognise discriminatory behavior.”
She said My Work Rights aimed to offer advice and information to support and guide young women who experienced sexual harassment, discrimination or victimisation at work.
She said the new tool used a range of methods (such as a ‘Fakebook’ profile, an animated instant message conversation, a graphic novel and an email exchange) to illustrate what harassment, discrimination and victimisation looked like.
“My Work Rights offers exactly the sort of advice you’d hope a parent or friend would offer a young woman who had experienced these incredibly harmful situations themselves,” Dr Szoke said.
“The tool is also available on Facebook and Twitter, and can be accessed on a range of smart phones and tablet devices, so that young women can access this information anywhere, anytime.”
For more information, visit the new website at this PS News link.
24 August, 2011
Cycling strategy
runs off the track
An audit of the Victorian Cycling Strategy has found ‘serious limitations’ in the development of cycling as an alternative means of transport.
In his report Developing Cycling as a Safe and Appealing Mode of Transport, Auditor-General Des Pearson found that the strategy was developed in haste in 2009 and suffered from an over-emphasis on physical infrastructure solutions with insufficient attention paid to public education, promotion and incentives to get people out of their cars.
The audit assessed the effectiveness of the Department of Transport and VicRoads in developing cycling as a safe and appealing mode of transport.
Mr Pearson said the strategy created a logical framework for action, however, serious limitations in its development and implementation compromised its potential to achieve its goal.
“The strategy was developed in haste without sufficient understanding of either current cycling journeys or what was required to ‘mainstream’ cycling as a form of transport,” he said.
“There was an overemphasis on physical infrastructure solutions, to the relative neglect of other measures essential to achieving the strategy’s goal, such as promoting cycling, educating potential cyclists and reducing the incentives to use cars.”
He said agencies were not well prepared to implement the strategy or evaluate its success, and the latest findings repeated past audit findings about the Department’s freight management strategy and metropolitan bus contracts.
Overall, the audit found cycling had become more popular, especially for travel around inner Melbourne, but it remained a minor rather than ‘mainstream’ mode of travel.
It found that in 2006, Victorians cycled for 1.6 per cent of their journeys and that compared unfavourably with shares of between 10 and 27 per cent for European countries.
He recommended improving the quality and developing more complete plans for implementing the strategy, better evaluation frameworks, better understanding of cyclists, more effective actions to ‘grow’ cycling and updated guidance on the construction and maintenance of shared bicycle paths.
The full audit and its recommendations can be accessed at this PS News link.
24 August, 2011
Watchdog rails against
railway plans
The Deputy Victorian Privacy Commissioner, Anthony Bendall, has questioned aspects of the proposed National Rail Safety Law and draft National Regulations.
Dr Bendall made his fears known in a submission to the National Transport Commission.
He said his concerns focused on the way in which the Federal Privacy Act was to apply; the prospect of Transport Safety Victoria being subject to both the Federal Privacy Act and the Victorian law; the lack of clarity as to whether the Australian Privacy Commissioner would regulate the scheme; and the fact that substantive privacy protections would largely be dependent on regulations made by the South Australian Governor in Council.
Dr Bendall said given the available time and resources he could not comment on all aspects of the proposal including the intended powers of the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) which would be empowered to collect and require information, enter premises, and search and seize property.
He noted the proposed powers were extensive and quite intrusive.
“The proposed privacy protection regime, however, is a cause for concern,” he said in his submission.
Dr Bendall said it was not clear to him whether the ONRSR would be an “agency” or an “organisation” as currently defined by the Privacy Act and there was concern that it may well not be subject to the jurisdiction of the Australian Privacy Commissioner.
He described as “problematic and confusing” the position of Transport Safety Victoria due to it retaining coverage of the Victorian tram network.
He said the organisation would effectively be subject to both the Commonwealth Privacy Act (in relation to its functions under the proposed NRSL) and the Information Privacy Act (for its residual functions under Victorian legislation).
“I am particularly concerned that the proposed process appears to directly affect the privacy rights of Victorians without any scrutiny at all by the Victorian Parliament,” he said.
Dr Bendall was also concerned that privacy protections contained within the Privacy Act could be reduced by regulation.
“Provisions that reduce privacy protections contained within the Privacy Act should be made via legislation, and not left to regulations,” the Acting privacy Commissioner said, “particularly as they will directly affect the privacy rights afforded to individuals.”
Dr Bendall’s submission can be accessed at this PS News link.
24 August, 2011
Rail investigation
builds up steam
A decision by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to investigate the northeast rail line between Melbourne, Albury and Sydney has been welcomed by the Minister for Public Transport, Terry Mulder.
Mr Mulder said that in July 2010, he had written to the Australian Parliament’s Joint Committee on Public Accounts and Audit requesting an audit of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) due to “numerous problems” with the national standard gauge rail line between Seymour and Albury.
He said his request was refused.
“The Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese has now belatedly agreed to this inquiry,” Mr Mulder said.
“After ongoing problems with the condition of the track and two concerning incidents involving passenger trains in the past month, it is of the utmost importance that ATSB gets to the bottom of these important issues.”
He said the ARTC had been working on a $612 million upgrade since late 2008.
“Problems including the poor standard of track works and recent safety issues need to be addressed quickly so northeast Victorians are assured their passenger trains are operating to an acceptable standard,” Mr Mulder said.
“The Government is committed to ensuring that passengers travelling between Melbourne and Sydney can travel on consistently reliable and safe trains.”
He said the ATSB would investigate the operational condition of the interstate rail track and measures being put in place to maintain the safety of rail operations where track quality was below acceptable operational standards; actions undertaken to remediate the track; safeworking practices in relation to the track; and a systemic review of safety systems.
24 August, 2011
Biotech audit shows
interest in investment
An audit of the Department of Business and Innovation’s investments in the biotechnology sector over the past 10 years has found it to have delivered a range of world class facilities and technology platforms.
It also found however that there were shortcomings in the Department’s approach to targeting the investments and gaps in its approach to measuring benefits and monitoring performance.
In his report Biotechnology in Victoria: the Public Sector’s Investment, Auditor-General Des Pearson said that as a result of the shortcomings, DBI was unable to demonstrate a ‘cause and effect’ relationship between its investments and the results achieved in the sector.
Mr Pearson said DBI had publicly reported that of the 16 high-level strategic goals and targets the Government set for the biotechnology sector over the past decade, 10 had been met and adequate progress had been made towards targets not yet fully met.
He said the Department’s administrative focus for the sector was also mainly on grant and contract compliance.
“Though useful in its own right, this focus does not produce performance data about whether the strategic aims of the public sector’s investment in the biotechnology sector are being delivered,” he said.
The audit found that between 1999 and the end of the 2011 financial year, Victoria had invested $3.442 billion of public funds in the science, technology and innovation (STI) sector and the biotechnology sector, which was a part of it, had received $722 million.
He said the outcomes of the investment needed to be progressively measured and assessed so lessons could be learned.
The audit also examined a number of other public sector Agencies including the Australian Synchrotron Company Limited; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute (and its parent institution, the University of Melbourne); and Melbourne Health (as the responsible entity for the BioGrid project).
It found the primary focus of DBI’s performance measurement was monitoring the impact of short-term stimulatory activity in the sector, without enough attention to the delivery of longer-term and strategic benefits.
“It is now timely for DBI to address these issues so that progressive assurance can be provided that its portfolio of investments in biotechnology is both targeted to where it is needed and is achieving its intended purpose,” Mr Pearson said.
“Further, because there are no measures or targets that could be used as a benchmark against other leading international biotechnology locations, it is not possible to conclude on the aspirational goal that Victoria is, or will be, ‘one of the world’s top five biotechnology locations’.”
The Auditor-General’s full report can be accessed at this PS News link.
24 August, 2011
Councils get handle
on Cup Day options
Sixteen regional Councils have requested alternative public holidays to Melbourne Cup Day.
The Councils were responding to an invitation from the Government to choose public holiday arrangements that best suited their local communities instead of Melbourne Cup Day which could have limited relevance to some.
Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business, Louise Asher said the local arrangements in the 16 communities meant they could celebrate their own race days or use the holiday to in association with agricultural shows.
She said the regional Councils had been unable to adopt local arrangements for public holidays since 2008.
“(The) one-size-fits-all approach meant that many local agricultural and pastoral shows and regional race days missed out on attendances and valuable turnover because regional Councils were forced to recognise only one regional event at the expense of others, or none at all if a Council decided only to recognise Melbourne Cup Day,” Ms Asher said.
She said the amendment to the Public Holidays Act 1993 now provided regional Councils the opportunity to request either one whole day or two half-day public holidays as a substitute for Melbourne Cup Day.
She said those arrangements could apply to the whole, or part, of a municipality.
“Business owners in particular will benefit from the alternative arrangements made by regional Councils,” Ms Asher said.
“As well as a means of showcasing local produce, skills and enterprise and providing networking opportunities for many small farming and family businesses, the gazetted arrangements also mean business owners can actively participate in agricultural and pastoral shows as organisers, committee members, volunteers and attendees.”
She said Melbourne Cup Day continued to be the automatic default public holiday, which meant all Victorians could continue to enjoy the same number of public holidays each year, regardless of whether they lived in regional Victoria or metropolitan Melbourne.
A list of the regional holidays can be seen at this PS News link.
24 August, 2011
Councils pick up
on Litter Officers
Nine new Litter Prevention Officers are to be employed by local Councils across Victoria.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith said more than $1 million would be contributed towards the initiative by the State Government.
“Nine local councils across Victoria will receive funding to employ a dedicated Litter Prevention Officer who will develop and implement highly targeted programs designed to minimise litter in their area,” Mr Smith said.
“Funding for the Litter Prevention Officers Program has been allocated from landfill levy funds and will make a valuable contribution toward reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill.”
He said the Litter Prevention Officers would lead education, capacity building and enforcement activities at a local level and would encourage communities to take practical measures to reduce litter.
He said measures to be used by the Councils included issuing fines and direct enforcement; patrolling known rubbish hot spots; and educating business and the wider community on best practice waste disposal.
Mr Smith said the locations to recruit a Litter Prevention Officer were Bass Coast/Sth Gippsland Regional Waste Management Group; Dandenong; Darebin; Kingston; Manningham; Melton; Mildura; Northern Grampians/Ararat/Horsham/ Yarriambiack/Regional Waste Management Group; and Wellington/East Gippsland.
For more details or to apply to become a Litter Prevention Officer visit this PS News link.
24 August, 2011
Fire trucks fired up
for road testing
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has completed its road tests on a range of fire fighting vehicles.
Manager of the project for DSE, Hanut Singh Dodd said that when staff set out on the road to test a range of fire fighting vehicles, they wanted to trial them in different terrain but didn’t think they would end up having to dig them out of the snow.
Mr Dodd said in the past two months about 10 fire fighting vehicles, including some borrowed from interstate fire agencies, had been travelling around the state as part of DSE’s strategic vehicle review.
He said in Daylesford the convoy was checked out by representatives from the interstate fire agencies the tankers were borrowed from, including Tasmanian, Western Australian and South Australian fire agencies
He said it was a great opportunity to share DSE’s findings on how the vehicles performed and which configurations suited the varying terrains, conditions and tasks.
Mr Dodd said staff from DSE and Parks Victoria put the vehicles through their paces in sandy deserts in Mildura, rocky creek beds and heavily vegetated mountains in Erica, snow in Tallangatta, lots of mud in Bairnsdale, around suburban areas in the Dandenongs and in steep 4x4 conditions in the Grampians.
“While I wouldn’t call digging the vehicles out of the snow in Tallangatta a highlight, covering so much of the State was really valuable,” Mr Dodd said.
“It allowed us to meet so many people with good ideas and so much to contribute.”
He said the borrowed tankers would now be returned to their home towns including Hobart, Albany in Western Australia, and Booleroo Centre near Port Pirie in South Australia.
The next stage of the strategic vehicle review was to put all the collected ideas together, prepare a report and build a prototype vehicle.
“Then there is more testing and fine tuning before we can put a final design into production and onto the road,” Mr Dodd said.
24 August, 2011
Beauty pageants look
good to Commissioner
The Child Safety Commissioner, Bernie Geary has given the thumbs up to a children’s beauty pageant after attending at the request of the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Wendy Lovell.
Ms Lovell asked the Commissioner to monitor the event in light of Government and community concern.
Ms Lovell said she believed both the Commissioner’s participation in a meeting with event organisers and at the pageant itself was important in ensuring that those concerned about the event could be confident that children’s safety and well-being was being suitably monitored.
After attending the pageant Mr Geary said that although it wasn’t to his personal taste he didn’t see anything sinister, unsafe or degrading during his visit.
“In my opinion we should be vigilant around children’s pageants, simply because they are based on a perception of competitive beauty and personal appearance,” Mr Geary said
Ms Lovell said she was happy with the Commissioner’s response.
“Mr Geary said his overall impression of the pageant was one of people having fun, and that while many of the children seemed overawed, there was no dynamic or unsafe or coercive practice,” she said.
“Mr Geary agrees with the Government that we should remain vigilant about such pageants and I have thanked him for his efforts on behalf of the Victorian Government.”
She said Mr Geary’s response to the event justified the State Government’s approach.
“I have said all along that while I would not personally enter a child in a pageant, we have to trust parents to do the right thing for their children, and Mr Geary’s report to me supports that stance,” Ms Lovell said.
24 August, 2011
Online tools a job
lot for bosses
A suite of online tools to help employers understand their obligations under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 has been released by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
Under the Act, employers have a positive duty to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation in the workplace as far as possible.
The Commission said the new Right Smart Employers tools were aimed at small to medium employers.
It said the interactive resources included a self-audit tool, which would allow employers to assess their equal opportunity compliance and identify where they needed to do more and what could help them fill the gaps.
The tools also included a series of downloadable information resources and policy templates to assist employers manage specific employment issues.
Among the templates were ones that centred on issues of sexual harassment; disability and work; pregnancy and work; mature-age workers; and returning to work after injury or illness.
The Commission said the templates, along with a number of other tools available on the website, would assist employers and organisations to work through issues while ensuring they complied with the Equal Opportunity Act and did not infringe on the rights of their employees.
It said that more information about the Right Smart Employers tools could be accessed at this PS News link.
24 August, 2011
Out of work workers
wanting to work
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that two out of every five Victorian adults not in the workforce would like to have a job.
According to the Bureau, as of December 2010, 41 per cent (250,400) of Victorians not in the labour force (and not on long-term unpaid leave), would like to return to work or start working for the first time.
The ABS found that the availability of flexible working arrangements was a key requirement for a majority of people, with 83 per cent saying they would like to ensure work fitted in with family and social commitments.
It also found that part-time work or job-sharing was the flexible working arrangement preferred by 49 per cent of respondents; that 26 per cent wanted flexible start and finish times; 24 per cent would like to have more convenient access to the workplace (including working from home); and 18 per cent said they needed appropriate child care facilities.
The most commonly reported reasons for not seeking work included personal ill health, disability, injury, pregnancy or to have children.
The bureau also reported a number of other reasons given which included being engaged in studies, caring for others, or believing no work was available.
According to the figures, the proportions of people who wanted to work were similar for men and women.
It found that overall the highest proportion of people wanting to return to or start work were 18 to 24 although for women, the most enthusiastic age group was 35 to 44.
It also found the older age group (55 and over) the least likely to want to return to or start work with 15 per cent of men and 16 per cent of women happy to be without work.
The report Workforce Participation and Workplace Flexibility can be accessed at this PS News link.
24 August, 2011
Firefighters warm to
recruitment drive
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria have launched a recruiting drive for seasonal project firefighters.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith encouraged the community to apply.
“The Victorian Government is putting the call out to people all over the State to apply to be a project firefighter with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria,” Mr Smith said.
“More than 600 firefighters will be employed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria over the warmer months to complement the contingent of approximately 2,000 staff with accredited fire roles.”
He said the new recruits would be stationed at 81 locations across the State, stretching from Hattah in the far north-west to Wilsons Promontory in the south-east.
“These firefighters will be at the frontline of protecting Victorians from bushfires in the State’s parks and forests,” he said.
“Earlier this year, 123 permanent firefighters were employed to assist with year-round fire prevention works such as planned burns, slashing and maintenance of fuel breaks.”
Mr Smith said the first intake of project firefighters would commence in October to help with planned burn operations and other vital preparation work ahead of the fire season.
“Being a project firefighter is an exciting and rewarding job and I encourage interested people to apply,” he said.
“We’re looking for people who are fit and healthy; hold a current driver licence and, more than anything, are keen to help protect communities from bushfire.”
He said applications were being sought in a number of categories including firefighters, machine operators, hover exit crews and rappel crews.
Successful recruits would undertake firefighting training conducted by experienced DSE and Parks Victoria fire personnel.
For more information, or to apply online visit this PS News link.
24 August, 2011
New website shines on
Neighbourhood Watch
A new, user-friendly website has been launched by Neighbourhood Watch.
Minister for Crime Prevention, Andrew McIntosh said the new website would be more user-friendly and enhanced a commitment to community safety.
“Today marks a new era for Neighbourhood Watch as it strengthens its communication and connection with Victorians through the launch of this new website,” Mr McIntosh said.
“Visitors to the website will be able to customise their experience through the site’s interactive functions.”
He said the website was designed to be flexible and cater to specific needs and provided a new platform for Neighbourhood Watch, the public and the Government to be more responsive to community safety needs.
He said it provided new functions for users and access to virtual tours; a link to ‘My Place’, with the latest regional crime statistics from Victoria Police; online forms for becoming a Neighbourhood Watch volunteer; interactive polls for users concerning home security and personal safety.
Mr McIntosh said it also included all Neighbourhood Watch publications; a news feed for State-wide police and Local Government activities; and direct links with Facebook.
“This site will allow all volunteers across the State to ensure the organisation continues its important work preventing crime,” he said.
“More importantly, it takes Neighbourhood Watch into every household in Victoria.”
Mr McIntosh said Victoria had more than 1,000 Neighbourhood Watch areas that serviced close to 1 million households and an estimated 2.8 million Victorians – almost half of the State’s population – lived in Neighbourhood Watch areas.
The new site can be visited at this PS News link.
24 August, 2011
DPI plants seeds of
weed campaign
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has launched a crackdown on the serrated tussock weed in the Shire of Melton.
Leader of DPI Biosecurity for the area, Chelsea Wardrope said serrated tussock was of concern to the local community and the Department would use its enforcement powers to support their efforts to control the weed and Melton Shire Council’s Environmental Enhancement Policy.
“Officers from DPI will inspect Melton properties for serrated tussock and when the weed is found a Directions Notice will be issued to the landowner,” Ms Wardrope said.
“Landowners issued with a Directions Notice must control serrated tussock prior to flowering in spring.”
She said landowners had a legal responsibility to manage pest plants and animals on their property to ensure they did not adversely affect agricultural production on neighbouring farms or impact on the natural environment.
She said where non-compliance for pest control occurred, penalties could apply.
“Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 landowners are liable for fines up to $29,000,” Ms Wardrope said.
Mayor of Melton Shire Council, Justin Mammarella said the Council was working in partnership with landowners to enhance and protect the local environment.
“Melton Shire Council provides financial incentives to landowners to control invasive plants and animals on their property through rate rebates,” Cr Mammarella said.
“For this program to be effective, all members of the local community need to do their bit to help control serrated tussock and be mindful that when this doesn’t occur DPI will step in.”
Ms Wardrope said the community had made it clear that they wanted DPI to bolster community-led efforts by enforcing action against priority species such as serrated tussock.
More information about the weed is available from this PS News link.
24 August, 2011
And in Other News...
MP pay pegged
Increases in State MPs’ salaries are to be linked to the Government’s PS wages policy of 2.5 per cent per year.
Premier Ted Baillieu announced the move saying it was to ensure MPs’ wages reflected the base increase for other State employees such as teachers, nurses and police officers.
He said to do so, the Government would reject a finding of the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal which determined a 3 per cent payrise for Federal MPs which would normally apply to Victorian representatives.
Prom campsites reopen
Campsites at Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory National Park are to reopen in September.
The sites have been closed since the devastating flash floods that caused widespread damage across the park earlier this year.
The Tidal River village will reopen for camping and visitors from 23 September, in time for the school holidays with 250 camping spots, some roofed cabin accommodation and the Visitor Centre to be made available.
Camping and accommodation bookings for the September to December period this year have been open from Monday 22 August with bookings for 2012 to open on 7 September.
Tenancy conditions improved
Victorians living in residential and caravan parks will have improved protections under changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 coming into effect next month.
Under the changes, tenants will receive 365 days notice of termination in some cases; have all charges explained in writing; have 20 days to consider them; and receive a copy of all park rules.
Other changes include increasing VCAT’s jurisdiction from $10,000 to $100,000; limiting a site tenant’s liability to no more than 12 months’ rent; introducing a five-year minimum site agreement for new parks; clarifying rights when a dwelling is being sold; and ensuring the right to participate in residents’ committees.
Skills competition
A competition asking participants to share, in words or video, what job they’d love to have and why has been launched by Skills Victoria..
Entrants could win two tickets to the 2011 AFL Grand Final.
Organisations that provide training and the public will be able to post comments on each entry in the competition galleries.
Entries close Friday 23 September and more information is available from this PS News link.
Cranbourne plan approved
The new Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) for Cranbourne North has been approved.
The second and final stage of planning for the precinct will provide for a new community of 5,600 people on 190 hectares at the corner of Berwick-Cranbourne Road and Thompsons Road.
The PSP includes a local town centre; a primary school and kindergarten sports oval; a series of wetlands; local parks and trails linking residents across the new suburb.
Flood grants extended
Flood-affected primary producers and small businesses have been given an extra five months to apply for vital flood support
The Government has extended the deadline for applications for concessional loans of up to $200,000 and $25,000 clean up and restoration grants to 31 December.
The extended date will align with the cut-off for applications for Exceptional Disaster Assistance, or Category D, loans.
More information can be obtained from this PS News link.
17 August, 2011
Waste funding lends
weight to waste
Waste management by Local Councils is to receive boost with an injection of funds from the landfill levy.
Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith has announced that the Metropolitan Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery Fund is to receive $5.5 million from the levy which will go towards better waste and resource recovery in metropolitan Melbourne.
Mr Smith said the funding would support implementation of the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Strategic Plan.
“Funding of $5.5 million will go a long way to help metropolitan Councils implement key initiatives,” Mr Smith said.
Chair of the Metropolitan Waste Management Group, Heinz Kreutz welcomed the announcement at a meeting of the Metropolitan Local Government Waste Forum.
Cr Kreutz said the Group had legislated responsibility to work with the 30 metropolitan Councils, covering the area where 70 per cent of Victoria’s waste was generated.
He said it was important that Councils be supported in their efforts to promote recycling and reduce a reliance on landfill.
“The Metropolitan Waste Management Group will work closely with Local Government to help identify practical projects that will enable Councils to tackle waste reduction and improved resource recovery in their communities,” Cr Kreutz said.
“We are also pleased to be advised that increased funding is being provided to improve the capacity of the Metropolitan Waste Management Group (MWMG) to support coordination of local government’s waste management and resource recovery activities.”
The Minister said the additional funding would help build Local Government capacity to offer more affordable and sustainable waste services to communities.
17 August, 2011
Justice in toast to
alcohol website
The Department of Justice has announced a new website for Responsible Alcohol Victoria.
The Department said the new website would deliver easier access to information about the liquor industry.
It said the liquor industry was a major industry in Victoria which included restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, motels, gaming venues, resorts, wineries and packaged liquor retailers.
It said the new website was based on recommendations from a usability study involving liquor industry representatives and one of the aims was to provide simpler navigation making it easier to find key information.
The Department said other features on the site included interactive Google maps that allowed people to find the nearest registered training organisation, liquor licensing accord or designated area; a new ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ functionality; and a new capability to search for liquor licence applications by business name or postcode.
It said a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a liquor licence was also among the features of the new site.
It said Responsible Alcohol Victoria coordinated and administrated the liquor licensing system; regulated the alcohol industry through risk-based compliance activities; and provided guidance across the Victorian Government on alcohol policy reform.
The Department said one of the key activities of the organisation was also to assist licensees to achieve increased compliance through the provision of quality education, information, service and support.
It said Responsible Alcohol Victoria aimed to work with a range of stakeholders to ensure a safe and vibrant liquor industry.
More information about Responsible Alcohol Victoria can be obtained from its new website at this PS News link.
17 August, 2011
Smalltalk program
is loud and clear
A new program that assists parents teach their under-three-year-olds to talk has been officially launched by the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Wendy Lovell.
Ms Lovell said the world-leading ‘smalltalk’ research project was already helping 500 families.
She said the $8.9 million study would provide assistance and guidance to about 2,000 families through specially-developed materials to develop a child’s social, interpersonal and literacy skills.
She said ‘smalltalk’ recognised that parents were a child’s first and most important teachers and the program was delivered through supported playgroups, parent groups and in-home coaching sessions.
Ms Lovell said it encouraged many of the things parents already did naturally with babies and toddlers like playing games and reading books.
She said the project would make a significant contribution to the international knowledge base on early childhood development.
“This is another example of how Victoria is taking the lead on early childhood development, both in Australia and internationally,” Ms Lovell said.
“What we achieve through this study will help guide service development here in Victoria, in Australia and in other countries, providing new ways to promote children’s learning at home.”
She said the ‘smalltalk’ project was being led by the Parenting Research Centre, with support from Local Councils, Child and Family Services in the Ballarat area, Glastonbury Community Services in Geelong, Colac and Corangamite and Good Beginnings in Latrobe and Casey.
She said 21 Local Councils had signed up to participate, with the Cities of Casey, Greater Geelong and Greater Shepparton the most recent additions.
“Smalltalk is just one way the Victorian Government is showing its commitment to supporting parents in the crucial early years of a child’s life,” the Minister said.
More information is available from this PS News link.
17 August, 2011
Economic report is
an affair of the Art
A consultants’ report for Arts Victoria has revealed that live music performers and venues contribute more than half a billion dollars to the State economy each year.
Premier and Minister for the Arts, Ted Baillieu said the consultants’ report was the first comprehensive assessment of the social, economic and cultural contribution of venue-based live music to Victoria.
“Melbourne has more live music venues than any other Australian city and Victorians are passionate about live music, with around 5.4 million attendees at Victorian venues in 2009/10 – outstripping even the AFL,” Mr Baillieu said.
“Last year thousands of people took to the streets of Melbourne and the steps of Parliament to support Melbourne’s unique live music scene and because of their passionate belief in the importance of live music to our city and our communities.”
He said the research looked specifically at the impact of live music performance in pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants throughout Melbourne and Victoria, and included surveys of patrons, venues, performers and consultation with other industry stakeholders.
The report found that the venue-based live music sector contributed around $500 million annually to the Victorian economy; created the equivalent of 17,200 full-time jobs; provided almost 70 per cent of live performance income for Victorian musicians; and played a crucial role in incubating talent and developing and establishing musicians’ careers.
“This report supports Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s live music heartland, with a robust live music scene that presents around 3,000 performances per week, an average of three nights a week per venue,” Mr Baillieu said.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien welcomed the report’s finding that there was no publicly available evidence that live music lead to a greater risk of anti-social behaviour.
“The regulation of liquor must be balanced to ensure that alcohol-related harm is minimised while promoting a vibrant and diverse hospitality and entertainment industry,” Mr O’Brien said.
“As this research shows, live music is an important part of Victoria’s social and cultural fabric.”
He said the Government was committed to reforming liquor licensing laws and policies to ensure the continuing viability and vitality of the live music industry.
The full report is available at this PS News link.
17 August, 2011
Police to drive
transport blitz
Victoria Police have launched a three-week safety blitz across all areas of the State’s public transport system.
Operation Safe Travel will see a focus on drugs, alcohol, anti-social behaviour, theft and other crime across the train, tram and bus network.
Commander of the Operations Support Department, Assistant Commissioner Andrew Crisp said police from the Operations Response Unit and Dog Squad would join transit safety police as part of the operation.
Assistant Commissioner Crisp said the nine operations which formed part of the three-week blitz included a Friday and Saturday night crackdown on trouble makers; targeting illegal sales of alcohol to young people in public transport areas; and a weapons search operation.
He said a Detection Dog operation targeting illicit drugs and a high visibility police presence would also feature.
He said the operation aimed to send a strong message to those who committed crimes or behaved poorly on public transport.
“This operation builds on the work police and our partners are doing every day on the public transport system,” Assistant Commissioner Crisp said.
“Over the next three weeks our police will be working across all areas of the public transport system – from Melbourne’s CBD to the end of our metropolitan lines and beyond.”
He said police would particularly be targeting people who might think it’s okay to drink on a train or intimidate other passengers.
“We are taking a hard line on this behaviour and we don’t want to hear excuses,” he said.
“Those who think that they might be able to run the gauntlet should think again.”
Assistant Commissioner Crisp said Operation Safe Travel would also see police busy in regional areas and officers would be actively patrolling train services to Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley.
He said Operation Safe Travel would run to 2 September.
17 August, 2011
Organ donations
grind out record
Organ donations have hit a record high in Victoria with the best donation outcome reported since national records began.
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King congratulated the State saying the 68 organ donors registered with the Australia and New Zealand Organ Donation Registry (ANZOD) between January and July was a 31 per cent increase over the same period last year.
“This is a good result and reflects the significant effort being made by Victorians to increase organ and tissue donation,” Ms King said.
“There is still much more to do but these figures are encouraging and should be welcomed.”
She said that this year, Australia had achieved its highest organ donation rate of 201 deceased solid donors and its highest transplant recipient outcome of 593 transplant recipients for the same period in any year since records started being kept.
She said Australia’s continued growth in 2011 built on the 25 per cent increase in national donation outcomes achieved in 2010 – and the 17 per cent increase in transplant recipients achieved that year over 2009.
“As we work to normalise organ and tissue donation as part of end of life care in Australia, it is important that all Australians discover the facts about organ and tissue donation, make and register their informed decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register and, most importantly, discuss their donation wishes with family members,” Ms King said.
Chairman of Transplant Australia, Dr Alan Amodeo said more people than ever before were now receiving a transplant, a fact that was reflected in the overall official waiting list reducing from 1,875 on 3 January 2008 to 1,590 at 4 August 2011.
“Behind every transplant recipient is a family hoping and praying that their loved one will receive the gift of life,” Dr Amodeo said.
“Transplant Australia is pleased to continue to support the Organ and Tissue Authority as it increases donation rates for the long term.”
For more information visit this PS News link.
17 August, 2011
DVD homes in
on homeless
A new DVD designed to promote positive communication between homeless or at-risk young people and the police and other authorities has been launched by the Minister for Crime Prevention, Andrew McIntosh.
Mr McIntosh said the DVD Beyond Appearances: effective communication with homeless young people, was a collaboration between Victoria Police, the Youthlaw Community Legal Centre and the inter-agency support service Frontyard Youth Services.
“We know a large number of homeless or at-risk young people become victims of crime and yet never report those crimes to police,” Mr McIntosh said.
“By highlighting their views and concerns through educational tools such as this, authorities can become better equipped to work with homeless young people and break down barriers to communication.”
He said the DVD was funded by the City of Melbourne and produced with the assistance of young people.
Mr McIntosh said the views of young men and women in at-risk situations was vital in the production of the DVD and it would be used by police, social workers, Centrelink staff and youth services to help achieve better and more positive engagement.
“Their feedback suggests if adults in positions of authority, particularly those in front line and operational roles, were more understanding then young people would be more trusting when interacting with them,” he said.
“It is hoped by promoting more positive relationships, homeless young people will be empowered to report incidents of violence and victimisation.”
He said by facilitating the DVD, Youthlaw and Frontyard Youth Services had given at-risk and disadvantaged youth a voice to ensure they felt supported and understood by those in positions of authority.
17 August, 2011
Transport hails
taxi agreement
A new agreement has been entered between the Department of Transport’s Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD) and Victoria Police to improve the safety of commercial passenger vehicles.
Minister for Public Transport, Terry Mulder said the new initiative would further boost safety of the travelling public by ensuring the suitability of drivers of commercial passenger vehicles, which included taxis, buses, hire cars and special purpose vehicles.
“The Government treats the safety of travelling public as a top priority and this joint initiative between the VTD and the Victoria Police will put a further scrutiny on those who drive our commercial passenger vehicles,” Mr Mulder said.
“While all drivers must undergo a police record check before they become accredited, all drivers will now be subject to continuous checking for criminal offences.”
He said the new criminal data matching initiative would ensure the VTD was made aware of any charges and/or convictions laid against an accredited person, allowing appropriate action to be taken.
He said a checking system had always been in place with drivers’ criminal records checked on issue and the VTD also conducted investigations whenever there were concerns a driver may not have been fit to continue to be accredited.
“Ongoing weekly data-matching will provide the VTD with the identity of all accredited drivers who have been charged or found guilty of any criminal offence within the past eight days,” Mr Mulder said.
“The VTD will continue to monitor the suitability of commercial passenger vehicle drivers and those found to have committed serious offences will be taken off the road.”
He said so far 84 drivers have been caught; six were found with category 1 offences (the most serious offences, including pedophilia, rape, threat to kill, murder, child pornography, culpable driving causing death.); eight had their accreditation taken from them and were off the road; and 29 drivers had been required to prove why they should keep their accreditation.
He said action would be taken against all drivers of commercial passenger vehicles found guilty of serious offences.
17 August, 2011
Advisers mix in for
alcohol strategy
The appointment of an expert advisory group to assist the development of a new alcohol and drugs strategy was an important step forward according to the Minister for Mental Health, Mary Wooldridge.
Ms Wooldridge said a new website to encourage public submissions on the strategy from individuals and organisations was also a step forward.
She said the 17-member expert taskforce would inform a whole-of-Government strategy for responding to the growing harms of alcohol and drug abuse in the community.
“The last whole-of-government reform to alcohol and other drugs (AOD) policy was in 1996 under the Kennett Government’s Turning the Tide strategy,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“We are working across all sectors, Government Departments and Agencies to ensure we develop a comprehensive whole-of-government approach to the way we respond to alcohol and drug abuse and dependency.”
She said the Government had launched the new website for consultation on the strategy and opened public submissions from individuals and organisations.
She said the website provided access to a range of AOD reports, including the 31 identified by the Auditor General. The Government was also releasing the latest data looking at patterns of drug use and related harm in Victoria.
Ms Wooldridge said the Victorian Drug Statistics Handbook 2008-2009 revealed rising levels of alcohol and drug fuelled violence, ambulance call-outs and hospital admissions, as well as emerging trends such as a growing misuse of prescription medications.
“The Government is focused on reducing the harm caused by alcohol and drugs to benefit all individuals, families, businesses and the community as a whole,” she said.
More information, including details on how to make a submission, is available from this PS News link.
17 August, 2011
Students volunteer in
volunteer program
More than 16,000 school students from over 420 secondary schools are expected to take part in a program that assists them become volunteers with community organisations.
The Minister for Youth Affairs, Ryan Smith marked International Youth Day last week by congratulating the young people involved and encouraging the continued success of the ‘Advance’ program.
“The Advance program enables young people to learn vital skills acquired through training such as first aid, CFA and surf life saving,” Mr Smith said.
“A number of participants will also complete accredited certificates in hospitality and financial literacy.”
He said supporting young people to volunteer had a positive and lasting effect, not only on the individual, but the whole community.
“We are committed to providing young people with opportunities to contribute to their community and strengthen community connections as well as build their personal confidence, self-esteem, and skills,” he said.
Mr Smith said students from Parkwood Secondary College were examples of participants in Advance who volunteered for a number of local environment projects such as cleaning the local dam; fundraising for the Ponting Foundation, the McGrath Foundation and the RSPCA; and establishing a school vegetable garden.
He said it was important on International Youth Day to celebrate the contributions young people made to the community.
“Advance offers young Victorians and schools an opportunity to develop partnerships with organisations that make a difference in their community,” he said.
“It is about developing life-skills, leadership ability and confidence, while giving something back to the community.”
More information is available from this PS News link.
17 August, 2011
Forests revved up
by hoon damage
Officers of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) have reported widespread “hoon” behaviour in State Forest in and around the Bairnsdale District.
DSE Forest Manager Gail Penfold said State Forest recreation facilities were being targeted for random attacks.
“We simply can’t believe that this is happening to so many of the beautiful recreational sites we manage so people can enjoy and appreciate the region’s natural environment and heritage,” Ms Penfold said.
“Some historic facilities have been damaged beyond repair and have had to be removed to ensure public safety.”
She said the increased frequency of “senseless attacks” on the facilities was costing the Department time and resources to repair.
“DSE staff will have to assess each site after an incident to see whether the facilities are safe for the public to use and then make repairs accordingly,” she said.
“In some situations, facilities will have to be removed permanently because of repeated vandalism.”
Ms Penfold said sites affected included Marthavale Hut; Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail; Stony Creek Trestle Bridge; Turntable Huts; Seldom Seen Hut; and Store Creek Bridge near Deptford.
She said DSE officers were working with Victoria Police to try and control the anti-social, destructive behaviour.
Victoria Police Senior Constable, Paul Newton said anyone caught driving in a dangerous and hoon-like manner in forest areas would run the risk of having their vehicle impounded under the new legislation.
“We will be stepping up our patrols with DSE and Parks Victoria officers in local State Forest areas to crack down on this sort of behaviour,” Senior Constable Newton said.
He said members of the public could assist by providing information to DSE staff or to the local police and all reports would be treated in confidence.
17 August, 2011
Geelong kicks goal in
multicultural plan
The City of Greater Geelong has unveiled a 4-year Multicultural Action Plan.
The Plan was officially launched by the Premier, Ted Baillieu who said it was the city’s first and had been designed to foster unity and community harmony while supporting Geelong’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
Mr Baillieu said having a multicultural plan was one of the things that distinguished Australia, and especially Victoria, from the rest of the world.
“In Victoria we succeed because we have a plan to foster, manage and celebrate our tremendous cultural diversity,” Mr Baillieu said.
“In our state, multiculturalism works because it is our reality.”
He said the Government was in the process of establishing eight Regional Advisory Councils to work in partnership with local communities.
“The Regional Advisory Councils will identify local skills shortages, operate as conduits for information on regional settlement, promote regional Victoria to migrant groups, and host forums and meetings that foster and assist cultural diversity across regional Victoria,” Mr Baillieu said.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Nicholas Kotsiras said the Multicultural Action Plan 2011-2014 was for the entire community of Greater Geelong.
“This plan will help ensure Geelong thrives as a diverse and unified community, where all its citizens are able to participate fully in society,” Mr Kotsiras said.
“Multiculturalism needs to be celebrated as one of Victoria’s greatest assets.”
He said the Plan demonstrated the strength of community support in Geelong for multiculturalism, and the commitment to ensuring the city remained a multicultural success story.
“Our diversity is well and truly a part of what makes the City of Greater Geelong so great,” he said.
“I commend the City for formally acknowledging multiculturalism as part of its civic plan, and would like to extend my appreciation to the Council for its initiative.”
More information is available from this PS News link.
17 August, 2011
Forums to explore
multicultural plans
A series of community forums to discuss plans for a multicultural Victoria has been announced by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Nicholas Kotsiras.
Mr Kotsiras encouraged Victorians to attend the forums which were being held in metropolitan and regional areas.
“These forum sessions will provide the Government with the opportunity to have further conversation with the community about programs, policies and initiatives that further strengthen our community,” Mr Kotsiras said.
“This is also an opportunity to consult with Victorians about the establishment of the new state-wide Multicultural Regional Advisory Councils.”
He said the eight regional advisory Councils would provide an important link between the community and the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
He said functions of the Regional Advisory Councils would include providing advice on settlement issues in the region, local multicultural affairs and citizenship; assisting the VMC to promote the benefits of cultural and religious diversity; advocating for culturally and linguistically diverse, or CALD, communities; and providing advice on communication, engagement and consultation with CALD communities.
He especially invited Victorians from a CALD background who could represent the interests of their region and who were available for committee meetings to apply to join a Regional Advisory Council.
“Members of a Regional Advisory Council will represent the broad interests of the region, and must be available for participation in committee meetings and activities,” he said.
17 August, 2011
Plain sailing for
boating grants
The first round of a grants scheme to improve boating safety and facilities across Victoria has been announced by the Minister for Ports, Denis Napthine.
Dr Napthine said the new Boating Safety and Facilities Program would give boating groups, Local Councils and waterway managers the chance to share in grants totalling $4.2 million.
“With our beautiful inland waterways and world-renown coastline it is no surprise that recreational boating is a way of life for many Victorians,” Dr Napthine said.
“The Government committed to this $20 million fund across four years in the recent State Budget because we want people to continue enjoying our magnificent waterways safely.”
He said it was absolutely paramount that Victorian boaters and their families had access to safe, accessible boating areas and properly maintained facilities.
“A new funding round will open every year for the next four years, giving community groups, waterway managers and local Councils vital access to money that will enable them to embark on projects which lead to safer and better boating facilities around the State,” Dr Napthine said.
“The Government recognises that local users have the best local knowledge and understanding of how their facilities could be made safer and I would encourage groups to talk to their local Council or waterway manager and make an application to the program.”
He said types of projects the Boating Safety and Facilities Program could fund included facilities such as jetties and boat ramps; navigation aids and signage; new search and rescue vessels; equipment and training for recognised search and rescue groups; boating safety and education programs; and marine communications.
Applications close on 15 September 2011 and more information was available from this PS News link.
17 August, 2011
DPI burrows in
after rabbits
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has issued fines and warning letters to farmers in the Mallee for not doing enough to control rabbits on their properties.
DPI said inaction by some landholders was hampering broader community efforts to control rabbit numbers during what was shaping up to be a bad year.
DPI’s Biosecurity Area Manager for Mallee and North Central, Sharyn Williams said rabbits were currently estimated to cost Victorian agriculture of $31.4 million dollars a year, without the environmental costs of biodiversity loss.
“The Mallee is facing a bad season for rabbits as the wet summer has given them a green bridge for breeding,” Ms Williams said.
“DPI inspected 137 individual private properties in two target areas near Sea Lake and Waitchie, covering nearly 40,000 hectares of land.”
She said 60 per cent of the community complied with DPI’s requests to control rabbits, while 40 per cent were issued with either infringement notices or official warning letters.
“This is disappointing because unless every landholder does their bit, efforts to achieve long-term rabbit control are very likely to fail,” she said.
“Nobody can afford to waste time and money in areas of pest management.”
Ms Williams said DPI would target landholders who failed to meet their obligations for pest animal control with strong enforcement measures.
“The community at Manangatang has requested DPI to undertake a compliance program in the local area because of the inaction of some members of the community,” she said.
Ms Williams said DPI monitoring in the Mallee indicated that over the past two years, rabbit density had increased to between two and six rabbits per hectare and populations of one rabbit per hectare could prevent the regeneration of threatened native vegetation.
She said for this year’s compliance activities, DPI would target an area of approximately 320 properties (around 178,500 hectares) in three target areas adjacent to Berriwillock, Manangatang and the area between the Wyperfeld National Park and Myall.
17 August, 2011
Water plan spills out
onto social media
The advisory group collecting community comment on the Murray Darling Basin Plan, has launched a YouTube channel to encourage feedback.
The Basin Advisory Group said YouTube forum was aimed at giving people an immediate opportunity to be involved in the development of the plan, not just its implementation.
It said the channel allowed people to log in, comment and upload their own videos to tell the decision makers what they think of the Basin plan and how it would impact on their lives, businesses and futures.
Launching the site, the Minister for Water Peter Walsh said it was an avenue for people from right across Victoria’s Basin communities, from Corryong to Meringur, to share their stories.
“By taking the discussion online we’re giving not just the members of the advisory group an opportunity to participate in the debate, but people from every community,” Mr Walsh said.
“This channel is a place for all Victorians to have a conversation and engage in discussion with each other about the Murray Darling Basin Plan.”
He said all the comments provided would help create Victoria’s response to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
He said submissions to the YouTube channel are moderated and conversations are checked before they are published to ensure their content is appropriate.
The channel says its moderator aims to publish contributions regularly during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).
The site can be visited at this PS News link.
17 August, 2011
And in Other News...
Nightwear seized
Consumer Affairs Victoria has seized hundreds of items of dangerous children’s nightwear.
The clothing was seized for failing to meet product safety labelling requirements after inspectors from CAVvisited 46 retailers last month.
Under the standard for children’s nightwear items require specific labelling to warn that the material is flammable.
Under Australian Consumer Law, a supplier who fails to comply with a mandatory safety standard can face fines of up to $220,000 for individuals and $1.1 million for a body corporate.
Freeway session Friday
An information session is to be held this Friday (19 August) on the work that has taken place to re-open the Princes Freeway at Morwell.
The meeting will also address local land movement issues.
The Princes Freeway is expected to be re-opened in time for the September school holidays this year, weather permitting and senior representatives from Victoria Police, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and VicRoads will be in attendance.
The public is invited to the Morwell Bowling Club, anytime between 3pm and 6pm.
Waiting list up
The public housing waiting list has been released for the June quarter 2011.
The list shows 38,244 applicants waiting for public housing, an increase of 2.2 per cent on the previous quarter.
Minister for Housing, Wendy Lovell said the figure was almost 3,000 (7.2 per cent) lower than in September 2010.
Safety infrastructure funded
A new Public Safety Infrastructure Fund program has been launched.
The fund offers grants of up to $250,000 for Local Councils to fund projects to prevent crime and make their communities safer.
It will support Councils develop a variety of public safety infrastructure projects, including vandal-resistant external lighting systems; security grade doors; perimeter fencing; bollards; window treatments and screens; alarms for community assets and facilities; and closed-circuit television systems.
Applications close 28 October 2011 and application are available from this PS News link.
Brain Centre opens
A new, state-of-the-art, neuroscience facility has been opened at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The Melbourne Brain Centre at was officially opened by the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon.
The centre consists of three campuses, with the other two located at Parkville and Austin Health.
Ms Roxon said all three facilities bring together more than 700 researchers from the Mental Health Research Institute, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne Health, Austin Health and the Florey Neuroscience Institutes.
Trade training for college
A new Trade Training Centre has been opened at Aquinas College in Ringwood.
The $1.5 million Wurundjeri Centre will provide 1500 students with access to vocational training facilities in the hospitality industry.
The new Centre s one of a number being established to increase the number of students achieving Year 12 or an equivalent qualification and help meet skill shortages in traditional trades and emerging industries.
Parks program open
Applications for the 2011-12 Healthy Parks Healthy People Community Grants Program are now open.
The program targets areas of park management including environment, recreation, heritage, community awareness, and multicultural access to Victoria’s parks.
The grants aim to offer communities and volunteers practical opportunities to improve their local environment with a total of $430,000 to go to successful applicants across the State.
Submissions are due 21 August 2011 and more information is available from this PS News link.
10 August, 2011
Minister books
library review
A detailed review of Victoria’s library service has been announced by the Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell.
To cost $100,000 and be undertaken by a re-established Libraries Ministerial Advisory Committee (Libraries MAC), Ms Powell said the review would be comprehensive and examine the role of public libraries in Victoria, including services and funding.
She said one of the main aims of the review would be to ensure the Government can deliver a modern, vibrant and effective library service into the future.
“We have listened carefully to the views of library corporations, Councils, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), parliamentary colleagues and the wider community,” Ms Powell said.
“The Libraries MAC will be chaired by Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government David Morris and I have invited Member for Macedon and former chair of the committee Joanne Duncan to represent the Opposition on the committee.”
She said an important aspect of the review would be a commitment to maintaining funding levels while it was undertaken.
“I am very pleased that Government has ensured current funding levels of libraries through to 2013-14 and I know the sector will welcome the opportunity to have a comprehensive look at library services and funding into the future,” she said.
Ms Powell said the Libraries MAC had been re-established as a bipartisan committee for the first time by including a representative from the Opposition.
She said the review would be funded by the Department of Planning and Community Development and, combined with the funding commitment, was a tremendous result for all Victorians.
She said the draft terms of reference had been released, although a final version would not be decided for some week after some additional consultation with sector stakeholders.
The review would be due to report in the 2012-13 financial year.
The draft terms of reference can be accessed at this PS News link.
10 August, 2011
Premier takes tea
with regional reps
Staff of the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s pilot regional offices in Ballarat and Bendigo have received a visit from the Premier.
Mr Baillieu visited the offices, which have been operational since July, to meet staff and other senior departmental heads from the regions, as well as Local Government and community service leaders.
During the visit, Mr Baillieu said DPC Regional staff would work closely with other Government Departments, Agencies and Local Government in the regions to improve co-ordination of Government activities and engage with local people to address and manage their specific issues.
“DPC has a mandate to provide portfolio-wide policy advice to Government on infrastructure needs, bushfire reconstruction, flood mitigation, transport, planning, energy and other key areas,” Mr Baillieu said.
He said the offices would also assist in ensuring communities could access the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund (RGF), which was the centrepiece of the regional policy agenda.
“Regional Victoria is a critical driver of the State’s growth and prosperity and, the RGF is designed to spearhead a regional resurgence in Victoria, creating new prosperity, opportunities and a better quality of life for all Victorians,” he said.
“Victoria’s public servants are already doing great work in the regions, but we want taxpayers in these areas to get the maximum possible value for money.”
He said the nine-month pilot of DPC Regional would allow the Government to increase its understanding of what sort of local presence by the Department was useful to regional communities.
Mr Baillieu said Ballarat and Bendigo had been selected for the initial phase of DPC Regional as both cities already had a Government regional office presence, enabling the efficient utilisation of existing infrastructure and community networks.
He said eight DPC staff would work in the offices over the pilot period, five in Ballarat and three in Bendigo.
10 August, 2011
Health agreement a
tonic for the State
Signing up to the Federal Government’s National Health Reform Agreement has delivered a better deal for Victoria’s health system according to the Premier, Ted Baillieu.
Mr Baillieu said since the February COAG meeting the Government had been able to negotiate significant improvements to the benefit of Victoria’s health system.
He said the changes included the injection of an additional $16.4 billion nationally from 2014-15 to 2019-20, to provide up to an extra $4.1 billion for Victoria; $50 million of specific hospital improvement funding to allow Victoria to improve elective surgery and emergency department services; and the exemption of Victoria from the Commonwealth takeover of responsibility for Home and Community Care services.
“Victoria has taken a lead in the negotiations with the Commonwealth on this agreement and has worked in good faith to get the best possible deal for the people of Victoria,” he said.
“In our negotiations we have been able to protect other important strengths of Victoria’s health system, including local hospital boards and the Home and Community Care arrangements.”
Mr Baillieu said the deal would see Victoria work bilaterally with the Commonwealth to determine which hospital services were eligible for Commonwealth funding.
He said the arrangements in the agreement meant the States and the Commonwealth would share responsibility for the future financial sustainability of Australia’s public hospital system.
“Shared responsibility means the Commonwealth will need to consult with the States before making any significant health policy changes such as MBS, PBS, aged care and private health insurance changes that could result in increased costs for State public hospital systems,” he said.
Mr Baillieu said Victoria had argued strongly at the COAG meeting for the Commonwealth to take advice from an expert panel of doctors and health professionals and administrators on the proposed performance targets in the National Partnership Agreement.
“While the Expert Panel’s review led to improvements, achievement of the targets remains very challenging for all States,” he said.
10 August, 2011
Litterers littered
with littering fines
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has reported that it issued 14,186 fines for littering in the past financial year.
The reporting program, the first of its type in Australia allows members of the public to report offences from motor vehicles.
According to the Director of Environmental Services at EPA, Chris Webb, the numbers of fines were slightly down on the previous year but the public’s continued backing of the program showed Victorians didn’t support littering and were keen to take action to ensure litterers were held accountable for their actions.
“In the last five years, EPA has issued close to 90,000 fines,” Mr Webb said, “and each year we find the majority of those relate to tossing cigarette butts from cars.”
He said food packaging and beverage containers were also regularly reported.
“Litter is everyone’s problem and the Litter Report Line provides an important avenue for the community to take action,” Mr Webb said.
He said fines for littering from a motor vehicle were up to $244 for a lit cigarette or a maximum fine of $4,885.60 if the matter was serious enough to go to court.
He said members of the public reporting someone littering from a vehicle should call 1300 372 842 and the necessary reporting paperwork would be sent out.
“You will need the registration number, a description of the vehicle (including the make and model if possible), the date and time it happened, the location, and a description of the litter,” Mr Webb said.
10 August, 2011
Kids don’t pass on
free passes to zoo
A program that offers children free entry into Melbourne Zoo has been hailed a success following a significant increase in attendances over the school holidays.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith said over 75,500 children had taken advantage of the free admission policy during the 2011 winter school holidays.
“Total zoo visitation has increased by an outstanding 33 per cent compared to the same period last year,” Mr Smith said.
“This is an incredible achievement.”
He said Melbourne Zoo experienced record visitation on 15 July this year with 10,672 visitors on a single day, similar to the number experienced when Mali the elephant was born.
“It is fitting that while announcing record-breaking figures today, we can anticipate a repeat of these figures with Num-Oi the Asian Elephant, one of Melbourne Zoo’s key characters, expecting her first calf,” he said.
“If all goes according to plan during the 22-month pregnancy, Num-Oi is set to give birth any time between New Year’s Eve 2012 and the end of January 2013.”
Mr Smith said kids across Victoria could look forward to returning to the zoo in the 2012/13 Christmas school holidays to see the newest special edition to the zoo.
“We are pleased to be able to open the doors of our zoos for Victorian kids to enjoy special moments and memories,” he said.
Children can enjoy free entry to the Zoo on weekends, public and school holidays.
The move reduces the cost of a full priced child’s ticket from $12.60 to $0 and the family ticket from $58 to $50.80.
10 August, 2011
Fisheries catches
10 new recruits
Ten new fisheries officers have been recruited to address concerns about the resourcing of Victoria’s fisheries.
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh said the new recruits would enforce fishing laws and regulations around Victoria’s rivers, lakes, bays and coastline.
Mr Walsh said the 13 newly-created marine parks would be left vulnerable to illegal fishing without an increase the number of officers and investigators on patrol.
“If anything, since the parks were created in 2005, the number of fisheries officers has decreased,” he said.
“These 10 new fisheries officers will help address resourcing concerns, bringing the total number of fisheries officers and investigators operating across the state to 77.”
He said the officers would be vital in controlling poaching in the State’s marine parks and would substantially boost capacity to protect the sustainability of valuable fisheries.
Mr Walsh said the new recruits were chosen from more than 700 applicants and now had the power to enforce fisheries legislation either through on-the-spot fines or in serious cases, through the courts.
“The officers will be responsible for protecting Victoria’s inshore reefs, inter-tidal zones and marine national parks, including marine species such as rock lobster, abalone and southern bluefin tuna,” he said.
“They will also be active in inland parts of the State with a particular focus on protecting any illegal fishing of Murray cod.”
He said the 10 new fisheries officers had been deployed to Mallacoota, Traralgon, Melbourne, Apollo Bay, Horsham and Tatura.
Mr Walsh said during their 10-week training course, the recruits learnt a wide range of skills from identifying illegal fishing gear, collecting evidence for court, handling small boats and four-wheel driving and were now responsible for educating the public on fisheries rules as well as enforcing the law.
10 August, 2011
Report rings bell
on phone scams
The Department of Justice has revealed that reports of scams “skyrocketed” in the past financial year with scammers using the names of Government Departments and big businesses to steal from unsuspecting victims.
The Department said scammers often posed as legitimate institutions, pretending to be from Government Agencies including the Australian Tax Office, the Department of Treasury and even Consumer Affairs Victoria or major private companies.
It said the most common scams reported to Consumer Affairs Victoria between 2010-11 included the computer repair or Microsoft scam (with more than 1,300 reports) during which the victim was told their computer had a virus and would need to grant remote access to the scammer to fix it.
The victim then had their banking or other personal details stolen or in some cases were charged a fee for the service.
The Department said there had also been more than 2,000 reports of ‘reclaim’ scams in which victims were told they were owed money by a reputable agency or organisation but needed to pay a processing or other fee to reclaim their money.
It said rental scams were also among the most reported during the period.
It said reports of scams made to Consumer Affairs Victoria had been steadily increasing since 2007 with 2,700 reports in 2007-08; 4,223 in 2008-09; 4,708 in 2009-10; and more than 6,770 in 2010-11.
The Department said victims ranged from elderly people living alone to small businesses that were approached with what looked like a legitimate offer but which turned out to be a scam.
It said one of the most common scams affecting small businesses was business registry scams with 140 reports in 2010-11.
More information about scams and how to be ready for them is available from 1300 55 81 81 or at this PS News link.
10 August, 2011
Safety offside with
soccer goalposts
Soccer players and administrators have been warned to take care installing moveable soccer goalposts which could be deadly.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien said the risks that came from using moveable soccer goalposts that did not meet the mandatory safety standard were severe.
“Not everyone may realise that there is a national standard in place to ensure that soccer goalposts that are used at clubs, schools and parks are safe and to reduce the risk of injury,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said there had been seven deaths and one paraplegic injury related to moveable soccer goalposts in Australia since 1986, including an incident in 2003, where a three-year-old child died in NSW after unsecured goalposts toppled over and struck her on the head.
The soccer goal weighed 180kg and had no rear ground bar.
He said since June, staff from Consumer Affairs Victoria had been visiting soccer clubs and schools, educating people about the standards and checking soccer goalposts in use.
Mr O’Brien said under the safety standard, moveable soccer goalposts weighing more than 28kg must have at least one anchor point at each side of the rear ground bar; have three permanent warning labels, one on the crossbar and one on each upright post; and not fall over or fail to return to their original position when tested in accordance with the national standard.
He said people using moveable soccer goalposts needed to check to ensure they were in good condition and stable; ensure they were anchored to the ground to prevent them from tipping; test them; ensure they were used correctly (by not allowing anyone to climb on the goals); and not leave them unattended.
10 August, 2011
Betting review
on a winner
An independent review of betting regulation in Victoria has found it could form the basis for nationally consistent sports betting laws.
The Review of Sports Betting Regulation was conducted by the former Chairman of Stewards for Racing Victoria, Des Gleeson and concluded that Victoria was leading the way in sports betting regulation in Australia and recommended it push for a national approach.
Releasing the Government’s response to the report, the Minister for Gaming Michael O’Brien said a national approach was needed if sports betting was to be conducted with the highest standards of integrity.
“While Victoria is the only State with comprehensive sports betting legislation and is a leader in this area of regulation, the Gleeson Review finds that our model can be improved even further,” Mr O’Brien said.
“By doing so, we will not only improve outcomes in Victoria, but will set a higher standard for a nationally-consistent approach to sports betting regulation.”
He supported all the recommendations in the review and which included moves to develop criminal provisions to deter and deal with match-fixing; increasing the penalty for offering bets on events without the agreement of the relevant sport’s controlling body; working with smaller sports to improve their integrity measures; and amending the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic) so the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation would have an ongoing monitoring role.
“The community is rightly concerned about any potential for betting to undermine the integrity of our sporting events,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Law makers and regulators, especially those in other States, must get off the sidelines and take the field in order to keep pace with the growth in sports betting.”
He said by adopting the enhancements recommended by the review, Victoria would remain at the forefront of ensuring that the integrity of the sporting competitions was protected, while still enabling those who enjoyed having a bet on sport to continue to do so.
The full Review of Sports Betting Regulation and the Government’s response can be accessed at this PS News link.
10 August, 2011
Indigenous education
in class of its own
A report on education services for Indigenous Victorians produced by the students themselves has been accepted by the State Government.
Describing the document as “unique’, Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Inga Peulich, said it had allowed the young Indigenous students to” have their say”.
Ms Peulich launched the report Voices Telling It Like It Is: Indigenous Young People on Education saying it offered the Government an important insight into what it meant to be a young Indigenous Victorian in education today.
The report was written by the Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council.
Minister for Education, Martin Dixon said while recent figures showed there had been a steady increase in the participation of Indigenous Victorians in school education, student retention rates needed to improve.
“Victorian Government schools provide a range of programs and support to Indigenous students but we acknowledge students are not performing as well as they should be and more must be done to close the gap and address disadvantage,” Mr Dixon said.
“The way forward is to look at how we as a government can improve Indigenous education by providing support to generate real results in student achievement.”
He said the report, which focused on the educational experiences of 12 Indigenous Victorians, found only half the young people interviewed had received the support of a Koorie educator at school; few had access to online education resources at home; and early school leaving was more common among Aboriginal students.
He said the report provided a range of suggestions to the Government including providing compulsory Aboriginal history lessons at Government schools; creating greater support structures for Indigenous students; placing a greater emphasis on achieving educational goals and ambitions; and involving young Indigenous Victorians in developing education policy and programs.
The report is available at: this PS News link.
10 August, 2011
Marine regulations
hung out for comment
The period for public consultation on new marine safety regulations has been doubled by the Minister for Ports, Denis Napthine.
Dr Napthine said the State’s proposed new Marine Safety Regulations would begin soon with a series of workshops around regional and metropolitan Victoria.
He said the Government was interested in hearing what Victorian boaters had to say about the proposed regulations which would support the Marine Safety Act 2010.
“These regulations aim to address a number of serious issues within the commercial and recreational boating industries,” Dr Napthine said.
“For example, more than 300 vessels are stolen and suspected of being re-birthed in Victoria and this number is rapidly increasing.”
He said the proposed regulations recommended the mandatory inclusion of the unique Hull Identification Number on any registration transfer documents to help tackle this problem.
He said increasing training requirements for personal watercraft (PWC) endorsements was also up for consideration under a recommendation to add an on-water skills test to the pre-existing knowledge-based test.
“Injuries to PWC users have risen 150 per cent over the last seven years and in many cases the injuries have been quite severe with approximately a fifth of those cases resulting in hospital stays of more than a week,” he said.
“Making these changes could have a really positive impact on PWC safety but the Coalition Government wants to make sure people have the chance to provide feedback on this option before making any further decisions.”
Dr Napthine said other changes outlined in the proposed Marine Safety Regulations included increasing the penalty level that could be issued on the spot; reducing the frequency of licence renewal to every five years; and allowing modern equivalents of safety equipment to be carried as alternatives onboard vessels.
He said the draft regulations and its related documents would be available on the Department of Transport website from tomorrow (11 August) and the period for submissions would close on 11 October 2011.
10 August, 2011
Excellence award for
excellent teachers
Two Victorian teachers have been recognised for excellence in the 2010 National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA).
Rosita Hooyer from Pavilion School, at Mill Park was honoured for Community Engagement and Lyn Nelson from St Leonard’s Catholic Primary School in Glen Waverley for leadership.
NEiTA and its partner, the Australian Scholarship Group, developed the teaching awards program in 1994 in recognition of the importance of teachers in helping children reach their education potential.
According to Ms Hooyer’s citation for her award, the Pavilion is a government secondary school aiming to create a safe and secure psycho-social rehabilitation environment with a program promoting academic rigour for previously disengaged learners.
Ms Hooyer was recognised as the sole teacher at the Mill Park campus, responsible for the entire education curriculum of her 32 students, and re-engaging teenagers back into the education system after lengthy periods of disengagement from all forms of education.
Ms Lyn Nelson is the Special Needs/Wellbeing Coordinator. At St Leonard’s primary school, looking after the educational, social and emotional needs of the whole school community and overseeing a team of teacher aides.
Ms Nelson was recognised for writing and monitoring individual learning plans for more than 50 students with special needs and directing the design and construction of a Wellbeing Centre; serving on the School Leadership Team; and for her role as Teaching and Learning Coordinator.
Chairman of NEiTA, Terry O’Connell said those recognised were selected from more than 1,000 nominations.
“The NEiTA teaching awards program has enabled the consumers of education to identify Australia’s leading teachers and celebrate, how they do what they do so well,” Mr O’Connell said.
“Quite simply, outstanding teachers do wonderful things in the community and the NEiTA national teaching awards program enables communities to say thank you, recognise and congratulate the contribution of these teachers and leaders.”
For more information visit this PS News link.
10 August, 2011
Researchers queue
to mind their Ps
Researchers from the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Arthur Rylah Institute are to spend the next 12 months sticking their noses into dingo urine.
Describing the project as ‘unenviable’ the Senior Scientist with the Institute, Alan Robley said the purpose was to find non-lethal control tools for managing wild dogs and dingoes.
Dr Robley said the scientist already knew dogs marked their territories with urine and that the chemicals in the urine contained messages that other dogs understood.
“The research aims to isolate those chemicals and work out which odour is responsible for sending the ‘no trespassing’ message,” he said.
“We still have a long way to go with this work but the long term goal of this project is to develop a product that could be used as a non-lethal barrier to wild dogs entering areas such as farms or suburbs.”
He said the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) was responsible for the control of wild dogs on public lands and had commissioned a number of research projects to understand wild dog activity better and improve control measures.
Research released earlier this year found wild dogs had an estimated annual impact of $18 million on agricultural production in Victoria.
DPI’s John Burley said that if it proved successful, the innovative technique would only be useful in certain situations and would supplement rather than replace the range of other existing control measures, such as baiting, trapping and shooting programs.
“The impact of wild dogs on some rural communities is a serious matter,” Mr Burley said, “and we will continue to work with communities and explore new options to manage the impact of wild dogs.”
He said Victoria’s network of 24 wild dog controllers already used working dogs to assist in locating where wild dogs had marked an area with urine.
He said the Dingo was listed as a threatened species in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and was distinct from the wild dog that was listed as a pest animal under the Catchment & Land Protection Act.
10 August, 2011
Brunswick plugs
into NBN network
Melbourne’s inner northern suburb of Brunswick is the first location in Victoria to be connected to the National Broadband Network (NBN).
Prime Minister Julia Gillard joined the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, to launch the NBN in Brunswick, making it the third mainland Australian site to ‘go live’.
Ms Gillard said switching on the NBN in Brunswick was the beginning of unprecedented opportunities for Victorians as the Government rolled out its super-fast broadband network.
She said the NBN would create jobs; boost productivity; provide new and improved online health and education services; and improve Government service delivery.
“It will provide new opportunities for small and medium businesses, opening up gateways into interstate and global markets that previously may not have been accessible,” she said.
“The NBN will also enable more people to work from home – which equals less time travelling to and from work and more time with family and friends.”
She said that as with the other first release sites, Brunswick residents would participate in a trial phase ahead of the delivery of commercial services.
“The testing phase is an important part of the rollout,” Ms Gillard said.
“The first release sites, including Brunswick, will provide crucial information to assist the NBN rollout.”
Brunswick joins Armidale and Kiama in New South Wales as the third mainland site to be switched on to the NBN with the other first release sites of Townsville (QLD) and Willunga (SA) to commence customer trials shortly.
10 August, 2011
Rabbit warning is
hope against hop
The Minister for Agriculture and Food Security has warned farmers and landholders of a possible “explosion” in rabbit numbers this spring.
The Minister, Peter Walsh said rabbits cost Victorian agriculture an estimated $31.4 million each year and urged landholders to be vigilant in the fight against them, as seasonal conditions were leading to fears of the population explosion in the coming months.
“The Mallee in particular is facing an increase in rabbit activity as the wet summer has led to a boom in breeding,” Mr Walsh said.
“Monitoring by the Department of Primary Industries shows rabbit numbers are recovering as the pests build a tolerance to calicivirus – a biological form of pest control.”
He said in the Mallee, numbers had increased from less than one rabbit per hectare in the late 1990s to between two to six rabbits per hectare in the past two years.
He said the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre was researching a new-generation biological control for rabbits but a definitive breakthrough was yet to be achieved.
“With the effectiveness of calicivirus diminishing, it is vital that landholders maintain their efforts to control rabbits through measures such as warren ripping and fumigation to ensure the gains we have made in recent years are not lost,” Mr Walsh said.
“Nobody wants to go back to the days before calicivirus when rabbits were out of control.”
He said the Government placed a priority on pest control and would spend $21.2 million over the next four years to fight the incursion of weeds and pests on private land.
“Last year DPI conducted compliance programs in the Sea Lake and Waitchie areas to help protect the Lake Tyrell basin,” Mr Walsh said.
“Officers have inspected 137 individual private properties covering 39,375 hectares of land.”
He said a further 320 properties adjacent to Berriwillock, Manangatang and the area between the Wyperfeld National Park and Myall would also be targeted this financial year.
“Rabbits are a threat to production and profitability,” he said.
“It’s in everyone’s best interests to ensure they are kept in check.”
10 August, 2011
Soil scientists get
down and dirty
Scientists with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) have discovered a more accurate way of predicting the water-holding capacity of farm soils, a finding expected to improve the estimates of crop yields in Victoria’s farming regions.
Soil physics researcher at DPI, Abdur Rab said the new way to predict soil water-holding capacity could increase accuracy by 10 to 15 per cent.
Dr Rab said the information could be used to predict soil water-holding capacity where only limited information about soil composition or soil type was available.
He said the findings, published in the July edition of the journal Soil Research, evaluated nationally-available models for predicting soil water holding capacity for the Victorian cropping regions for the first time.
“Crop prediction tools use field capacity and permanent wilting point as the critical inputs,” Dr Rab said.
“Published data on both of these measures is limited for cropping areas of North West Victoria.
“But to collect direct measurements of both is time consuming and expensive.”
He said the research team from DPI’s Future Farming System Research Division had crunched the water holding data and routinely observed soil information to create a predictive model.
“Our work will help make cropping yield prediction more accurate if we use this new model over the current method,” he said.
“The work will help to accurately quantify the uncertainties in yield prediction using existing tools, such as Yield Prophet.”
He said it would also improve farmer confidence to use predictive models and while the research had been undertaken across the North West Victorian cropping region, the scientists believed it might also apply to other regions with similar soil and climatic conditions.
10 August, 2011
And in Other News...
Car parking comments
The Car Parking Advisory Committee is seeking submissions about proposed changes to the car parking provisions.
The changes will affect the Victoria Planning Provisions and planning schemes and submissions will close on 7 October 2011.
The proposed changes include removing the need for a permit when a change of use does not increase demand for car parking; revised car parking rates; and reduced car parking rates in business zones.
More information is available from this PS News link.
Road safety boost
New funding has been announced to boost road safety.
The Princes Highway East from Stratford to Bairnsdale and from Orbost to Cann River has been given a $7.6 million road safety boost as part of a wider $36 million program to reduce the crash rate along the highway from Longwarry through to the New South Wales border.
Works on the Stratford to Bairnsdale section are expected to start in December 2011 and for the Orbost to Cann River section works are planned to commence in mid 2012.
Each section will take approximately 12 months to complete.
Freeway reopens
The Princes Freeway at Morwell will be reopened – weather permitting – in time for the September school holidays.
The stretch of the freeway, which has been closed since 10 February this year, will be open to traffic from late September at its designated 110 km/h speed limit.
Traffic has been diverted through the city of Morwell along Princes Drive in the past months since heavy rainfall led to the creation of sinkholes and ground movement.
The reopening will be subject to ongoing compliance with safety standards and a Traffic Management System will be in place should the freeway need to be closed temporarily as a precautionary measure in response to ground movement or heavy rainfall.
Volunteer call from DSE
The Department of Sustainability and Environment is calling for volunteers to help manage and oversee the Gippsland Heritage Park “Old Gippstown” at Moe.
The Park houses a significant collection of heritage buildings and artefacts and offers an insight into a bygone era of life in Gippsland.
DSE is looking for three to nine volunteers to form a new Committee of Management, which would be appointed for a three year period with the current committee coming to the end of their term.
For more information, or to express interest in being involved, please contact David Hood at the DSE Traralgon office on (03) 5172 2581.
3 August, 2011
Action considered as
bargaining stalls
The Community and Public Sector Union is to consider industrial action to support a stalled enterprise bargaining process.
According to the union, the State Government has rejected workers’ claims and was ‘frustrating’ the negotiation process by refusing to quantify the dollar costs of improved conditions and the resultant savings needed to fund them.
The CPSU’s Branch Council has directed the State Secretary to commence work towards seeking protected action ballot orders if the stalemate continues.
The union said the current agreement nominally expired on 30 June 2011 but the Government had rejected any claims which had a cost impact such as improved annual leave and salary and other cost components (superannuation, working hours, classifications etc).
It said it had persisted in good faith to consider a number of items which may in the end form a package that delivered savings of 2.5% and/or more, depending on how such items were costed in efficiency/productivity terms and in dollars.
It said items to consider included splitting performance management and discipline into distinct “streams”; defining consultation requirements in terms of “major” and significant”; personal/sick/carers leave management arrangements; and making clear that performance progression was not “automatic”.
The CPSU said it had argued to include means to redress annual staff turnover rates of 16% as well as the “shocking” loss of productivity due to the large number of workplace claims relating to various forms of associated stress.
It said reducing such costs would also produce real productivity in a sustainable fashion.
The union encouraged its members to begin thinking about the next steps which could be to apply for a Protected Action Ballot to progress their claims.
3 August, 2011
Superannuation plan
has defined benefits
The Federal Minister for Public Sector Superannuation has called on the States and Territories to manage some of the PS superannuation schemes centrally.
The Minister, Senator Nick Sherry, outlined the benefits of a ‘partnership’ between the administrators of PS super schemes offering ‘defined benefits’ to a conference of Government Superannuation Funds in Perth.
Senator Sherry said there were still 33 defined benefit schemes operating in Australia, mostly in the public sector and mostly closed.
He said in 1982-83 around 82 per cent of the members of PS super funds were in defined benefit schemes but by 2008 the number had fallen to two per cent.
“Looking forward [the schemes] will generate considerable challenges,” Senator Sherry said.
“Economies could be achieved across jurisdictions.”
He said the core problem was that fund managers needed to maintain effective administration of closed schemes while cash flow and membership declined.
“I believe you should consider the fundamental issue of better cooperation across jurisdictions to meet these challenges,” Senator Sherry told the fund managers.
“In the mature superannuation market we have today, is superannuation administration a core business of any government?”
He said there were a number of common factors in the old style schemes that made them difficult to administer.
“Calculating a member’s benefit in a defined benefit scheme involves a much more complex process than in a defined contribution scheme.”
He said the data and systems used to manage the schemes were sometimes ‘decades old’; there was a diminishing number of ‘subject matter experts’ who understood the intricacies of the schemes; and importantly, they were closed.
“There is a risk if we don’t start talking to each other soon that opportunities to work together to create critical mass and to reduce costs will be lost, as each jurisdiction looks to identify its own solutions,” Senator Sherry said.
“It is likely to become increasingly difficult to attract and retain capable people with aspirations of a long-term career in superannuation administration, particularly defined benefit administration.”
He said there could be opportunities for administrators to work together “given similarities in scheme designs, member demographics and challenges faced.”
The full text of the Minister’s speech can be accessed at this PS News link.
3 August, 2011
Bushfire report
sparks response
The Bushfire Implementation Monitor has tabled an interim report outlining progress in adopting the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.
The Monitor, former Chief Police Commissioner Neil Comrie, delivered his 173-page report to Parliament, including specific information on each of the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
Acting Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Walsh welcomed the report saying the Government would review its contents in detail.
Mr Walsh said the Government was committed to implementing all 67 recommendations of the Royal Commission and the Monitor’s report provided valuable feedback on the delivery of that commitment
He said Mr Comrie had been given full independence in his role as Implementation Monitor so the community could have faith in the implementation process.
He said it was the first time the Implementation Monitor had reported directly to the Victorian public, providing it with an open and transparent scorecard on the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
“Like all Victorians we are steadfast in our resolve to do everything we can to protect the State against tragedies like the 2009 bushfires in the future,” Mr Walsh said.
“Ultimately people’s lives, homes and properties are at stake, so nothing could require greater care, consideration and transparency.”
He said the Government would comment further on the report in due course once it had an opportunity to review it in detail.
He said Mr Comrie would provide his final report to the Parliament by 31 July 2012.
The full report can be accessed at this PS News link.
3 August, 2011
Emergency app
to save the day
A new National Emergency Smartphone Application is to be developed to improve access to disaster information and help reduce calls to the Triple Zero (000) emergency phone line during natural disasters.
Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland said Ministers for Emergency Management from the Commonwealth, States, Territories and New Zealand, agreed to continue to work together to improve Triple Zero’s surge capacity.
Mr McClelland said Ministers considered a report tabled by the Commonwealth that made a number of recommendations to improve Triple Zero’s capabilities including a national adoption and promotion of a single State Emergency Service number and a single Police Assistance line number; the development of an alternative emergency number for reporting bushfires; and improving the www.triplezero.gov.au website to reduce unnecessary calls to 000.
He said the report also recommended that public awareness of when it was appropriate to call 000 be improved as well as call handling practices at call centres in the States and Territories.
He said in times of disaster, the volume of calls to Triple Zero increased by an enormous amount.
“Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments already undertake a significant amount of work to reduce the number of non-urgent calls to Triple Zero,” Mr McClelland said.
“The Government will continue to work with the States and Territories to improve information channels during times of natural disaster so people aren’t unnecessarily calling 000.”
He said the new app would provide real-time information about disasters directly to people’s phones.
“The use of GPS technology through this app could allow location-specific information to be fed to users,” he said.
“It’s important the community knows where to find information during a disaster to take the pressure off Triple Zero, so that those who need urgent fire, ambulance or police assistance are not held up.”
Mr McClelland said Triple Zero received 8.9 million calls from across Australia in 2010.
He said the disaster season coincided with a peak time for Triple Zero calls over the Christmas break, with operators taking up to 50,000 calls above the monthly average last December and January.
3 August, 2011
CAV faces up
to Facebook
Consumer Affairs Victoria has upgraded its presence in the electronic media by launching a Facebook page.
The new page would allow the public to interact with the Agency via a medium CAV said fitted well with its role of helping Victorians be responsible and informed when it came to consumers and businesses.
CAV said its presence on Facebook would help realise the Government’s vision for the Agency which included making better use of electronic communications to raise consumer awareness of relevant issues.
In the first stage of the roll-out, Facebook would be used for posting updates about CAV and its services; directing users to its website; linking consumers to other websites that provided valuable information; and networking with other government organisations.
It said sharing relevant stories from the media and addressing general questions and directing people to enquiries channels would also be enabled through the Facebook page.
The organisation said that in the future, Consumer Affairs Victoria could also use Facebook for uploading photos and video; inviting people to events such as information sessions; engaging with users; hosting discussion boards and online polls for feedback; and location-based marketing using Facebook Places.
It said the latest move was CAV’s second venture into social media after its Twitter profile had been active for just over a year and was closing in on 1,000 followers.
3 August, 2011
Justice judged on
new survey site
A new online survey has been launched to collect comments on important issues affecting the justice system in Victoria.
MyViews is part of the Department of Justice website and features public surveys asking for the community’s views on a range of justice related topics with ‘Sentencing in the Criminal Justice System’ the first survey to be launched.
The survey will run until 26 August.
Attorney-General, Robert Clark said MyViews allowed all Victorians to contribute to the debate on sentencing reform.
“We’re asking Victorians to consider a range of criminal case studies and hand down the sentences they think are appropriate in each case,” Mr Clark said.
“This will help inform the government about community views on sentencing and help shape decisions about future sentencing levels and other sentencing reforms in Victoria.”
He said the survey included 17 case studies that featured aspects of real crimes heard in Victorian courts.
He said the opportunity to “have a say” would be available to all Victorians and the results would be published on the Department of Justice website, as well as made available through media outlets.
More information is available from the MyViews website at this PS News link and a print version of the survey was also available from the Department of Justice.
3 August, 2011
Businesses get value
from new infoline
A new dedicated ‘InfoLine’ has been established for small business in Victoria.
Set up by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV), the new service was officially launched by the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien said the new phone line would deal specifically with enquiries from small businesses with consumer issues.
“Small businesses are consumers too,” Mr O’Brien said, “and as such, they have protections under the law.
“This new info line is all about ensuring small businesses have a place to go to get the information they need about their rights and obligations under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).”
He said small businesses could now contact CAV through the Small Business InfoLine on 1300 098 631 or email to smallbusiness@justice.vic.gov.au to find free information on their rights when something went wrong with a product or service; get free assistance in resolving a dispute with another business; or report a small business scam.
Mr O’Brien said under the ACL, which came into effect on 1 January, small businesses had rights to repairs, refunds and replacements the same way as consumers did.
He said such rights were available to businesses on goods or services that cost up to $40,000; goods or services costing more than $40,000 if they were of a kind ordinarily acquired for domestic, household or personal use; or a vehicle or trailer primarily used to transport goods on public roads.
He said however, if a business bought goods to resell or to transform into a product to sell, those guarantees did not apply.
Mr O’Brien said CAV had worked closely with small businesses to inform them of their rights and responsibilities, as well as educate them about scams which may affect them.
“Small businesses are a significant source of job creation, providing around 1.2 million jobs throughout Victoria,” the Minister said, “so we want to ensure small businesses have access to advice, assistance and protection, just as individual consumers do.”
3 August, 2011
Public Advocate
marks milestone
The Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) has celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge praised the “tireless work” of the OPA saying it had been a “fearless advocate” playing a critical role in promoting and protecting the dignity of people with disabilities and other complex needs.
“Through the work of its volunteers and staff, the Office of the Public Advocate has tackled difficult and complex issues,” Ms Wooldridge said, “including end of life and medical treatment decisions, violence, abuse, the needs of people with complex health issues, housing needs, guardianship and the justice system.”
She said she was pleased to announce that the Honorarium paid to community visitors would now be automatically indexed every year, and as there had been no increase in the amount since 2002/3, would be increased by 27 per cent this year.
“I congratulate the work of the OPA and its more than 600 volunteers who work in three programs, the Community Visitors Program, the Independent Third Person Program and the Community Guardians Program,” Ms Wooldridge said.
Attorney-General, Robert Clark said the OPA had played a vital role in ensuring that people living with a disability were cared for and protected.
“Over its 25 year history the OPA has helped thousands of Victorians to have opportunities in life that many of us take for granted,” Mr Clark said.
“On this very special anniversary the Government, on behalf of the Victorian community, would like to thank the OPA for its contribution to protecting the rights of Victoria’s most vulnerable.”
He said the OPA was an independent statutory body, established by the Victorian Parliament, to protect and promote the interests, rights and dignity of people living with a disability, people involved in the mental health system and the frail and aged.
3 August, 2011
Consumer report finds
scammers in the works
An increase of almost 50 per cent has been reported in the number of scams referred to Consumer Affairs in 2010-11.
The 6,770 reports received in the past financial year compares to the 4,700 received the year before.
According to the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien, scammers are increasingly likely to use the names and reputations of well-known and highly regarded organisations in their attempts to deceive and steal from unsuspecting consumers.
Mr O’Brien said scammers often posed as legitimate institutions, pretending to be from companies such as Microsoft or the Yellow Pages or Government Agencies including the Australian Tax Office, the Department of Treasury and even Consumer Affairs Victoria.
“Just because you get contacted out of the blue by what sounds like a legitimate business does not mean you should drop your guard,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said among the most common scams reported by Victorians between 2010-2011 were a computer repair or Microsoft scam, where the victim was told they needed remote access to their computer to fix a virus and had their banking or other personal details stolen; reclaim scams, where victims were told they were owed money by a reputable agency or organisation such as a Government Department but needed to pay a processing or other fee for the service; and rental scams, where properties were advertised at a very low price to get attention and victims were encouraged to pay an upfront fee when in fact the property either did not exist or the scammer did not actually own it.
“Reports from the last financial year also show that victims of scams are diverse,” he said.
“Victims range from elderly people living alone to small businesses that get approached by what looks like a legitimate offer but turns out to be a scam.”
Mr O’Brien said victims were sometimes embarrassed about coming forward after they had fallen for a scam but Consumer Affairs relied on such information to warn others.
“Even if you haven’t lost any money in a scam, we still encourage you to report it,” he said.
“The information you provide can help us warn others about the scams out there.”
3 August, 2011
Gambling research
on a good thing
The fourth round of a program offering grants for research into gambling has been announced by the Minister for Gaming, Michael O’Brien.
The Grants for Gambling Research Program is to offer funding of up to $200,000 over three years for projects related to topics on the Victorian Gambling Research Agenda.
Mr O’Brien said the grants program was worth a total of $500,000 and was open to researchers working at universities, research institutes and other incorporated bodies to apply.
“The Victorian Gambling Research Agenda for 2011 covers topics such as sociology and gambling, natural recovery, product preferences and styles of play, cultural differences in gambling, mental health and gambling, and measurement and trials,” Mr O’Brien said.
“For the first time, there will also be funding of up to $25,000 over two years available specifically for projects by early career researchers.”
He said the grants program funding was part of the Government’s commitment of $150 million over four years for gambling research and treatment.
“We have made the largest financial commitment in Victoria’s history to establish the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation to reduce the prevalence and severity of problem gambling in Victoria,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Foundation will be responsible for problem gambling research and developing communication and education strategies and will also facilitate the provision of counselling and treatment services for problem gambling.”
He said tackling problem gambling and helping those who needed support required a coherent and integrated approach that was supported by good evidence.
He said applications would only be considered if they met the selection criteria and requirements.
A copy of the Applicant Information Pack could be downloaded from this PS News link with applications closing on 8 September 2011.
3 August, 2011
Schools win war with
Anzac victories
Schools from across Australia, including two from Victoria have been recognised in the annual Anzac Day Schools’ Awards.
The winners were announced by the Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon.
Mr Snowdon said the Awards encouraged students to learn about Australia’s wartime history and develop relationships with their local veteran and current serving communities.
He said this year’s 18 winners from across the country included Lyndhurst Secondary College and Diamond Creek East Primary School which shared in $20,000 prize money, funded by the Saluting their Service commemorations program.
“This year’s entries showed exceptional commitment to commemorating the service and sacrifice of Australia’s veterans and current serving members,” Mr Snowdon said.
“It is great to see the effort, thought and planning that schools have put in to remembering our wartime history and ensuring the commemorations of the Anzacs live on.”
He said the national winners, Compton Primary School from South Australia and Merredin Senior High School from Western Australia, showed outstanding initiative in their commemorations.
He said SA’s Compton Primary School students captured the history of their town by developing a Trail of Honour commemorating 67 local Second World War veterans and WA’s Merredin Senior High School students conducted a research project on former Australian Prisoners of War with students studying POWs from their local area and creating an excellent display to tell their stories.
“I strongly encourage all Australian primary and secondary schools to consider sharing how they commemorate and learn about Australia’s wartime history and enter the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards in 2012,” Mr Snowdon said.
“The sharing of our veterans’ stories is becoming increasingly important as we look towards the Centenary of the First World War from 2014 to 2018.”
He congratulated everybody who entered this year’s competition and challenged them to think about what they could do next year to increase their learning and build on the relationships with their local veteran and current serving communities.
3 August, 2011
Power with people
in energy study
Homeowners in Melbourne keen to save money on their energy bills have been invited to join a new project being run by the CSIRO, measuring the amount of energy used to keep homes warm or cool throughout the seasons.
Senior scientist with CSIRO’s Energy Transformed Flagship, Peter Osman said the project would look at the way energy costs varied for different homes in different climates.
“By understanding energy use over the year, throughout different seasons, we’ll gain an accurate picture of how the energy efficiency of houses could be improved,” Dr Osman said.
“Taking part in the study has two fantastic benefits - firstly, by understanding how energy is used we have no doubt that energy bills could be reduced; secondly, we could help improve household comfort levels by suggesting the most cost effective ways to prevent energy loss.”
He said the householders who took part in the study would have a unique opportunity to understand how their homes used energy better with each receiving a detailed report at the end of the survey.
He said some participating households would also be provided with an online monitoring device worth $1,500 that could show them where and how they were using electricity.
“Taking part is easy,” Dr Osman said.
“If your house is less than 10 years old and you live in Adelaide, Brisbane or Melbourne you can register to become one of the study households.”
He said homes would be fitted with a couple of thermometers while some would also have the online energy monitoring device installed.
“You will also be asked to provide information, like your energy bills, so we know a little bit more about your household,” he said.
Dr Osman said the study was being funded by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and would cover 500 homes in the three cities.
3 August, 2011
Paper to drive
new car port
A discussion paper on the benefits of relocating the car import/export trade from Webb Dock in Melbourne to the Port of Geelong has been issued by the Department of Transport for comment.
The paper finds, among other things, that relocating the roll-on roll-off car trade would significantly cut traffic crossing the Westgate Bridge and deliver thousands of jobs to Geelong.
Minister for Ports, Denis Napthine said the release of the discussion paper was an important step forward in potentially relocating the car trade to Geelong.
“The paper reveals more than 400,000 vehicles were imported or exported from Melbourne last year and this number is expected to triple over the next four decades,” Dr Napthine said.
“Together with an increase in container movements and land constraints around the Port of Melbourne, this poses some major issues for how we manage Victorian freight logistics into the future.”
He said the paper identified a number of significant advantages associated with shifting the roll-on roll-off trade to Geelong, including freeing up large parcels of land around the Port of Melbourne and potentially slashing Westgate Bridge truck movements for vehicle deliveries by up to 50 per cent.
“A move to Geelong would also be a massive boost for the local community with the discussion paper finding the increase in ship visits would drive economic development in the region,” he said.
“This means thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in investment that would directly benefit Geelong and the surrounding area.”
Dr Napthine said the paper also finds Geelong is well-placed to take Victoria’s import and export car trade with its suitable berths, back up land capacity and strong links to road and rail transport.
He said submissions relating to the discussion paper would be open until the end of September with the full feasibility study to be considered by the Coalition Government in early 2012.
The discussion paper Relocating motor Vehicle importing and exporting to Geelong can be accessed at this PS News link.
3 August, 2011
Car safety guide
to save lives
The 2011 Used Car Safety Ratings guide has been officially launched by the Minister for Youth Affairs, Ryan Smith.
Developed jointly by the Transport Accident Commission, VicRoads, the Monash University Accident Research Centre and the RACV, the updated guide measures the performance of 184 second-hand vehicles in real crashes, assessing how they protect occupants and other road users in the event of a crash.
Minister for Youth Affairs, Ryan Smith said the guide would help younger drivers make safer choices when buying their car.
“Many young people purchase a used car for their first car,” Mr Smith said.
“A vital part of being safe on the road is to make sure the car driven is safe.”
He said the Used Car Safety Ratings guide was an excellent resource for young people shopping for their first ride and could potentially be a life-saving resource.
“The Used Car Safety Ratings guide is formulated considering the total community impact from road accidents,” Mr Smith said.
“If the community is serious about reducing road trauma, consumers need to consider how any vehicle purchased protects all road users.”
He said Monash University Accident Research Centre data had shown that the cars young people tended to drive had influenced an average 11 per cent greater risk of death or serious injury if they had an accident.
“The road toll statistics for young people are alarming,” he said.
“I urge young Victorians to listen to the stats, take notice and put safety first when out on the road.”
The Minister said the Government was committed to making Victoria’s roads safer which was why they had introduced the three-year Regional Victoria Road Trauma Reduction strategy and enforced stronger legislation against dangerous hoon drivers.
“I hope young people and their parents do the homework, research the types of cars that receive the top ‘Safe Pick’ rating in the guide and choose a car that meets a high standard of safety,” Mr Smith said.
The Used Car Safety Ratings guide is available at this PS News link.
3 August, 2011
DSE fired up about
fires on public land
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has urged the community to report suspicious fires on public land following recent unreported events in the Mildura area.
Wildfire Investigator at DSE, Geoff Tyers said a recent fire that destroyed a large Red Gum tree was the second such incident to go unreported in the past five weeks.
“Normally people are pretty good at reporting fire matters, particularly when they have been identified along the river,” Mr Tyers said.
“But in recent weeks, tree fires in the Merbein Common and in Bottle Bend near Red Cliffs have gone unreported.”
He said the tree fire in the Merbein Common had been alight for two to three days and it was a passing visitor to the area who finally reported it.
He said the more recent fire in Bottle Bend may have been burning for several days, and the indicators at the scene suggested that people had driven around the fire due to a branch from the burning tree toppling onto the road.
“It’s disappointing to lose any Red Gums to fire, particularly the older trees as they take years to establish,” Mr Tyers said.
“Crucial habitat value is lost forever to the birds and animals. Even more disappointing is when a tree is of cultural significance, like the one in the Merbein Common, which had a canoe scar in it.”
He said under the Forests Act every person had a responsibility to report any illegal fire on public land and if people started getting complacent regarding such a responsibility then much larger fires would ultimately result.
He said the public should be vigilant when travelling on public land areas and should report fires immediately by calling 000.
3 August, 2011
DPI grains guide to
go with the grain
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has updated its guide to the services it provides the State’s grains industry.
The updated guide, DPI Services to Grain Growers, was launched by the Minster for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh.
Executive Director of DPI Farm Services Victoria, Ron Harris said the guide outlined the wide range of services provided by the Department to grain growers and their service providers.
“Our primary role is to promote economic development, in a way that also supports environmental sustainability and community capacity to manage change,” Mr Harris said.
“Emerging markets and the availability of new technologies and business practices are providing opportunities for many grain growers.”
He said growers also faced challenges that arose from climate variability, declining productivity growth and disease and pest challenges.
He said to capitalise on the opportunities, as well as respond to the challenges, growers required access to relevant information and services, when and where they needed it.
Mr Harris said approximately 80 per cent of the grain produced in Victoria in 2009–10 was used for domestic purposes, compared with 55 per cent of the national crop with major export markets including the Middle East, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam and South Korea.
He said the grain harvest’s volume and value was also significantly influenced by seasonal conditions and while the recent floods cost Victorian grain production more than $130 million it was still a record year.
Mr Harris said DPI’s $23 million commitment to research, development and extension was complemented by co-investment by industry and the Federal Government, predominantly through Grains Research and Development Corporation.
The DPI services to grain growers’ publication is available at this PS News link.
3 August, 2011
And in Other News...
Teachers praised
The Minister for Education, Martin Dixon has congratulated the quick actions of teachers that saved students from a recent bus fire.
Teachers alerted the driver to smoke and made a quick evacuation of the bus which, soon after, exploded into flames.
Staff and students from Dixon’s Creek Primary School, Hoddles Creek Primary School, Seville Primary School, Woori Yallock Primary School, Millwarra Primary School and Launching Place Primary School were on a day excursion to the snow.
“I understand that the evacuation was carried out professionally and calmly and I am thankful that all involved are now safe.” Mr Dixon said.
Frankston plan out
Residents of Frankston as well as community groups, businesses and other stakeholders have been invited to have their say on the future planning of the city centre.
Over the next 12 months the Frankston TAFE to Bay Structure Plan will be revised under a joint initiative by the State Government and Local Council to guide the future planning of Frankston’s city centre.
For more information on ways to be involved in the revision of the Structure Plan call (03) 9285 9004 or visit this PS News link.
Mounted police on show
The Victoria Police Mounted Branch has opened its stables to the public.
The community was given a rare opportunity to take a behind the scenes look at the Mounted Branch and meet the horses and police members during the open days on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July, 2011.
Guided tours of the facility were among the activities offered as part of the Melbourne House program, which showcased buildings of architectural significance across Melbourne.
The complex in South Melbourne houses stables that were constructed 99 years ago and can house up to 50 horses.
Docklands plans proceeding
Four bidders will be asked to put forward proposals to earn the right to develop the last uncontracted land parcel in Melbourne’s Docklands.
Australis Consortium; Grocon Property Developments Pty Ltd and Mirvac Victoria Pty Ltd; Leighton Properties (Vic) Pty Ltd; and Lend Lease Development Pty Ltd will compete for the right to develop the two hectare site.
The four bidders have been chosen from eight that submitted an Expression of Interest and bidders each have until 26 October this year to prepare their proposal.
Police busy recruiting
Victoria Police are to host a recruitment information session this Thursday (4 August) to give the community an insight into what a career with Victoria Police would be like.
The information session will cover the role of police in the community; minimum entrance requirements; the recruiting process, the Victoria Police Academy; operational policing; conditions and entitlements; and job opportunities.
The information session comes as Victoria Police looks to recruit an additional 1700 police and 940 Protective Services Officers (PSOs) over the next four years.
For more information visit this PS News link.
Boost for medical services
Victorian patients are to benefit from increased access to more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, after extra funding was announced by Acting Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
Around $50 million will be provided for up to 49 capital projects and additional support projects to improve clinical education and training infrastructure across the State.
Mr Butler said the funding would also support new clinical training infrastructure which would consist of new training facilities at Universities, hospitals and health care facilities, as well as new equipment such as simulation equipment, dental chairs and video conferencing facilities.
“These infrastructure projects will enable us to train more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals in places where we need them,” he said.
Hospital upgrade
An upgrade for the emergency department of Warragul Hospital has been announced.
The expansion will provide an additional five new emergency department cubicles, a new treatment room and a new behavioural assessment room.
The funding is part of the National Partnership Agreement on Improving Public Hospital Services which has been supported by a donation of $500,000 from the Andrews Foundation to the West Gippsland Healthcare Group
An extra $1.1 million funding increase to the West Gippsland Healthcare Group’s budget bottom line for the next year.
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