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SearchArchives for June 2011
29 June, 2011
Charter in charge at
prosecutions office
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has launched Victoria’s first ‘Prosecutions Charter’.
The DPP, Jeremy Rapke QC, said the new Charter outlined the functions of the DPP, the Solicitor for Public Prosecutions, the Office of Public Prosecutions, the Chief Crown Prosecutor and Crown Prosecutors.
Mr Rapke said the Charter provided an overview of the roles, responsibilities and powers within the prosecution service, encapsulating the principles that guide public prosecution in Victoria.
“Together we pursue justice by ethical and principled means and with a commitment to acting in the public interest, upholding the rule of law, building public confidence in the fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system, and protecting the community,” Mr Rapke said.
“This independent and impartial conduct of prosecutions is the cornerstone of a strong democracy and a just and fair criminal justice system.”
He said a review of the Prosecutions Service may lead to some changes in the way services operated, but it would not affect their values and principles as outlined by the Charter.
The Charter includes a description of what the different bodies within prosecution services do; the ethics, principles and values they abide by; the policies and guidelines they follow; their service commitments; and the services’ commitment to transparency.
“We provide the people of Victoria with a high quality prosecution service that is independent, fair, effective and efficient, recognising that such a service is essential to the proper functioning of democracy and the criminal justice system, and to the maintenance of law and order,” the Charter says.
“In providing this service, we pursue justice by ethical and principled means and with a commitment to acting in the public interest, upholding the rule of law, building public confidence in the fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system, and protecting the Victorian community.”
A full copy of the new Charter can be downloaded from this PS News link.
29 June, 2011
Cameras caught in
snapshot report
An independent report into the Hume Highway point to point (P2P) speed cameras, has confirmed that the nine infringements found by police to have been incorrectly issued last October were the only ones that were wrong.
The review was ordered to verify that the processes undertaken by the Department of Justice and the camera operator Redflex when investigating the cameras were the appropriate ones.
Minister for Police, Peter Ryan said it was important the community had access to the findings from the independent review.
“Victorians have been concerned about the integrity of the Hume P2P cameras after they were switched off by Victoria Police last October when nine infringements issued were found to be incorrect,” Mr Ryan said.
“The release of this independent report is another step in helping to restore the community’s confidence in the State’s road safety camera systems.”
He said the Auditor-General, who was currently investigating the road safety camera program, had been supplied with the report.
“[It] has verified only nine infringements were incorrectly issued,” Mr Ryan said.
“However no decision will be made about switching the Hume cameras back on until the Auditor-General has completed his investigation.”
He committed the Government to providing greater transparency around the State’s road safety cameras.
“Motorists can now refer to a weekly publication of mobile speed camera locations and a new and improved website (available at this PS News link) and the Auditor-General is investigating the State’s entire road safety camera system,” he said.
“Motorists deserve to know more about road safety cameras in Victoria.”
Mr Ryan said there was also legislation before Parliament to establish the first Road Safety Camera Commissioner in Australia.
The full Hume Highway P2P cameras report can be downloaded from this PS News link.
29 June, 2011
Construction review
to build IR contracts
A review of the industrial relations principles adopted by building firms tendering for State Government construction work has been announced by the Premier, Ted Baillieu.
Mr Baillieu said the review would examine the current Industrial Relations Principles 2003 that form part of the Victorian Code of Practice for the Building and Construction Industry 1999.
“This review will lead to new principles that will impose more rigorous requirements on building firms tendering for State Government building and construction work,” Mr Baillieu said.
“[The] intention in reviewing these principles is to ensure that the workplace arrangements and practices applying to firms which tender for State Government contracts comply with applicable workplace laws and to promote productivity.”
He said the review would ideally lead to the introduction of new principles modelled on guidelines operating at the Commonwealth level.
“The current [State] principles are expressed in general terms and do little to promote a genuine commitment to eliminating unlawful or undesirable workplace practices in the building and construction industry,” Mr Baillieu said.
“The principles do not even refer to freedom of association and the right to join or not join a union.”
He said the new principles would reflect the Government’s determination to use its purchasing power to promote compliance, productivity and broader cultural change across the State’s building and construction industry.
“This will begin with the stipulation that tenderers comply with the new principles as a condition of securing future Victorian Government building and construction work,” he said.
“Draft principles will be released later this year for public comment and feedback.”
29 June, 2011
Firefighters light up
fundraising fund
A new fundraising initiative to support charities and people in need has been launched by the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board, the MFB.
The Firefighters’ Charity Fund Melbourne will raise money for burns care, children’s health and cancer care or research and will assist members of the firefighting community, both uniformed and non-uniformed, in times of need.
Board President of the MFB, Neil Comrie said the inaugural charities selected to be supported by the Fire Fighters’ Charity Fund Melbourne included the Otis Foundation, a provider of respite care for cancer sufferers, the Alfred Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“The MFB Board is pleased to support this charity, and on behalf of the board I join with MFB’s Executive Leadership Team and the United Firefighters Union in wishing the Firefighters’ Charity Fund Melbourne success in its endeavours,” Mr Comrie said.
He said the fund would contribute 70 per cent of donations to three core Victorian charities within the areas of children’s health, burns and cancer, which would vary from year to year.
He said the remaining 30 per cent was reserved for FireLegacy, a separate fund designed to assist individuals and families within the community who are under financial stress due to the costs of serious medical treatment.
Mr Ryan said all donations over $2 were tax deductible and all proceeds raised by the fund would be given to charity.
“MFB employees and members of the public can choose to make regular voluntary donations to the charity via a payroll deduction, or make one-off donations on the charity’s website,” he said.
“Developed with the full support of both the MFB and United Firefighters Union, the fund is administered by an independent board.”
He said more information could be found at this PS News link.
29 June, 2011
Initiatives to improve
Government relations
New initiatives to improve relations between the State and Local Government have been announced by the Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell.
Mrs Powell said the three new initiatives would include the Local Government – Aboriginal Affairs Project, setting up a Ministerial-Mayors Advisory Panel and re-establishing the Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries.
She said the Local Government – Aboriginal Affairs Project was another cog in a whole-of-Government approach to dealing with indigenous disadvantage.
She said the project would help Local Government better understand the needs of local Aboriginal communities and assist Aboriginal communities in better understanding the process of Local Government and contribute to closing the gap on indigenous disadvantage.
“The project will monitor and demonstrate improvements in outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians and Local Government in areas such as employment, service provision, reconciliation and the protection of cultural heritage,” Mrs Powell said.
She said the second initiative, the Ministerial-Mayors Advisory Panel, would further strengthen communication by promoting meaningful dialogue between the Local and State Governments in Victoria.
“This new advisory panel will be comprised of mayors from inner metropolitan Councils, outer metropolitan Councils, interface Councils, regional cities and rural Councils,” Mrs Powell said.
“The members of this panel will provide high level strategic advice on the range of legislative, regulatory and policy decisions that require a partnership between the state government and local government.”
She said the panel would improve efficiency at both levels of government and enable them to work together towards a better Victoria.
She said the third initiative to re-establish the Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries would be bi-partisan and represent cross-sector interests to help shape the role of libraries within local communities.
“With the added skills and capacities of the Advisory Council, I am confident that our public libraries will maintain a strong and healthy presence in Victoria’s communities,” Mrs Powell said.
“She said the Government was committed to improving the channels of communication between the State and Local Governments and local communities.
29 June, 2011
Consumers sign up
to new national law
The new national Australian Consumer Law (ACL) has been adopted by Victoria without any problems according to the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien.
Introduced at the beginning of 2011, the ACL replaced 20 different consumer laws across the country.
Mr O’Brien said the ‘one law, multiple regulator’ approach underpinning the ACL provided the ideal environment for States and Territories to work together to stamp out dodgy traders.
“Victoria has taken the lead in making sure consumers and traders are aware of their rights and obligations under the ACL,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The smooth transition from each State and Territory’s fair trading legislation to one piece of legislation which protects consumers whether they’re in Dandenong or Darwin is a benefit all Australians now enjoy.”
He said this should not be the last step in modernising and simplifying Australian law.
Victoria has called for the modernisation of travel regulation, but as yet not all States and Territories support the idea.
Mr O’Brien said other States and Territories seemed to prefer a more cautious approach to reform.
He said more information on the new consumer laws could be found on the ACL’s website this PS News link.
29 June, 2011
Pollution hotline
to clean up
A new 24-hour pollution hotline has been established by Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria to provide around-the-clock advice and assistance to members of the community concerned about pollution and environmental issues.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith announced the new service saying people in communities affected by odour and pollution had called for improvements to the EPA’s Pollution Watch Line.
Mr Smith said the Government has responded to the community by agreeing to improve access for all Victorians through the new EPA 24-hour Pollution Hotline.
“The new hotline will allow EPA call centre officers to make on-the-spot decisions to send emergency crews to pollution-related incidents, which has the potential to improve emergency incident response times,” Mr Smith said.
Chief Executive at EPA, John Merritt said the new service would make the first interaction between clients and the regulator seamless.
Mr Merritt said a properly functioning hotline was essential as the EPA relied on Victorians to be its eyes and ears and report pollution.
“Last year EPA received 8,000 community reports for pollution,” Mr Merritt said.
“The new EPA Pollution Hotline will provide access for more Victorians to report odour, unacceptable noise or illegal dumping of industrial waste or pollution in our waterways.”
He said the hotline would also feature an easily remembered number, 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842) and would commence operations this week (1 July 2011).
29 June, 2011
Paper delivers on
service delivery
A new paper setting the standard for delivering quality services to the community sector has been released by the Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge.
Ms Wooldridge said the paper, released at a forum of key stakeholders representing the health, housing and community service sectors, would cut red tape for a wide range of community organisations.
“Combining a number of different quality standards, the work of community organisations will be guided by one readily accessible set of standards,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“[It will] allow for organisations providing direct services to clients to be accredited once every three years, regardless of the number of department programs they are funded to provide.”
She said it would make it easier for the community sector to actually help clients, rather than spend time, energy and resources filling in paperwork.
“Instead of four different standards, we have simplified it to one standard,” she said.
“The new arrangements integrate existing quality standards.”
Ms Wooldridge said the new single standard would ensure the community sector’s time and resources would be focused on providing community services to individuals and families in need.
“We are committed to cutting red tape and making a difference to the lives of vulnerable Victorians,” she said.
29 June, 2011
More power for
energy savings
The energy savings target under the Energy Saver Incentive (ESI) has been doubled to 5.4 million tonnes a year for the three years from 2012.
Announced by the Minister for Energy and Resources, Michael O’Brien, the new target would also include businesses in the ESI to assist them in cutting their power bills too.
“This decision means that Victorian households and businesses can reduce their power bills and contribute to cost-effective reductions of millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said reduced demand for energy meant significant costs could be avoided and savings passed on to consumers.
He said modelling showed on average, participating households were expected to save $308 off electricity and $39 off gas bills over 5 years.
The Minister said under the program, energy retailers offered Victorian Households incentives such as free or discounted installation when purchasing energy efficient products.
This included lighting, shower heads, heating and hot water systems and high efficiency refrigeration, air conditioning, TVs, pool pumps and clothes dryers.
“The use of stand-by power controllers and the replacement of old gas ductwork will soon be added to the list of eligible activities under the ESI so that households can take advantage of these opportunities under the current residential framework,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Businesses will be added to the ESI in 2012.”
He said doubling the savings target would help Victorians cut 16.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gases through the ESI activities, which was the equivalent of taking five million cars off the roads.
He said the Government was also seeking ideas on energy efficiency measures that could be added to expand the scheme to businesses from 2012.
Mr O’Brien said more information was available at this PS News link.
29 June, 2011
New ticket system
is just the ticket
A revised contract for the introduction of the troubled myki public transport ticketing system has been announced by the Premier, Ted Baillieu.
Mr Baillieu said the State was on its way towards an effective and reliable ticketing system for passengers and a financially responsible outcome for taxpayers.
He said an extensive technical, commercial, and financial analysis of the existing system and options available for Victoria’s transport ticketing system had now been completed with the Government negotiating team meeting with NTT Data, the new Japanese parent company of myki, to finalise discussions over its future.
“The revised contract will deliver a reliable ticketing system with strengthened project management and governance arrangements ensuring system improvements and content delivery occur on schedule and on budget,” Mr Baillieu said.
“Improved project management governance and key performance measures will be a key part of the revised ticketing contract.”
Mr Baillieu said a third party certifier would be appointed to ensure the State’s and public’s needs were met and to oversee the remaining build phase.
He said a rigorous testing and oversight regime would inform the certifier at critical evaluation points up to the end of the delivery phase.
He said the system would be used in Melbourne and on V/Line’s ‘commuter belt’ to Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymour and Traralgon.
Mr Baillieu said Metcard operations would continue until the end of 2012 to ensure that the smartcard system was working effectively and reliably for commuters before it was phased out completely.
Minister for Transport, Terry Mulder said the new contract would minimise the risk of cost blowouts and ensure the chronic system and delivery failures which affected the ticketing system would come to an end.
“The costs of paying out the existing contract, removing the existing system infrastructure, and funding a new system would be far higher than the funding required to make myki work,” Mr Baillieu said.
He committed the Government to delivering a reliable, effective, and financially responsible ticketing system for all Victorians.
29 June, 2011
Horses the winners
from gambling funds
Millions of dollars of unclaimed gambling winnings are to be allocated to a retired horses’ home via the Victorian Racing Industry Fund.
According to the Minister for Racing, Denis Napthine, the Living Legends charitable organisation, located at Woodlands Historic Park, provides a home for local and international racing champions after their racing careers are over and could well do with the funds.
Dr Napthine said Living Legends attracted 40,000 visitors each year and was home to Melbourne Cup greats like Rogan Josh, Might and Power, Brew and Doriemus.
He said the $1 million investment would encourage greater interest in Victorian racing and promote alternative opportunities for the retired champions.
“Proposed plans for the new funding include fencing, more shelters, and farm equipment to improve the pasture management and paddock rotations,” Dr Napthine said.
“Other proposed enhancements include further regeneration of the Historic Gardens and the implementation of educational programs for schoolchildren.”
He said Living Legends featured a number of tourist activities including picnic facilities, walking trails, indigenous history and an 1840s Woodlands homestead.
He said Living Legends was located at Greenvale had an alliance with Eliza Park Stud to assist in operating expenses, and incorporated Woodlands Historic Park.
More information is available from this PS News link.
29 June, 2011
OPP survives
trial by students
The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) has hosted an open day for students, teaching them that a career in law could be achievable for anyone with passion and drive.
About 70 students from Sunbury Downs College and McKinnon Secondary College were granted a behind-the-scenes look at the State’s OPP.
Solicitor for Public Prosecutions, Craig Hyland said it was a good opportunity for students to learn about the nuances and complexities of criminal prosecutions that couldn’t be taught in the classroom.
Mr Hyland said the Office was pleased to provide the students with a more realistic perspective of the variety of work done by prosecution solicitors.
“The general perception is that criminal prosecution revolves around courtrooms,” Mr Hyland said.
“In truth, trials account for only a very small percentage of a criminal matter, if indeed a matter goes to trial at all.”
He said even straightforward cases required staggering amounts of work conducted out of the public eye.
“Solicitors put in long hours to analyse, critique and advise on vast amounts of information,” he said.
“So while we didn’t aim to frighten off any aspiring lawyers, I think we showed students that prosecutions is challenging but delivers substantial rewards.”
He said feedback from the students was positive, with both the schools involved reporting that the open day enriched classroom discussions.
He said McKinnon Secondary College noted the question and answer sessions were particularly illuminating as students could discuss the principles and issues covered in class and Sunbury Downs said the sessions gave students and teachers real legal scenarios to discuss in more detail in the classroom.
Advocacy Solicitor, Advocacy at the OPP, Ella Piper said staff tried to stress on the students that not achieving the highest scores the first time round did not mean their goals couldn’t be reached.
“I came to law late and worked hard to achieve my goals,” Ms Piper said.
“If you’re passionate about pursuing a career in criminal law, teachers and course advisers will help students find a path.
“The real lesson is: if you want it, and you work hard, you can achieve anything.”
The open day was organised through cooperation between the OPP and the Law Institute of Victoria.
29 June, 2011
Schools focus in on
video conferencing
State-of-the-art video-conferencing facilities are to be rolled out to a further 300 rural and regional schools across Victoria to enable students to share their classes with other schools and increase opportunities to study a wider range of subjects.
Minister for Education, Martin Dixon said the Video Conferencing Initiative would ensure more regional and remote schools benefitted from the introduction of video conferencing capabilities.
Mr Dixon said it enabled schools to link with other schools to provide students with a wider subject choice and more educational opportunities.
“It will now be possible for smaller rural schools to offer particular VCE classes to just one or two students by linking in with a class hundreds of kilometres away,” Mr Dixon said.
He said the Video Conferencing Initiative built on the Grampians Virtual School program, which had been running in the region since 2009.
“The Grampians Virtual School has been providing virtual classes for students in 26 schools in the Grampians region as well as delivering 25 VCE subjects to 200 students in regional schools in other parts of the State,” he said.
“It has been a great success.”
He said students across the State logged on to share the same class in a variety of subjects, including specialist mathematics and physics.
Minister responsible for the Teaching Profession, Peter Hall said the video conferencing units would also contribute to improving teachers’ professional development, with video conferencing compatible units available for teachers through the Bastow Institute of Education Leadership.
“Not only will teachers in regional and rural schools be able to use this technology to share teaching practice and ideas with teachers in other schools,” Mr Hall said, “they will be able to access professional development programs provided by the Bastow Institute from the convenience of their own school.”
29 June, 2011
Railway partnership
steaming ahead
A partnership between the Victorian and other State Governments, the Commonwealth and the railway industry is expected to lead to a new ‘roadmap’ for rail manufacturing.
According to the federal Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr the Rail Manufacturing Technology Roadmap would “help put the rail industry on the right track” for a successful future by matching its capabilities to domestic and international opportunities.
Senator Carr said it was important Government understood the rail industry’s technology and manufacturing capabilities in order to identify development opportunities and ensure the industry continued to contribute significantly to the national economy.
“The Roadmap will build a vision for the rail industry and provide direction for the next 30 years,” Senator Carr said.
“It will identify pathways and areas for industry focus and investment, boosting capability and encouraging innovation.”
He said Australia’s rail industry extended from signalling, communications and track; to rail components and building and maintaining rolling stock.
He said the Roadmap would be developed over the next 12 months by ANU Edge and the Cooperative Research Centre for Rail Innovation, the University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing and Strategic Connections Group.
Senator Carr said rail industry stakeholders and interested parties were encouraged to put forward their views through the various workshops, interviews and surveys that would be organised.
He said the Roadmap project was jointly funded by the Victorian, Queensland and New South Wales State Governments as well as the Commonwealth and industry through the Australasian Railway Association.
More information on the Roadmap and other Rail Supplier Advocate initiatives can be found at this PS News link.
29 June, 2011
Sports kick goal with
inclusiveness funds
Funding of up to $10.2 million is to be made available to 30 State sporting organisations over the next three years to promote participation and inclusiveness.
Minister for Health, David Davis said the VicHealth State Sporting Association Participation Program was aimed at increasing the sporting participation of key groups.
Mr Davis said the program would create sporting environments that were safe, accessible and inclusive, with a particular focus on encouraging women and girls, people with a disability, Indigenous Australians and people from culturally diverse communities to join in.
“Beyond simply encouraging more people to play, the new grants aim to bring about sustainable organisational and cultural change at a State and member level,” Mr Davis said.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty said increased participation would not only guard against chronic illness but would strengthen relationships and contribute to healthy communities as well.
“It’s important to nurture safe and supportive sports that are welcoming of all,” Mr Delahunty said.
Acting Chief Executive at VicHealth, John Fitzgerald said the State Sporting Associations should be congratulated on making sport more attractive.
“Over the past 50 years, Australian culture has shifted from an active nation to one with a lifestyle that is mostly inactive,” Professor Fitzgerald said.
“Physical activity can prevent heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis, some cancers and obesity, as well as providing protection from common mental health problems, anxiety and depression,” he said.
29 June, 2011
Arts touring
in the frame
The latest round of arts touring grants have been announced to take plays, exhibitions and musical theatre to regional areas.
Minister for the Arts, Ted Baillieu said Touring Victoria opened up access to the arts across the State by supporting tours of exhibitions and performances to regional and outer metropolitan areas.
“Victoria is the state of the arts but arts activity should not just be confined to the city,” Mr Baillieu said.
“This latest round of $278,000 in funding supports a range of touring activity, including dance and theatre productions, musicals and exhibitions, which will be presented at more than 50 destinations across the state.”
He said the tours to be supported included works such as Jackie Smith’s play The Flood, Arena Theatre’s Greenroom Award-winning Moth, and a musical theatre production of the classic children’s novel James and the Giant Peach.
He said the tours would take the arts to such regional areas as Geelong, Mildura, Hamilton and Traralgon.
Mr Baillieu said they would also be visiting smaller venues such as Drysdale, Buchan, Omeo and Elmore.
He said regional areas would benefit from a combined $4 million funding from the Touring Victoria and Small Towns Transformation programs.
“No matter where you are in Victoria, there is always something exciting to experience in the arts,” Mr Baillieu said.
29 June, 2011
And in Other News...
Protection awards open
Nominations for the Robin Clarke Memorial Awards are open.
The awards, to be held in September, will officially launch this year’s Child Protection Week.
Three award categories cover making a difference with children, young people and families; inspirational leadership in the field; and change the definition of family - foster carers making a difference with children, young people and families.
Nomination can be submitted through this PS News link and close 15 July 2011.
Kids free at zoos
Entry fees for children are to be subsidised at three of Victoria’s zoos.
Healesville Sanctuary, Werribee Zoo and Melbourne Zoo will all admit children free of charge.
The subsidy follows a $10.7 million investment by the State Government to reduce the full priced child’s ticket from $12.60 to $0.
Council fined by EPA
The Environment Protection Authority Victoria has fined the City of Greater Bendigo for discharging contaminated stormwater into a nearby waterway.
The contaminated water flowed from Eaglehawk landfill and samples taken showed the water to be high in sediment, aluminium and arsenic.
The fine totalled nearly $6,000.
Committee members thanked
The State Government has formally thanked members of more than 30 Community Recovery Committees (CRC) for their contribution to reconstruction and recovery since the 2009 bushfires.
Premier, Ted Baillieu and Deputy Premier, Peter Ryan attended an official thank-you reception in Melbourne.
Mr Baillieu said hundreds of people had come together through their local CRCs to lead the reconstruction and recovery of 109 communities affected by the Black Saturday and Gippsland fires.
22 June, 2011
Ombudsman finds
corrupt conduct
An Ombudsman’s investigation into the procurement of printer toner has uncovered corrupt conduct across a number of agencies.
In his report Corrupt conduct by public officers in procurement, the Ombudsman, George Brouwer, found the scheme to be particularly active in Arts Victoria.
“My investigation identified a number of purchasing officers who had used public money inappropriately in the purchase of toner cartridges,” Mr Brouwer said.
“A number of public officers accepted gifts….for their personal benefit.”
He found the officers had acted corruptly purchasing toner cartridges at inflated prices, buying supplies that were not required and splitting invoices to avoid detection.
Mr Brouwer said several of the purchasing officers interviewed by his officers understood the difference between their private and public interest, but conducted themselves corruptly.
“My investigation identified that once a public officer accepts a gift, and fails to declare it, there is potential for that public officer to engage in a pattern of corrupt behaviour,” Mr Brouwer said.
He said the Victorian based company sold toner cartridges ‘at 3 to 4 times the price of genuine cartridges’.
He said the company offered rewards in the form of gifts to PS staff in exchange for their continuing to purchase toner cartridges.
“Several public officers breached their obligations under the Public Record Office Disposal schedule by destroying documents,” Mr Brouwer said.
He said there were also deliberate attempts to disguise and conceal gifts received from the company.
He said one employee of Arts Victoria employee inappropriately accepted a substantial number of gifts to the value of at least $8,300 and the corrupt conduct had cost Arts Victoria, and the public purse, more than $80,000.
He said Arts Victoria had 40 years’ supply of toner cartridges that only had a shelf life of 24 months.
Recommendations included that the Department of Premier and Cabinet conduct an audit of all procurement activity by Arts Victoria; that it conduct a review of the management at Arts Victoria; that it train all Arts Victoria staff in their obligations under the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees; and that it ensure that effective oversight of purchasing officers is maintained by all VPS agencies.
The Department of Premier and Cabinet accepted all the recommendations.
The full text of the Ombudsman’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.
22 June, 2011
Planning plan plans
planning advisers
An expert advisory group is to be appointed by the Minister for Planning to help overhaul Victoria’s planning system.
Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy appointed Geoff Underwood to head the independent advisory group.
Mr Guy said the planning system had not been overhauled since 1993.
“It has developed in an uncoordinated, unplanned and confusing manner,” Mr Guy said.
“Victorian communities deserve better.”
He said more than 55,000 development applications were considered in Victoria each year, representing over $17 billion of investment.
“The Victorian planning system needs to be more transparent in its decision making, contain simpler planning processes, clearer rules and certainty in outcomes,” Mr Guy said.
“Victorians want to have confidence in a planning system to effectively manage this ongoing growth and change.”
Mr Guy said the advisory group would be an ongoing part of other initiatives already underway to reform the planning system including introducing code assessment, improving the development contributions system, reviewing the Urban Growth Boundary, and establishing an Urban Renewal Authority.
“The advisory group will give an industry perspective on the legislative base and structure of planning schemes (including the structure of State and local policy provisions), and the regulations under The Planning and Environment Act 1987,” Mr Guy said.
“The advisory group will be seeking submissions from all interested people and groups on issues they have with planning controls and how they think they can be improved.”
He said other advisory group members included Catherine Heggen, a consultant town planner; David Keenan, the CEO of Mitchell Shire Council; Terry Montebello, a planning law expert; Jane Nathan, a former Councillor, Mayor and Commissioner at municipal level; and Leigh Phillips, an experienced planner who has served in various State Departments.
The advisory group has been asked to make an initial report to the Minister by 30 November 2011.
22 June, 2011
Crime figures
come unstuck
The Victorian Ombudsman has called for an independent body to be set up to manage, collate and disseminate crime statistics.
Ombudsman George Brouwer made the call following an investigation into an anonymous complaint claiming Victoria Police had allegedly manipulated the statistics in the led-up to last year’s State election.
Mr Brouwer said the processes for the recording and reporting of crime need to be trusted.
“In 2009 I recommended that there needed to be an independent body separate to the Victoria Police to manage the release of crime statistics,” Mr Brouwer said.
“Since that time nothing appears to have changed.”
Mr Brouwer said statistics were still managed and disseminated by Victoria Police, with known inefficiencies and other long-standing concerns.
He said there was still mistrust in the way crime statistics were used.
“My investigation identified that the decision to release the crime statistics several days before the caretaker period leading up to the November 2010 state election was the Chief Commissioner’s and his alone,” Mr Brouwer said.
“He confirms this.”
Mr Brouwer said the crime statistics were subsequently used for political purposes.
“The release of the quarterly crime statistics data, particularly so close to an election, was likely to be used in a political context, particularly using the figure of 27.5 per cent reduction in assaults in the Melbourne CBD without qualification and without acknowledging the more complete picture of assault trends,” Mr Brouwer said.
“In my view the figure of 27.5 per cent reduction was misleading and inconsistent with all other available data.”
Mr Brouwer said in the haste to release the crime statistics just before the caretaker period, a number of senior police officers and Public Servants involved not only ignored the warnings about the incompleteness of the data, but also failed to realise the impact such data would have, both politically and within Victoria Police.
“There is also the perception that the public were misled by the crime statistics,” Mr Brouwer said.
He said the independence of crime statistics was crucial.
“I consider there is a clear need as I indicated in 2009, for an independent body to manage the release of crime statistics,” Mr Brouwer said.
“I have recommended accordingly.”
Mr Brouwer also recommended that Victoria Police address the continuing inefficiencies in the recording of crime as a matter of urgency.
He said Victoria Police endorsed the recommendations.
The full text of the Ombudsman’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.
22 June, 2011
Medicare claims
new ‘Locals’
The Commonwealth Government has announced its first four ‘Medicare Locals’ to be established in Victoria.
Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, said they would be in Melbourne’s Inner East, North, North West and Barwon.
The new Locals are among the first 19 to be announced nation-wide.
Ms Roxon said Medicare Locals would help ensure that patients had access to the right health service at the right place and time.
“They will have the important role of working with GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, Indigenous health organisations and Local Hospital Networks to identify and respond to gaps in local health services and help patients and health professionals navigate our often complex system more easily,” Ms Roxon said.
“We see Medicare Locals as the enablers or coordinators to make this happen – the glue that will help to bring together these often disconnected parts of the primary health care system.”
Ms Roxon said the first four Victorian Medicare Locals would be the Melbourne East General Practice Network (Inner East Melbourne Medicare Local), General Practitioners Association of Geelong (Barwon Medicare Local), Melbourne General Practice Network and Progressive Primary Health Ltd (Inner North West Medicare Local), and North East Valley Division of General Practice and Northern Melbourne Division of General Practice (Northern Melbourne Medicare Local).
She said the organisations would become Medicare Locals from 1 July 2011.
Ms Roxon said the Commonwealth Government had also updated boundaries for Medicare Locals in Victoria.
She said these boundaries planned for 17 Medicare Locals to be established in Victoria, part of an Australia-wide network of 62.
22 June, 2011
Annual Reports take
annual awards
Boroondara City Council has taken top prize in the 2011 Australasian Reporting Awards presented recently.
Now in their 61st year, the Awards are primarily a benchmarking activity - not a competition – with reports judged against criteria to receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze Award.
Chairman of the ARA, Tim Sheehy said the 2011 Awards were highlighted by very high standards of reporting despite the difficult economic times experienced by many organisations during the reporting period.
“The record number of Gold Awards shows that many organisations in Australia and New Zealand are very concerned about improving the quality of their annual reports, and further, that the quality of the best reports entered in these Awards is very high by world standards,” Mr Sheehy said.
“It also indicates the ARA and its strong supporters, which include the professional associations CPA Australia and Chartered Secretaries Australia, have been very effective in both promoting the need for high quality reporting, and in helping organisations improve their performance.”
He said the ARA also presented Special Awards for reporting in areas critical to the performance and accountability of an organisation; including awards for best reporting on Governance, Sustainability, and Occupational Health and Safety; and for Communication and Online Reporting.
Among the Gold Award winners for 2011 were the City of Boroondara; City of Greater Geelong; City of Kingston; City of Stonnington; the Victorian Electoral Commission; Western District Health Service; and Western Region Water Corporation.
The Silver Award Winners from Victoria included Barwon Water; Baw Baw Shire Council; Corangamite Catchment Management Authority; Manningham City Council; Moreland City Council; Peninsula Health; the Plumbing Industry Commission; Victoria Legal Aid; and WorkSafe Victoria.
Bronze Award winners included the Adult Parole Board of Victoria; Bayside City Council; Frankston City Council; Gannawarra Shire Council; Hobsons Bay City Council; Macedon Ranges Shire Council; the Museums Board of Victoria; Otway Health & Community Services; South West Healthcare; The City of Whitehorse; Timboon & District Healthcare Service; the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office; and Women’s Health West
The City of Greater Geelong was a finalist in the “Report of the Year Award” won by the City of Boroondara and the Western Region Water Corporation won the “Communication Reporting Award” for the Public Sector”.
22 June, 2011
Audit unplugs
supercomputer
The audit of a $100 million research and facility program to provide life sciences researchers with a new supercomputer and a centre of expertise to support it at the University of Melbourne has found cause for concern.
In his report Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative, Acting Auditor-General Peter Frost said that despite early positive signs, the project could not be demonstrated to be value for money or that sound procurement policies had been followed.
Dr Frost said the initiative, procured and managed by the Department of Business and Innovation, was expected to establish life sciences computation centres at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville as well as at Clayton and Bundoora when completed in 2013.
He said the audit assessed whether the initiative was effectively planned, procured and managed.
“Early indications are that the VLSCI program is achieving State Government policy objectives,” Dr Frost said.
“Notwithstanding these positive early signs, the absence of sufficient needs and options analysis and sound procurement processes, means the University cannot demonstrate that the initiative represents the most effective use of the $50 million provided by the State Government,” he said.
He said Department of Business and Innovation’s use of a grant agreement to establish governance, monitoring and reporting frameworks was generally sound but recommended the Department provide targeted guidance to agencies.
Dr Frost said the University approached the market before it had adequately identified the specific needs of researchers and assessed the options available to meet them.
“As a result, the University is not able to demonstrate whether the goods and services acquired and the research partnership formed meet these needs,” he said.
“The procurement was not well planned and the University is not able to demonstrate it represented value for money.”
Dr Frost said the University only attracted one company capable and willing to partner it in the initiative and opportunities to retest the market were not taken.
“The University’s project management and procurement processes did not demonstrate the level of transparency and accountability required for large public sector procurement.”
Dr Frost said the audit found no impropriety, however the procurement was not demonstrably impartial.
“Conflicts of interest and perceptions of bias created by the University’s earlier involvement with the company subsequently chosen to partner it in the VLSCI were not adequately identified and managed.”
The full text of the Acting Auditor’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.
22 June, 2011
Water wars
dry up
The South Australian Government has settled its Constitutional challenge against Victoria’s water trading rules.
According to the Victorian Office of Water, a combination of new actions by the Government and changed circumstances in water availability in the Murray-Darling Basin has led the two States to reach a mutually agreed settlement.
The Office of Water said that an agreement had been reached through negotiation that gave South Australia the right to purchase water from Victoria to meet any potential shortfall in its needs for critical human supplies.
The Office said the States had also agreed that Victoria would immediately sign the relevant schedules under the Murray-Darling Basin agreement which provide South Australia with permanent rights to store water in upstream storages such as the Hume and Dartmouth dams.
Federal Minister for Water, Tony Burke said the agreement showed how the two States had been able to work through their respective challenges to reach an outcome that was good news for communities in the Basin.
“The commitment shown by Victoria and South Australia to work together will help achieve reform in the Murray Darling Basin,” Mr Burke said.
He said the commitment to remove trade restrictions totally by mid 2014 would advance the capacity to bridge the gap between current diversion limits and those that were required under the Murray Darling Basin Plan when it was finalised.
“An efficient and fair water market is essential in delivering reform across the Murray Darling Basin,” Mr Burke said.
“I also welcome that the agreement provides access to water storages in Victoria for South Australian water users which will be of assistance to South Australia in developing carry over rules.”
Mr Burke said during this water year some South Australian irrigators received less than their full water allocation due to challenges in carrying forward water.
He said this agreement would help to prevent such a situation occurring in the future.
22 June, 2011
Leave campaign goes
for a holiday
The latest stage in the national TV campaign No Leave No Life calls on hard working Australians to nominate themselves or a friend for an all expenses paid holiday.
Federal Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson said the move was part of Tourism Australia’s “ramping up” of the campaign.
“The amount of leave owed to Australians is enormous,” Mr Ferguson said, “123 million days of accumulated annual leave worth $33 billion in wages.
“Australians have a reputation for being hard working and whilst they know the value of taking time off this is becoming more difficult as they juggle busy schedules and cluttered lifestyles.”
He said more than a million Australians were directly and indirectly employed in the tourism industry and many of them worked in rural and regional areas.
He said their jobs depended on customers - both from within Australia and from overseas.
“The $34 billion Australian tourism industry needs to aggressively compete for the discretionary dollar to encourage more Australians to holiday at home by offering quality tourism experiences,” he said.
“Tourism Australia is working with the industry to assist it to compete through its long term investment in the popular No Leave, No Life and Nothing Like Australia tourism marketing campaigns as well as the introduction of the TQUAL mark – an accreditation symbol to mark quality tourism products and services.”
Mr Ferguson said the new No Leave No Life reality TV series was open to nominations from the general public for the first time.
He said people could nominate themselves or someone they think deserved a well-earned break.
“The No Leave No Life campaign sends a clear message to employers about the importance of reducing the leave on their books by encouraging workers to take a break,” Mr Ferguson said.
“And we all know there’s nothing like Australia for a well earned holiday.”
Mr Ferguson said the second No Leave No Life reality TV series had a reach of 6.38 million with an average 912,000 Australians tuning in each week.
He said it was the number two program in its timeslot.
Nominations for the free holiday are open until 29 June 2011 at this PS News link.
22 June, 2011
Research plan is
winning formula
A proposed new tax credit scheme for research and development promises to turn Melbourne into the R&D capital of the world according to Invest Victoria.
In a statement, the Agency said the new system would come into effect on 1 July this year and apply to all companies carrying out R&D activities with a permanent establishment in Australia.
It said the $1.8 billion R&D tax credit would deliver more funding to innovative firms – including advanced manufacturers, ICT and biotech – providing a valuable incentive for investment.
Under the new system, companies with turnover of less than A$20 million would be eligible for a 45 per cent refundable tax credit.
The credit would also be refundable for companies with a tax loss, with the Australian Government providing an upfront cash refund as well.
The Agency said larger corporations were eligible for a 40 per cent non-refundable Standard R&D tax credit, however unused credit amounts would be able to be carried forward and used in future years.
Invest Victoria said that in anticipation of the legislation, a consultant’s report from last year showed the new system would benefit almost every sector in the State’s economy.
The report said that building on Victoria’s existing strength in R&D, introduction of this globally competitive system would make Melbourne the world’s most attractive tax environment for R&D.
Invest Victoria said Victoria already led Australia for business expenditure on R&D by foreign direct investment firms, accounting for 30 per cent of the national total in 2008-09.
It said the state was also the national leader for overall business investment in R&D in key sectors, including automotive (72 per cent), basic chemicals (50 per cent), advanced food processing (40 per cent), and publishing (69 per cent).
22 June, 2011
Smoke a drawback
for affected grapes
Scientists from the Department of Primary Industries are investigating a possible link between smoke from bushfires and controlled burns and the quality of wine produced in the State’s grape and wine industries.
Director of DPI’s Centre for Expertise in Smoke Taint Research, Mark Downey said the bushfires in Victoria in 2007 and 2009 highlighted the devastating effect bushfire smoke could have on the wine industry.
“Many vineyards in North East Victoria had fruit rejected, or the wine was made only to discover it was tainted and had no commercial value,” Dr Downey said.
“Low consumer appeal, due to smoke taint aroma, resulted in a $300 million loss to the wine grape industry.”
He said such a massive economic loss meant that finding out when grapes were sensitive to smoke exposure and how to mitigate the effects of smoke became extremely important to growers and the industry.
Dr Downey said scientists from the Centre aim to develop a web-based risk assessment tool to help growers determine the potential risk of smoke taint in grapes and wine.
He said the Centre in Mildura would be home to a comprehensive research and development program that would significantly improve the industry’s knowledge of how smoke impacted on wine and how to mitigate the risk of smoke taint.
Senior Research Scientist at the Centre, Davinder Singh said an analytical method was required to enable researchers to detect compounds in wines and fruit associated with smoke taint.
“We collected Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from Victoria’s King Valley wine region following the 2006 and 2007 bushfires and developed an analytical tool in our Mildura laboratory to routinely measure levels of taint,” Dr Singh said.
“The major advantage of this method was its ability to measure both free and bound forms of taint compounds.”
He said in the event of another bushfire, the techniques could be used to determine a smoke index in the fruit and wines which would help winemakers determine which fruit would be rejected or accepted by the market.
22 June, 2011
Website connects with
connection service
A new website and a national ‘Find and Connect’ service have been announced as part of a program to support the Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants to reconnect with their families.
Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin said more than $3 million was being provided for the first phase of the national Find and Connect service to help Forgotten Australians access professional counselling services, trace their personal and family histories and reunite with family members where possible.
Ms Macklin said the Find and Connect service was part of a commitment made at the 2009 National Apology to the more than 500,000 Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants - many of whom suffered abuse and neglect while in out-of-home care last century.
She said the funding would support a national Find and Connect website and database of records to help care leavers find records held by past care provider organisations and Government Agencies, including counselling support.
Ms Macklin said her Department would work with community agencies, the States and Territories, including Victoria, to encourage timely access and the supported release of historical records to care leavers.
She said the Department would also include care leavers, State and Territory Governments and other stakeholders in the next implementation phase of national Find and Connect services from November 2011.
“We know that for many Forgotten Australians and child migrants who grew up in institutional and foster care, the feelings of loss and abandonment have remained with them throughout their lives,” Ms Macklin said.
“Providing services to help them reconnect with their identity and with their families where this is possible is one way the Government can help heal the legacy of the trauma and loneliness of lost childhoods,” she said.
22 June, 2011
Injured artists
in the frame
Artists who have suffered road trauma have been invited to enter their work in an art exhibition.
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has issued the invitation to TAC clients to share their experiences of road trauma through art.
Chief Executive of TAC, Janet Dore said the Picture This exhibition would showcase pieces by people who were artists before being involved in a transport accident; who had taken up art since the accident or who had included art therapy in their rehabilitation.
Ms Dore said life after a transport accident was about more than recovering from physical injury.
“It can also be about the emotional trauma of dealing with the accident, adapting to changed circumstances and the impact of the accident on family and friends,” Ms Dore said.
She said art therapy had long been known to offer therapeutic and diagnostic benefits and she encouraged clients to enter their work.
“The advantage of art therapy is that it allows anyone, of any age to express how they are feeling,” she said.
“The TAC recognises that art can help our clients reconnect with their bodies after suffering injuries and it is a way to rebuild skills and improve confidence.”
She said several of the artists who entered Picture This in the past had significant injuries from road trauma, including quadriplegia and acquired brain injuries.
Ms Dore said artwork entered could include paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics, jewellery and mosaics.
Artists can enter online at this PS News link or telephone (03) 5225 6504 and entries close 30 June 2011.
Entries in Picture This will be displayed at the Geelong Gallery from 30 June to 4 September.
22 June, 2011
Pest warning
has bite
While the Department of Primary Industries’ is scaling down its on-ground anti-fruit-fly operations for winter, landholders are still being urged to maintain their backyard fruit trees and dispose of unwanted fruit properly.
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh said planning was already underway to ensure an aggressive response later this year.
“This coming spring more inspectors will be hired by DPI to supplement the almost 100 full and part time staff working on the ground,” Mr Walsh said.
“DPI is planning to target resources at all the outbreak locations in our northern fruit-growing regions.”
He said most commercial growers and residents could expect baiting and larval search activities to resume in early spring – possibly earlier if they were based in the northwest.
“In the meantime over winter, residents should prune their trees to a size that they can readily manage while picking and using the fruit or removing unwanted trees,” Mr Walsh said.
“If backyard fruit is not wanted for household consumption, residents should also consider replacing them with ornamental trees which will reduce the risk of future fruit fly outbreaks.”
Mr Walsh said during summer and autumn this year, DPI staff visited thousands of properties in affected areas as part of its fruit fly eradication program and more than 60,000 baits were laid to help reduce fly populations.
“Most of these outbreaks could affect next season, so commercial growers need to maintain their accreditation and talk to DPI experts if they have early crops,” Mr Walsh said.
“This will help DPI manage workloads going into next season.”
Mr Walsh said growers needed to check if they were in a suspension zone and obtain the appropriate accreditations and permits to move fruit.
He said travellers should not carry fruit into or through regional Victoria, particularly backyard-grown fruit, as it could carry fruit fly, jeopardising millions of dollars worth of local and international trade.
“Travellers should play it safe—buy and consume fruit locally,” Mr Walsh said.
22 June, 2011
Developers’ committee
to see what develops
A new advisory group has been set up to advise the Minister for Planning on proposed reforms to the land development contributions system.
Under the system, developers pay Local Councils a contribution towards the cost of public infrastructure associated with their developments such as roads, storm water systems, open space and community facilities to meet the future needs of local residents.
Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy said reforms to the system were expected to reduce the time and cost to developers of preparing contributions plans.
Mr Guy said a new development contributions system would establish a range of standard payment schedules for different development settings across Victoria, such as metropolitan growth areas, regional cities, peri-urban areas, urban development areas, and other development settings as needed.
He said the system would also establish consistent and transparent development contributions for different categories of land use as well as providing Councils with the capacity to tailor local schedules.
“Councils and developers have expressed concern that the current process is onerous, time and resource intensive and difficult to administer,” Mr Guy said.
“A new system should be based on fairness and certainty for Councils, developers and the community.”
He said the new advisory group – the Stakeholder Reference Group - would include representation from industry such as the Urban Development Institute of Australia, the Property Council and the Master Builders Association.
“Reforming the existing developer contribution system should substantially reduce the time and cost to prepare a contributions plan and provide greater certainty and transparency through the possible use of pre-determined standard levies,” Mr Guy said.
He said the new developer contribution system would be ready for implementation in early 2012.
22 June, 2011
Community halls plan
to raise the roof
An arts program celebrating the role community halls play in their local arts scene has been launched in Dunkeld by the Premier, Ted Baillieu.
Mr Baillieu, who is also Minister for the Arts, said the program Home is Where the Hall is! would see halls across the State host activities selected and designed by the local community, including bake-offs, dance competitions, exhibitions, performances and film nights in November.
“Community halls are the heart and hearth of small communities across Victoria where locals can meet and celebrate local and personal milestones,” Mr Baillieu said.
“Whether a community hall is historic or contemporary, they all hold within their walls the stories, collective memories and lifeblood of their communities.”
Mr Baillieu said the Regional Arts Victoria initiative added to the exciting calendar of arts and cultural events already on offer in regional Victoria.
“This wonderful program will help communities look at their community halls in a different light, and celebrate the role they play in our cultural and social life,” Mr Baillieu said.
He said there were more than 700 community-managed halls in regional Victoria alone, with some dating back to the late 19th century.
“The arts and creative industries are among Victoria’s great strengths, hugely enriching our identity and way of life,” Mr Baillieu said.
He said the Victorian Budget provided a $4 million Regional Arts Transformation package aimed at supporting arts projects in small town communities and at encouraging major arts companies to increase touring across regional Victoria.
“We look forward to working in partnership with Regional Arts Victoria, artists and regional Local Governments and communities to deliver these initiatives, and to connect and transform our communities through the arts,” Mr Baillieu said.
22 June, 2011
Refugees at home
in Refugee Week
The people of Victoria have joined in celebrating Australia’s humanitarian efforts and the positive contributions made by refugees in Refugee Week 2011, now on.
Federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, said the community had embraced Refugee Week in both the cities and regional areas with hundreds of events staged in recognition of refugees’ remarkable journeys.
Mr Bowen said Refugee Week would be celebrated until 25 June and included World Refugee Day on Monday 20 June.
“Throughout Australia’s history refugees have added to the rich diversity of our nation and Refugee Week is a wonderful opportunity for all Australians to recognise that contribution and feel proud of this country’s humanitarian efforts,” Mr Bowen said.
Mr Bowen said since the end of World War II, more than 750,000 refugees and others in humanitarian need had been resettled in Australia.
“We’re playing our part in providing refugees with protection, assisting others who are in great humanitarian need and in reuniting families,” Mr Bowen said.
“The fundamentals of the humanitarian program have served our community well and have evolved over time to respond to changing situations across the globe.”
Mr Bowen said during the Victorian Refugee Week celebrations, a former refugee would be ordained as a Catholic priest in an historic ceremony.
He said Bishop-elect Vincent Long Van Nguyen, who left a life of war and poverty in Vietnam, would become Australia’s first Asian Catholic bishop on 23 June in Melbourne.
“The ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral is expected to draw many of the faithful, including a large number from Australia’s Vietnamese community,” Mr Bowen said.
He said Refugee Week was being marked with music and cultural activities, including a barbecue and commemorative tree planting at Wonthaggi, and a forum of speakers from the local Iraqi, Chaldean, Assyrian, Kurdish and Bhutanese communities in Broadmeadows.
22 June, 2011
And in Other News...
Water reaches high water mark
Melbourne Water storages have hit 1,000 billion litres for the first time since January 2006.
The milestone highlights the ongoing recovery from a low of 453 billion litres (25.6 per cent) at the height of the drought.
Water storages are now nudging 56 per cent compared with only 32 per cent at the same time last year – a difference of almost 405 billion litres.
Stage 2 restrictions are currently in place.
Lawyer wanted
The Supreme Court of Victoria is seeking applications for the position of Associate to the Chief Justice for 2012–13.
The position would particularly suit junior lawyers planning to join the Bar.
Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Sunday 10 July 2011.
Firefighters graduate
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has welcomed 25 new full-time firefighters.
The new recruits have come from a range of professions, including trades, sales, building, IT, mechanical and emergency services.
The new firefighters will take up postings at 12 locations including Craigieburn, Hoppers Crossing, Mornington, Springvale, Cranbourne, Warrnambool, Morwell, Caroline Spring, Belmont, Greenvale, Shepparton and Wodonga.
Council fined
Failing to heed EPA advice has cost Horsham Rural City Council $3,000.
The Council was found guilty in the Horsham Magistrates Court on a charge of polluting waters in an incident in December 2009.
A slug of poor quality water was released into the Wimmera River causing oxygen
levels to drop, fish die, and the water become discoloured and foul smelling.
No conviction was recorded and the Council was also ordered to pay EPA costs
of $3,000.
Forum for women
Women from central Victorian communities have been invited to a free forum on 24 June.
The theme of the forum is Climate Change and All That Stuff.
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) run forum will be held at Big Hill Winery on the outskirts of Bendigo.
A range of topics will be presented including soil recovery and managing soil health, climate variability and current opportunities in the Victorian carbon and bioenergy markets.
For further information visit this PS News link.
English program expands
RMIT English Worldwide (REW) has partnered with the SMa Institute of Higher Learning in Singapore to offer its EAP (English for Academic Purposes) program.
SMa is a leading educational provider offering a range of academic and executive education programs in collaboration with overseas universities and professional institutions.
It will deliver courses across all levels, from Elementary to Advanced Plus, with part-time classes expected to begin in July.
Schools reopen
Two rebuilt schools have been officially opened in Gippsland.
Alberton Primary School is a small rural school with an enrolment of 78 students and now has state-of-the-art facilities including four new learning spaces, a central project space and administration facilities.
Eagle Point Primary School also has four new classrooms, an open learning area and office area.
Festival open for business
Business owners and employees can now register online for this year’s Victorian Small Business Festival.
The Victorian Small Business Festival offers a range of seminars and workshops that will boost skills.
More than four hundred workshops will run during August 2011.
For further information visit this PS News link or call 13 22 15.
Artists on show
An 8-part mini television documentary series has been made to showcase the work of Victorian artists.
Arts Victoria partnered with filmmakers to follow emerging and established artists working across a range of artforms from music to dance.
New videos in the Unfold: Inside the arts in Victoria series will be released fortnightly.
15 June, 2011
Child protectors rise
to work challenges
Hundreds of child protection workers have contributed to a document outlining the challenges facing their work across Victoria and the issues needing to be addressed to reform it.
Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge said the child protection workers had spoken openly and frankly about the daily challenges they confronted in the child protection system.
Ms Wooldridge said the Child protection workforce: The case for change document revealed a number of pressures facing the workforce which had developed from the rising number of at-risk children notified to Child Protection and the increasingly complex challenges faced by children and families involved in the child protection system.
“The case for change outlines the significant challenges facing child protection workers across the State and provides compelling evidence about the need to provide more support for the workforce to achieve better outcomes for vulnerable children,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“Child protection is one of the most important jobs in our community and the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable Victorian children is dependent upon the valuable work child protection practitioners do each day.”
Ms Wooldridge said the Government was currently developing a new operating model for the child protection workforce and reform would be informed by feedback from the workforce and other stakeholders.
“We will continue to work with and consult with child protection workers on how we can improve our services and support,” Ms Wooldridge.
“Victoria has a well qualified and highly dedicated workforce that is motivated to make a difference for vulnerable Victorian families.”
Ms Wooldridge said workers felt frustrated that they were held back by the system.
“I have personally visited several regions and listened carefully to feedback from staff about necessary changes and these messages are reflected in the case for change,” Ms Wooldridge said.
The Child protection workforce: The case for change document can be viewed at this PS News link.
15 June, 2011
Queen pins honours
on starring staff
Public sector staff appeared prominently in the 2011 Queens’ Birthday Honours list with the following personnel singled out for
awards for excellence, commitment and ability.
The new awards are:
OFFICER IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AO)
Professor Graeme John DAVISON AO
Monash University
For distinguished service to the community as a leading scholar and commentator on Australian urban history.
MEMBER IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)
Professor Suzanne Mary CROWE AM
Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical and Public Health
For service to medical research in the area of HIV/AIDS medicine and infectious diseases as an academic, clinician and researcher, and to professional associations.
Emeritus Professor John Alexander McKENZIE AM
University of Melbourne
For service to higher education through administrative roles, to professional associations, and to the community.
Professor Jeffrey Victor ROSENFELD AM
Monash University, Victorian of the Year, 2002.
For service to medicine through clinical leadership and academic roles, particularly in the field of neurosurgery as a researcher and author, and to professional associations.
Professor Sally Ann WALKER AM
Deakin University
For service to the higher education sector through leadership and administrative roles, to the advancement of women, and to the law as an academic.
Emeritus Professor Christopher Keith WALLACE-CRABBE AM
Melbourne University,
For service to the arts as a leading poet, critic and educator, and as an ambassador and advocate for the humanities both nationally and internationally, and through support for emerging writers.
MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM)
Professor John Peterson ROYLE OAM
University of Melbourne
For service to medicine as a vascular surgeon, to professional associations, and to medical education, particularly relating to safety in the operating theatre.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)
Paul Jeffrie ACREMAN PSM
Department of Human Services
For outstanding public service and strong commitment to public housing clients and citizens of the north and western suburbs of Melbourne.
Mr Acreman has contributed to the human services sector for over 34 years. In his senior leadership role as Manager, Housing, North West and Inner his bond with his clients is the embodiment of what public officials should strive for.
Dr Anne Marie ASTIN PSM
Dairy Safe Australia
For outstanding public service, particularly leadership and service excellence to the dairy industry, national food safety regulation and women's development.
Dr Astin has ensured that Australia's and Victoria's dairy food industry has built an enviable reputation for food safety and integrity of production. While undertaking her role as a senior public servant and Chief Executive Officer of a statutory authority, Dr Astin has also been an inspirational mentor to many women and young people
Brian Ernest BILLINGTON PSM
For outstanding public service and ongoing commitment to community improvement, particularly in rural areas.
Mr Billington has played a key role in the capital redevelopment of over 40 residential aged care services and rural health services across Victoria. He epitomises the term ‘public servant’, and throughout his career has been professional, approachable, reliable and hard working.
Susan Maree HINE PSM
Victoria Police
For outstanding public service particularly in fostering community partnership between Victoria Police, community groups and the Indigenous community.
Mrs Hine has developed partnerships between Lakes Entrance Police and local community organisations. As an Aboriginal person, her role as a member of Victoria Police is an integral part of forging relationships between the local police force and the Indigenous community.
Dr Bruce KEFFORD PSM
For outstanding public service and leadership in science and public administration associated with the primary industries sector.
Dr Kefford has been a leader and significant innovator with his fresh approach to the strategy, management, prioritisation and evaluation of scientific research, development and extension at all governmental levels. He is particularly noteworthy for his dedication to achieving a national agreement for a research, development and extension framework.
Neil Bruce ROBERTSON PSM
Department of Justice
For outstanding public service and leadership through the provision of innovative legal policy in a diverse range of areas.
Mr Robertson has dedicated himself to public service for the past 25 years, focusing his career on the criminal justice system through his work at Victoria Police and the Department of Justice.
Arthur ROGERS PSM
For outstanding public service and leadership in the redesign of Victoria's disability service.
William Stanley THOMAS PSM
Bentleigh Secondary College
For outstanding public service and exceptional contribution as a leader in sustainability education.
Mr Thomas is an outstanding leader whose vision and change management strategies have increased community awareness, involvement in and commitment to sustainability.
Ian Edward VOIGT PSM
For outstanding public service in the sustainable management of land, water and biodiversity through practical and sustained leadership.
Mr Voigt exemplifies the public sector values in everything he does. Throughout his career he has focused on providing outstanding service in the sustainable management of Victoria's natural resources.
AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL (APM)
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Robert CAULFIELD APM
Detective Senior Sergeant Caulfield has been a member of Victoria Police for over 30 years and has contributed to investigative and covert policing fields for 25. During this time, he has provided a consistently superior level of policing, particularly in the areas of drug and homicide investigations.
Superintendent Paul Stephen HOLLOWOOD APM
Since joining Victoria Police in 1974, Superintendent Hollowood has consistently demonstrated confident and strong leadership, particularly during the 22 years he has spent within the Victoria Police Crime Department. He has personally investigated and managed cases invoking some of the most serious offences committed in Victoria.
Senior Sergeant Paul Hilary McBRIDE APM
Senior Sergeant McBride has been a dedicated and committed member of Victoria Police for over 38 years. He has proved to be a highly effective investigator through his extensive experience as a detective.
Inspector Robert Peter (Petrus) RAAYMAKERS APM
Inspector Raaymakers has been committed to the development of sustainable community partnerships in emergency management for 37 years, including adult and youth education, station management, and community safety. His is renowned for his meticulous emergency planning and preparedness, which benefited the community before, during and after the catastrophic events of Black Saturday 2009.
Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Francis SMITH APM
Senior Sergeant Smith has served the Victorian community with distinction for over 35 years. His outstanding commitment, passion and dedication to improving road safety are demonstrated through his contribution as Officer-of-Charge of Glen Waverley Major Collision Investigation Unit for the past 15 years.
Detective Senior Sergeant Valentine (Val) SMITH APM
Detective Senior Sergeant Smith has represented Victoria Police with distinction for over 37 years. He has progressed from an operational area dealing with local issues in inner city and country locations before moving on to be a world-renowned authority on the Crime Stoppers Program.
Assistant Commissioner Wendy Maree STEENDAM APM
Assistant Commissioner Steendam has served Victoria Police for over 26 years, providing outstanding service and commitment to the organisation as a whole, her colleagues, the broader Australasian Policing community, the Victorian Government and, most importantly, the Victorian community.
AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL (AFSM)
William Robert (Bill) RODDA AFSM
Mr Rodda has given exemplary service to the Country Fire Authority in Victoria after joining the Korumburra Fire Brigade in 1974.
Jeffrey Frederick ROSS AFSM
Mr Ross has displayed outstanding dedication and commitment to the community of Victoria in improving the safety and management of firefighting through his participation in the development of the state-wide Panel of Contractors for Firefighting and Civil Works.
Michael Gilbert TUDBALL AFSM
Mr Tudball's contribution to the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria has been unique and exemplary at all levels. His distinguished service includes leadership roles in not only the Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade but also the Bacchus Marsh Group.
Christopher Gerard WATT AFSM
As an officer with the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board in Victoria, Mr Watt has displayed exceptional commitment and achievement to enhance significantly the safety of firefighters and the community in the field of dangerous goods storage, handling and transport.
EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL (ESM)
Richard Mark BURGESS ESM
Mr Burgess has served the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA) with distinction for over 30 years, and has provided outstanding direction and leadership while holding management positions at the local, state and national level.
15 June, 2011
Records recognised in
management awards
The annual Sir Rupert Hamer Records Management Awards have been awarded for 2011.
Recognising outstanding and innovative records management in the public and community sectors, the annual Awards ceremony was held in Queens Hall of Parliament House.
Keeper of Public Records, Justine Heazlewood and President of the Public Records Advisory Council, Peter Harmsworth presented the Awards that recognise excellence and innovation in records management within the Victorian Public Sector, and seek to highlight the importance of good recordkeeping in ensuring the effective accountability of governments and the efficient operation of public administration
The Awards were named for former Victorian premier and public records advocate Sir Rupert Hamer, and have been presented by the Public Records Advisory Council (PRAC) and Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) since 1998.
Winners this year included:
- The Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission for the management and transfer of Royal Commission digital records;
- Land Victoria for its project to archive historical documents;
- Northern Health for its semi-electronic scanned medical record system; and
- Greater Shepparton City Council for its Digital Consent Model, which has improved recordkeeping practice within their EDMS.
Winners in the community archives category included:
- Mount Alexander Shire Council for the digitisation of Shire of Maldon minute books 1858–1995;
- Colac and District Historical Society for its collaboration with Duke University to transcribe, index and digitise the first Court of Petty Sessions Register for Colac 1849–1865; and
- Knox Historical Society for its digitisation and indexing of photo collections of local primary schools, secondary schools and kindergartens.
More information about the awards are available from this PS News link.
15 June, 2011
Cough vaccine a
shot in the arm
The Department of Health is to provide free vaccine against Whooping Cough to newborn babies for the next 12 months in an effort to beat a nationwide outbreak of the disease.
Health Minister David Davis said the Department would buy an additional 150,000 doses of the pertussis vaccine specifically for Victorian parents of newborns this year.
Mr Davis said the vaccinations would continue to be made available through maternity hospitals and general practitioners.
“Notifications have stabilised over the past few weeks, yet cases are still being reported at a very concerning rate,” Mr Davis said.
“This is part of a nationwide outbreak.”
He said the vaccine would be offered to parents of newborns - a strategy recommended by immunisation experts as the best way to offer protection to very young babies.
“Prevention is better than cure,” Mr Davis said.
“The vaccination of parents helps to create a cocoon of protection for young babies.”
He said the vaccine could also be given to mothers soon after the birth of a baby, while her partner could receive the vaccine at any time during the pregnancy.
“Local government and maternal and child health nurses have also been informed of the extension so that they can bring it to the attention of their new parent clients,” Mr Davis said.
He said infants did not develop sufficient protection until the three-dose course of vaccine was completed at six months.
“Pertussis is most serious in babies less than six months of age and around one in every 200 infants under six months of age who catches pertussis will die,” Mr Davis said.
Acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Rosemary Lester, said there had been more than 4,000 cases of pertussis in Victoria to the end of May – more than double the cases in the same period last year.
Dr Lester said immunisation coverage in children was high across Victoria.
“At 12 months of age, 92 per cent of children are fully immunised, with 94 per cent and 91 per cent fully covered at two years and five years respectively,” she said.
15 June, 2011
Murray advisers
go with the flow
A new regional advisory group is to be established to advise on the development of the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Minister for Water, Peter Walsh said Victoria needed to be in a position to respond quickly to matters emerging from the Basin Plan.
“The advisory group will include community, farming, environmental, industry, business and local government groups,” Mr Walsh said.
“We are establishing this group because (Authority Chairman) Craig Knowles is yet to make public the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s plans for community engagement.”
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Government wanted to make sure the State’s interests were strongly represented.
“The Commonwealth wants the Basin Plan to go to Federal Parliament in early 2012 which I expect will lead to rapid changes as the plan is finalised,” Mr Walsh said.
“Although we have consulted informally to this point, this group will ensure Victoria’s response to the plan reflects the views of a broad range of stakeholders.”
He said he expected the advisory group to meet for the first time later this month.
“Community anger about the consultation process undertaken previously by the Murray Darling Basin Authority has been widespread,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Authority now has an opportunity to engage in a meaningful way with Victoria through this regional advisory group.”
He said it was vital northern Victoria communities had real input and a genuine say in how the final plan was drafted.
“Those concerns have been reiterated by the Windsor report which called for the Authority to engage with communities on a catchment-by-catchment basis,” Mr Walsh said.
15 June, 2011
Police unit to slam
door on violence
Victoria Police has set up a new unit to combat alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour in public.
Chief Commissioner Simon Overland said the introduction of the Public Order Response Team (PORT) was sending a strong message to troublemakers that alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated.
Mr Overland said the new unit of highly-trained police officers would be made up of members from the Operations Response Unit (ORU).
He said the new team would not only focus on public order management at clubs, pubs and licensed venues in Melbourne’s CBD, Southbank and the cities of Port Phillip and Stonnington, but would also be on hand to assist local police with public order issues such as gate-crashed parties, mass gatherings or protests and demonstrations.
“Police remain focussed on the issue of alcohol-related violence and are continuing to push for a change in our drinking culture and acceptable standards of behaviour,” Mr Overland said.
“If people want to cause trouble and drink to excess, they should be aware there is a new team of police who will be out in force, supporting the work already being done by our operational members.”
Mr Overland said the team would wear a specially designed uniform and patrol in new highly visible police vehicles.
“This is just another tool police will be using to help keep Victoria’s streets safe,” Mr Overland said.
He said police action was not about curbing enjoyment but rather about creating a safer, more secure environment for everyone.
“As a society we need to look at our drinking culture and the effects it is having on our community,” Mr Overland said.
He said some of the extra training the PORT members had undergone included crowd control tactics and riot formations.
He said the PORT members would be continuously trained and would work closely with other areas of the Operations Support Department including the Mounted Branch, Dog Squad, Search and Rescue and the Critical Incidents Response Team.
He said the PORT would initially comprise of two teams of 21 police officers, with the view to expand them over the coming months.
15 June, 2011
New hospital network
unhealthy for boards
Federal plans to merge country hospital boards under its ‘Local Hospital Networks’ scheme have been criticised by the Premier Ted Baillieu and Minister for Health, David Davis.
The Commonwealth Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon wrote to the State Government saying that for Victoria to receive its funding through the national health reform deal, conditions would have to be met including the Local Hospital Network review.
Mr Baillieu said no two communities were the same and local healthcare should be managed locally.
“Victoria has had very effective local hospital board structures for decades,” Mr Baillieu said.
“Single campus rural health services and Statewide providers play an important role in Victoria’s health system and this was a key part of our discussions in February when we renegotiated the health agreement.”
Mr Baillieu said Victoria was continuing to negotiate with the Commonwealth on the matters.
“These changes are not what we agreed in February and we are determined to work through these issues with the Commonwealth to ensure the best outcomes for all Victorians,” Mr Baillieu said.
“This government will continue to protect Victoria’s country hospital boards and Statewide providers as well as fight to increase health services instead of increasing the number of Canberra bureaucrats.”
Mr Davis said the scheme would strip local communities of control of their local hospital.
He said rural health services had long-established and effective collaborative relationships with regional health services, and this included many models of shared services.
“Statewide providers such as the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Royal Eye and Ear Hospital, provide specialist services for many Victorians,” Mr Davis said.
“I am concerned that National Health Reform should build on Victoria’s strengths, not remove advantages that have been built over decades.”
Mr Davis said the Commonwealth’s heavy-handed approach on setting up a National Health Performance Authority, undermined Victoria’s position as the health system manager, increased the number of bureaucrats but did nothing to increase health services.
15 June, 2011
Toolkit to sharpen
focus on women
A new toolkit to assist local sporting clubs involve more women in their sport and organisational activities has been launched by the Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge.
Ms Wooldridge described the toolkit Everyone Wins as practical and user-friendly and said it would help support grassroots sporting clubs develop safe and inclusive environments to involve women in sport.
“Sporting clubs play a major role in communities and provide opportunities for everyone to become involved, active and develop new friendships and connections,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“This toolkit will assist clubs boost women’s and girls’ participation in sport by providing practical and cost effective ways to make sporting clubs more inclusive and safe.”
Ms Wooldridge said sport provided women and girls with avenues to develop leadership skills and the confidence to excel, improve health and well-being and build self-esteem and social connectedness.
“We need women and girls participating in all aspects of life, including sport.”
She said the toolkit identified five actions sporting clubs could take to build safe and welcoming environments for women and girls including engaging change champions; setting clear expectations about behaviour; providing accessible facilities; encouraging everyone to participate; and ensuring an ongoing commitment to these actions.
“Having safe and inclusive environments helps to change attitudes that stereotype and objectify women and girls,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“Such destructive attitudes have the potential to lead to violence against women and so it is important to break that cycle and create environments that condemn these attitudes, including in sporting organisations.”
Ms Wooldridge said the toolkit was being trialled in 78 community sporting clubs in the Barwon region delivered by the Geelong Regional Sports Assembly and Leisure Networks in partnership with VicHealth.
She said that later this year the toolkit and resources that make up the Everyone Wins program would be available on the VicHealth website for sporting clubs throughout the state.
More information about Everyone Wins is available from VicHealth on (03) 9667 1333.
15 June, 2011
Historic videos a
snapshot in time
The Department of Planning and Community Development has posted three historic videos to its website showing Melbourne’s transformation since the 1950s.
The Department said the videos captured Melbourne’s population growth from a time when it was less than half the size it is today and experiencing a greater rate of population growth.
It said in response to that growth, the Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) developed a plan to manage the city’s development.
It said that one 18-minute film called Planning for Melbourne’s Future was put together to promote the plan and it was screened across the city in Hoyt’s cinemas.
“The film Planning for Melbourne’s Future (1954) is an intriguing insight into how Melburnians lived nearly 60 years ago and how planning faced many of the same challenges that it does today – a sprawling city, problems of services and infrastructure keeping pace with suburbanising populations, traffic congestion and overcrowded public transport.”
DPCD said two other videos were also available for viewing and showcased the city’s changing population and settlement trends over the last 30 years – From Doughnut City to Café Society (1988) which highlights the revival of Melbourne’s inner city, and Changing Faces, Changing Places (2005), which links Victoria’s changing demography to changing settlement patterns.
The Department said the videos gave a sense of the planning issues Victoria faced in its recent past and still faced today.
The videos can be viewed at this PS News link.
15 June, 2011
Dairy survey till
cows come home
Staff from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are in the process of surveying 75 Victorian dairy farms as part of this year’s Dairy Industry Farm Monitor Project.
Farm Business Economist with DPI, Daniel Gilmour said that in the past four years the performance of dairy farm businesses in Gippsland, Northern and South West Victoria had been analysed as part of the project.
“In July 2010 confidence in the dairy industry for the coming season was very strong, with most farmers expecting an increase in farm business returns thanks to rising milk prices and stable input costs,” Mr Gilmour said.
“With the combination of favourable seasonable conditions and closing milk prices headed towards the upper end of the forecast range of $5.30 to $5.50 per kilogram milk solid, it is hoped the data will show producers have capitalised on these conditions and posted a healthy profit.”
Mr Gilmour said last year’s report highlighted a tough year for the industry, with lower milk prices limiting farm income.
“But it also found more than 80 per cent of the surveyed farms still made positive earnings before interest and tax, the same proportion as recorded in the 2008-09 report.
“The average earnings before tax across all the surveyed farms was $0.65 per kilogram of milk solids sold or $507 per hectare.”
He said while this was still positive, it was a reduction of 37 per cent and 36 per cent respectively on profitability levels recorded in 2008-09.
Mr Gilmour said the top 25 per cent of producers highlighted the strength of well-run dairy businesses, recording profitability levels well above the average.
He said these farms on average recorded an EBIT of $1.61 per kilogram of milk solids, $1,320 per hectare and a return on asset of 5.6 per cent.
He said the Dairy Industry Farm Monitor Project was an initiative of DPI and Dairy Australia.
The report is expected to be available online on 31 July, with hard copies available from 31 August.
15 June, 2011
Planning advice group
off the drawing board
A new advisory group has been set up to advise the Minister for Planning on proposed reforms to the land development contributions system.
Under the system, developers pay Local Councils a contribution to the cost of public infrastructure associated with their developments such as roads, storm water systems, open space and community facilities to meet the future needs of local residents.
Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy said reforms to the system were expected to reduce the time and cost of preparing contributions plans.
Mr Guy said a new development contributions system would establish a range of standard payment schedules for different development settings across Victoria, such as metropolitan growth areas, regional cities, peri-urban areas, urban development areas, and other development settings as needed.
He said the system would also establish consistent and transparent development contributions for different categories of land use as well as providing Councils with the capacity to tailor local schedules.
“Councils and developers have expressed concern that the current process is onerous, time and resource intensive and difficult to administer,” Mr Guy said.
“A new system should be based on fairness and certainty for Councils, developers and the community.”
He said the new advisory group – the Stakeholder Reference Group - would include representation from industry such as the Urban Development Institute of Australia, the Property Council and the Master Builders Association.
“Reforming the existing developer contribution system should substantially reduce the time and cost to prepare a contributions plan and provide greater certainty and transparency through the possible use of pre-determined standard levies,” Mr Guy said.
He said the new developer contribution system would be ready for implementation in early 2012.
15 June, 2011
CAV shines light
on solar pitfalls
Consumers have been warned to do their research carefully and consider all the costs involved before investing in solar energy.
Consumer Affairs Victoria has issued the advice after receiving more than 200 complaints from consumers relating to solar panels this year so far.
Director of CAV, Claire Noone said many consumers were frustrated by installers who were battling to keep up with the huge demand boosted by the Federal Government rebates being offered.
Dr Noone said some consumers were also concerned that their systems wouldn’t be installed before the rebate is reduced in July and this prospect had also fuelled further demand.
She said consumer protection agencies across Australia were working together to provide householders with information to help them understand the costs and benefits involved in installing solar energy systems.
“Consumers may be keen to be green but we want to remind people to take care not to be dazzled by cost and energy saving claims,” Dr Noone said.
“If you’re thinking of buying solar panels, it’s important to weigh up the initial cost of installation against the costs you save on in the future.”
She said this year Consumer Affairs Victoria had received 900 reports from consumers with issues around solar panels including around 650 enquiries and 220 complaints.
“A typical 1.5kW (kilowatt) solar panel system installed in Melbourne will produce about a third of the average household’s daily energy consumption,” Dr Noone said.
“This will reduce your electricity use but you will still need to draw the rest of your electricity from the grid.”
She said before investing in solar energy products, consumers should get quotes from a number of suppliers and compare what they could get for your money; take time to carefully check terms and conditions of their contract to make sure they are getting what was promised; and ask the supplier to clarify anything they didn’t understand.
15 June, 2011
Safer schools is
lesson to learn
A program that helps schools combat homophobia and support diversity is to be expanded.
Minister for Education, Martin Dixon said Safe Schools Coalition Victoria helped schools explore the impact of homophobia on young people, how homophobia could be challenged in schools and classrooms and what support same-sex attracted and gender questioning students needed.
Mr Dixon said the program was a partnership between the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, La Trobe University, Rainbow Network Victoria and the Foundation for Young Australians, and was almost 12 months old but had no ongoing provision for funding.
He said the service would continue and expand with funding increasing to $100,000 from an initial $80,000 allocation.
“The work that has been done by this group is important,” Mr Dixon said.
“Currently there are 34 government and non-government member schools working together in the Coalition to address the needs of same-sex attracted and gender questioning students and create a safer environment for all students.”
He said all students had the right to be educated in safe school environments.
“Safe Schools Coalition Victoria is an important step in ensuring school communities have the resources and confidence to challenge homophobia and respect diversity,” Mr Dixon said.
“It is vital we work together to tackle and reduce homophobia, transphobia and heterosexism within school communities and ensure schools are safe and supportive places for all young people.”
MP for Prahran, Clem Newton-Brown said a head-in-the-sand approach to homophobia had potentially tragic consequences.
“Depression, lack of confidence, disengagement from school and even suicide can be the tragic consequences for young people struggling with sexual identity,” Mr Newton-Brown said.
“Going to a school where a student doesn’t feel welcome or accepted compounds the feelings of loneliness and isolation.”
He said 25 per cent of 15 to 24-year-old gay and lesbian students experienced suicidal thoughts, and 80 per cent of bullying behaviour towards gay and lesbian students occurred in schools.
“We have a duty of care to all young people to make sure they are safe, accepted and happy as they go through their school lives, regardless of their sexual orientation,” Mr Newton-Brown said.
15 June, 2011
Minister boiling
over new egg rules
New national rules requiring eggs to be individually stamped for sale have been criticised by the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh.
Mr Walsh has called on the Commonwealth to review the requirement, which he says would be unduly harsh on Victorian egg producers.
He said the guidelines had been forced through by Food Standards Australia New Zealand and were driven by Queensland and the Commonwealth.
“These new regulations will impose unnecessary cost and red tape, threatening the viability of smaller producers,” Mr Walsh said.
“To meet the standard, egg producers face an upfront cost of up to $30,000 to purchase and install an egg stamping machine, plus high ongoing maintenance and running costs.”
He said this requirement would have an adverse effect on the profitability of food producers without achieving any meaningful gains.
The Victorian Government has written to the Commonwealth requesting a review of the standard which would be imposed on the industry in 18 months.
“The standard requires all eggs, including duck and quail eggs, to be stamped with a ‘unique identifier’ from the farm they were produced,” Mr Walsh said.
“The requirement is being imposed under the flawed belief it may provide greater traceability should someone become sick through a food-related illness.”
Mr Walsh said the majority of food safety issues in Victoria were due to poor handling and hygiene in homes and food premises, particularly associated with the consumption of foods containing raw or undercooked eggs.
“These guidelines are illogical and are unlikely to provide better traceability than what already exists through sales records and package labelling,” Mr Walsh said.
“Egg shells are thrown straight in the bin or compost and are rarely traceable by the time a food-related illness has been reported and an association with eggs has been established.”
15 June, 2011
Degree of success in
university courses
The Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations has reported strong increases in the number of Victorians from disadvantaged backgrounds enrolling in university courses.
Federal Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans said applications by students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Victoria were up strongly since 2009.
“What is particularly pleasing is that the growth of students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Victoria, over the last two years, is more than double the growth of enrolments by students from high income backgrounds,” Senator Evans said.
He said applications by medium to low Socio-Economic-Status (SES) students were estimated to be up by 12.68 per cent since 2009 – compared with increases of 8.66 per cent for medium SES applicants and 5.52 per cent for high SES applicants.
He said the analysis showed that low SES students had responded well to reforms to make the opportunities of a university education available to a broader range of Victorians.
Senator Evans said changes to Youth Allowance had seen a 35 per cent increase in the number of dependent university students now receiving the benefit.
He said in the past 12 months the number of students receiving the maximum Youth Allowance payment had also risen by 15,000 – or 36 per cent.
“Many students are now attending a Victorian university as the first in their family to do so,” Senator Evans said.
“It’s good to see that many young Australians who may never have considered university education in the past are now taking up those opportunities.”
“More Australians now have the opportunity to gain a university education, regardless of their background or where they live.”
Senator Evans said the Australian Government would provide $708 million over four years to assist universities attract, support and retain students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
15 June, 2011
Euroa library
off the shelf
A partnership between the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) and the Shire of Strathbogie has seen a $1 million redevelopment of the Euroa library.
Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell opened the redeveloped library saying the new facility would enhance lifelong learning.
“Libraries are essential community infrastructure that bring the community together and connect it to the wider world,” Mrs Powell said.
“This new building replaces one that was more than 80 years old and had fallen below an acceptable standard of amenity and repair.”
She said the Government funded the project through a $450,000 Living Libraries grant in addition to a $200,000 grant from the Community Support Fund.
She said the funding was complemented by $400,000 from Euroa Council.
“The redevelopment boasts a large, multi-purpose meeting room, an area dedicated to children’s activities and a great ‘outdoor’ room,” Mrs Powell said
“The redevelopment has delivered a modern library that will provide space for study, youth, children, research and internet use.”
Mrs Powell said the new facility would ensure more Victorians had access to library services that meet the needs of diverse, growing communities.
More information about Living Libraries or the Community Support Fund grants is available from this PS News link.
15 June, 2011
Match fixing policy signed
A national policy on match-fixing in sport has been signed by the State Government.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty met Australian Sports Ministers and agreed to sign the policy which aims to preserve the integrity of one of Australia’s greatest assets – its national sporting heritage.
“Australia’s National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport represents a commitment by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments to work together to address the issue of inappropriate and fraudulent sports betting and match-fixing activities with the aim of protecting the integrity of sport,” Mr Delahunty said.
Upgrade for air ambulances
Four new aircraft have joined Victoria’s fleet of fixed wing air ambulances.
The new King Air B-200 planes will replace the existing fleet of 16-year-old aircraft and will provide transport for urgent and non-urgent patients.
The new planes will commence from 1 July and are custom designed with a modern fit out to maximise patient safety and care.
The aircraft also have improved communications and avionics equipment.
Cot mattress warning
Consumer Affairs Victoria is urging parents and carers to check the mattresses in children’s cots following a national recall on mattresses that may breach product safety standards and could suffocate or trap young children.
The Kingparrot Innerspring Cot/Bed Breathable Mattress is being recalled by its supplier Boori International Pty Limited.
Anyone who has bought a Kingparrot Breathable Mattress between 1 January 2011 and 1 May 2011 should contact the supplier to arrange a replacement or refund.
Big tree reopens
Victoria’s biggest tree has reopened to the public.
The 70 metre high “Ada Tree”, near Powelltown in the Yarra State Forest, closed to the public for a month so the tree could be pruned and the boardwalk rebuilt.
The health of the 400 year old tree was also assessed by a team of arborists who reported the tree is still solid all the way through.
Students get Trade Centre
More than 4000 students at nine Bendigo schools can access new training facilities through a $10 million Trade Training Centre.
The new centre was opened at Bendigo Senior Secondary College with further facilities at Catholic College Bendigo and the Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE.
The centre will deliver training for industries including mechanical and electrical engineering, furniture making, plumbing, hospitality and agriculture.
Anzac prize open
The Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize for 2011 is now open.
The annual competition will select 10 students for an all expenses paid study tour of important sites where Australians have served in war including Gallipoli.
The competition is open to students in Years 9 and 10 who are invited to submit an entry that addresses the topic, ‘What does the ‘spirit of ANZAC’ mean to you? Are the values displayed by the ANZACS at Gallipoli and the Western Front still relevant today?’
Entries close on Friday 21 October 2011.
Station named
Pakenham’s second railway station has been officially named Cardinia Road Railway Station.
The name reflects the station’s geographic location and will ensure new families and visitors to the area can easily identify where the station is.
The new station will relieve the pressure on Pakenham Railway Station and provide more public transport options to the growing community.
Earning centre for Leongatha
Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE in Leongatha now has a new environmentally-efficient Learning Centre including a world class training kitchen and restaurant for hospitality students.
It also features new teaching spaces for nursing, aged care, disability care, hairdressing and beauty students.
The new facility will train local students in hospitality, hairdressing and nursing and its environmentally friendly design features will save the local TAFE money on energy bills.
8 June, 2011
SSA unveils
new website
The State Services Authority (SSA) has unveiled a new website and a new focus.
In a statement, the SSA said the new site made it easier for clients to find the products they offered and contained more information on the way their products could help VPS staff do their jobs even better.
The Authority said the website’s focus had shifted from why products were produced.
It said there were now four ways to search for a product on the website, which included clicking on products from the main menu, or conducting a search using a key word, a category or an audience.
The Authority said people could also use a list of products from A-Z, or conduct a general search of the web site using the ‘search site’ button.
It said every product had its own page where visitors could find information on the ‘what, who and when’ of the product.
It said the website also contained new governance material.
Refreshing and updating the governance material website was the product of a partnership with Chartered Secretaries Australia.
The website now offers a detailed array of information for board members of Victorian public entities.
According to the SSA, every governance page on the site covered an important topic, with links to ‘related content’ and ‘recommended reading’.
The Authority said these covered all the key concepts of public entity governance and how best to apply them.
The new website can be accessed at this PS News link.
8 June, 2011
New Authority for
urban renewal
A new Urban Renewal Authority (URA) is to be established to coordinate urban renewal projects around the State.
Planning Minister, Matthew Guy said the URA would help advance urban renewal in areas north of Williamstown Road in Melbourne, south of the West Gate Freeway in Port Melbourne (Fisherman’s Bend), the remainder of the Docklands precinct and other strategic sites like Richmond railway station.
“Melbourne has a huge opportunity in delivering urban renewal projects that will benefit our city for many years to come,” Mr Guy said.
He said the URA would have a clear mandate to get on with the job of delivering urban change in strategic locations and would be a key part of the State Government’s commitment to tackle housing supply and housing affordability.
He said the URA would also focus on regional cities, reflecting the Government’s focus on regionalisation.
“The URA will have a mandate to look at opportunities in regional Victoria in places like Geelong to ensure that all renewal opportunities are realised,” Mr Guy said.
He said a key objective of the URA would be to attract private sector investment in strategic locations which would help to progress development and accommodate population growth.
“The URA will be a self-funding authority with a requirement to manage the strategic planning for urban renewal sites across Melbourne and regional Victoria,” Mr Guy said.
He said it would have an initial focus on the transition between current VicUrban projects and the URA’s future activities.
Mr Guy said the Victorian Urban Development Authority Amendment (Urban Renewal Authority Victoria) Bill 2011 would see the URA formed from the existing VicUrban staffing structure, but after proclamation it would be governed by a new board.
8 June, 2011
Hospital reports are
good medicine
New quarterly reports into the performance of hospitals and public health services have been announced by the Minister for Health, David Davis.
Mr Davis said the new Quarterly Victorian Health Service Performance Reports would help provide a more transparent health system.
He said the Government would provide Victorians with more information about the performance of hospitals and more frequently than the old bi-annual Your Hospitals reports.
He said the release of the new data represented an important first step in delivering a new and open system of publishing information on Victorian health services.
“This round of reporting contains data for the period up to December 2010,” Mr Davis said.
“For too long many of these performance measures were hidden from public scrutiny, but they are important so that people can get a realistic picture on how the system is performing.”
He said new data within the report included rates of elective surgery hospital initiated postponements; the number of emergency department mental health patients waiting longer than eight hours for admission; the number of emergency department patients with a length of stay greater than 24 hours; and ambulance attendances.
He said the new data would also include the proportion of ambulance patient transfers within 40 minutes; the number of hours on hospital early warning system (HEWS); individual hospital category four and five emergency department data; and the number of bed days for patients waiting in major metropolitan health services for residential aged care after assessments.
“The new data will provide a more complete picture of the health system and enable the Government and health services to work together to improve performance across the system,” Mr Davis said.
“The report shows some areas of improvement in hospital performance, but there is still scope for significant performance gains.”
He said he was concerned that the report showed patchy performance across some hospitals.
The first Quarterly Victorian Health Service Performance Report is available online at this PS News link.
8 June, 2011
Bus tickets added to
salary packages
Staff of the ACT Public Service are to be eligible to ‘salary package’ bus travel on the local network in a new arrangement announced by the ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher.
From 1 June 2011 the ACT Government will provide ACT Public Service employees access to salary packaging for bus fares on the ACT Internal Omnibus Network (ACTION).
“I am very pleased to announce this important initiative which will see ACT Public Service employees save up to between $300 and $400 a year on the cost of public transport for travel between home and work,” Ms Gallagher said.
“As the second biggest employer in Canberra with a workforce of nearly 20,000 this is a significant commitment to our employees and the community.”
The Chief Minister said the initiative aimed to provide savings to ACT Public Servants and their families as well as see a greater patronage on buses, which would in turn diminish the carbon footprint of the Territory.
“A commitment to initiate arrangements was made in the ACTPS 2010-2011 enterprise bargaining agreements to introduce salary packaging of public transport costs for ACT Government employees,” she said.
“The benefit applies to all Public Service employees including part-time workers, and also applies to family members for their travel between home and work or school on ACTION buses under a private ruling obtained from the Australian Taxation Office.”
8 June, 2011
Record failures hit
WorkSafe agents
An Ombudsman’s investigation into recordkeeping practices by WorkSafe agents has found poor recordkeeping practices and inadequate oversight by the Victorian WorkCover Authority, trading as WorkSafe.
According to the Ombudsman, George Brouwer, the recordkeeping failures resulted in breaches of privacy; manipulation of the WorkSafe incentive scheme; delayed and poor decision making; delays in payments; and loss of professionals to the WorkSafe scheme.
“The number of complaints to my office about WorkSafe and its agents has increased over the past three years by 27 per cent,” Mr Brouwer said.
“This trend appears to be continuing this year.”
He said many of the complainants raised concerns about having to repeatedly submit the same documentation to the agents and the delays in service this was creating.
“Subsequent file inspections by my staff identified issues with the quality and accuracy of record keeping of the agents,” he said.
Mr Brouwer said his investigation showed poor record keeping was a result of inadequate file maintenance; inadequate understanding of statutory obligations; and outdated information technology systems.
He said in the 2009-10 financial year, the agents were paid a total of $30.3 million in incentive payments and during 2010, approximately 10,000 invoices for payments received by one agent (CGU) were not processed on receipt.
“WorkSafe advised me that CGU benefited by $2.5 million before the practice was discovered,” Mr Brouwer said.
“This manipulation was able to occur because of inadequate record keeping systems hindering WorkSafe’s monitoring of CGU.”
The Ombudsman said delays in payment were a common source of complaint by injured workers.
“My investigation has uncovered instances where poor record keeping has led directly to these delays,” he said.
“Delays in payments cause considerable financial hardship to injured workers.”
He said poor record keeping made for poor or delayed decision-making.
The Ombudsman said WorkSafe’s agents were privy to injured workers’ confidential medical information, and privacy breaches had occurred at all WorkSafe agents.
“Systems and processes in place at all agents inadequately protect the privacy of workers,” Mr Brouwer said.
The investigation showed that from July 2008 to December 2010 there were 222 privacy breaches reported by the WorkSafe agents.
The Ombudsman recommended that WorkSafe take immediate action, introduce a modern IT system, audit its agents’ record keeping, introduce a central registry, and create and implement standardised procedures.
“WorkSafe has agreed to my recommendations,” Mr Brouwer said.
The Ombudsan’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.
8 June, 2011
Energy paper a
smart move
An issues paper on the introduction of ‘smart’ energy meters has been published by the Department of Treasury and Finance for community comment.
Minister for Resources and Energy, Michael O’Brien said the response to the issues paper would inform an independent review of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure program currently underway by the Department.
Mr O’Brien said Victorians were not consulted about smart meters and the program failed to implement all the Auditor-General’s recommendations.
“There is significant public concern and a lack of confidence in smart meters,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said the State Government had now implemented the recommendation of the Auditor-General and commissioned an independent review to determine whether, and under what circumstances, the program could deliver value for money for consumers.
He said the paper invited Victorians and the industry to voice their opinions on smart meters and what could be done to try to improve the program.
“I invite all interested parties to make a submission,” Mr O’Brien said.
The Issues Paper can be found at this PS News link and submissions could be made by email or via post. They close on 21 June 2011.
8 June, 2011
Public call for
new flood maps
The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is seeking public input into a new series of flood maps, following the flood events of earlier this year.
Manager of the North Central CMA, Camille White said the Flood Extent Community Feedback Initiative would allow community members to provide input to flood extent maps for towns that were subject to flooding.
Ms White said throughout recent flood events, the North Central CMA collected data concerning the extent of each flood – from flood pegging and aerial photography, to vital information provided by community members across affected areas.
She said the data had been turned into flood extent maps which would be available for viewing on the CMA’s website for the towns of Creswick, Clunes and Donald, with an additional 10 maps to be available later in the month.
“Our maps are based on the best available information collected during the floods, however we are keen to receive feedback from community members who live in these areas to plot the locations of the flood extent as precisely as possible,” Ms White said.
“This information can then be used as a record of these floods and to identify areas at risk from flooding, which is vital to improve town planning.”
Further information on the project can be found at this PS News link.
8 June, 2011
Roads audit leads to
measurement dead-end
An audit of road projects implemented by VicRoads and the Linking Melbourne Authority (LMA) has found that neither Agency had been ‘fully effective’ in measuring the intended outcomes of the multi-million dollar projects.
In his report Management of Major Road Projects, Auditor-General Des Pearson said both Agencies fell short of the standards required to reliably forecast traffic and estimate a project’s economic benefits.
“Neither organisation has effectively measured all of the intended project outcomes, but both are working to do this for current and future projects,” Mr Pearson said.
He said LMA also suffered from weaknesses in the way it had informed procurement decisions.
“Addressing these weaknesses is critical,” the Auditor-General said.
Mr Pearson said the audit found that two major weaknesses were in the way VicRoads and LMA forecasted traffic and estimated benefits for projects affecting congested parts of the road network.
“They did not adequately assess the traffic induced by these improvements, communicate the risks, or estimate the impact on the economic benefits,” Mr Pearson said.
“These shortcomings create a risk of overestimating the benefits and giving decision makers false confidence about the capacity of the project and the surrounding road network, to cope with future traffic.”
He said if these risks were to materialise, then additional investment would be required to realise the benefits promised when justifying a project.
Mr Pearson said assurance could not be provided that the projects represented value for money.
His recommendations to VicRoads included applying minimum business case requirements when fast-tracking major road projects; reviewing the lessons from major projects on a scale commensurate with the size and complexity of the project; and assessing the significance of induced traffic for all major road projects, taking account of this when forecasting traffic and estimating the economic benefits.
Mr Pearson’s recommendations to LMA included improving the quality assurance of its transport modelling and calculation of economic benefits; improving the quality assurance applied in estimating and revising the public sector comparator cost; and documenting a plan to measure outcomes as part of the project development.
The full report of Mr Pearson’s audit can be downloaded from this PS News link.
8 June, 2011
New consumer law
made feel at home
The introduction of the new Australian Consumer Law (ACL) into Victoria has been recognised as a success at a meeting of State and Territory consumer affairs ministers in Canberra.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien said Victoria’s part in rolling out the ACL was highlighted to the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs, which was responsible for general consumer affairs matters and looked after crucial consumer issues such as product safety, residential tenancies and regulation of the travel industry.
“Victoria has taken the lead in making sure consumers and traders are aware of their rights and obligations under the ACL,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The smooth transition from each State and Territory’s fair trading legislation to one piece of legislation which protects consumers whether they’re in Dandenong or Darwin is a benefit all Australians now enjoy.”
Mr O’Brien said the ‘one law, multiple regulator’ approach underpinning the ACL provided the ideal environment for States and Territories to work together to stamp out dodgy traders.
He said while Victoria had called for the modernisation of travel regulation, not all States and Territories had agreed, preferring instead to endorse a more cautious approach to reform.
“Victoria is eager to improve travel industry regulation because significant changes are needed to tailor any regulation according to how consumers arrange and manage their travel experiences in the 21st century,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The question should be asked as to what extent consumers benefit from travel industry-specific regulation, particularly with the new Australian Consumer Law in place since 1 January this year.”
Mr O’Brien said Australians benefited from strong, nationally consistent consumer protections against misconduct by traders, including travel agents.
8 June, 2011
Courts judged in
sentence survey
An online survey of community attitudes to sentencing in the courts is to be conducted in July.
According to Attorney-General, Robert Clark, the sentencing survey will be the biggest of its type ever undertaken in the State and would run for four weeks.
“Discussions about sentencing tend to be dominated by experts and interest groups,” Mr Clark said.
“This survey of community views will provide every Victorian with the opportunity to have their say on the way our justice system responds to crime.”
Mr Clark said the survey would be open to all Victorians, and would seek feedback on all aspects of sentencing, from the most serious offences such as murder and rape through to offences like vandalism and criminal damage.
He said views would be sought on the use of different kinds of sentences including community-based sentences and imprisonment, as well as what could be done to improve the effectiveness of those sentences.
Mr Clark said a key component of the survey would be the community’s views on the appropriate levels for new ‘baseline’ minimum sentences, which the State Government had committed to introduce for serious crimes.
He said the baseline minimum sentence for each offence would be the minimum non-parole period that Parliament expected the courts to apply to the typical or median case involving that offence.
“The views people provide in this survey will help shape the way we, as a community, respond to criminal behaviour,” Mr Clark said.
“It is vital that Victorians should have confidence in our justice system.”
He said the survey of Victorian community views on sentencing would be available in hard copy and the results would be compiled and published once completed.
8 June, 2011
Indigenous report
a trailblazer
A report on how well Victoria supports its indigenous population has been released by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Jeanette Powell.
Mrs Powell said that in line with its commitment to ‘closing the gap’, the Government would review the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework to address those areas where progress had not been satisfactory.
“Smoking rates among indigenous Victorians are 13.8 per cent higher than among non-indigenous Victorians and this is certainly an area where this Government wants to see improvement,” Mrs Powell said.
“The report also shows that indigenous Victorian children are over-represented in the child protection system.”
She said the State Government was committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of society and reducing the number of children at risk.
She said an inquiry into vulnerable children would produce important information to guide the direction and actions taken to provide for safer and stronger families in the future.
“In welcome news the report also indicates there has been a steady increase in the participation of indigenous Victorians in education, particularly pre-school, primary and secondary education,” Mrs Powell said.
“However the retention rate to Year 10 for indigenous students needs improvement and we will work with industry and community groups to encourage indigenous students to stay in school or training programs.”
8 June, 2011
New port Authority
out of the bottle
A new Authority to develop a second container port in Victoria has been announced by the Minister for Ports, Denis Napthine.
The independent Port of Hastings Development Authority is to be set up under legislation with the task of paving the way for the future development of the port.
Dr Napthine said all container traffic was currently handled at the Port of Melbourne and volumes were estimated to quadruple over the next 30 years.
“We need to start work now on establishing a second port to relieve the forecast congestion and ensure Victoria’s continued economic success,” Dr Napthine said.
“Hastings is already an operating port and is well-placed to be Victoria’s second container port, with its existing deep water access and extensive supply of port-zoned land.”
Dr Napthine said the new port would also provide logistics benefits by delivering freight with good access to major customers in Melbourne’s south-east.
He said once established, the independent Port of Hastings Development Authority would commence key economic, environmental and social impact assessment studies to provide a basis for more detailed planning and future development.
He said the number of containers being shipped in Victoria was expected to rise from just over two million to eight million by 2035.
“This development is essential for the long-term economic viability of our state,” Dr Napthine said.
He said the Port of Hastings already served major international and domestic shipping trade, including import and export of oil, LPG, ULP and steel.
He said the Hastings development was an exciting prospect for the region, providing broader benefits to the local community by creating jobs and generating new business opportunities.
“We will consult fully with stakeholders and the local community throughout the development process to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome,” Dr Napthine said.
8 June, 2011
Lesson learned from
education audit
The audit of a 5-year education strategy to improve outcomes for Koorie students has found that a lack of targets or milestones is preventing the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) from measuring its success or otherwise.
In his audit Indigenous Education Strategies for Government Schools, Auditor-General, Des Pearson said that the beginning of the fourth year, DEECD could not demonstrate whether the strategy was on track to improve education outcomes.
Mr Pearson said the strategy was launched in February 2008 to overcome poor educational outcomes for Koorie students.
It was known as the ‘Wannick” strategy
“DEECD has been progressively implementing a range of priority actions but, because there are no targets and milestones, it is unclear whether progress is in line with DEECD’s expectations,” Mr Pearson said.
“Also, it is not evident that risks to the strategy’s implementation are being adequately managed.
He said unless the issues were addressed, achieving the systemic reforms necessary to improve and sustain education outcomes for Koorie students was not likely.
The strategy was allocated $30.8 million over its five years, recognising that more action was required both within and beyond the education sector to address the disadvantage experienced by Koorie students.
Mr Pearson’s recommendations included that DEECD should strengthen accountability for the Wannik strategy; revise its communications and stakeholder engagement strategy; develop and implement an ongoing workforce management plan for the Koorie education workforce; and improve data on Koorie student absences, suspensions and expulsions.
The full text of the audit report can be downloaded from this PS News link.
8 June, 2011
New development for
development charge
New laws have been announced to allow payment of the Growth Areas Infrastructure Charge (GAIC) to be deferred until the end of the sub-division process.
Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy said the move would improve housing affordability and reduce red tape.
He said the introduction of the Planning and Environment (Growth Areas Infrastructure Charge) Bill 2011 would allow100 per cent of the GAIC to be deferred, and provide for in-kind work agreements as part or full payment.
“The GAIC should only be paid by those who choose to develop their land, which is why we are delivering this legislation to ensure 100 per cent of the GAIC is paid at the time of Statement of Compliance,” Mr Guy said.
He said all funds raised by the GAIC would be used to provide vital infrastructure and to oversee development in the growth areas of Melbourne.
He said the GAIC was expected to contribute up to 15 per cent of the cost of providing state infrastructure and services in growth areas and decisions about the use of the revenue would be made as part of the Government’s annual budget process.
Mr Guy said the reforms would reduce developer holding costs and place downward pressure on housing affordability as well as enabling some infrastructure in growth areas to be brought forward.
He said the move to allow in-kind works as a method of paying the GAIC would allow an agreement between the State Government and a developer to fund state infrastructure in a growth area, which could allow some state infrastructure to be brought forward.
Mr Guy said half the GAIC revenue collected would be spent on building and improving public transport infrastructure and the associated costs, as well as core community infrastructure including transport infrastructure; community infrastructure; environmental infrastructure; and economic infrastructure.
8 June, 2011
Offenders go straight
with GPS tracking
A trial of GPS tracking devices for offenders living in the community has been launched by the Minister for Corrections, Andrew McIntosh.
Mr McIntosh said about 30 Corrections Victoria staff were currently taking part in the two-month trial, the results of which would help determine the GPS monitoring technology to be deployed in Victoria.
He said the trial involved monitoring volunteers from the Department’s staff around Victoria as they carried out their daily duties, as well as tracking Government cars to examine the potential to monitor vehicles.
He said the Government had committed $5 million to upgrade the existing electronic offender monitoring program to incorporate GPS capability.
“The static electronic monitoring system currently in use allows Corrections Victoria to check that offenders are complying with curfews, as ordered by the court,” Mr McIntosh said.
“The upgrade to GPS technology will allow authorities to monitor an offender’s compliance with a broader range of restrictions such as exclusion zones, movement restrictions and conditions intended to protect the community.”
He said it was critical the technology purchased was as reliable as it was versatile.
“This trial will ensure that we have a very clear picture of what we want to get out of the introduction of GPS,” Mr McIntosh said.
Attorney-General, Robert Clark said the Government would legislate to make electronic monitoring available to the courts in a wider range of circumstances.
“We committed to provide our courts with the option to electronically monitor offenders and suspects on bail under an expanded range of circumstances, and we are getting on with the job of ensuring that the technology is available for use under these new laws,” Mr Clark said.
He said changes to existing laws would explicitly authorise courts to impose electronic monitoring as a condition of bail or as a component of a community-based sentence.
He said changes would also be made to serious offender monitoring provisions, currently restricted to serious sex offenders, to allow for post-sentence monitoring of convicted bushfire arsonists.
Mr Clark said the State Government expected to introduce the legislation into Parliament later this year.
8 June, 2011
Timber audits find
seeds of success
The latest independent audits of timber harvesting on public land have been released by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).
Acting Executive Director for Forests and Parks at DSE, Lee Miezis said the annual environmental audits of timber harvesting assessed compliance with the regulatory framework for sustainable timber harvesting in Victoria.
“The audits show Victoria’s forestry operations have achieved a 93 per cent compliance rate with the Government’s environmental standards,” Mr Miezis said.
“These independent audits show forestry operations on public land continue to be conducted to a high standard and find the majority of instances where prescriptions weren’t met there was minimal environmental impact.”
Mr Meizis said while the current system couldn’t be directly compared to the audit system it replaced, the previous best compliance rate achieved under the old audit system was 94 per cent.
“This is a good result for the industry and for our environment,” Mr Miezis said.
“The audit system currently in place examines a broader range of criteria than the previous system so it is encouraging that this result has been achieved.”
Mr Meizis said DSE engaged am EPA-appointed environmental auditor to conduct the audits under the Forest Audit Program in 2010/2011.
He said the audit reports included four recommendations for improvements to environmental management where the current systems may not have met the relevant requirements.
“The recommendations relate to weed control, fire salvage machinery cleaning protocols, closure of roads no longer needed and disposal of excess bark when not doing regeneration burning,” Mr Meizis said.
“We welcome the results of the audits,” he said.
“It’s through ongoing assessment and monitoring that we ensure our approach to forest management is effective and sustainable.”
8 June, 2011
Leadership workshop
The Institute of Public Administration Australia, Victoria is to hold a half-day workshop on transitioning to public sector leadership.
The workshop, Leading in Public: making the transition, will build the skills and knowledge to make a successful transition into a public sector leadership role.
Presenter and former member of the Victorian State Parliament, Andrea McCall will help participants examine personal leadership capabilities, identify tools to envisage, enable and empower others, and apply current leadership theories.
The workshop will take place on Friday 1 July in Melbourne.
For further information or to register visit this PS News link.
DPI base becomes shed
The former Department of Primary Industries’ buildings at Sea Lake has been handed over to the local health authority to be converted into a Men’s Shed.
The Mallee Track Health and Community Service (MTHCS) has secured the buildings which will provide a home base for a group of men already actively helping the local community in many ways.
The Men’s Shed program will help members improve their general well being and provide them with company they might not usually enjoy if they are isolated at home.
Honour roll taking names
Nominations for the new Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll are open.
The Honour Roll is the first of its kind in Australia and will formally acknowledge and honour Victorian Indigenous achievements and history.
People can nominate Indigenous Victorians either past or present who have made significant and lasting contributions to Indigenous communities in Victoria, Australia or internationally.
Nominations close on 31 August 2011.
Volunteer call for Centre
The Marine Discovery Centre at Queenscliff is calling for volunteers to help people discover the wonders of the marine environment.
Volunteers help reveal the wonders of our unique marine environment and fisheries to our thousands of visitors each year.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and will be fully trained through hands-on activities, a number of lectures and interactive interpretation training.
An information session for potential volunteers will be held at the Centre on Saturday 25 June.
For more information contact the Centre on (03) 5258 3344.
Police in bomb crackdown
Police will be cracking down on unroadworthy vehicles throughout June.
Leading Senior Constable Mark Wood said all motorists were required to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy at all times they are on the road.
“All vehicles on our roads must have roadworthy tyres, all lights working, all seatbelts fully functioning, steering and brakes must be well serviced and windscreens must be free of any cracks that could impact visibility,” Mr Wood said.
New life for Geelong
Central Geelong is set to be revitalised with the launch of a planning project which has been approved for $150,000 in funding from the Victorian Government.
The Vision II – A Future for Central Geelong scenario will encourage and enable a vibrant business, shopping, living, entertainment and learning precinct right in the heart of Geelong.
Vision II emphasises engaging and consulting with a broad range of stakeholders in order to fully understand the implications and opportunities for an exciting future in the Geelong CBD.
V/Line back on track
The first daily return V/Line train on the Albury line will recommence on Sunday 26 June.
Sections of track between Seymour and Albury were repaired or replaced as part of the North East Rail Revitalisation project.
The $600 million jointly state and federally funded project involved the replacement of wooden sleepers with concrete between Melbourne and Albury and the standardisation of the rail line.
The project also involved construction of a new rail bypass around the Wodonga central business district and new train station for the city.
V/Line will organise a small community event for Saturday 25 June.
Inspectors to visit licensees
Licensees who ignore liquor licensing laws and trade without paying their fees have been warned that they can expect a visit from licensing inspectors.
The Compliance Directorate will inspect venues with unpaid fees to ensure they are not trading illegally.
Trading unlicensed can result in businesses being issued with hefty fines, prosecuted or possibly disqualified from the industry.
Licensees were given an extra three months to pay their annual renewal fee after the due date was changed to 31 March this year.
Super clinic for Broadmeadows
The Commonwealth Government has signed off on a $7 million agreement with Dianella Community Health for a GP Super Clinic in Broadmeadows.
The Clinic will include general practice, physiotherapy, dietetics, occupational therapy, podiatry, psychology, adult speech pathology and exercise physiology, with a strong emphasis on chronic disease care.
The Clinic will focus on training and education for medical and nursing students and support training in medical-related disciplines for people from disadvantaged groups.
DSE tests tankers
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is undertaking a trial of water-carrying vehicles from different states and agencies.
The most innovative firefighting vehicles from the Victorian, Tasmanian, South Australian and Western Australian fire services are hitting the road as part of the vehicle review.
All vehicles in the trial fleet are being deployed simultaneously for testing by field staff in planned burn operations and field trials around Victoria.
The strategic vehicle review is a three year project, culminating in a reviewed fleet configuration for the 2012/13 fire season onwards.
Health award awarded
The winner of the Premier’s Award for Health and Medical Research has been announced.
Dr Wen Qui was presented with a $16,000 prize in recognition of her research into how breast and ovarian cancers spread.
The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre was also recognised and awarded the Jack and Robert Smorgon Families Award along with $30,000 for its role in cancer research.
Amanda Rickard from Monash University and Michelle Tate and Andrew Steer from the University of Melbourne were each awarded commendations worth $8,000 for their research.
1 June, 2011
Audit plan sets out
busy year ahead
The Auditor-General has published his Annual Plan for 2011-12, signalling an interest in PS credit cards, expense reimbursement, travel expenses and the quality of reporting in the Freedom of Information program.
The Auditor-General, Des Pearson said by publishing the plan ahead of time he would be looking to Agencies to capitalise on the early notice and prepare themselves for the audit process.
“In developing this annual plan, my office has consulted extensively,” Mr Pearson said.
“This year, we increased our use of stakeholder fora and strengthened our interaction with agency senior management and audit committees.”
He said other activities he would be interested in would be performance audits of Government advertising and communication, fraud prevention strategies in Local Government, management of trust funds in the Justice portfolio and procurement practices in the health sector.
He said he would also explore the road safety camera program, TAFE governance, the Victorian Institute of Teaching and visiting medical officer payments in public hospitals.
Mr Pearson said the proposed audit activity would cover financial and performance audits.
He said areas of financial audit focus in 2011-12 would include grants administration within portfolio departments; international student fee revenue for tertiary education entities; outsourcing of water entities; procurement in Local Government; and procurement in public hospitals.
He said performance audits would also focus on business planning for major capital works and recurrent services in Local Government as well as supporting changes in farming practices relating to sustainable irrigation.
He said he would also explore access to public housing, the ageing teacher workforce, compliance with building permits, learning technologies in Government schools, the capacity of maternity services and public transport performance.
Mr Pearson said other areas of activity performance audits would focus on were issues relating to secure water and a healthy environment, including Agricultural food safety; management of contaminated sites; and municipal solid waste management.
The full Annual Plan can be downloaded from this PS News link.
1 June, 2011
Camera Commissioner
speeds into frame
The appointment of Australia’s first independent Road Safety Camera Commissioner has taken a step forward with the introduction of enabling legislation in Parliament.
Minister for Police, Peter Ryan said the Road Safety Camera Commissioner Bill 2011 was part of a major overhaul of Victoria’s speed and red light camera regime.
Mr Ryan said the appointment of a Road Safety Camera Commissioner would provide greater integrity and transparency around the operation of speed and red light cameras.
“Motorists want greater integrity underpinning the operation of road safety cameras in Victoria and the Independent Road Safety Camera Commissioner will help achieve this,” Mr Ryan said.
“The Commissioner will be appointed by the Governor-in-Council following passage of legislation through Parliament and will have the wide-ranging powers to receive and investigate complaints about Victoria’s road safety camera system operations and report annually to Parliament.”
He said the Road Safety Camera Commissioner would have powers including quality assurance and reporting to oversee the accuracy and fairness of the road safety camera system which would include the regular review and assessment and an annual report to Parliament.
He said the Commissioner would have investigations and review powers to undertake investigations into matters related to the integrity, accuracy and efficiency of the automatic road safety camera system.
Mr Ryan said the Commissioner would also be able to receive and handle complaints.
He said other integrity measures included a full audit of Victoria’s speed camera system by the Victorian Auditor-General, a State-wide rollout of roadside safety signs and the launch of a new website, which can be accessed at this PS News link.
1 June, 2011
Gardens goes gold at
Chelsea flower show
The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne has won a gold medal at London’s Chelsea Flower Show 2011.
Director and Chief Executive of the Gardens, Philip Moors said he was honoured to accept the gold award.
“The reaction from visitors to the show has been universally complimentary and we’ve been inspired by the enthusiasm and interest in our plants and gardens,” Dr Moors said.
“This is a tremendous accolade for Australian horticulture and design.”
The Gardens won the award for its ‘Australia Garden’ which Dr Moors said depicted the arid outback of Australia, characterised by the absence of water, and then the gradually increasing presence of water in landscapes during an imaginary journey to the wetter, urban east coast.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith congratulated the Gardens on its success.
“This is an outstanding acknowledgement to the team at the Royal Botanic Gardens, including designer Jim Fogarty, landscapers, sponsors and donors,” Mr Smith said.
“The ‘Australian Garden’ displays a number of unique and endangered plant species native to Australia that have rarely been featured before at the world-renowned show.”
Designer, Jim Fogarty said almost 2,000 shrubs and trees were hand-selected for the project, which included rare and threatened seeds shipped from the Gardens to the UK.
“Our garden is packed purely with Australian native, rare and unusual species and we’re delighted to be educating people about the range of colours, plants and stories of Australia,” Mr Fogarty said.
“It has been nearly a two year project which has involved meticulous planning.”
He said the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show was regarded as the pinnacle of excellence for landscape design and horticultural display.
He said more than 157,000 people attended the prestigious annual show.
1 June, 2011
Tasmanian PS to sack
underperformers
New laws have been introduced in Tasmania to allow the State Government to sack underperforming Public Servants.
The new powers were announced by Premier Lara Giddings, who said they were needed because the Tasmanian PS was “too big” and “changes were needed” to improve its efficiency.
Ms Giddings said mass redundancies would not be offered but employees in programs identified by Departmental heads as no longer required would be laid off.
She said she would introduce changes to ensure workers deemed “surplus to requirement” would be given six months and help to find a new job before they were made redundant.
Details of who would be affected and the size of redundancy packages offered were yet to be revealed, however the plan is to cut the equivalent of more than 2,000 public sector jobs over three years.
Minister for Police, David O’Byrne said under the plan, police officers were being offered $20,000 to retire early, and the same offer was being made across several Government Departments as part of Budget savings measures.
Minister for Education, Nick McKim, also said up to 150 teachers and other education staff may choose to retire under the latest round of the retirement incentive scheme.
Public sector unions in Tasmania have criticised the plan to trim the Public Service, saying it was creating more uncertainty within the sector.
Ms Gidding said Public Servants would have a wait of at least three weeks before they found out if their managers had deemed their jobs no longer necessary.
The Premier said a wide-ranging investigation into the productivity of the public Service had also been commissioned.
The Premier’s plan comes three weeks before the state Budget is due to be handed down.
1 June, 2011
Dispute Centre website
undisputedly good
The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) has unveiled its new website.
The website features information on DSCV services, dispute resolution case studies, mediation training, community education information and the benefits of appropriate dispute resolution.
The DSCV provides dispute resolution services to assist people to resolve their disputes without going to court.
The Centre provides a free and confidential service to all Victorians, offering dispute resolution advice, conflict coaching and mediation services.
It also provides neutral, objective mediators to help resolve disputes of any size or complexity.
The new website contains information to help with common neighbourhood disputes such as those involving fences, trees, animals and noise; disputes about difficult or anti-social behaviour; family conflicts (but not family law); workplace disputes; and disputes within committees or clubs.
According to DSCV it can assist both individuals and groups, small or large, and provide multi-lingual publications in over 20 community languages.
The Centre can meet the cultural and communication needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as it has trained mediators from a range of cultural backgrounds.
DSCV also offers free advice over the phone about how to resolve disputes, or prevent them from occurring, which can be obtained by calling 1800 658 528.
There are also DSCV staff located at 14 Justice offices throughout regional and metropolitan Victoria.
The new website can be accessed at this PS News link.
1 June, 2011
Regions paper
sparks review
The Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan, has ordered his Department to review a report from the Grattan Institute claiming Government spending in regional areas could be better applied elsewhere.
Mr Ryan said the report Investing in regions: Making a difference identified major issues with poor transition of regional students to tertiary study.
“Comments in the report, particularly regarding regional universities, require further scrutiny,” Mr Ryan said.
He said the report also overlooked the financial challenges faced by small, sparsely-populated rural Councils.
He said the Grattan Institute argued in the paper that more funding needed to be provided to Councils with rapidly-growing populations, but believed this should be balanced by supporting the needs of small rural shires.
Chief Executive of the Grattan Institute, John Daley said regional development policies were neglecting the fastest-growing regions and treated many of their citizens unfairly.
“Governments are spending more than $2 billion a year on programs for regional Australia that fail to produce the economic development they are explicitly designed to achieve,” Professor Daley said.
He said the report found that Governments had responded to Australia’s “patchwork economy”, in which some areas boom and others go backwards, by funding job attraction schemes, regional universities and infrastructure projects to try and kick-start slow growing regions.
Professor Daley said the Grattan analysis showed that these expensive investments not only failed to accelerate growth in the regions but may have reduced Australia’s overall productivity by hindering other local growth opportunities.
“Contrary to popular belief, the presence of a regional university does not increase rates of tertiary participation or graduate retention in the local area,” Professor Daley said.
“Unfortunately, the findings of this report show that Government spending cannot make economic water flow uphill.”
Professor Daley said the analysis showed that while inland centres were generally growing slowly or even shrinking, coastal cities and regions near to capitals were growing quickly.
“People in these rapidly growing regions are getting significantly less than their fair share of services and infrastructure,” he said.
“Governments have a opportunity to get the allocation right, putting money where it will it make the most difference.”
1 June, 2011
Prosecutions proceed
without Director
The Solicitor for Public Prosecutions, Craig Hyland has assured the community that the prosecution of serious crime would continue as usual despite the resignation of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Jeremy Rapke QC.
Mr Hyland, who heads the Office of Public Prosecutions, acknowledged the contribution made to Victoria’s criminal justice system by Mr Rapke.
He said Mr Rapke had had a life-long career in law and had been a strong advocate for transparency in the way the legal system operated and the way prosecutions were undertaken.
“Importantly, he has been a spokesperson and an advocate for the support of victims and witnesses in the prosecution system,” Mr Hyland said.
He said during the Director’s term, the Office had achieved one of its highest conviction rates for the prosecution of serious crime.
“This has been a combined effort of the Director, the Office of Public Prosecutions and the Crown Prosecutors’ Chambers,” Mr Hyland said.
“The Office acknowledges the contribution that Mr Rapke has made to Victoria’s criminal justice system and wishes him and his family well in the future.”
He said Mr Rapke would continue in his role until the end of June 2011, after which an Acting Director would assume responsibility until a permanent appointment could be made.
Mr Hyland said the Office of Public Prosecutions also acknowledged the completion of the report by Frank Vincent QC and the recommendations that were given to the Government.
He said the Office looked forward to working with the Government on the recommendations to ensure the efficient delivery of prosecution services for the people of Victoria continued.
“As acknowledged by the Attorney-General, Robert Clark, the Victorian community benefits greatly from the work of our staff and their commitment to the justice system,” Mr Hyland said.
“We look forward to continuing this good work in prosecuting serious crime.”
1 June, 2011
Disease warning for
flying foxes
Members of the public have been warned against handling flying foxes that might roost in their backyard due to the dangerous diseases they can carry.
Chief Health Officer, John Carnie said and handling flying foxes should be avoided at all times because the Australian Bat Lyssavirus infection was a potentially deadly disease. “Under no circumstances should people handle flying foxes on their property,” Dr Carnie said.
“Some diseases they carry, such as Australian Bat Lyssavirus, are transmissible to humans.”
He said since 1996, nine Victorian flying foxes have been found carrying the virus.
Dr Carnie said the most recent detection of the virus was in May in a flying fox found at Bairnsdale.
He said there was no infectious contact with any humans or pets.
“Australian Bat Lyssavirus is a rare, but fatal disease which may be transmitted from flying foxes to humans,” Dr Carnie said.
He said domestic pets might also be at risk.
“The virus is transmitted through being scratched or bitten by a flying fox,” he said.
“Although it is known that many flying foxes across Australia carry the virus, instances of transmission to humans are very rare, with only two cases ever having been recorded – both of which were seen in Queensland.”
He said Australian Bat Lyssavirus was detected from time to time in flying foxes in Victoria, but no human cases had ever occurred.
Dr Carnie said only trained volunteers or workers should be involved in handling flying foxes.
He said vaccination was recommended for staff or volunteers who regularly handled flying foxes and should be given before starting work with them.
He said anyone who encountered a sick or injured flying fox should not attempt to catch the animal, but call the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186 for referral to an authorised wildlife carer.
1 June, 2011
Kids partnership
needs more work
An audit of early childhood services planned and provided by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) has concluded the Department should impose tighter controls over the Local Councils who deliver the services.
In his report Early Childhood Development Services: Access and Quality, Auditor-General, Des Pearson said the partnership between DEECD and the Local Governments was “not effective.”
Mr Pearson said that while his audit found that access to services had improved over the five years to 2010, “DEECD cannot demonstrate that services are accessible when and where needed, especially for vulnerable children and families.”
He said his audit examined whether access to early childhood services had improved and if services were meeting the required standards and focused on universal access to kindergarten as well as maternal and child health, two services which were available for all young children and their families.
“While DEECD and Local Government are committed to working collaboratively and cooperatively, the partnership is not effective,” Mr Pearson said.
“DEECD has not exercised sufficient leadership in planning, commensurate with its accountability obligation for delivering on the Government’s objectives for early childhood services.”
He said DEECD could not demonstrate that the services provided were of high quality, as it did not have sufficient assurance providers were meeting program standards and service agreement requirements.
“There is a risk that ambiguity of roles can result in a lack of clear accountability for performance,” the Auditor-General said.
“DEECD has not actively managed this risk and needs to take a stronger leadership role in this regard, and in its partnership with Local Government.”
He recommended DEECD exercise better oversight of Council service planning, develop a better understanding of service demand and strengthen its monitoring of service quality.
The full audit report can be downloaded from this PS News link.
1 June, 2011
Schools rewarded in
sustainability test
The first three schools to receive 5-star sustainability certification have been announced by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith.
Mr Smith said Eltham North Primary School in the city’s north-east, Balnarring Primary on the Mornington Peninsula and Aitken College in Greenvale in Melbourne’s north had achieved 5-star certification in the ResourceSmart Schools program for their efforts in reducing their ecological footprint.
“The schools have worked their way through all the requirements for each star to achieve five stars,” Mr Smith said.
“By achieving this rating, these schools have demonstrated significant leadership in their communities.”
He said each school had found creative and efficient ways to integrate waste, water, energy and biodiversity initiatives into their everyday actions.
He said key activities that led Eltham North Primary to achieving the 5-star certification included a core aim to develop lifelong sustainable practices; educational, practical and community activities; and leadership training to empower pupils to lead, educate and motivate their peers.
Mr Smith said Balnarring Primary had introduced outdoor learning spaces of wetlands and woodlands; increased indigenous fauna revegetation; and recycling activities.
He said Aitken College was rewarded because of its Environment Week activities; an Environment Committee made up of teachers, parents and students; and mentoring other schools through workshops and events.
The Minister said the three schools would receive a 5-Star Sustainability Certificate and a sign to place at the school’s entrance.
“Over four years, $3.6 million will fund an additional 400 schools and early childhood centres, to participate in ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic, and an additional $4.6 million will fund energy-efficiency infrastructure,” Mr Smith said.
He said ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic provided a holistic approach to sustainability in schools.
He said it integrated educational, environmental, social and economic outcomes as components of the bigger picture of sustainability.
Mr Smith said more than 600 Victorian primary and secondary schools participated in the program which was administered by Sustainability Victoria.
More information can be found at this PS News link. or by calling Sustainability Victoria on 1300 363 744.
1 June, 2011
Funds to reconcile
reconciliation body
The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs has announced that funding for Reconciliation Victoria is to be reinstated.
The Minister, Jeanette Powell said the State Government would provide $800,000 for Reconciliation Victoria over the next four years.
“Reconciliation is about a mutual process of recognition and respect based on the commitment to building and maintaining an ongoing relationship that delivers real outcomes,” Mrs Powell said.
“We still have a long way to travel on the path to genuine reconciliation and closing the gap, especially on health and education.”
She said reviving Reconciliation Victoria was one of a series of positive initiatives designed to improve the lives of Aboriginal Victorians.
“The Indigenous Honour Roll, support for Registered Aboriginal Parties, the Indigenous Governance Training Program and funding to strengthen the capacity of Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations are all part of a whole-of-Government approach to addressing Aboriginal disadvantage,” Mrs Powell said.
“Each Department is also formulating an action plan to ensure services and programs to Aboriginal Victorians are delivered more effectively.”
She said the State Government was committed to working in partnership with all sectors of the community to address the disadvantage that Indigenous Victorians experience and to close the gap.
She said the decision to cut funding to Reconciliation Victoria in 2009 was widely criticised as a backward step.
1 June, 2011
City Council faces
electoral review
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is to conduct a review of the Melbourne City Council’s (MCC) electoral structure.
Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell accepted a request from Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, to review the Council’s arrangements after a motion was passed by the MCC.
“Following a request from the MCC and given that the Council’s electoral arrangements have not been reviewed since 2001 it is appropriate that a review be conducted,” Mrs Powell said.
“In the time since the last electoral review of the MCC was undertaken there have been substantial changes to the municipality with the incorporation of Docklands and parts of Kensington into the City.”
Mrs Powell said the electoral review would assess whether the current number of Councillors served the democratic needs of the City of Melbourne and whether the Council area itself should remain un-subdivided or be subdivided into wards.
“Ensuring the most appropriate democratic arrangements are in place requires the MCC be subject to the same scrutiny as other Councils,” Mrs Powell said.
She said any changes to MCC’s electoral structure would require an amendment to the City of Melbourne Act by the Victorian Parliament.
She said the MCC requested that other matters, which included governance processes and voting systems, also be considered by the VEC.
Mrs Powell said those matters were outside the scope of a VEC electoral structure review, but remained under consideration by the Minister.
The review will be completed by March 2012.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle welcomed the Minister’s response to the Council’s request.
1 June, 2011
100+ audits find high
levels of compliance
The Auditor-General has given clear audit reports to 107 of the 113 entities audited in the tertiary education, environment, health, planning and community development sectors.
Only three audits raised concerns with the remaining three either not finalised on time or not required to have been.
The Auditor-General, Des Pearson told Parliament it could have confidence in the unqualified entities and the financial sustainability risk for the tertiary education and alpine resort sectors was low.
In his report, Tertiary Education and Other Entities: Results of the 2010 Audits, Mr Pearson commented on the effectiveness of internal controls, and for the tertiary education sector, controls over creditors and the management of employee leave.
His report also commented on the financial sustainability of universities, TAFE institutes and alpine resort management boards, and their financial management and reporting activities.
“The internal control structures over financial reporting within audited entities were adequate, that is they enabled production of accurate, complete and reliable information for reporting,” Mr Pearson said.
“However, controls over creditors and management of employee leave for universities and TAFEs could be strengthened.”
Mr Pearson said a “clear” audit opinion meant the financial statements presented the transactions and balances for the reporting period fairly and in accordance with the relevant legislative reporting framework.
“In 2010, 58 per cent of total spending by universities and TAFEs was on salaries and related costs,” the Auditor-General said.
“At 31 December 2010, universities had employee leave liabilities of $640 million, and TAFE employee leave liabilities were $110 million.”
Mr Pearson said the audit examined controls over the management of employee leave by the entities and found that they could be improved as 25 per cent of universities and 71 per cent of TAFEs had not established leave management policies.
He said the governing bodies of 50 per cent of universities and 64 per cent of TAFEs had not conducted a review of leave practices and processes.
His recommendations included that performance reporting for the TAFE sector be elevated to legislative status.
The full text of the Auditor-General’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.
1 June, 2011
Palliative policy to
strengthen care
A new five-year policy to strengthen palliative care has been released for public consultation.
Minister for Health and Ageing, David Davis released the new Strengthening Palliative Care: policy and strategic directions 2011 – 2015, inviting community feedback.
Mr Davis said the recent National Palliative Care Week, themed Let’s Chat About Dying, was a chance for Victorians to talk about end-of-life care.
“People don’t like to talk about the end stage of their lives and they tend not to know what support is available,” Mr Davis said.
“Often family and loved ones are unsure of who to turn to for support during this difficult time.”
He said National Palliative Care Week was an opportunity to let Victorians know about the services available to assist people with a life-threatening illness and to encourage people to talk to their loved ones about their preferences for care at the end of life.
He said more than 17,000 people had received specialist palliative care in Victoria in the last year and community palliative care services had supported 13,000 to be cared for at home.
Mr Davis said the policy was developed through consultation with the palliative care sector, expert advice from clinicians and by reviewing the evidence.
“This policy outlines how we will meet the challenges in palliative care through investment, expanding the capacity of services, addressing gaps in the system and raising community awareness about death and dying,” Mr Davis said.
“We are keen to hear from the people who care for people with a life-threatening illness about how this policy and strategic directions can meet their needs.”
Mr Davis said the seven proposed Strategic Directions for 2011 – 2015 were informing and involving clients and carers; caring for carers; working together to ensure people die in their place of choice; providing specialist palliative care when and where it is needed; coordinated care across settings; quality care supported by evidence; and ensuring support from communities.
He said the consultation paper would be available on the Department of Health’s website for feedback until the end of June 2011 with the final version released in August.
The policy can be viewed at this PS News link.
1 June, 2011
Upgraded burns unit
for Alfred hospital
A newly refurbished burns unit has been officially opened at The Alfred Hospital.
Premier, Ted Baillieu said The Alfred cared for people with major burn injuries from across Victoria and played a vital role in treating victims of the Black Saturday bushfires.
“Refurbishment of this facility, part of Alfred Health’s Victorian Adult Burns Service, means The Alfred can better meet the complex needs of burns patients from across Victoria now and into the future,” Mr Baillieu said.
“It enables improved management of critically ill patients and those who require prolonged care as well as enhancing infection control, improving patient observation by staff through better layout and enabling early rehabilitation opportunities.”
Mr Baillieu said the Victorian Adult Burns Service admitted more than 300 burns patients and cared for more than 1,000 outpatients every year.
He said the service provided acute care for severely injured burns victims, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation services, outpatient services for people with minor burns, and training for rural clinicians.
“This unit has been designed with especially close attention to infection control and will also include key features such as new patient hoists and dedicated en-suite bathrooms,” Mr Baillieu said.
Minister for Health, David Davis said the Victorian Government contributed $1.1 million towards the refurbished Helen Macpherson Smith Burns Unit.
Mr Davis said the burns service originated in the aftermath of the Ash Wednesday bushfires over 20 years ago and was Victoria’s leading provider of adult acute burns care.
“This service treated the most severely burned survivors of the devastating 2009 bushfires,” Mr Davis said.
He said there were 20 presentations to The Alfred for bushfire-related injuries and on arrival nine immediately went into ICU, with the rest going into the burns ward for specialist care.
“This was the highest number of burns casualties The Alfred ever received from a single incident, and it is notable that the hospital was well-prepared for the events of Black Saturday including a thorough emergency response plan,” Mr Davis said.
1 June, 2011
Unreserved applause
for Reservist bosses
Thirty employers who spent the weekend with the Australian Defence Force Reserves at the Laverton RAAF Base have been commended by the Federal Parliamentary Secretary of Defence, David Feeney.
Senator Feeney said the employers participated in Exercise Executive Stretch (EES), a Department of Defence program that provided employers with a range of experiences to highlight the skills of Australian Reservists.
He said the employers represented were from Ballarat Health Services, the Department of Transport, Country Fire Authority, Deakin University, Gannawarra Shire Council, Bunnings, Clayton RSL Sub-Branch, Coles Group, Computing Directions Australia, Jemena Asset Management, Limelite Sales and Marketing, Rosebank Engineering, Sportsnet Corporation, The Courier and TransfieldServices.
Senator Feeney said personnel from 21 Squadron, Melbourne’s Air Force Reserve unit located at RAAF Base Williams in Laverton, conducted the exercise.
He said the program demonstrated the benefits of Reserve service to employers and supervisors.
“Australian employers are genuinely impressed at the nature and extent of the skills taught in the Reserve,” Senator Feeney said.
“Leadership, initiative and teamwork are core skills developed and used by Reservists and, of course, these skills are also highly valued in the civilian workplace.”
He said employers undertook abseiling, decision-making exercises, team building activities including water safety and night-time operations.
He said participants were also briefed on Defence support programs that could assist in managing Reservist staff.
Senator Feeney said more information on the EES and other Reserve programs was available from this PS News link or by calling 1800 803 485.
1 June, 2011
Seniors Awards open
Victorians can now nominate outstanding seniors for the 2011 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
Community members, service organisations and local Councils have been invited to nominate seniors for an award to honour their selfless contribution to the community.
To be eligible for an award, nominees must be over 60 years of age, an Australian citizen, a resident of Victoria and have made an exceptional contribution to their community.
Nomination forms can be found at this PS News link.
Nominations close on 22 July 2011.
Hoon laws revved up
Tough new hoon laws will be introduced to send a strong message that dangerous hoon driving will not be tolerated.
The laws were designed to crack down on hoon drivers and send the message that hoon driving will not be tolerated.
The new laws ban overloading in cars and broaden the impoundment and immobilisation laws to apply to other high-risk offences such as repeat offences of unlicensed driving, drink driving and drug driving.
Since hoon laws were introduced in 2006 more than 13,000 vehicles have been impounded.
The changes come into effect from 1 July.
Toys seized
More than 1900 toys and novelty items have been seized by Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors from a retailer in Altona and two warehouses in Moorabbin.
The product safety raid seized items included keyboards and musical toys, novelty lighters, candles, baby rattles, toy gun sets, toy ducks and baby dolls.
The raids removed sub-standard, inferior and often dangerous products and sent a clear message that the safety of all Victorian families is very important.
Consumers with concerns about product safety can follow this PS News link.
Time for time capsule
A time capsule buried for almost 150 years has been unearthed in Ballarat.
The time capsule commemorated the Burke and Wills expedition 150 years ago and was recovered by staff from Heritage Victoria and City of Ballarat.
The recovery project was supported by Sovereign Hill and the Gold Museum, where the recovered items are on display; the Royal Society of Victoria, which funded the original expedition; and the Department of Education and Early Childhood.
The capsule contained a number of coins and newspapers from the 1860s.
New bus for students
Students travelling to Monash University’s Clayton campus will trial a $1.25 million of a frequent new express bus service.
The new Route 601 bus service will run express between Huntingdale Station and Monash University, and will begin as a one-year trial on Monday 18 July.
The service will operate on a pre-pay system and run approximately every four minutes during semester time.
Exhibition at museum
The Cultural Diversity Quest exhibition has been launched at the Immigration Museum.
The exhibition celebrates cultural diversity in Victorian Government schools through a display of the best student artworks.
The exhibition features a documentary film including interviews with some of the creators of the winning pieces of art, design and digital media.
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