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SearchArchives for November 2011
30 November, 2011
Watchdogs combine
to tear strips off IT
The Victorian Ombudsman has joined forces with the Auditor-General to call for a dramatic improvement in the management of Information and Communication Technology enabled projects (ICT-enabled) in the Victorian PS following years of concern.
In his report Own motion investigation into ICT-enabled projects, the Ombudsman, George Brouwer said that despite many warnings from his office and that of the Auditor-General, the public sector had failed to lift its game.
“We see little sign of lessons learnt in the public sector,” The Ombudsman said, speaking also for the Auditor-General.
“The evidence to date is that the public sector is not managing ICT-enabled projects effectively.
“A new and more disciplined approach is required if the Government is to avoid being faced with continuing cost overruns and failures to deliver.”
In their investigation, the Ombudsman and Auditor-General examined 10 major ICT-enabled projects in the Victorian public sector.
Mr Brouwer said the management of ICT-enabled projects at the State, national and international level in the public sectors had been the subject of considerable research, and the consensus was that these projects were often poorly managed and failures were common.
“This includes the lack of accountability of those responsible for these project failures, especially senior agency executives and the Department of Treasury and Finance.”
He said reports from his and the Auditor-General’s offices had identified significant shortcomings in the public sector’s management of such projects and had included numerous recommendations about how such management could be improved.
“The evidence to date is that the public sector is not managing ICT-enabled projects effectively, as demonstrated by the current difficulties that Victoria is facing in this area and the increasingly adverse public comment about major ICT-enabled projects,” he said.
“We recommend a strong and coherent framework for the development of future ICT-enabled projects.”
The two investigators pointed to what they called the “abject waste” of Victoria Police’s ‘Link’ project that cost $59 million over four years and was cancelled and VicRoads’ RandL which had not yet made it past the design phase but had cost $52 million.”
“Leadership from the top is required if this is to change,” they said.
The joint report made 58 recommendations to improve the way current and future ICT-enabled projects were planned and delivered.
The report can be accessed at this PS News link.
30 November, 2011
Violence program in
stand for women
A new national program to combat violence against women in the workplace has been unveiled by the Federal Minister for the Status of Women, Kate Ellis.
Ms Ellis said $1.1 million White Ribbon Workplace Program was important in creating long-term changes in attitudes to violence in the workplace.
“We need to pull the issue of family violence out of the shadows and challenge the notion that this is a private issue,” Ms Ellis said.
“This means standing up against violence in all spheres of our lives whether it be at home, in our schools, neighbourhoods or workplaces.”
She said the initiative was an awareness, early intervention and prevention program specifically for workplace settings.
The Minister said that in the past year a reference group of 20 members had been established and in August the group met for the first time to endorse a project work plan and terms of reference.
“The new program is structured around three key elements – the appointment of ambassadors for positive workplace cultures, accreditation of workplaces that are safe places for women, and awards for workplaces that introduce prevention strategies and speak out about violence,” Ms Ellis said.
She also announced that the Government would partner with the Australian Rugby League to run a $250,000 campaign in local rugby league clubs to prevent violence against women and promote respectful relationships.
Ms Ellis said the League would work with community clubs across the country to deliver a media campaign and develop educational resources to prevent violence against women.
30 November, 2011
Self-funded agencies
find funding scarce
A summary of the Auditor-General’s opinions on financial statements prepared by the State’s 11 Portfolio Departments and 201 associated entities in 2010-11 has revealed the majority to be adequately managed but also a number facing financial pressures.
In his report Portfolio Departments and Associated Entities: Results of the 2010–11 Audits, Auditor-General, Des Pearson said many of the entities required to find their own funds were struggling.
“For the 46 self-funded entities, the most significant challenge facing their financial sustainability is self-financing,” Mr Pearson said.
“Twenty-three entities (were) generating insufficient cash from operations to fund new assets and asset renewals.’
He rated 12 of the 46 as having a ‘high’ financial sustainability risk, meaning short-term or immediate financial concerns existed and needed to be addressed.
He rated 20 of the 46 as medium risk, indicating a long-term financial sustainability concern.
“Three entities were rated high risk solely due to poor liquidity positions when averaged over the past five financial years,” Mr Pearson said.
“Nine were rated as high risk because of large underlying deficits when averaged across the past five financial years.
“Most of these nine entities have boards or trusts who control and have responsibility for managing significant public sector assets. However, they do not generate sufficient revenue from operations to maintain and renew those assets.”
He said this created an accountability issue for members of the boards and trusts who were unable to meet their statutory obligations.
The Auditor-General also examined leave management in the portfolio Departments and found it be ‘adequate’.
However, he found weaknesses in their information technology (IT) change management.
“Written IT change management policies did not exist or were not up to date at five portfolio Departments, and were in draft at CenITex,” he said.
“Despite this, we found that CenITex, Shared Business Systems and the portfolio Departments had sound management practices in place to process changes to their IT systems.
“Management, governance and oversight of IT security was adequate at most portfolio departments, but IT security policies could be strengthened by tailoring them for the risks unique to each portfolio department.”
Mr Pearson said the portfolio Departments had improved the timely preparation of their financial reports in 2010-11 with 50 per cent achieving the earlier reporting time lines, and minimal material adjustments being required to drafts provided to audit.
The Auditor-General’s full report can be accessed at this PS News link.
30 November, 2011
Jolly good honours
for new Fellows
The Victorian Division of the Institute of Public Administration Australia has recognised the contribution of 13 high performing public administrators by awarding them Fellowships.
The honours were announced by IPAA Victoria President, Fran Thorn at a special dinner last week.
Ms Thorn said the Fellowships were awarded to individuals who had made an outstanding contribution to public administration, the achievement of IPAA’s objectives and exemplary service to the Victorian community.
“This is a high bar to cross,” Ms Thorn said.
“Their combined achievements are impressive in their scale and scope and their work has made a great contribution to Victoria.”
She named the new Victorian Fellows as Bronte Adams (dandolopartners), Marco Bini (Auditor-General’s Office), Graeme Emonson (Knox City Council), Katy Haire (Premier and Cabinet), Jane Herington (Human Services), Peter Hertan (Planning and Community Development), Claire Higgins (State Emergency Services), Rob Knowles (Former MLC and administrator), Carl Obst (Statistician), Pradeep Phillip (Premier and Cabinet), Jeff Rosewarne (Primary Industries), John Skerritt (Primary Industries) and Paul Smith (Planning and Community Development).
New National Fellows are Peter Dawkins (Victoria University) and Gerard Vaughan (National Gallery of Victoria).
Ms Thorn noted that the new Victorian Fellows came from all levels of government in Victoria and from the private and not-for-profit sectors.
“As the professional association for people working in the public sector, IPAA Victoria is the place where all three spheres of government in Victoria can come together”
She said bringing all levels of Government together with the skills and networks of the private and not-for-profit sectors was being increasingly recognised as a vital ingredient in the development and delivery of effective public policy.
More information about the new Fellows can be obtained from the IPAA website at this PS News link.
30 November, 2011
Flying planners to
swoop on Councils
A ‘flying squad’ of planning specialists is to be set up to visit local Councils and help deal with backlogs and planning issues.
Ministers for Planning, Matthew Guy and Local Government, Jeanette Powell said the $2.8 million initiative would assist regional and rural Councils by providing short-term expertise and assistance.
“The Flying Squad will be a group of planning specialists who will work on the ground with regional and rural Councils to ease the backlog of planning requests and other issues by providing short-term expertise and assistance,” Mr Guy said.
“Councils will have access to immediate assistance with planning assessments, major projects and developments, long-term land use issues and strategic plans.”
Mrs Powell said the Flying Squad would provide short-term staffing solutions as well as access to local consultancies having regard for the specific needs and workload of each Council.
“There is compelling evidence that councils are facing heavy workloads and increasing backlogs in their planning offices,” Mrs Powell said.
“This program will give Councils the opportunity to deal with a backlog of planning issues and get on with the important tasks of planning for change in their communities, and it will provide increased employment opportunities to ensure that local communities continue to prosper.”
She said expressions of interest would be sought from suitably qualified and experienced consultants to deliver the expert planning advice.
30 November, 2011
Fire Brigade makes
emergency call
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) has called on the public to be aware that its Emergency Medical Response (EMR) service requires the same consideration as its fire service.
Chief Executive of the MFB, Nick Easy said since 2000, MFB crews had been dispatched to EMR calls at the same time as Ambulance Victoria, attending cardiac arrests and non-breathing patients.
Mr Easy said in some areas of Melbourne, MFB was now responding to more medical emergencies than to building fires.
He said members of the public needed to be aware that a fire truck might be coming to their aid in a medical emergency.
“We need to raise public awareness about the MFB EMR service so that they are not confused when a fire truck arrives for a medical emergency,” Mr Easy said.
“Any time lost managing that confusion could be a life and death difference.”
He said fire crews were too often delayed reaching a call by people who thought they had been misdirected.
He said in one recent case, a woman who had called for an ambulance tried to send a fire truck away thinking the firefighters were looking for a different emergency.
Mr Easy said the MFB had had a successful decade delivering EMR services in partnership with Ambulance Victoria, with more than 150 lives saved, but people were still often surprised to see them.
“If a fire truck arrives first, the crew immediately initiates medical assistance and continues until Ambulance Victoria paramedics arrive to take over,” he said.
“We provide a vital component in ensuring patient survival and the close work with Ambulance Victoria is an important example of how emergency services can complement each other’s roles in preserving life.”
Mr Easy said a study of the 2010-2011 call logs by municipalities shows a jump of around 15 per cent in the rate of EMR calls on the previous year.
30 November, 2011
Premier unwraps TAC’s
Christmas campaign
The Transport Accident Commission’s Christmas road safety campaign has been launched by the Premier Ted Baillieu.
Mr Baillieu urged Victorians to use recent fatalities on the road as a reminder of the need to drive safely.
“With several tragic multiple fatality crashes on our minds, now is the time to talk to loved ones about the dangers of risky driving and the importance of road safety,” Mr Baillieu said.
“Holiday periods produce high volumes of traffic on Victoria’s major highways and arterial roads, often involving a change in travel patterns and use of unfamiliar roads.
“It’s up to every road user to take responsibility for safety on our roads.”
Mr Baillieu said that historically, the last 12 days of the year recorded the highest number of road fatalities per day for the entire year.
Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police, Kieran Walshe said police would be running Operation Summer Stay which included breath-testing thousands of drivers and patrols on major and minor roads across the State.
Senior Manager of road Safety and Marketing at TAC, John Thompson said police would be backed by the TAC campaign which would target speeding and drink/drug driving and reminding drivers “Don’t Risk It”.
“Today marks the start of a busy summer for the TAC with a number of initiatives being rolled out to keep the road toll down,” Mr Thompson said.
30 November, 2011
PSOs in training
for train duty
The first intake of Protective Services Officers (PSOs) has begun training at the Victoria Police Academy as part of a Victoria Police initiative to reduce crime, violence and anti-social behaviour in and around train stations.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan said the 21-strong team was aged between and 19 and 57 and was the first of 940 PSOs who would be deployed across Melbourne and major regional stations from 6pm until the last train.
“PSOs will play a vital role protecting commuters on platforms, operating with their Transit Police colleagues who provide safety and assistance on the trains,” Mr Ryan said.
He said the recruits were a diverse group with varied backgrounds and previous careers, including experience in the Australian Federal Police, retail, and hospitality industries.
He said as part of a 12-week training program at the Academy, the PSOs would undertake the same operational tactics and safety training as police, including firearms and defensive skills training.
He said they would also complete the same rail safety training as the Transit Police.
“PSOs will also learn about the law, conflict resolution, dealing with vulnerable people, mental health and much more to ensure they are prepared for the rewarding, but challenging career ahead of them,” Mr Ryan said.
He said when the recruits graduated from the Academy they would be ready for “on the job” training in early 2012, under the supervision of Transit Police officers at Flinders Street, Southern Cross and city loop services.
30 November, 2011
Cultural register
judged a winner
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) has been recognised at this year’s Asia-Pacific Spatial Excellence Awards for its Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and Information System (ACHRIS).
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Jeanette Powell said ACHRIS was a web-based tool that used state-of-the-art technology to integrate Aboriginal heritage data mapping capability and allowed stakeholders to spatially search the heritage register.
It won its award in the in the People and Community category.
“ACHRIS has improved the management of and access to Aboriginal cultural heritage records across Victoria, which in turn provides greater protection for Victoria’s rich and diverse Aboriginal cultural heritage,” Mrs Powell said.
She said the Awards recognised high-level performers from all facets of the spatial sector, and the People and Community category highlighted programs that made a collective difference via ‘grass roots’ initiatives that permitted widespread adoption, use, understanding, and access to spatial products.
“ACHRIS provides online registration of Aboriginal places and objects, online applications to access the Register, and delivers greater efficiency in the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans,” Mrs Powell said.
“ACHRIS has resulted in streamlined business processes that significantly reduce the time, effort and cost of the assessment and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.”
She said the Register could be accessed by authorised users such as members of Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) and cultural heritage advisors.
30 November, 2011
Councils crack under
infrastructure load
An Auditor-General’s report into Local Councils has found that while their financial sustainability was manageable, they faced ongoing challenges maintaining existing assets and finding funds for new capital works.
In his report Local Government: Results of the 2010–11 Audits, Auditor-General, Des Pearson also found that the financial pressures on Council libraries were of concern.
Mr Pearson’s report covered the results of his office’s financial audits of 105 entities within the Local Government sector, consisting of 79 Councils, 12 regional library corporations and 14 companies, trusts and joint ventures.
It comments on the quality and timeliness of financial reporting, the financial sustainability of Councils and libraries, internal audit arrangements and controls over procurement and asset management.
“This audit found that overall the financial sustainability risk for Councils was low, consistent with our 2010 assessment,” Mr Pearson said.
“However, Councils face an ongoing challenge to achieve sufficient levels of capital works and to maintain existing assets.”
He said the financial sustainability risk for regional libraries was ‘medium’.
“Their high dependence on Council contributions and grants however, means they have little or no flexibility in their financial capacity and face ongoing challenges to their financial sustainability.”
He said Councils had yet to fully embrace performance reporting and the non-financial indicators of many were of limited relevance to ratepayers and residents.
“Councils continue to adopt a compliance approach to performance reporting.
“As a result, the performance reporting framework has yet to deliver relevant and appropriate information to the community on the quality of services delivered and achievement of outcomes,” he said.
Mr Pearson made 11 recommendations, including that Councils set performance targets and indicators for all strategic activities; that they critically review their performance measures and targets, and that the Department of Planning and Community Development develop minimum standards for performance statements.
The Auditor-General’s full report can be accessed at this PS News link.
30 November, 2011
Technology the cure
for health challenges
Healthcare professionals and community health providers have been invited to offer ideas on how technology might help their patients better and improve productivity in healthcare.
The invitation was extended by the Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips who opened the $15 million Health Market Validation Program (MVP), in which healthcare challenges will be put to the small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) market for solutions.
“We want health agencies to provide us with healthcare challenges that could be solved with technology,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“Clinicians, nurses, hospitals, aged care services, dental services and community health providers are encouraged to submit ideas on how technology might help patients and improve productivity in healthcare.”
He said in the first instance, up to $100,000 would be available for feasibility studies to investigate the viability of a proposed solution.
He said projects would then be assessed for further funding of up to $1.5 million to develop the technology and undertake validation activities.
Mr Rich-Phillips said the new Health MVP aimed to encourage demand-driven innovation in Victoria’s healthcare system, ultimately providing an economic benefit to Victoria.
“This competitive grants program is designed to unearth innovative healthcare solutions, support small and medium enterprises, and strengthen Victorian health agencies,” he said.
Mr Rich-Phillips said Victorian health-focused public sector-controlled entities had until 31 January 2012 to submit their technology requirement specifications, and SMEs could also register their interest in participating in the program through the Health MVP website this PS News link.
30 November, 2011
Firefighters swap
fire places
Firefighters from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) are to swap places as part of a pilot training scheme.
Minister for Bushfire Response, Peter Ryan said the MFB-CFA Secondment Program would play a key role in supporting interoperability between Victoria’s fire agencies.
“Under the program, six MFB and six CFA firefighters will swap places for up to two years, giving participants the opportunity to experience different firefighting situations and environments,” Mr Ryan said.
“It will also help develop a culture of knowledge-sharing and cooperation between agencies, which supports the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission recommendation that agencies train and prepare for major incidents together.”
Mr Ryan said fire agencies had embraced the opportunity to develop the pilot program with the support of the United Firefighters Union.
“The MFB and CFA signed an agreement for the pilot and expressions of interest were accepted for those wanting to take on the challenge and it is great to see this new scheme get underway,” Mr Ryan said.
He said Victoria was moving towards an “all hazards, all agencies” approach to emergency management.
“We have also recently completed eight multi-agency training exercises that have tested government, emergency broadcasters, communities and emergency services in simulated fire scenarios,” he said.
Mr Ryan said Fire Action Week was an important campaign to remind Victorians that they must be aware of potential fire risks during the fire season.
“Everyone who lives, works or holidays in areas of bushfire risk need to know the potential fire risks around them, prepare their properties and have a clear fire plan,” he said.
“Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone places in the world, and people need to take responsibility for their communities and themselves.”
30 November, 2011
P-plate study
in top gear
A research project aimed at assessing the behaviour and attitudes of P plate drivers has begun at Melbourne’s Centre of Adult Education with the first group of newly-licensed drivers taking part in three program sessions.
Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder said he was delighted the P Drivers Program had recruited 1,800 participants across Victoria and New South Wales since its launch on 18 October.
“The MyLiveTribe program, as it’s known to participants, focuses on the four key driving behaviours that has been shown to lead to many crashes for young drivers,” Mr Mulder said.
He said these were following distance, speed management, gap selection and hazard recognition and response.
The Director of Road User Safety at VicRoads, James Holgate said the MyLiveTribe program was developed with input from local and international experts in behaviour change, adolescent health and young driver safety.
“The curriculum for the program has been designed using adult learning principles and is a new approach to young driver behaviour change,” Mr Holgate said.
“This national project is the largest research trial of its type ever undertaken in the world.”
He said led by VicRoads, the project aimed to recruit 26,400 young drivers in Victoria and 1,600 in NSW who had qualified for their -plates in the past 100 days.
Mr Mulder said newly-licensed P-plate drivers were invited to participate in the trial via direct phone and mail recruitment and online sign-up.
“I’d like everyone to encourage their family, friends and neighbours who know someone who just got their Ps or is about to go for their test, to get involved and help keep them and their mates safe on our roads,” Mr Mulder said.
He said in Victoria, the trial was being conducted in the greater Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and surrounding areas.
30 November, 2011
Emissions review
smokes out paper
A discussion paper on the regulation of vehicle emissions has been issued by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) for public comment.
Party of a review to determine whether the current regulations, which expire on 29 January 2013 should be remade and if so how, the paper discusses ways the EPA could most effectively regulate motor vehicle emissions, noise and fuel.
The EPA said issuing the paper was the first step in the review and provided an opportunity for public comment on the direction of the regulations.
Stakeholders can lodge submissions with the EPA’s Regulatory Innovation Unit up until 12 December 2011.
The EPA said that after receiving submissions it would provide responses to each submitter and compile a report of all issues raised.
The submissions would then be used to inform the development of options for addressing in-service vehicle emissions, noise and fuels.
Workshops would also be held as part of the Review to explore issues raised in the discussion paper.
Details of the workshops can be accessed at this PS News link and the discussion paper downloaded from this PS News link.
30 November, 2011
Foodbowl project
back in the mix
The Victorian Ombudsman has presented his report on the $2 billion Foodbowl Modernisation Project in the Goulburn-Murray Region, recommending that the body set up to implement the project have its responsibilities curtailed and the whole project be reconsidered.
The Ombudsman, George Brouwer, was requested to investigate the project by the Minister for Water in February when issues arose relating to infrastructure, irrigation and implementation policies.
The Ombudsman’s investigation followed the 2007 release of the water plan, Our Water Our Future which proposed a number of projects to save and generate water in Victoria.
The largest project under the plan was the modernisation of water irrigation infrastructure in the Goulburn-Murray Region, designed to generate water savings for Melbourne, irrigators and the environment.
The project became known as the Foodbowl project.
A statutory body called the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project (NVIRP) was established to plan, deliver and implement the Foodbowl project in conjunction with Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW), the statutory body responsible for the delivery of water in Northern Victoria.
At the time of the plan was released, GMW’s infrastructure was old, inefficient and expensive to maintain.
Earlier this year the Minister for Water, Peter Walsh was concerned at the development and implementation of the Foodbowl project and asked the Ombudsman to investigate the GMW and NVIRP arrangement.
During his investigation, Mr Brouwer found that landowners in the area were generally supportive of modernisation, however many irrigators expressed concerns about the way in which NVIRP had implemented the Foodbowl project.
Mr Brouwer made a number of recommendations, including that consideration be given to transferring the functions of NVIRP to GMW with NVIRP continuing to implement the Foodbowl project as a unit within GMW, and an independent review of the objectives and strategic direction of the Foodbowl project be undertaken.
The Ombudsman’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.
30 November, 2011
Vegetation report
gets green light
The Government has accepted 19 of 20 recommendations made by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) in its report on remnant native vegetation.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith tabled the response to VEAC’s investigation saying the Government was well placed to implement the recommendations.
“VEAC’s final report examined the condition of remnant vegetation throughout the State and initiatives that could improve its management,” Mr Smith said.
“VEAC has completed a thorough investigation of this important issue which has highlighted the increasingly important role remnant vegetation is playing in biodiversity conservation.”
He said the only recommendation that was not picked up was a call for investigations of public land use in three areas in Wimmera, Gippsland and the Central Victorian Uplands.
“The Victorian Government needs to consider its existing programs and priorities in order to make decisions about any further assessments of public land use that are required and ensure that our parks and reserves are managed sustainably,” Mr Smith said.
He said VEAC was currently undertaking two investigations - one into the outcomes of the establishment of Victoria’s existing marine protected areas, and another into public land in the vicinity of the Yellingbo Conservation Reserve.
30 November, 2011
DPI goes wild
over weeds
More than 500 Port Phillip properties have been inspected for the regionally controlled weed serrated tussock in the past year.
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is cracking down on serrated tussock, a serious weed of pasture that reduces the financial return on agricultural properties and negatively affects land value.
Area Leader of DPI Biosecurity, Chelsea Wardrope said that of the 500 properties inspected, 40 landholders were issued with a directions notice to control serrated tussock prior to spring.
“Of the 40 landholders issued with a directions notice, a majority complied and have undertaken control measures to a high standard,” Ms Wardrope said.
“However, three properties were fined a total of $3,421 for failing to control (it)”
Ms Wardrope said DPI supported landholders who took action against priority invasive plants, such as serrated tussock.
“For example, the owner of a Forbes property has been working with DPI since 2001 to prevent an isolated infestation of serrated tussock on his property from spreading,” she said.
“A recent inspection of this property revealed a significant reduction of the original infestation, but this has only been achieved through the use of best practice management and constant vigilance by the land manager.”
She said landowners had a legal responsibility to manage pest plants and animals on their property to ensure they didn’t adversely affect agricultural production on neighbouring farms or impact on the natural environment. If they didn’t they were liable for fines up to $29,000.
30 November, 2011
And in Other News...
Integrity watchdogs approved
An Anti-corruption Commission and Public Interest Monitor have been approved by Parliament.
Passage of the laws to establish the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), and the Victorian Inspectorate to oversee IBAC, also allows for the creation of a Parliamentary Joint House Committee (the IBAC Committee) to monitor IBAC’s activities.
Minister responsible for the establishment of an anti-corruption commission, Andrew McIntosh said the laws provided important safeguards in the application processes for covert and coercive warrants, including for the use of telephone intercepts and surveillance devices.
Families flock to Ambulance
More than 26,000 new members have signed up to Ambulance Victoria since the cost of ambulance membership fees was reduced to half.
Premier Ted Baillieu said since 1 July when membership costs had dropped from $150 to $75 a year for families and $75 to $37.50 a year for singles, Ambulance Victoria membership had grown.
In the event of an emergency, Ambulance Victoria members do not have to pay transport costs which can exceed $900.
Court orders safety expo
A country Council has been ordered to stage a health and safety expo after a worker reversed a truck into power lines and it caught fire.
A Geelong Magistrate said staging the OH&S Expo was a more productive outcome than issuing a fine and placed the Golden Plains Shire Council on a two-year adjourned undertaking to review, implement and supervise compliance with its safety processes.
WorkSafe Victoria had prosecuted the Council, which pleaded guilty to failing to provide a safe system of work in relation to the incident which happened in October last year.
Abattoir checked for cruelty
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has launched an investigation into slaughter practices at a Victorian pig abattoir.
The investigation will be focusing on potential breaches of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
DPI is working closely with PrimeSafe Victoria, the authority responsible for the licensing of all Victorian domestic abattoirs and the owners of the abattoir have been ordered to cease operations and their licence has been cancelled.
Committee to advise on lakes
Members are being sought for the newly-established Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee.
The Committee will advise the Ministers for Environment and Climate Change and Regional and Rural Development on the health of the Gippsland Lakes and a strategy to guide investment.
Applicants for the Committee must send their CV to waterways@dse.vic.gov.au by 7 December 2011.
Super Clinic for Bendigo
A new GP Super Clinic has been opened in Bendigo.
The Bendigo GP Super Clinic will provide a Rapid Access clinic to provide same-day appointments for patients who are unable to obtain an appointment with their own medical practitioner and will provide bulk billing to health care card holders, pensioners and children under the age of 16.
The clinic is a collaboration between Bendigo Health, Bendigo Community Health Service and Monash University’s Rural Clinical School.
23 November, 2011
Premier fired up for
safety warning
All members of the community have been urged to start preparing for the coming bushfire season by finalising fire plans to follow in the event of an emergency.
Premier Ted Baillieu urged Victorians to plan now to minimise their risk and maximise their chances of survival.
“On a Code Red day, leaving early is the safest option,” Mr Baillieu said.
“Your fire safety is your responsibility – the only person who can guarantee your safety is you.
He urged people to ask themselves seriously if they were ready to act if there was a fire today?
“There are tools and information available to help you and your family stay safe, but it’s up to you to use them.”
Mr Baillieu said this year’s focus was on all Victorians to prepare themselves and their families for the possibility of a bushfire.
“People who live in a high-risk area will need comprehensive advice for their plan and should call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 to request a Bushfire Survival Plan contained in the Fire Ready Kit,” he said.
“But all Victorians should know, now is the time to gather all the advice you need to develop your fire plan, practice it and be ready before the start of the fire season.”
He said Fire Action Week included the release of tools for personal fire planning, including a FireReady smartphone application, a Facebook page and the online version of My Plan, hosted on the Country Fire Association (CFA) website.
“If you live in a bushfire-prone area on the city fringe or in regional Victoria, then having a plan to follow is essential,” Mr Baillieu said.
“The My Plan tools and Traveller’s Checklist are new social media resources to organise personal and family fire plans. They can be completed at your own pace and updated with current warnings in your local area.”
Minister for Bushfire Response, Peter Ryan said regional exercises are to be conducted to coordinate the work of agencies, Government departments, the community and emergency broadcasters, through an emergency management scenario.
“Each region will undergo a locally-based fire scenario that takes communities, Government departments and the fire services through the emergency management arrangements in place leading up to and during a large-scale fire,” Mr Ryan said.
He said the first regional exercise was conducted in the Gippsland region a week ago and other imminent in the Loddon Mallee, Hume, Grampians and the Eastern, Western, Southern and North West metropolitan regions as part of pre-season preparation.
23 November, 2011
Privacy papers go
public for seniors
The Victorian Privacy Commissioner, Helen Versey has released four new information sheets for older members of the community.
Ms Versey said the information sheets were produced with assistance from the Office of the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner, and covered topics ranging from keeping safe online to controlling personal health information.
“Research tells us that many Australians have been the victim of identity theft or know of someone who has been,” Ms Versey said.
“As more and more Australians of all ages use digital technologies, it is becoming easier for criminals to steal your information.”
She said older people were vulnerable to scammers and hackers and needed to be aware of some of the risks and to be careful with their personal information.
Victorian Health Services Commissioner, Beth Wilson said she was pleased with the privacy initiative.
“I receive many queries from older Victorians concerned about the privacy of their information, particularly health information,” Ms Wilson said.
“These information sheets are a convenient and clever means of communicating complex information in a clear and concise manner.”
The new information sheets can be downloaded from this PS News link.
23 November, 2011
Union shifts blame
in child protection
The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has blamed overwork and under-resourcing in the Department of Human Services as the real problems behind the neglect when it comes to protecting Victoria’s vulnerable children.
Secretary of the Victorian branch of the CPSU, Karen Batt said child protection workers’ caseload limits were set by the staff themselves with children’s best interests in mind.
“Our limitations are designed by the professionals in the field and only deal with case management, giving kids at risk priority as a result,” Ms Batt said.
“Stopping case allocation to student placements and having a safe system of work has re-invigorated the workforce and the system.”
But she said unallocated cases and case overload imposed by Departmental management were the “true culprits” in child protection shortcomings.
“Let the Minister make an argument that piling case after case on exhausted professionals isn’t unsafe in itself,” Ms Batt said.
“These irresponsible actions are finally exposed in the Government’s statements lodged with Fair Work.”
In January the Premier Ted Baillieu launched an Inquiry into the State’s child protection system with an inquiry panel chaired by former Supreme Court Judge Philip Cummins, and members Emeritus Professor Dorothy Scott and Bill Scales.
Mr Baillieu tasked the panel with investigating systemic problems in the child protection system and to make recommendations on strengthening and improving protection and support. The panel is to report its findings in January 2012.
Ms Batt said she believed the Inquiry would reach the same conclusion as the CPSU.
“Our child protection system is chronically under-resourced and playing silly guilt games doesn’t help either party to settle our differences,” she said.
The Department of Human Services successfully applied to Fair Work Australia to have industrial action lifted with the union to unconditionally remove the caseload bans imposed by the child protection workers.
Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge said the Government could now continue to negotiate on the child protection workforce reforms that would see frontline child protection workers receive wage increases of up to 15 per cent in the first year of a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.
“This means negotiations towards a settlement of the next Victorian Public Service enterprise bargaining agreement can continue without the disruption of harmful industrial bans affecting vulnerable children,” Ms Wooldridge said.
The Minister warned that if the CPSU made another attempt to revive the bans or engaged in other action that threatened children’s safety, the Government would return immediately to Fair Work Australia to seek the suspension of industrial bans.
23 November, 2011
Reformers called to
reform commitment
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has been called on to get serious about national reforms by showing more commitment and leadership to ensure the changes it wants reach their full potential.
The call to action comes from the Chairman of COAG’s own Reform Council, Paul McClintock.
Speaking at the launch of COAG Reform Agenda: Report on Progress 2011, Mr McClintock said COAG had established a solid foundation for cooperation, through the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations, around its national reform agenda.
“But for COAG to really succeed it must build a culture of trust and cooperation within and between Governments,” Mr McClintock said.
“Put simply, it is critical that COAG throws its full weight behind these reforms.”
He said this would require strong political leadership and a determined effort from all Governments.
He said COAG’s Intergovernmental Agreement aimed to advance collaboration between Governments by fostering greater flexibility in service delivery, alongside a stronger commitment to public accountability for achieving outcomes.
He said in this second annual progress report on the reforms, the Council found that 20 of the 26 major reform commitments were currently on schedule.
Mr McClintock said that while this was a positive result, there was obviously more work to be done.
“We are disappointed that some reform commitments – such as the national Rental Affordability Scheme, improving the availability of social housing and the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency – are behind schedule,” he said.
“Further progress is needed on COAG’s reform commitments, but we recognise it will take time for COAG to meet its long-term goal.”
He said the Reform Council wanted COAG to know its agenda for change was significant and there was a great deal waiting to be achieved.
“But for it to succeed in the long-term, now is the time to roll up your sleeves and give this your full commitment,” Mr McClintock said.
He said COAG’s reform agenda covered key areas such as health, Indigenous reform, education, skills, disability services, housing, water, and a range of competition and regulatory reforms.
23 November, 2011
Campaign puts heat
on arsonists
Arsonists have been put on notice for summer, with Victoria Police, Crime Stoppers and the community working together to stop the threat of fires.
An Operation Firesetter Bushfire Arson Prevention Campaign has been launched, which will conduct high visibility patrols across the State during periods of high fire danger to prevent and detect bushfire arsonists.
Minister for Bushfire Response, Peter Ryan said the campaign warned that arsonists could target the very community that they lived and worked in, and urged the community to report any suspicious behaviour.
“The message around the Operation Firesetter campaign is loud and clear,” Mr Ryan said.
“If you see something or know something, say something.”
He said bushfire arson had the potential to ruin lives, properties, the environment and entire communities.
“The Bushfire Arson Prevention Campaign encourages the community to be our eyes and ears.
“They should call triple zero immediately if they observe suspicious behaviour, or if they suspect someone of bushfire arson, to call Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1800 333 000.”
Mr Ryan said the new “all-hazards and all agencies” approach to emergency management would help make Victoria a world leader in preparing for and responding to major emergencies like bushfires.
“We also have to address the human causes of fires and the need for people to speak up about arson to prevent another disaster like Black Saturday and the Gippsland fires,” he said.
23 November, 2011
New planning rules to
hose down fire danger
The Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy has introduced new controls in the Victorian Planning Provisions to increase protection from bushfires.
Mr Guy said the new planning provisions, which came into effect on 18 November, gave priority to the protection of human life and the safety of communities.
“This has been central to every response we have delivered, in line with the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission recommendations,” Mr Guy said.
He said the bushfire protection measures provided clarity for development in bushfire areas.
He said they included the introduction of new standards for siting a house to achieve better bushfire resilience; replacing the Wildfire Management Overlay with a Bushfire Management Overlay; enabling a single bushfire site assessment for new buildings at the building or planning stage; and ensuring all newly created lots in bushfire areas were capable of being built upon.
Mr Guy also announced a time extension on permit exemptions for people living in temporary accommodation in bushfire affected communities until 30 April 2013.
He said $2 million had also been allocated to support Councils to deliver the new bushfire planning provisions, and an ongoing training and education program for Council officers was being conducted.
“These new bushfire planning provisions will improve the preparedness of Victorian communities for the impacts of bushfire,” Mr Guy said.
He said the areas covered by the new Bushfire Management Overlay remained unchanged.
23 November, 2011
New phones engaged
for emergency calls
Ministers for Police and Emergency Management from around Australia have agreed to new, standardised, phone numbers for emergency assistance.
The new agreement will see 132 500 used as the national number to call for emergency help and 131 444 for non-emergency Police Assistance.
Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said the decision would improve the way the emergency call service operated in all States and Territories, including Victoria.
“Having one nation-wide number to call when you need assistance in non-life threatening or non-time critical situations will make it easier for people to remember and use wherever they are in Australia,” Mr McClelland said.
He said Ministers had also agreed to improvements in the national Triple Zero service.
“Triple Zero plays a crucial role in managing disaster response and it will now be better equipped to deal with increased demand during disasters,” Mr McClelland said.
He said recorded voice announcements (RVAs) would be introduced directing people to State or Territory Emergency Services, or Police Assistance national numbers, if they didn’t require urgent assistance from police, fire or ambulance.
“As nearly half of all calls to Triple Zero are non-urgent or people seeking information, these measures will go a long way to help ease the burden on Triple Zero,” Mr McClelland said.
“Triple Zero should only be dialled in emergencies that are life-threatening or for time-critical situations requiring a rapid response from police, fire or ambulance services.”
He said the new arrangements would work towards ensuring that people with genuine needs were able to access emergency assistance swiftly whilst people who required access to appropriate sources of information and non-emergency assistance were also accommodated.
He said the Ministers had agreed to build on progress by looking at setting up an all hazards Emergency Information hotline.
“This telephone hotline would give people a single number to call about information for floods, bushfire and other serious events,” he said.
“All of these initiatives will ultimately see an improved service for the public during what can be very distressing times,” Mr McClelland said.
23 November, 2011
Green light for
green projects
The Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is urging local community groups to apply for funding made available through court-ordered penalties.
Director of the EPA, Jason Borg said under State laws the Magistrates Court could direct a company or individual found guilty of environmental pollution to fund a community environmental project instead of, or in addition to, paying a fine.
Mr Borg said EPA’s program tasked with managing the funds - Inspiring Environmental Solutions (IES) - ensured that projects were of benefit to both the environment and community affected by the pollution.
“The beauty of the IES program is that the funds come from an environmental offence, providing the opportunity for restorative justice for communities that have been affected,” Mr Borg said.
“Wherever possible we want to be able to choose community projects where
the pollution event has occurred, so the end result is that a particular community and environment both benefit.”
Mr Borg said the EPA collated a register of community groups through the program, which was used to source suitable community and environment-based projects to recommend to the Court.
He said the EPA gave preference to projects such as ones that benefited the affected environment in a significant and lasting manner beyond the life of the project; projects that helped affected residents move towards a greater connection with their environment; projects that benefited and engaged residents in each stage of the project using local relationships and networks; and projects that connected outcomes to the prosecuted offence.
Mr Borg said that since 2000, and with assistance from the Court, more than $3.5 million had been directed from almost 70 prosecutions to 80 community environment projects across the State.
23 November, 2011
Infrastructure plans
to make inroads
Premier Ted Baillieu has released the Government’s 2011 Infrastructure Australia priority list to address Victoria’s infrastructure backlog and deliver the greater capacity to grow the State’s economy and liveability.
Mr Baillieu said the priority list included city-shaping projects that could drive the next wave of productivity growth.
“Major projects in the past have suffered from poor planning and project management failures that have resulted in completion delays and cost blow-outs,” Mr Baillieu said.
He said the East West Link project had been enhanced to include a new stage to connect the Eastern Freeway to CityLink and CityLink to the Port of Melbourne, as well as a connection between the Port of Melbourne and the Western Ring Road.
“The new East West Link is a once-in-a-generation project that would transform the way people move around Melbourne in a way not seen since CityLink and the City Rail Loop were constructed,” Mr Baillieu said.
He said the improved East West Link would provide an alternative to the M1 corridor, remove traffic from Melbourne’s inner-arterial roads particularly at Hoddle Street where the Eastern Freeway ended abruptly, and link industry in Melbourne’s north, east and west.
The Premier said the Government was also planning major new rail links including an improved Melbourne Metro project.
“The Melbourne Metro project is a city-shaping project of a similar size and scale to that of Melbourne’s City Loop 40 years ago,” he said.
“The new alignment to South Yarra will connect the north and west rail corridors with the south-east, via the Melbourne CBD.”
Mr Baillieu said the submission of priority projects had been developed using Infrastructure Australia’s Reform and Investment Framework and took into account IA’s recent statements that it would only consider projects in excess of $100 million.
He said the nominated projects were a practical response to Victoria’s key infrastructure challenges.
“The submission requests funding support of $640 million to plan and begin delivery of a number of major new road, rail and port projects as well as projects to increase the capacity of existing infrastructure,” Mr Baillieu said.
Victoria’s 2011 Infrastructure Australia submission is available at this PS News link.
23 November, 2011
Gambling campaign
comes in a winner
An Australian-first information campaign has been successful in raising awareness of the risks and consequences of excessive online gambling according to the Minister for Gaming, Michael O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien said since the campaign launch on 15 September this year there had been a significant increase in online visitors and calls to the Gambler’s Help line.
“Our campaign was the first action of its type taken by a government in Australia to address the risks accompanying the rise of interactive gambling technologies,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We have recognised that the easy accessibility of online gambling, while convenient for some, poses real risks to others of developing problems with gambling.”
He said since launching the campaign to coincide with the AFL Finals and the Spring Racing Carnival, traffic to the Gambling Help Online had increased by 623 per cent, from 3,784 unique visits to 27,370.
During this same period, the new mobile site received 34,300 unique visits.
“For both sites combined, 90 per cent of visitors were new, demonstrating that the campaign has succeeding in reaching a broad new audience,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said although the main call to action was to encourage visits to the Gambling Help Online site, calls to the Gambler’s Help line and the number of live online counselling sessions provided also increased.
“The campaign consisted of thought-provoking advertisements on television, press, online, radio, trains and trams to convey the message Online gambling. It’s easy to bet. Too easy to lose, and specifically targeted young males aged between 20 and 39 to show how financial security, careers and relationships can be jeopardised by excessive online gambling,” he said.
“We are pleased to see a 27 per cent increase in the number of live online counselling sessions and calls to the Gambler’s Help line increasing by 23 per cent,” he said.
23 November, 2011
Youngsters lay down
views on sexting
The Office of the Victorian Privacy Commissioner’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG) is asking young people about sexting.
An online survey is seeking young people’s views on whether or not sexting – the act of people taking naked or revealing pictures of themselves and sending them to others via mobile phones or the Internet – by people under 18 should be illegal.
Parliament recently asked its Law Reform Committee to undertake an inquiry into sexting, for which the YAG is developing a submission.
YAG member Hugh Stephens said youths were now using technology to communicate and be closer to each other than ever before.
“Sexting is a phenomenon where this communication has significant negative consequences, often beyond the thoughts of the young people involved,” Mr Stephens said.
“Many stakeholders will be coming together to discuss sexting and law reform, and it is vital that we ensure that young people have a place for their experiences and thoughts to be heard to ensure that actions we are taking are effective and relevant.”
Another YAG member, Marcel Boulet, said the consequences of sexting were concerning.
“Young people may find themselves at the mercy of their peers, or in trouble with the authorities,” Mr Boulet said.
“Law-makers intend to address this issue, and I think that it is vital that the attitudes of Victorian and Australian youth are taken into account.
“Hopefully this survey will be of use in providing informative data for that decision, so that the response of the law is considered appropriate by both the youth whom it affects, and the community.”
The survey can be found at this PS News link.
23 November, 2011
Weather Bureau has
date with calendar
The Bureau of Meteorology has launched its 2012 Australian Weather Calendar.
Calendar project manager with the Bureau, Robert Kershaw, said the calendar showcased a carefully selected portfolio of images representing the diversity of Australia’s highly variable weather and climate.
Mr Kershaw said the calendar was published by the Bureau of Meteorology and the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society and was in its 28th year. It attracted leading photographers from around the world.
He said each month included detailed information on the calendar’s broader theme ‘A Wider Environmental Perspective’ which reflected the Bureau’s expanded role as a provider of environmental information across oceans, air, land, water and space.
“It’s always an extremely challenging and rewarding task to select the images which capture the breadth of our vast country and the Bureau’s expanded role in forecasting services to meet the needs of business and the community,” Mr Kershaw said.
“This year’s cover shows a broad swathe of green light at Australia’s Mawson base in Antarctica, a space weather phenomenon known as aurora australis.”
Mr Kershaw said other highlights included a double rainbow over Wombarra beach on Australia’s east coast, a dust storm in remote northwest Australia, an aerial view of flood plains in Queensland, and a storm approaching the coast in southeast Victoria.
“Of the more than 700 images received this year, often it comes down to some tough decisions in selecting those that are visually stunning, but also represent the broadest possible range of weather phenomena across our land, sea, rivers and skies,” Mr Kershaw said.
The calendar is available from the Bureau.
23 November, 2011
Councils in the pink
over women’s votes
The Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell and Minister for Women’s Affairs, Mary Wooldridge have called for more women to consider nominating themselves for Local Council elections in 2012.
Officially opening the first Think Women for Local Government 2012 forum in Euroa, Mrs Powell said through the provision of community support and encouragement for women considering candidacy, the under-representation of women at the Local Government level could start to be addressed.
“In Victoria there are more women than men but fewer than 30 per cent of the State’s Councillors are female,” Mrs Powell said.
“There are 14 Councils with only one female Councillor, while a small number of Councils are without a female Councillor at all.”
Ms Wooldridge said the Government wanted to see significant representation of women in all aspects of community life.
“We are providing $200,000 to fund the Think Women for Local Government 2012 project to encourage women in regional and metropolitan areas to actively consider candidacy at the upcoming Council elections,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“As in all aspects of public life, women add value to Local Government through their skills, talents and perspectives.
“Having women Councillors adds to the richness of the representation and debate about important local issues.”
She said the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) was leading the work to deliver the project which was funded by the Victorian Office of Women’s Policy.
Mrs Powell, a former Councillor, Shire President and Commissioner, said working in Local Government provided candidates with the opportunity to address issues they believed in and contribute to policies and programs that had a direct impact on their community.
“I encourage any woman who believes they have something to contribute and want to give back to their community to consider standing for their Local Council,” Mrs Powell said.
She said elections for Victoria’s 79 Local Government areas were run every four years and the next elections were scheduled for October 2012.
23 November, 2011
Police to drive
road safety
A new, large-scale Victoria Police summer road safety campaign has been launched.
The Summer Stay campaign will target factors that contribute to the road toll such as drug and alcohol use and motorists over-represented in the rural road toll including motorcycle riders, young drivers and heavy vehicle operators.
Minister for Emergency Services, Peter Ryan said as part of the Summer Stay campaign Victoria Police road safety operations would be underway until 8 January 2012, urging drivers to stay alert, stay sober and within the limit.
“We must stay focused on continuing to reduce the road toll which is down from 36 in October last year to 19 in October this year,” Mr Ryan said.
“Summer Stay will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during which time motorists can expect to be breath-tested, speed-checked and closely monitored by police.
“With the excellent work of Victoria Police and the support of other agencies such as VicRoads and the TAC, we will hopefully see this downward trend continue.”
23 November, 2011
Healthcare leaders
in fine spirits
The winners of the 2011 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards have been announced, recognising outstanding contributors to public health services across 20 categories.
Premier Ted Baillieu praised the passion, talent and dedication of the Victorian health workforce saying it was highlighted by the individuals and organisations who received the awards.
“Victoria’s long and proud tradition of providing world-class healthcare to the community continues with an impressive field of nominations for these Awards,” Mr Baillieu said.
He said major winners to receive awards in 2011 included Alfred Health, named as Metropolitan Health Service of the Year; Barwon Health, judged Regional Health Service of the Year, Orbost Regional Health as Rural Health Service of the Year, and Doutta Galla Community Health Service the Primary Health Service of the Year.
Minister for Health, David Davis said the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards, now in their seventh year, honoured healthcare leaders providing new ideas and approaches to the health system.
“As our population grows and ages – and as our health needs change and become increasingly complex – we also need to change our health services to ensure a focus on individual need and contemporary evidence-based practice,” Mr Davis said.
“A highlight of this year’s program is the introduction of the Health Lifetime Achievements Awards.
“The inaugural award-winners – Professor Graham Brown, Ann Cook, Professor Francis Dudley, Professor Don Esmore and Dr Jennifer Johns – all have outstanding careers in their respective fields and are truly inspiring individuals.”
Mr Davis said a full list of the 2011 Award Winners was available at this PS News link.
23 November, 2011
Justice locks in
prison visitors
An Independent Visitor Program is to be introduced into Victoria’s Youth Justice centres.
Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge said the program followed a commitment to improve external oversight as part of the response to an Ombudsman’s Report last year into conditions at the Melbourne Youth Justice Precinct.
She said the new program, to be managed and administered by the Office of the Child Safety Commissioner, had been modelled on the independent visitor scheme run by the Office of Correctional Services for adult prisons as well as similar programs used in other sectors, including disability and mental health.
Ms Wooldridge said the program would consist of volunteer visitors who were appointed to a youth justice centre and who visited that centre on a regular basis to promote and protect the rights, interests and wellbeing of young people in custody.
She said visitors would be able to enter and inspect the youth justice centre on either regular monthly visits or ad hoc visits and would be able to talk privately with any person who was detained or worked at the centre.
“By establishing the Independent Visitor Program we are adding formal external oversight to ensure appropriate safety and standards of services, facilities and programs are provided to young people,” Ms Wooldridge said.
She said persons from a range of cultures and backgrounds with varied skills and professional experiences had been encouraged to apply for the volunteer visitor positions which closed earlier this week.
23 November, 2011
And in Other News...
Work study open
Submissions are open for Australia’s first formal investigation into the rise of insecure work.
The Independent Inquiry into Insecure Work has been commissioned by the ACTU to analyse the increase in casual, contract, labour hire and other forms of insecure work in Australia over recent decades, and the impact it has on workplace rights, household finances, and wider society.
Submissions can be lodged until 16 December, and the Inquiry will hold public hearings early next year.
The terms of reference and more details can be obtained from this PS News link.
Elvis on song for bushfires
“Elvis”, the king of Victoria’s firefighting air fleet, made its grand arrival as the State continues its preparation for the summer fire season.
Minister for Bushfire Response, Peter Ryan said Elvis provided a boost to Victoria’s aerial firefighting capacity and would be used for fire detection, aerial reconnaissance and firebombing.
The versatile air-crane will be part of a fleet of 41 firefighting aircraft this fire season which also includes firebombing helicopters, air tankers and reconnaissance planes.
Elvis will be based at Essendon for the fire season with the remaining firefighting aircraft positioned in strategic locations to maximise their availability for fire agencies.
TAFE advances in Gippsland
East Gippsland Institute of TAFE in Bairnsdale has been renamed Advance TAFE.
MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull said the review and design process to arrive at the new name and brand had been more than two years in the making, and involved extensive consultation with about 1,500 current and past students and business and industry representatives.
Women’s vote celebrated
An event celebrating the centenary of the first State election at which Victorian women could vote has been held at Parliament House.
Minister for Women’s Affairs, Mary Wooldridge spoke at the opening of the Future Voices, Future Voters forum, which marked the first State election on 16 January 1911 when women were able to exercise their right to vote.
The forum was organised by the League of Women Voters of Victoria.
Landcare Awards
Landcare volunteers across the State have been recognised in the 2011 Victorian Landcare Awards in a ceremony at Government House.
The awards celebrated the 25th anniversary of Landcare and the work of thousands of volunteers across the State. For a list of winners visit this PS News link.
16 November, 2011
Major reforms for
major results
The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) has released a draft report recommending reforms to the State’s education, taxation, and infrastructure sectors to improve the community’s living standards.
The report Securing Victoria’s Future Prosperity: A Reform Agenda was developed from an inquiry initiated by the Treasurer in April 2011, when he asked the Commission to benchmark Victoria’s competitive position and identify key reform areas to improve the State’s productivity, labour force participation and competitiveness.
Chair of VCEC, Matthew Butlin said a growth in productivity would drive increased living standards, and Victoria’s productivity growth had stalled.
“Without a productivity-based reform agenda Victoria will lose its leading position in the Australian economy and miss out on opportunities,” Dr Butlin said.
“Apart from Victoria’s natural advantage in agriculture, the core assets that underpin Victoria’s productivity and competitiveness are mostly created assets, such as its skilled workforce and cities.
He said this differentiated the State compared to other parts of Australia that relied more on mineral reserves.
Dr Butlin said the Commission’s recommendations focused on reforms in areas that could yield the most benefits.
It found Victoria was performing well compared with other parts of Australia on a range of indicators, but was less competitive internationally.
“If Victoria’s productivity could be lifted by one per cent, the real Gross State Product (GSP) of Victoria in the long run would increase by around 2.5 per cent – equivalent to an increase in the value of Victoria’s output of $7.5 billion.” Dr Butlin said.
“This would increase employment by around 1.4 per cent, which is the equivalent of 40,500 jobs.”
The draft report contains recommendations to lift productivity by improving the education and training system; strengthening Melbourne’s role as a core asset; ensuring the regions were well linked to Melbourne and each other; reforming State taxation to reduce reliance on inefficient taxes; boosting Victoria’s capacity for innovation; and implementing a new regulatory risk policy.
Feedback on the draft report is welcome with submissions to be accepted until 16 December. A final report is due from the Commission by 27 January 2012.
Dr Butlin said an online discussion forum had also been set up – VCEConnect - to provide a simple way to contribute to the debate on these important issues.
Treasurer Kim Wells encouraged community comment.
“VCEC has confirmed that Victoria is a leader amongst Australian States,” Mr Wells said.
“But increasing Victoria’s competitiveness is vital to continued economic growth; including attracting new business investment and building our export trade.
“The recommendations that VCEC have put forward in the draft report are draft recommendations only and provide the opportunity for Victorians to make submissions that will inform VCEC’s final report.”
Mr Wells said the Government would consider and respond to the final report after it was presented.
The draft report and details on how to lodge a submission were available at this PS News link.
16 November, 2011
Hospitals audit finds
systems unwell
An audit of public hospitals across Victoria has found common weaknesses in procurement policies and practices as well as security and other problems with computer systems.
In his report Public Hospitals: Results of the 2010–11 Audits, Auditor-General Des Pearson summarises his investigations into 112 entities and calls on the hospitals to assess their procurement practices against expected standards and to build up and review IT security systems.
Mr Pearson’s audit found public hospitals procured goods and services worth more than $1.6 billion in 2010-11, an increase of $74 million over the previous year.
He said clear audit opinions were issued on 111 of the entities, comprising the 87 public hospitals and 24 of the entities they controlled. The audit of one of the controlled entities was still to be finalised.
He found that overall, the financial report preparation processes of public hospitals and their controlled entities were adequate and produced accurate, complete and reliable information.
He found however that there were opportunities for improvement in preparing data for financial reports; producing ‘shell’ statements to enable issues to be identified and resolved earlier; identifying potential errors in financial statements; and undertaking periodic compliance reviews.
He also found that while internal control structures in the public hospitals were adequate for financial reporting purposes, some could be strengthened.
The audit found 24 per cent of the hospitals had deficiencies in key account reconciliations; 26 per cent needed to improve their management reporting and governance; 22 per cent had control weaknesses over the acquisition of assets; and 22 per cent had control weaknesses relating to payroll authorisation and management.
He also found 17 per cent had control weaknesses authorising supplier payments.
“The larger metropolitan and regional hospitals generally had more comprehensive policies and internal controls in place compared to rural hospitals,” Mr Pearson said.
He was concerned that despite the information held by public hospitals being of a highly sensitive nature, effective security over information systems was borderline.
“Information technology (IT) system security at public hospitals was generally adequate for protecting and restricting access to sensitive data,” he said.
“Despite the positive results there are opportunities for improvement at most.”
He found that 88 per cent of the hospitals audited had not developed an information security classification policy to protect sensitive data, 55 per cent had not incorporated an IT steering committee into their governance structure, 74 per cent had not performed an internal audit of their IT security in the past three years, and 61 per cent had not established arrangements to monitor compliance with policies and procedures.
He made six recommendations including that the public hospitals assess their policies and procedures against the commonly identified control weaknesses, and that comprehensive policies and procedures over procurement, tendering and information technology system security be developed and regularly reviewed.
The full text of the Auditor-General’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.
16 November, 2011
Warm reception
for fire plans
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has completed its fire operations plans for public land across Victoria in preparation for the coming fire season.
Chief Fire Officer for the DSE, Ewan Waller said the Department prepared the plans each year which included details of proposed planned burns and other fire protection works on public land.
“Fire Operations Plans are an important part of our preparations for the bushfire season because they are a way in which we engage with the community on local issues surrounding planned burning,” Mr Waller said.
“The Victorian Government is significantly increasing the amount of planned burning across the State to reduce bushfire risk and we need the community’s comments and input as an important part of that expanded program.”
Mr Waller said plans had been prepared for each fire district to help reduce the risk and potential impact of bushfires.
“Information sessions were held across Victoria as part of the Fire Operations Plan process and through that we hear opinions and ideas particularly priorities and issues from local residents and businesses,” he said.
“Some of these ideas result in changes to Fire Operations Plans but, as always, the priority must be to get this vital work done to reduce the bushfire risk faced by our communities.”
He said the planned burning target for 2011-12 was 225,000 hectares and that included public land burns near townships and larger broad area landscape burns.
16 November, 2011
DPI dials up
mobile website
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has introduced a new mobile version of its website www.dpi.vic.gov.au.
DPI is claiming its new mobile-friendly site is a Victorian Public Service first.
Chief Information Officer for DPI, Gordon Caris said the new version was a necessary step for the Department to keep up with the needs of its online community.
“We know that Australians are increasingly using mobile devices to access the internet over desktop computers, and with more than 46 per cent owning smart phones, we thought it was about time we had our information in that space,” Mr Caris said.
“This was reflected in our own site traffic with an 1,823 per cent increase in the number of visitors to our website from a mobile connection over the last year.”
He said around 16 per cent of the people looking for fisheries information were accessing the site from a mobile device.
“Fruit and vegetable growers also seem to get a lot of their information via mobile and we expect this will grow for other areas in agriculture now that the site has been tailored for these devices,” he said.
Mr Caris said even though the information on the mobile site was the same as the standard DPI website, it needed to be presented differently to be accessible for mobile users.
“It’s really important for people on the go to be able to access information in a way that is appropriate to their device,” he said.
“The view in the mobile site has been simplified with touch screen buttons and the navigation and functions have been optimised for touch so that it’s easy to use without a mouse.
He said persons accessing the DPI website on a mobile phone would now be automatically diverted to the mobile version.
The site can be accessed directly at this PS News link.
16 November, 2011
Certificate scams
in the frame
The Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien has warned people in need of official documents such as birth, death and marriage certificates to beware ‘shonky’ operators offering to fill in the application for a fee or offer a priority service.
Mr O’Brien said consumers should be careful not to be lured into buying a service that they can purchase themselves at a modest price through official channels.
He said a number of online companies – none of which are endorsed by the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages – were charging fees to progress online applications for birth, death and marriage certificates on a person’s behalf.
“You can obtain official birth, death or marriage certificates from the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for $27.80, and no additional fees apply,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Consumers using such services may also inadvertently end up giving a private company personal information including their name, address, birth date and place, and signature, which may be used for improper purposes.”
He said Consumer Affairs Victoria had received more than 20 reports from consumers who had engaged a service provider to obtain official documents like birth certificates so far this year.
He said most had contacted Consumer Affairs to inquire about getting their money and personal details back after paying one of these service providers.
He said anyone with enquiries about applying for a certificate should contact the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages on 1300 369 367 or visit this PS News link.
16 November, 2011
Double trouble for
double jeopardy
Reforms to the law of double jeopardy have been announced by the Attorney-General, Robert Clark.
The reforms would allow a court to re-hear a trial in which the accused was acquitted and compelling new evidence had come to light following the acquittal.
Mr Clark said the new law would apply in cases such as where there was fresh and compelling DNA evidence, where the person acquitted subsequently admitted committing the crime, or where it became clear that key witnesses had given false evidence.
He said the law was based on model legislation approved by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2007, and would apply to past acquittals as well as future ones.
“In most cases these laws perform a valuable role in protecting an innocent citizen against being the subject of multiple prosecutions, and they provide certainty and finality in the courts,” Mr Clark said.
“However there are occasions where a retrial ought to be allowed if it becomes clear through compelling evidence not available at the time of trial that a person acquitted of a serious crime is highly likely to be guilty.”
Mr Clark said the reforms would allow the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to apply to the Court of Appeal for a new trial in three carefully defined situations.
“The first situation is where there is fresh and compelling evidence, such as new DNA evidence or a subsequent confession, to show that the accused was guilty of a crime such as murder, manslaughter, commercial drug trafficking or cultivation, aggravated rape or aggravated armed robbery,” Mr Clark said.
“The second situation is where an original acquittal for a serious crime was tainted, such as where jurors were intimidated or bribed, or where the accused or another key witness committed perjury, and it is more likely than not that the accused would otherwise have been convicted.
“The third situation is where there is fresh evidence the accused person committed perjury or another administration of justice offence at a trial where they were acquitted of an indictable offence, and the prosecution wants to bring charges for that administration of justice offence.”
Mr Clark said in each of these cases the Court of Appeal would be able to order a new trial if it was satisfied that a new trial was likely to be fair.
He said New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia had already legislated to modify double jeopardy law to allow retrials in such cases.
He said the DPP would only be able to make one application for a retrial in relation to any particular acquittal, and police would need to obtain written authorisation from the DPP before they could question, search or carry out surveillance on a person for an offence of which the person had previously been acquitted.
16 November, 2011
ICT support plan to
prompt innovation
A support plan for the State’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector has been unveiled.
Announced by the Minister for Technology, Gordon Rich-Phillips, the $85 million plan was designed to encourage continued growth, development and global competitiveness of the sector as well as promote ICT-enabled innovation across the economy.
Mr Rich-Phillips said the plan would establish firm targets for ICT skills development, investment and export in the sector as well as develop ICT infrastructure.
He said it also aimed to build Victoria’s capability to support the application of ICT in other industries.
“The ICT plan will support the sector in overcoming current and future challenges,” Mr Rich-Phillips said, “while promoting ICT-enabled innovation more broadly across Victorian industry and generating opportunities from technology convergence.”
He said a key component of the plan was an $11 million Digital Futures Fund which supported collaborative projects in the sector.
He said a Technology Trade and International Partnering Program would provide assistance for export-ready Victorian companies to attend recognised overseas ICT trade fairs and participate in trade missions and an $18 million Broadband Enabled-Innovation Program would provide grants to innovative projects to develop new ways of working and improving service delivery in business, government and the community through the use of high-capacity broadband.
Chair of the Australian Information Industry Association Victoria, Russell Yardley said Victoria was well placed to be a major participant in the digitised economy.
“We have the research capacity, skills base and digital-ready companies to innovate and collaborate to maximise the economic value necessary to provide a higher standard of living for all Victorians,” Mr Yardley said.
“This plan with its strong focus on capability development and ICT-enabled innovation will benefit all Victorians, but importantly the ICT industry in Victoria.”
Director of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Industry Group, Tim Piper said Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future looked to provide the key impetus to deliver industry-wide benefits.
“As Victoria is a recognised leader in developing technologies in key fields of excellence, the real benefit is the extent to which industry has the capacity to adopt and adapt technology for productivity gains and to enable innovation,” Mr Piper said.
“This can particularly assist non high-tech industries which need assistance in utilising new infrastructure.”
National President of the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA), Simon Goodrich said AIMIA was happy to see support for emerging ICT capabilities.
“We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with government and industry with these new technologies,” Mr Goodrich said.
16 November, 2011
Minimum sentences are
timely recommendations
A report from the Sentencing Advisory Council (SAC) dealing with statutory minimum sentences for certain violent crimes has been welcomed by the Attorney-General, Robert Clark.
In April this year the Government requested the SAC’s advice on a number of matters, including the introduction of a four-year minimum jail term for offenders who engaged in attacks involving gross violence.
Mr Clark said the SAC was asked to advise on the factors that should make an offence one of gross violence, what exceptional circumstances should apply, and the likely effects of different options on sentencing levels and prison numbers.
He said the recommendations contained in the SAC’s report included creating two new offences of intentionally and recklessly causing severe injury which would attract the statutory minimum sentence.
He said the SAC recommended the offences apply to circumstances where the offender planned to engage in an attack intending to cause severe injury, caused severe injury in company with two or more other persons, or where both the offender and at least two others caused severe injury or acted in concert with one another to do so.
Mr Clark said the Government agreed with the SAC’s recommendations that the gross violence offences incurring a statutory minimum sentence should be separately defined, incorporating a higher threshold definition for the relevant injury and only applying in specified circumstances.
He said the Government would introduce legislation in Parliament next year to establish the gross violence offences.
16 November, 2011
Audit taps into
water suppliers
Audits of Victoria’s water suppliers over the past year have found while their financial reporting systems were adequate, there was room for improvement in their control over information technology, asset valuations, declarations of interest and outsourcing.
Reporting in Water Entities: Results of the 2010–11 Audits, Auditor-General, Des Pearson said he had audited 20 entities in the water industry and gave clear audit opinions on all their financial reports as well as 16 performance reports he had also conducted.
Mr Pearson said Parliament could have confidence in those reports.
He said however that while the overall financial risk in the water supply industry was low, it was unevenly spread across the metropolitan, regional urban and rural categories and was worsening.
In his audits, Mr Pearson found the 19 water entities reported a net profit before tax of $405.4 million in 2010–11, a decrease of $18.5 million or 4.4 per cent from 2009–10.
He said that while the financial and performance reporting processes were adequate, there were opportunities for improvement.
“The longitudinal trends indicate that the risk profile for the industry is deteriorating,” Mr Pearson said, “and deeper analysis of indicators suggests that the sustainability of entities within the regional urban category could be at risk over time unless these trends are reversed.
“Debt levels continue to increase and a number of sustainability indicators such as liquidity and interest cover show deteriorating trends.”
He reported that while the four metropolitan water entities continued to generate strong profits year on year, eight of the 13 regional water entities (62 per cent) reported a lower net profit in 2010–11 compared to the year before with five reporting a loss.
He said the two rural water entities continued to report losses.
Mr Pearson said the ability for water entities to increase the price they charged for water and the provision of sewerage services was hampered due to regulation by the Essential Services Commission based on five-year water plans.
He said this funding model restricted the ability of the water entities’ boards to take key decisions on the cost of water to offset the increasing costs of service provision.
“The approved water plans cover from 2008–09 to 2012–13 and were developed over a period of ongoing drought, a decade of below-average rainfall and the imposition of water restrictions,” Mr Pearson said.
“There is now a risk that assumptions in those plans are no longer appropriate and that revenue and expenditure will not be as forecast.
“Consequently, it is timely to revisit the ESC’s pricing model and the planning activities of water entities to determine their suitability in a time of changing environmental conditions.”
Mr Pearson made nine recommendations.
The full text of the Auditor-General’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.
16 November, 2011
New laws put bite
on puppy farms
New laws have been introduced into Parliament to crack down on the operators of illegal puppy farms.
Premier Ted Baillieu said the new legislation subject the illegal puppy farms to large fines for cruelty, equipping the RSPCA with new policing and confiscation powers, seizing profits and assets and establishing an Animal Welfare Fund.
“The community has rallied for these changes to the law which will protect animals from abuse and neglect, while ensuring operators of illegal puppy farms are held accountable for the treatment and welfare of animals in their care,” Mr Baillieu said.
“Those found guilty of cruelty to animals and operating illegal puppy farms will face tough penalties including massive fines and bans on owning or working with animals for up to 10 years.”
Mr Baillieu said the $1.6 million Animal Welfare Fund would provide for the welfare of animals, assist animal shelters and provide education to the community on responsible pet ownership.
He said the new laws included an increase in maximum penalties for puppy farms operating illegally from $1,195 to $20,000 and penalties of up to $30,000 would apply to rogue operators who breached the Code of Practice, a ban on owning animals for up to 10 years for those found guilty of operating un-registered puppy farms or breaching the Code of Practice, and the potential seizure of profits, assets and property.
16 November, 2011
Authority goes to town
on urban growth
The Growth Areas Authority has released a draft plan for the strategic management of Victoria’s four Melbourne metropolitan growth corridors.
Chief Executive of the Authority, Peter Seamer said the plans were a key plank in plans to delivery 50,000 new housing lots by March 2012.
“Melbourne will have the best planned land supply in Australia,” Mr Seamer said, “taking pressure off inappropriate developments in existing suburbs.”
He said the draft Growth Corridor Plans – Managing Melbourne’s Growth was now on public display, and the community and interested parties, including Local Councils, had more than a month to provide comments and make submissions.
He said the plans which created the State’s new suburbs also featured new roads and transport infrastructure.
“The environmental protections in the draft Growth Corridor Plans provide an unprecedented level of protection for endangered species and significant biodiversity areas,” he said.
“The creation of these suburbs and new employment centres will reduce travel demand and ease pressure on transport infrastructure by providing jobs closer to home.
Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy said the draft plans provided certainty for zoning and biodiversity protection.
“High level planning for the future is critical to the prosperity of Victoria,” Mr Guy said.
“Appropriately, a thorough discussion and advanced planning for our State’s future housing and employment needs must start now, not in 25 years when it’s too late.”
The draft plans can be accessed at this PS News link and comment will be received until 20 December 2011.
16 November, 2011
Vehicle fatigue laws
awake at the wheel
New laws dealing with driver fatigue in the road transport industry have come into effect, bringing Victoria into line with national practices.
Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder said the differences between counting time methods across the States had been a source of frustration for transport operators and drivers but the new national agreement that required a change in Victoria and South Australia, meant work hours could now be calculated from the end of any major rest break.
“The Victorian and South Australian regulations required work hours in 24 hour periods to be counted from the end of any rest break,” Mr Mulder said.
“This reflected the approved national position at the time.
“In Queensland and New South Wales, work hours are calculated from the end of any major rest break, leaving room for confusion when crossing State borders.”
He said aligning Victoria’s methods with other States would avoid confusion for drivers, schedulers and others in the industry.
“I’m also pleased that by working with the South Australian Department, we have been able to synchronise our regulatory changes,” Mr Mulder said.
He said the counting time change was proposed by the National Transport Commission and agreed by the Australian Transport Council in June 2011.
The new laws are now in effect.
16 November, 2011
Website changes
to make history
Landcare Victoria has added a new function to its website allowing members of the Landcare community to record their history and share information and experiences among themselves and with the community.
Manager of Community Engagement and Landcare with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Jo McCoy, said the new wiki - a website that allows people to add and edit content directly online – had been created to mark the 25th anniversary of Landcare Victoria.
“Today, the movement has a broader focus on sustainable management of all Victoria’s natural resource assets and encompasses a diverse range of individuals and groups from across the State,” Ms McCoy said.
“The wiki is one more way to incorporate new technology and ways of sharing information and experiences of that broader focus amongst the Landcare community and beyond.”
She said the wiki had been set up so the Landcare community could provide a history of how Landcare started and grew in their area.
“It’s an opportunity to collect a history of this grass-roots organisation that is collaborative and personal,” she said.
“With more than 700 groups spread across Victoria, online is a great way to create a virtual community that mirrors the on-ground activity that makes Landcare such an important asset to the community and environment.”
Ms McCoy encouraged people to visit the site and include their Landcare stories.
“Please add to the wiki and ensure generations to come can learn first-hand what it took to turn Landcare into the invaluable organisation it is today,” she said.
The wiki could be accessed at this PS News link.
16 November, 2011
Water plans smooth
way for regions
Comprehensive water management plans have been released for Gippsland and the State’s western region.
Minister for Water, Peter Walsh said the two plans mapped out the regions’ water resources and the challenges and opportunities facing all water users over the next 50 years.
He said the Western Region strategy aimed to make the best use of water resources in different parts of the region, to protect the environment and be ready to manage the challenges of a variable climate and future droughts.
“The availability and management of water in western Victoria will have a direct and lasting impact on economic growth,” Mr Walsh said.
He said the development of the strategy had been overseen by the Western Region Consultative Committee, chaired by Daryl Argall.
Mr Argall said the committee had received 272 submissions from food producers, townspeople, industry, councils, environmental advocates, local community groups and interest groups.
“We sought to balance security of supply for urban and rural users, environmental needs and the protection of water resources for future use,” Mr Argall said.
“I believe the strategy will help us meet the challenges and grasp the opportunities ahead.”
Mr Walsh said the Gippsland strategy included actions to help improve the health of Gippsland’s river and waterways and to secure water supplies for agriculture, industry, business and homes.
“It establishes a drought reserve in Blue Rock Reservoir, which will deliver environmental gains to the lower Latrobe River and the wetlands near Lake Wellington,” Mr Walsh said.
“The reserve will also ensure there is greater reliability of supply in the Latrobe Valley, and it maintains public ownership over the share held in the drought reserve.”
He said the strategy was developed by the Gippsland Region Consultative Committee, chaired by Llew Vale.
Mr Vale said the committee held regional stakeholder forums in Leongatha, Maffra, Traralgon, Orbost and Bairnsdale and receiving more than 150 written submissions from stakeholders, businesses and the community.
“The strategy provides flexibility to deal with uncertainties and future climate conditions or economic circumstances,” Mr Vale said.
“Its implementation will involve many individuals and organisations across Gippsland.”
Mr Walsh said he hoped the strategies would give more certainty to water entitlement holders.
“Regional communities have a vested interest in the way water is managed and used in the future because it underwrites their livelihoods,” Mr Walsh said.
He said the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy and the Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy strategies could be found at this PS News link and this PS News link respectively.
16 November, 2011
Holiday display shows
that life’s a beach
A photographic exhibition of Australian beach life from the 1950s, 60s and 70s put together by the National Archives has returned to the Public Record Office Victoria following a national tour.
Director and Keeper of Public Records at PROV, Justine Heazlewood, said she was delighted to welcome Summers Past: Golden Days in the Sun 1950–1970 back for summer.
“This is your last chance to see this spectacular exhibition,” Ms Heazlewood said.
“Visitors of all ages will be delighted with the nostalgic photographs of Australian summer during the iconic and carefree period of the 1950s through to the 1970s, capturing the essence of the ‘lucky country’.”
Ms Heazlewood said the National Archives of Australia selected the group of works from its vast collection of photos.
She said the exhibition of over 75 photographs is presented through a number of themes including At the Beach; Cooling Off; Cossies, Togs and Bathers; Nice One, Sport; and Out and About.
She said it also included information on the photographers and how to preserve photos.
She said the images in the exhibition were taken in the mid 20th century by photographers working for the Australian News and Information Bureau.
Ms Heazlewood said the exhibition delved into a time of simple summer holidays at the beach, caravan park, playing tennis and lazing by motel pools.
The exhibition is now on display on display at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne and entry is free.
16 November, 2011
Gambling projects
a sure bet
The Department of Justice has released two research projects dealing with problem gambling among mental health patients and teenagers.
Minister for Gaming, Michael O’Brien, said the two reports, Problem Gambling In People Presenting to a Public Mental Health Service by the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre and Australian Teens and Poker: Gambling Prevalence, Influences and Implications by Bond University, provided insight into problem gambling in mental health patients and teenagers.
Mr O’Brien said the reports made important inroads into understanding mental health, youth and problem gambling in the State, and would assist in improving services for problem gamblers.
“The findings from these reports give a greater understanding of problem gambling affecting mental health patients and the impact of teens playing poker and the possibility of them developing a problem with gambling in the future,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said the Monash report explored problem gambling by screening 290 mental health patients and found 50 were problem gamblers.
“The report adds to a body of research that suggests the overall issue of problem gambling may be much higher among mental health patients than the rest of the population,” he said.
Mr O’Brien said Bond University’s research examined the issue of gambling in 15-19 year olds with a focus on poker and the attitudes, beliefs and types of related problems in teenage gamblers.
He said the report found that most teenage respondents played poker infrequently, with over 90 per cent playing less than 10 times per year.
The report found the most common reasons attributed to teenagers playing poker were identified as leisure activity or to socialise with friends, with financial gain being the least common incentive.
Both reports are available at this PS News link.
16 November, 2011
And in Other News...
Finances all clear
The Auditor-General has issued the Government with a clear audit opinion for its 2010-11 Annual Financial Report.
Mr Pearson said the end-year result for last financial year was a net surplus of $1,646.8 million.
He said this was an improved result on the prior two financial years but noted there was upward pressure on expenditure from salaries and wages, interest and depreciation.
The full report can be accessed at this PS News link.
Switchboard fires spark probe
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade is investigating the cause of electrical fires following three fires in four weeks caused by wiring in switchboards that had Smart Meters installed.
Chief Fire Officer, Shane Wright said MFB responded to about 26 fires in switchboards each year, and it was its duty to investigate any trend or causes.
He said the MFB Fire Investigation and Analysis Unit would examine all recent fires in switchboards to determine the cause and a report will be prepared for Energy Safe Victoria and the Chief Electrical Inspector.
Planning survey
The Department of Planning and Community Development’s Spatial Analysis and Research (SAR) unit is calling on the users of its products and services to take a 10 minute online survey to help it evaluate their suitability and effectiveness.
The unit analyses data and conducts research into Victoria’s population, housing, employment and environmental sustainability.
Its research is used by policy makers, planners, businesses, community organisations and infrastructure providers to make informed decisions.
The survey closes today (16 November).
Platforms complete
Construction of two new platforms at Southern Cross Station has been completed as part of the State’s Regional Rail Link.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the laying of a new, dedicated track from West Werribee to Southern Cross would give regional services more direct access to Melbourne as well as free up seats on existing metro services.
She said the new line was expected to provide capacity for an extra 9,000 passengers during peak times.
Ms Gillard said work had also been completed on both the Footscray to Sunshine and West Werribee Junction sections of the project.
Upgrade opens early
An upgrade of the intersection between the Calder Freeway and Kings Road at Taylors Lake is to be completed before Christmas, six months ahead of schedule and under budget.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese said the savings would be used locally, including undertaking safety improvements at the intersection between the Freeway and Sunshine Avenue.
Minister for Roads Terry Mulder said that when the new interchange and related works were fully completed there would be fewer accidents and, over time, less loss of life, at the intersection.
He said the intersection had been the scene of one fatal and a further 15 serious accidents in recent years.
Reconstruction extended
Local councils still rebuilding from the 2009 bushfires have an extra year to claim reconstruction funding.
The State and Commonwealth Governments have agreed to extend the deadline for infrastructure claims for the 2009 bushfires under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
This includes rebuilding critical community infrastructure such as roads, bridges and schools.
Affected Councils now had until June 2012 to complete any remaining community recovery and reconstruction activities under the NDRRA.
RAAF to redevelop Point Cook
A proposal to significantly redevelop RAAF Base Williams at Point Cook in Victoria has been announced.
The base is the oldest continually operated military flying base in the world and the redevelopment proposal involves replacing obsolete engineering infrastructure and making the museum and heritage areas more accessible to the public.
A public consultation process will be conducted during the design development stage and construction is expected to commence by the end of 2014.
Fruit fly warning
Warmer weather has kicked off the fight against Queensland fruit fly (QFF) in the Greater Sunraysia region and in other affected parts of the State.
QFF Operations Manager for the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Bill Ashcroft said the warmer weather meant it was likely that flies would become active in the coming weeks. He said now was an ideal time to start an intensive baiting and pest control campaign.
He said DPI staff would be visiting thousands of properties in the region to inspect and apply treatments leading up to the Christmas period.
New views for Great Ocean Walk
A new lookout platform and photo-point to mark the end of the Great Ocean Walk has opened.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan said the three-level platform would serve as a great place for walkers and photographers to celebrate completing the walk.
Mr Smith said the next project for the tourism walk was the installation of a pedestrian tunnel, which would pass under the Great Ocean Road with work to start in autumn next year.
Heritage restored
Restoration works at the heritage listed Maryborough railway station have been completed.
The $1.3 million project restored the historic verandah, and included demolition works, replacement of laminated glass panels, installation of approved heritage corrugated metal roofing and guttering, metal roofing and associated works, glazing and timberwork and painting.
Built in 1890, the station is listed as historically and architecturally significant.
It houses an antique emporium, café and art gallery and attracts thousands of visitors a year.
9 November, 2011
Filing before flinging
is PROV advice
The Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) has issued a warning to PS Departments and Agencies taking part in Planet Ark’s “Friday File Fling” to take great care throwing out official files and records.
The event encourages participating organisations to recycle files, but PROV has reminded PS staff that they can’t simply throw files away as they contained the evidence of Government business and in many cases needed to be kept.
“They document what has happened so that your colleagues can provide the services Victorians expect,” PROV’s warning said.
“They provide evidence if your agency needs to mount or defend a legal claim.”
It said they also allow investigations into irregularities and provide historical evidence to allow future Victorians to understand what happened and why.
According to PROV there would still be opportunities to recycle some documents, as many of the papers in an office were duplicate copies or notes which could be disposed of.
“But the official files of an agency should only be disposed of by your records manager,” it said.
“They will know how long particular files need to be kept - and how to dispose of them appropriately.”
Planet Ark has promoted the “Fling” by saying that making one tonne of “virgin” office paper used the equivalent of 24 trees as well as large amounts of water and energy.
“Making paper from recycled content uses about 50 per cent less energy and 60 per cent less water than making it from raw materials,” the Planet Ark material says.
It encouraged workplaces to hold the Fling on Friday 11 November as part of National Recycling Week, but said it could also be held anytime throughout the year.
“All you need to do is set some time aside and encourage your team, office, or organisation to clear out their files and get good quality office paper back in to circulation,” the material says.
It says workplaces wanting to participate should first ask staff to choose a time that suited them, or set aside a specific time.
“You can also add the launch of a new recycling program, an afternoon tea or Friday drinks and make a social event of it.”
More information about PS responsibilities for files and records could be obtained from the Public Record Office Victoria at this PS News link.
9 November, 2011
Arts review paints
positive picture
An independent report into the management of purchasing, procurement, auditing, gifts and hospitality at Arts Victoria has found no systemic problems or incidents of maladministration other than those uncovered by the Ombudsman in June this year.
Premier Ted Baillieu said the Government accepted the report by State Services Authority (SSA) and all its recommendations.
“In particular, we support the immediate action by the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) to implement actions to drive changes in relation to attendance practices and stronger procurement policies,” Mr Baillieu said.
He said the report made a number of recommendations for improving and strengthening management practices within Arts Victoria – a division of DPC – including better communication and compliance with corporate policies, formalising advice and training to staff in management positions and strengthening risk management and procurement practices.
He said a number of key projects were already underway addressing the recommendations in the review, all of which would be implemented this financial year.
The SSA review followed the release of the Ombudsman’s report, Corrupt conduct by public officers in procurement, which identified a number of occasions in Arts Victoria when there was improper expenditure of public money; purchases made outside the State Purchasing Contract; and the destruction of public records.
The Ombudsman made a number of findings in relation to the acceptance of gifts, hospitality and attendance at events and recommended DPC conduct a review of the Arts Victoria management.
The SSAreview looked at the effectiveness of management structures in the Agency, the consistency of its purchasing and procurement policies and the effectiveness of its auditing and financial reporting policies and practices
The SSA found that the management structures and practices were consistent with other divisions within DPC, and staff at all levels of Arts Victoria were aware of and understood the processes in place for briefings, grants approvals, invoices and other responsibilities of Arts Victoria.
It identified benefits in strengthening management structures and processes however to ensure compliance with auditing, financial reporting and procurement policies and practices, and suggested introducing a standing agenda item at Arts Victoria meetings to discuss corporate policies and practices and formalising training requirements.
“The Review also considered the purchasing systems in place at Arts Victoria and identified a number of opportunities to strengthen these systems,” the SSA report said.
It said the review found that Arts Victoria staff attended arts-related events in an official capacity, and identified opportunities to ensure staff acted with integrity and impartiality.
SSA recommended that attending arts-related events be regarded as a core duty in position descriptions for relevant staff and that an attendance policy be developed.
“The review recommends that DPC revises the policy to shift the focus from recording gifts on the basis of monetary value alone, to stronger emphasis on perceptions,” the report said.
The SSA report can be accessed at this PS News link.
9 November, 2011
Electronic warnings
are signs of the times
New, electronic bushfire warning signs are to be installed at 26 locations around the State in time for the coming summer bushfire season.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan said the signs were part of a $300,000 pilot program.
“Under the pilot, 14 fixed signs will be placed in hard-to-access locations in high-risk areas and clearly display Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) from low to moderate fire risk through to code red, based upon fire weather forecasts,” Mr Ryan said.
“The new signs will use the latest technology including motorised or electronic indicator arrows and LED signs featuring illuminated, variable messages.”
He said the new fixed FDR signs would had the capacity to be remotely updated and checked to ensure they were operating correctly.
“The new electronic signs will complement more than 300 manual FDR signs that were distributed across Victoria in the past year.”
Mr Ryan said new fixed FDR signs would be erected in Ferntree Gully, Warrandyte, Warrandyte South, Templestowe, Rosebud, Wodonga and Kalkallo, Ballan, Ouyen, Genoa, Moe, Calder Highway (Gisborne), Lillimur and Geelong.
He said the pilot would also trial the use of mobile LED signs in popular tourist spots.
“Twelve trailer-based LED signs will be displayed in tourist destinations such as the Mornington Peninsula, Dandenong Ranges, Macedon Ranges, Gippsland and the Otways,” Mr Ryan said.
“The mobile signs will provide high impact, visible fire safety messages to motorists, holidaymakers and visitors, many of whom may be unfamiliar with local fire risks.”
He said the signs would be erected over coming weeks, with the official trial of the fixed and mobile signs scheduled to begin on 1 December and 20 December respectively.
9 November, 2011
Remembrance Day
remembered
Australia Post has announced the release of its 2011 Remembrance Day commemorative stamps.
Managing Director and Chief Executive of Australia Post, Ahmed Fahour said this year’s issue had a very significant time and date sequence.
“One minute’s silence will be observed at 11am on 11.11.11 – a sequence which only occurs every 100 years,” Mr Fahour said.
“It is fitting for Australia Post to commemorate Remembrance Day in Australia given the observance of silence was originally proposed by Melbourne journalist and World War I veteran, Edward George Honey in 1919.”
He said the two stamps in the Remembrance Day 11.11.11 issue captured the essence and origins of Remembrance Day.
He said a silhouetted shadow of two soldiers featured on one design and a bugler on the other, each in combination with a Flanders poppy and the first stanza of John McCrae’s famous poem In Flanders Fields, written in 1915.
Mr Fahour said Melbourne-based designer, Tim Hancock was commissioned to illustrate the stamp issue which draws attention to the shadow cast by history of those who were affected, injured or lost during their wartime service.
“As part of the issue, Australia Post will also release a limited edition stamp and coin cover (11,111 units in total), with a $5 pad printed coin specially made by the Royal Australian Mint.”
Mr Fahour said the stamp was available at participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 or online at this PS News link.
9 November, 2011
Cross border effort
on energy scams
Victoria and NSW consumer protection authorities are working together to crack down on scammers purporting to be from the “Australian Electricity Commission” and offering fake energy-saving devices.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien said Consumer Affairs Victoria and NSW Fair Trading were aware of reports of a trader selling purported “energy-saving” devices, claiming they would cut energy costs by 30 to 40 per cent.
“Recent reports suggest the scammers are now targeting elderly Australian pensioners who are receiving phone calls claiming they have been ‘selected’ and are being rewarded for paying their energy bills on time,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Consumer Affairs Victoria is working with NSW Fair Trading in the collection of evidence and investigators from both agencies are working collaboratively across jurisdictions to end the scam.”
He said while there were legitimate energy-saving devices on the market, the products offered by the Australian Electricity Commission did not live up to claims made by the company’s salespeople.
“Independent testing by CHOICE shows that the amount of energy that can be saved by installing the devices sold by the ‘Australian Electricity Commission’ is negligible,” Mr O’Brien said.
“While many traders selling these types of devices are doing the right thing, traders such as the so-called ‘Australian Electricity Commission’ are misrepresenting they are from the government and may be making claims about the devices’ ability to save energy which have not been substantiated.”
He said the mail-based scam originated in Melbourne and was initially targeting the Afghan community.
Mr O’Brien said telemarketers were also ringing consumers claiming they were from a Government agency and saying the consumer had been selected to have an energy-saving device installed in their home and the device was free because the purchase price was a bond refundable in three months.
9 November, 2011
City opens gates
on parks reports
Two draft plans looking at the future of the city’s major parks have been released by the City of Melbourne.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the Council’s draft Urban Forest Strategy and draft Open Space Strategy would ensure healthier, greener and more resilient landscapes and open spaces over the next 100 years.
Cr Doyle said more than a decade of drought, severe water restrictions and periods of extreme heat, combined with an ageing tree stock had put the city’s trees under immense stress and many were in a state of accelerated decline.
“Our research shows that 27 per cent of the current tree population will be lost within 10 years and 44 per cent within 20 years,” Cr Doyle said.
“We need to actively remove those declining trees and replace them with an increased number of healthy new trees, so that we offset this loss.”
Cr Doyle said some of the key targets of the Urban Forest Strategy included increasing the city’s canopy cover from 22 per cent to 40 per cent, cultivating an urban forest that would be made up of no more than five per cent of one tree species, and achieving a tree population that was 90 per cent healthy by 2040.
Chair of the Future Melbourne (Eco-City) Committee, Cr Cathy Oke said diversifying the city’s tree stock would minimise the future vulnerability of the urban forest to threats such as extreme weather conditions and attack from pests and diseases.
“We have close to 60,000 trees in the city,” Cr Oke said.
“Many of them were planted at the same time and now they are reaching the end of their life at the same time.
“Many others are also declining because of conditions imposed by the recent drought.”
She said the draft Urban Forest Strategy was complemented by the draft Open Space Strategy which proposed to increase the amount of both large and small open spaces to accommodate a growing population.
9 November, 2011
Fundraising crackdown
right on the money
Tough new fundraising rules have been drawn up to clamp down on political fundraising.
The rules apply to the current governing parties but would be available for adoption by others.
Announcing the new Code of Conduct, Premier Ted Baillieu said the reforms would apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now worked as lobbyists.
“These are major reforms for transparency and accountability of government members in Victoria,” Mr Baillieu said.
“The new Code will serve to provide confidence for the community and certainty for government members in performing their duties as Members of Parliament.”
He said under the new Code a Minister, Parliamentary Secretary or Government MP would no longer be able to solicit or receive direct donations, or permitted to operate any bank accounts for the receipt and distribution of campaign or political fundraising proceeds.
He said that neither Ministerial offices nor Department facilities could be used for political fundraising purposes and proceeds from fundraising events and activities of supporter groups would be required to be paid into an account with the central office of the political party, which neither MPs nor Ministers would have access to.
Mr Baillieu said that for the first time, the Government’s Code would require public disclosure to the Australian Electoral Commission within one month of receipt of any donation of more than $100,000 or when aggregate total receipts from a donor equal or exceeded $100,000 in any one financial year.
He said he would write to the Prime Minister offering to work co-operatively to further address national electoral funding and disclosure issues.
“A strong, vibrant political system is in the community’s interest and given the primary role of the Commonwealth in establishing the legal framework for political donations and disclosure it is important that there is a consistent approach,” Mr Baillieu said.
“The Victorian Government is willing to work with the Commonwealth Government to further improve the laws regulating fundraising and disclosure.”
9 November, 2011
Indigenous workshops
dig up the past
A series of two-day workshops is to be held in Gippsland in the next few weeks exploring and explaining the historical collections and resources available in Victoria for researching Indigenous family history.
The workshops, Know Your History, Preserve Your Culture, will be conducted jointly by the Public Record Office Victoria (PROV), National Archives of Australia, the State Library of Victoria and the Koorie Heritage Trust.
Director and Keeper of Public Records for PROV, Justine Heazlewood said the workshops would showcase the resources communities had at hand to research their own history.
“The hardest part about researching your own history is knowing where to start,” Ms Heazlewood said.
“I encourage members of Koorie communities to bring examples of photographs or paper documents from their own archives as there will be experts on hand to provide conservation advice during the workshop.”
She said experts from Koorie units of Victoria’s major public institutions would discuss services, resources and funding currently available to Aboriginal people in Victoria and local Koorie organisations.
Ms Heazlewood said the Know Your History, Preserve Your Culture workshop would be held at the Community College East Gippsland on 22-23 November, and at the Woolum Bellum KODE School in Morwell on 6-7 December.
Admission is free but bookings are essential at koorie.records@prov.vic.gov.au or 1800 657 452.
9 November, 2011
Water records flow
onto website
A new online data management system has been launched by Waterwatch Victoria, allowing public access to 19 years of information on river, stream and creek water quality collected by Waterwatch volunteers.
Spokeswoman for Waterwatch Victoria, Sarah Greenwood-Smith said the organisation’s Data Management System would provide Victorians with online access to information about the health of their local waterways.
“Almost 600 volunteers collect regular water quality data from over 1,500 monitoring sites across Victoria,” Ms Greenwood-Smith said.
“The type of information includes physical and chemical data such as dissolved oxygen (essential for aquatic life), salinity, pH levels, phosphorus (can encourage excess growth of plants including algae), turbidity (cloudiness of water) and water temperature.”
She said the data was used to help waterway managers, such as the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Catchment Management Authorities, to understand the long term trends in the health of waterways.
“The information can be used to flag a decline in water quality so it may be investigated further,” Ms Greenwood-Smith said.
Meanwhile the Minister for Water, Peter Walsh has released a report analysing how Victorians interacted with their local waterways including rivers, lakes and estuaries.
Mr Walsh said My Victorian Waterway was based on the results of a survey completed by more than 7,000 Victorians who answered questions about how they used and cared for their local waterways as well as their knowledge of river health issues and aspirations for the future of our waterways.
He said the survey showed 98 per cent of respondents agreed it was important to keep waterways as healthy as possible, and 97 per cent regarded river health as a critical issue for Victoria.
“Prior to this survey not much work had been done to understand the social importance of our rivers and wetlands,” Mr Walsh said.
“With more than 85,000 kilometres of rivers and around 13,000 natural wetlands, Victorians have a vast network of waterways to explore and this survey has shown just how valued these natural assets are by our communities.”
Mr Walsh said the data collected for My Victorian Waterway was being used to shape waterway health policy and to improve engagement with waterway communities.
He said the My Victorian Waterway report could be viewed online at this PS News link.
The Waterwatch Victoria database could be accessed at this PS News link.
9 November, 2011
Police bands march
to a new beat
Victoria Police’s three bands are to hit the concert trail this month and next, taking their musical message around the State.
Music Director of the Victoria Police Bands, Brian Niven said the three bands – rock band Code One, The Showband and the Pipe Band – would be spreading their musical message throughout parts of the state.
“All three bands offer a unique opportunity for the community to experience performances by some of Victoria’s leading musicians and performers,” Mr Niven said.
“While our 24-piece Showband performs jazz, swing, contemporary pop as well as music from musicals and light opera, Code One plays everything from Lady Gaga to John Farnham.”
He said the performances were suitable for all ages and anyone with a love of music.
“Do not miss this opportunity to spend some time with the police in a way you might not have imagined,” he said.
Mr Niven said the concerts were suitable for persons of all ages.
9 November, 2011
Women warm to
climate forum
A free forum is being held by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in Charlton to provide information to women in rural areas about climate variability.
The Charlton AgFutures for Rural Women Forum will include the award-winning Climatedogs animation series created by DPI that helps explain the key drivers in Victoria’s climate.
The forum will also look at Whole Farm Planning and current projects under way in the area.
Project Officer with DPI AgFutures, Sheri Streilein said climate variability, increased competition for natural resources, population change and global economic conditions were providing real challenges for rural communities.
“We want to arm local women with practical information about climate change and other topics relevant to the rural community which they can then use to make better informed decision in their businesses,” Ms Streilein said.
“We would like to encourage women from Charlton and the surrounding areas to come along and have their questions answered and to enjoy the opportunity to network with other local women.”
She said the Charlton AgFutures for Rural Women Forum is to be held on Monday 14 November at the Charlton Senior Citizens Centre.
Participants should contact Sheri Streilein on (03) 5482 0457 or 0429 336 284 to reserve their place and more information about the AgFutures program is available from this PS News link.
9 November, 2011
Water account takes
water into account
Australia’s first National Water Account, produced by the Bureau of Meteorology, has been described as a landmark achievement in the accurate reporting on one of the nation’s most important natural resources.
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell said the National Water Account brought together more than 30 Water Agencies and reporting partners to provide the most comprehensive snapshot of water information available in Australia.
“It is recognised around the world that water plays a key role in prosperity and well being,” Senator Farrell said.
“The National Water Account gives Australia the ability to accurately monitor, assess, and forecast the availability, quality and use of water resources.”
He said the National Water Account had been designed to be easily accessible and publicly available online and opened up a wealth of opportunities for enhanced interactivity and real-time information.
A separate account had been set up for Melbourne.
Acting Director of Meteorology at the Bureau of Meteorology, Rob Vertessy said the Account aimed to build confidence in water management across Australia through transparent, independent and rigorous annual reporting of the amount of water available, traded, accessed and used for various purposes, through scientific data and analysis.
Dr Vertessy said the National Water Account captured a nationally comparable set of water accounting reports for eight key water management regions across the country (Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne, Murray-Darling Basin, Ord, Perth, South East Queensland, Sydney) and could be accessed at this PS News link.
The Melbourne account is at this PS News link.
In a related development, the CSIRO has launched a new book designed to inform business, Government and the community about the importance of water.
Water: Science and Solutions for Australia provides the latest information on the status of Australia’s water resources, their future prospects and the potential for using water more effectively to meet the growing demands of cities, agriculture, heavy industries and the environment.
Chief Executive of CSIRO, Megan Clark said the 178-page publication drew upon the scientific literature to provide a broader audience with a clear picture of the water challenges and prospects facing Australia.
9 November, 2011
Flavoured cigs
smoked out
Bans on the sale of fruity, sweet or confectionery-flavoured cigarette rolling papers, cigar wraps and cigarillos are to come into force soon.
Minister for Health, David Davis said the intention of the ban was to remove from sale products designed to capture the attention of young people and children.
“These products are being banned because they have a fruity, sweet or confectionery-like character and bright, colourful packaging, and are designed to attract young people to smoke,” Mr Davis said.
He said the products to be banned included those that possessed a fruity, sweet or confectionery-like flavour or scent.
He said the ban would affect a small number of certified specialist tobacconists or retail shops and a small number of suppliers.
Mr Davis said the Department of Health was writing to all known suppliers of the banned products, and to all certified specialist tobacconists and other retailers, advising them of the ban from 18 November.
9 November, 2011
Commitment made
on pre-commitment
The Department of Justice is seeking public comment on a discussion paper on the implementation of a pre-commitment system for gaming venues.
Minister for Gaming, Michael O’Brien said responses to the discussion paper would inform the Government’s decision on a preferred pre-commitment model to be implemented in Victoria.
Mr O’Brien said the Government was a strong supporter of voluntary pre-commitment and was committed to introducing the technology to gaming venues across Victoria.
“Pre-commitment helps gamblers to retain control of their gambling and empowers them to set their limit before they start gambling, while providing real-time information during play,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This discussion paper is the next step we are taking in working with the community, clubs and pubs with gaming facilities and problem gambling groups on implementing our pre-commitment policy.”
He said the discussion paper sought comments on issues including the proposed features and processes to provide pre-commitment; incentives and other factors to encourage players to use the technology; technical options for how pre-commitment could be implemented; and options for who could be a pre-commitment provider.
Copies of the discussion paper and details for making a submission can be found at this PS News link.
9 November, 2011
Bounty hunters cash
in on dogs, foxes
The first Hume collection centre for the fox and wild dog bounty scheme has opened at Tatura.
Biosecurity Manager for the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), John Matthews said the initiative would help stop foxes and wild dogs from preying on livestock and native animals.
“Victorian farmers and hunters will receive $10 for each fox killed and $50 for each wild dog killed,” Mr Matthews said.
“DPI has had a lot of positive feedback from hunters since the bounty opened on 1 October and has seen 2118 entire fox scalps submitted at collection centres across Victoria.”
Mr Matthews said hunters needed to submit body parts collected during the bounty period to be eligible for the reward.
“Hunters must submit an entire fox scalp including both ears, the skin surrounding both eyes and the nose,” he said.
For the wild dog bounty, Mr Matthews said hunters had to submit a skin piece consisting of a single piece of skin and fur running from the snout, incorporating the ears, along the animal’s back and including the tail.
He said there were 21 collection points across regional Victoria for fox scalps and eight collection centres for wild dogs.
9 November, 2011
Carbon survey to
capture data
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has begun an airborne gravity survey along the Gippsland coast as part of research into the potential of large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Victoria.
Minister for Energy and Resources, Michael O’Brien said the aerial survey would contribute to the work of the CarbonNet Project, which was investigating the potential for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from electricity generators and transporting it to storage sites in the Gippsland Basin.
Mr O’Brien said the survey was a cooperative venture between the Victorian and Federal Governments under the Commonwealth’s CCS Flagships program, which had provided funding for the pre-feasibility stage of the CarbonNet project.
He said CCS was one method by which the Victorian Government could reduce CO2 emissions while retaining the value of its coal resource and support the transition to a lower-emissions economy.
“While the CarbonNet Project is only in the feasibility phase, it will demonstrate that this technology can work on a large scale,” Mr O’Brien said.
“If successful, the CarbonNet Project could lead to a commercial-scale Australian carbon capture, transportation and storage system, enabling a dramatic reduction in CO2 emissions from electricity generation in Victoria.”
He said the airborne gravity survey would help DPI develop a better understanding of the geological carbon storage potential of the nearshore Gippsland Basin, and would involve a small plane flying in the nearshore and offshore area between Lakes Entrance and Woodside.
9 November, 2011
And in Other News...
PS Books online
A new book-buying service has been launched by PS News this week.
Faced with growing numbers of enquiries for orders of books appearing in its Book Review pages, PS News has introduced the new scheme as a convenient online service for readers.
Almost every book subject to review will be available for purchase under a cooperative arrangement with the Australian Institute of Management’s Management Books service.
The PS News book reviews can be accessed at this PS News link.
School building audit
A full audit of the condition of buildings in every Government school across the State has been announced as part of a $100 million school maintenance fund.
Minister for Education, Martin Dixon, said the audit would help prioritise maintenance needs across the State’s schools.
“This audit has two purposes, to better direct maintenance funding to urgent projects, and to give principals the information they need to better direct their annual maintenance funding,” Mr Dixon said.
eServices panel extended
A new expanded eServices panel for local ICT companies has been announced.
Companies on the eServices panel are eligible to bid for contracts to provide ICT services to Victorian Government departments and agencies.
Minister for ICT, Gordon Rich-Phillips said that the panel now had an additional 180 suppliers across 18 service categories, boosting the number of the vendors on the panel to 368.
All appointments run to 30 June 2014, with the possibility of two one-year extensions.
School funding risk
A national review of funding for schools has been told that it would cost the Victorian Government $17.6 million a year for each one per cent of students who moved from non-Government schools to the government system.
The State’s official submission to the review said there was a ‘risk’ that if an outcome of the review was a reduction in funding for non-Government schools there would be flow-on costs for Victorian families and the Government.
Train passengers happier
Passenger satisfaction with Melbourne’s trains rose in September to its highest level in more than five years.
About 12,000 interviews of passengers were conducted for the Department of Transport, finding that overall passenger satisfaction with Metro’s trains had risen from 58.3 index points in the June quarter 2011 to 62.3 index points in the September quarter.
Broadmeadows plans out
Residents, community groups, businesses and other stakeholders are invited to have their say on the future of Broadmeadows.
A 20-year draft Structure Plan to sustainably manage growth and change in Broadmeadows Activities Area has been issued by the State Government and Hume City Council, setting out the long-term vision of turning it into Melbourne’s capital of the north.
Interested people can record their views via a questionnaire or by attending one of five information days being held this month.
More information is available from this PS News link.
Koalas relocated
More than 250 koalas from French Island have a new home in Gembrook after being relocated by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria.
The relocation is carried out annually in an effort to manage population growth and ensure an ongoing food supply for the animals.
The koalas were taken in groups from the island on a ferry over the past month and released in Gembrook at Kurth Kiln Regional Park.
Upgrade for track memorial
A $1 million project to upgrade the Kokoda Track Memorial in upper Ferntree Gully has been announced.
The new Kokoda Track Memorial will include information panels, shelters, seating; and host public commemorative events such as ANZAC Day and Australia Day.
It is expected to be completed in time to host the 70th anniversary of Kokoda Day in August next year.
New hoon boating laws
Hoon boating laws are to be extended to protect marine wildlife, with offenders facing penalties including immobilisation and seizure of watercraft.
The new laws are based on the State’s hoon driving legislation, and would crack down waterway hoons who endanger whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife.
2 November, 2011
Corruption Commission
to set PS straight
The State Government has moved to establish an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) to deal with corruption in the public sector.
It is also establishing an independent Inspectorate to oversee the Commission.
Premier Ted Baillieu unveiled the plan saying the first step would be to set up the Commission and appoint a Commissioner to get its education and corruption-prevention functions under way.
He said the second stage of the legislation, granting IBAC its investigative powers, would follow before the end of the year.
“For the first time Victoria will have an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission covering the entire public sector, and a Victorian Inspectorate overseeing its operations,” Mr Baillieu said.
The Minister responsible for the establishment of the anti-corruption commission, Andrew McIntosh said the new laws would establish IBAC with prevention functions and powers.
“IBAC will also be able to begin the critical work of educating about corruption and its negative effects,” Mr McIntosh said.
“Education and prevention are recognised by experts as key components of an effective anti-corruption system and will best position IBAC for long-term success and service to the Victorian community.”
He said $170 million in funding would be provided over four years for the establishment and operation of IBAC.
He said the Opposition Leader would be consulted before the appointment of IBAC’s inaugural Commissioner.
Mr McIntosh said that the accompanying Inspectorate would investigate IBAC either on the Inspectorate’s own initiative or in response to a complaint, ensuring that IBAC used its powers appropriately and proportionately.
He said the Inspectorate would initially oversee IBAC only, but once the Commission’s investigative powers were in place it would build on the Special Investigation Monitor’s powers and monitor the use of special covert investigation and coercive powers by Victorian investigative agencies as well.
Mr McIntosh said a special Joint House committee of Parliament would also be established (the IBAC Committee) to monitor and review the way IBAC used its powers.
The Committee would have the power to veto the appointment of future IBAC Commissioners.
2 November, 2011
Union pays out
on pay case
Members of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) have voted overwhelmingly to embark on industrial action in support of a pay claim.
In a ballot that returned a 96 per cent ‘Yes” vote, the union members endorsed a list of protected actions in their efforts to improve a 2.5 per cent pay offer which they say is not enough.
State Secretary of the CPSU, Karen Batt said members needed to provide three working days’ notice to each employer before any action commenced and only the actions on its balloted list would be protected.
She said members were not required to provide any information to their employer on their participation or otherwise in any of the bans or limitations, once they commenced.
She strongly urged members to attend meetings being held in workplaces to discuss the protected action.
“Contact your organiser if your workplace needs a briefing,” Ms Batt said.
She said it was important that workplaces prepared for protected industrial action by confidentially canvassing all members about the action that was available, and the level of support for each action at that workplace.
She said protected actions now available to the union included indefinite or periodic stoppages of between half an hour up to 24 hours; indefinite or periodic bans on checking emails after 12 noon each day, and indefinite or periodic bans on travelling for work purposes in employees’ own time.
More information was available from an Information Sheet at this PS News link.
2 November, 2011
New Authority for
urban renewal
A new Urban Renewal Authority that will facilitate urban renewal outcomes across the State has been established.
Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy announced the new Authority and the appointment of a nine-member Board of Directors.
“The Board will lead the Authority in developing its business operations to deliver on its mandate to facilitate urban renewal outcomes across Victoria,” Mr Guy said.
He said the Board would be led by former Chairman of VicUrban, Peter Clarke, who was a Councillor of the City of Melbourne and Chairman of its planning committee. He was also a former Mayor and Councillor of the City of Heidelberg, and a past Executive Director of the Victorian branches of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Property Council of Australia.
Mr Guy said the Deputy Chairman would be former partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Ken Fehily, who was a taxation specialist
He named the other directors as William Bowness, Lorna Gelbert, Judith Nicholson, Graeme Parton, Timothy Shannon, Janet West and Professor John Stanley.
“I welcome the new Board members who have been selected for their diversity of commercial experience, skills and knowledge that will be integral to leading the Authority and ensuring it delivers on its urban renewal mandate,” Mr Guy said.
He acknowledged the outgoing Board members of VicUrban, Gabrielle Trainor, Andrew Fairley, Julia Mason, Michael Roberts, Hamish MacDonald and Meredith Sussex.
Mr Guy said the appointments of Mr Clarke, Mr Fehily, Mr Parton and Ms Nicholson would be for five years and the others Directors three years.
2 November, 2011
Purchasing profits
from health audit
An audit of procurement practices in the health sector has found that Health Purchasing Victoria (HPV) could be used more often and more effectively if it was to live up to its full potential.
In his report Procurement Practices in the Health Sector, Auditor-general Des Pearson says that while HPV performs central procurement well and makes significant savings, its non-performance of a probity assurance function and limited involvement in procuring medical equipment were missed opportunities.
He said that 10 years after its establishment, HPV had yet to implement all its functions under the Health Services Act 1988.
Mr Pearson said his audit examined the Department of Health, HPV and four public hospitals, and found the Department could have done more to support HPV to deliver on its statutory functions and make savings.
“The Department also lacks the information needed to understand whether the sector’s procurement practices are properly conducted,” Mr Pearson said.
“HPV, by not undertaking its probity assurance function under the Act, and having only limited involvement in procuring medical equipment, has missed opportunities for greater savings and better procurement practice.
“As system manager, the Department should have done more to address these issues.”
Mr Pearson said HPV’s resources were devoted almost entirely to central procurement operations for public hospitals, leading to neglect of its other roles.
“[HPV] has not assured the probity of public hospital procurement practices and has not given adequate assurance that hospitals that are asserting compliance with HPV’s mandatory contracts are actually complying,” Mr Pearson said.
“It has not exploited the potential for significant additional savings by centrally procuring more complex medical items and equipment [and] it has not actively managed contracts to identify and alert all hospitals to additional savings available under these contracts.
“Nor has it measured actual savings.”
Mr Pearson also found the Department had not effectively resolved issues related to planning for hospital medical equipment asset replacement, or the lack of robust, consistent data on purchasing across the health sector, which prevented it, the department and the sector, from fully realising the potential of the central procurement model.
“HPV does not have a comprehensive and accurate database of hospital expenditure on which to base its forward tender program,” the Auditor-General said.
“This means it cannot get reliable data on hospital expenditure by product categories and types in time to identify opportunities for future procurement.”
Mr Pearson made eight recommendations, including that the Department complete and implement a medical equipment and asset framework, resolve public hospital procurement data problems, and oversee whether HPV was performing the functions assigned to it under the Act.
He also recommended HPV lead procurement improvement in the public hospital sector by actively fulfilling all its legislative functions, and that it actively assure the probity of public hospital procurement practices.
The full text of the Auditor-General’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.
2 November, 2011
Students learn lesson
from Ombudsman
The acting Ombudsman has made 17 recommendations following an investigation into the way Victorian universities treated international students.
The acting Ombudsman, John Taylor said he launched the investigation on his own motion, following a tripling in complaints from international students over the past four years.
“My experience in recent years has highlighted concerns with the way Victorian universities deal with international students,” Mr Taylor said.
He said while the number of international students enrolled in onshore higher education courses at Victorian universities had tripled between 2000 and 2009, complaints to his office by the students concerned had risen from 176 in 2007-08 to 534 in 2010-11.
“Many of these complainants identify themselves as international students and most contact my office because their university has, or is proposing to, exclude them because of poor academic performance,” Mr Taylor said.
He said some concerning patterns with the complaints included international students struggling to communicate in English, and some universities accounting for a disproportionately high number of complaints.
“At the same time, I have received disclosures under the Whistleblowers Protection Act alleging improper conduct at some universities, such as bribery or preferential treatment of students,” Mr Taylor said.
He said he conducted his investigation at four sample universities with international students - Deakin University, RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology and the University of Ballarat.
Mr Taylor said in his findings that he was not satisfied that the regulatory arrangements for universities and international students had been effective in addressing the problems and tensions that had arisen during the recent growth in international student enrolments.
“Part of the problem rests with the regulation itself, particularly the lack of clear standards for universities.”
He said the universities were given an opportunity to respond to a draft report, and they all pointed to policies, programs and plans they had in place for managing the issues he highlighted.
“Despite these assertions, I consider that the evidence presented in this report speaks for itself,” Mr Taylor said.
“Universities teach a large share of Victoria’s international students and set the standard for the rest of the education system.”
Among his recommendations Mr Taylor called for all universities to review their minimum scores for admission for international students by mid-2012 and for them to require international students to submit results of an independent language test prior to enrolment.
He also recommended the universities conduct annual reviews of their admission standards, and appoint external examiners to report on their academic standards and assessment methods.
The acting Ombudsman’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.
2 November, 2011
Reformers cash in
on funds manager
An initial package of reforms has been announced for the Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC).
The reforms have been ordered by Treasurer Kim Wells to refocus the Corporation’s business strategy and improve its governance and oversight to ensure it delivered an optimal performance for the State.
Mr Wells said the Government had commissioned a consultant to review the governance, operations and investment strategies of the VFMC earlier this year.
“The KPMG review has recommended improvements in the area of governance and risk management and found that greater clarity is needed in the strategic direction of VFMC,” Mr Wells said.
He said it questioned, in particular, whether VFMC should compete for and manage private money.
He said the initial reforms did not permit management of private funds but included a focus on the effective management of public sector client funds; a new prudential standard and independent prudential supervisor to monitor risk management practices; and bonuses would be funded from performance fees paid by clients.
Mr Wells said other reforms included VFMC requiring to justify the costs of in-house funds management in comparison to the outsourcing to external managers, and there would be amendments made to corporate governance practices to bring VFMC more closely in line with best practice for listed companies.
He said reforms to remuneration would help ensure that bonuses were paid only when investment performance warranted it.
“The government’s reforms will help to link remuneration more closely to actual performance,” Mr Wells said.
The consultant’s report can be viewed at this PS News link.
2 November, 2011
Emergency laws pass
for more security
New laws clarifying the roles of Government and emergency service agencies during a crisis have been passed by State Parliament.
The laws were recommended by the Bushfires Royal Commission.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan said the Emergency Management Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 fulfilled two recommendations of the Bushfires Royal Commission, and removed the title of Coordinator in Chief of emergency management from the Minister for Police and Emergency Services.
“Among other key duties, the Chief Commissioner of Police, as State Emergency Response Coordinator, will have primary responsibility for keeping the Minister informed during an emergency,” Mr Ryan said.
He said other key amendments in the laws included changes to the Victorian State Emergency Service Act 2005 which would ensure the State’s emergency agencies operated more efficiently.
He said the Act broadened the powers of the Chief Officer, Operations to enable him or her to direct the activities of individual VICSES members, or any other person who volunteered.
Mr Ryan said other changes under the legislation included enabling the agency in control of emergency response activities to transfer control of any response activity to an officer of another agency, and providing for the appointment of controllers or assistant controllers from other agencies who could then exercise the powers of the Chief Operational Officer of the control agency.
“Greater interoperability between emergency services is critical during times of crisis and this legislation will help to promote a shared responsibility for community safety,” Mr Ryan said.
2 November, 2011
Holmesglen loan
attracts interest
An audit report of financial transactions entered into by the Holmesglen Institute of TAFE to support a distressed registered training organisation (RTO) has found the Institute acted outside its authority.
In his report TAFE Governance, Auditor-General Des Pearson said the loan transaction did not follow the Government’s directions about low risk in managing public funds and the Institute did not proactively engage with its oversight body, Skills Victoria.
Mr Pearson said the audit examined the legality, propriety and financial prudence of the TAFE’s $6.5 million loan in December 2010 to the financially distressed RTO, resulting in a loss of $3 million.
“The audit found that Holmesglen lacked financial prudence in providing the loan and acted outside its legal authority in making the loan,” Mr Pearson said.
“Skills Victoria did not provide oversight and leadership to the sector, lacked policy for commercial activity by TAFE institutes, did not respond to requests for clarity on commercial issues and had a history of inadequate and ineffective communication with Holmesglen.”
He said the loan was the first step in an acquisition strategy, but in early 2011 the Holmesglen Board chose not to proceed with the acquisition.
He said Skills Victoria then intervened and sought the assistance of the Department of Treasury and Finance, but the Institute still lost $3 million.
“The Holmesglen Board lacked critical information necessary to make an informed decision on the wisdom of providing a loan and pursuing an acquisition,” Mr Pearson said.
He said the Institute’s acquisition strategy and provision of the loan to the RTO did not adhere to a Standing Direction set by the Minister for Finance and was outside the Government’s policy on the management of public funds.
“The Board was aware of this Standing Direction and made the decision that the Direction did not apply to it without obtaining clarity from Skills Victoria as the oversight body, its responsible Minister or the Minister for Finance,” he said.
“The board did not demonstrate financial prudence in entering into this arrangement. It lacked significant information on the RTO when making its decision to provide a loan, and as such it was unable to sufficiently analyse risk against return.”
Mr Pearson recommended Skills Victoria engage with TAFE institutes during the preparation of their strategic plans, critically review the plans and provide them with feedback on any conflicts with Government policy and accountability issues.
The full text of the Auditor-General’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.
2 November, 2011
Cyclists saddle up
for extra funding
Facilities for city cyclists are to be improved with a $1.78 million funding boost for the cities of Yarra and Melbourne.
Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder said the funds were part of about $14.5 million being provided for cycling projects this year.
“Cycling is important for transport, sport and recreation and is good for people’s health and well being,” Mr Mulder said.
“Cycling is particularly popular in inner Melbourne where many people ride their bikes to work and to school.”
He said the cycling improvements being funded included:
* Improved linemarking and new bicycle detectors at traffic signals to give cyclists a head start on the intersections of Alexandra Parade, Johnston Street, Gertrude Street and Victoria Parade along Brunswick Street, Fitzroy ($219,000);
* Green bicycle lanes, signage and pavement improvements on Heidelberg Road, from Queens Parade to The Esplanade, Clifton Hill ($370,000); and
* New bicycle signals, improved lighting, green surfacing and pavement improvements at Princes Street, Carlton ($465,000).
Mr Mulder said other projects included bicycle safety improvements at Footscray Road, under CityLink ($475,000), improvements to the East West bicycle link ($600,000), and before and after studies for bicycle and pedestrian projects ($68,000).
“The East-West bicycle link will connect Abbotsford to Kensington, so cyclists will be able to commute to the northern part of the city as well as recreational areas along the link.”
He said work had also started on a metropolitan planning strategy to guide land use and transport planning in Melbourne, including a metropolitan liveability audit which would look at existing as well as future bikeways for Melbourne.
2 November, 2011
Community awards
reward excellence
The Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB), Country Fire Authority, Manningham City Council and Lara Primary School have been recognised for excellence in the Victorian division of the Australian Safer Communities Awards.
Announcing the recipients, the Minister for Emergency Services, Peter Ryan said the awards recognised innovative practice and achievements by organisations and individuals that helped to build safer and more resilient communities.
“The 2011 Australian Safer Communities Awards this year received 33 Victorian entries from which five winners and three Highly Commended recipients have been announced,” Mr Ryan said.
“The awards recognise significant community safety activities taking place across Victoria and efforts that are made to make our communities safer, stronger, more resilient and better prepared to manage any emergency situation in our state.”
Mr Ryan said the awards covered all aspects of community safety and resilience with an emergency management focus, including risk assessment, research, education and training, prevention, preparedness, and response and recovery.
The Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board’s InFlame: Turning Community Emotion into Fire Safety Action information tool took out the State Government category in the awards and the Country Fire Authority was highly commended in the same category for its CFAConnect online resource.
In the Local Government category, Manningham City Council won for its Graffiti Clean-Up Project, while Lara Primary School won the Youth category award for its Fire: Friend or Foe program.
2 November, 2011
Points system comes
to the point
A new demerit points system is to be introduced to penalise liquor licensees found to be breaching the law.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien said under the new system, liquor licensees caught breaching liquor licensing laws would incur demerit points in addition to fines, and be automatically suspended for a fixed period if they reached a demerit points threshold.
Mr O’Brien said the demerit points would attach to the liquor licence for a period of three years from the date on which it was allocated.
“A no-nonsense approach will be taken to licensees that flout the law,” Mr O’Brien said.
“If licensees serve alcohol to drunks or unsupervised minors on licensed premises, they will be hit by demerit points in addition to big fines.”
He said there would be three demerit point thresholds that would lead to automatic liquor licence suspensions of 24 hours, seven days or 28 days, with no option to appeal.
He said incurring five demerit points in any three-year period would trigger an automatic 24-hour suspension while 10 points would lead to a seven-day suspension and 15 points a 28-day suspension
Mr O’Brien said the demerit points would be allocated where a licensee had paid an infringement or been successfully prosecuted for the same offence before or had refused to pay an infringement notice for so long that an enforcement order had been issued.
2 November, 2011
Children’s health
hits new record
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has redesigned the State’s child health record.
Now called My Health and Development Record the new record was officially launched by the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Wendy Lovell.
Ms Lovell said the child health record was the key document used by parents, maternal and child health nurses and other health professionals to record health, development and immunisation information about each child.
She said the new format was easier to navigate, user-friendly, less clinically focused and more practical, and followed a review by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
“Victoria’s Maternal and Child Health service provides universal health care for children from birth to school age as well as valued support and advice for parents,” Ms Lovell said.
“This new My Health and Development Record is another important initiative, which will help parents keep tabs on their child’s progress.
“It’s a great way of documenting the very early stages of their lives.”
She said the new My Health and Development Record will be distributed to maternity hospitals across the State this month.
2 November, 2011
Police link with
Supportlink
Victoria Police is to expand its SupportLink project across the State following successful trials in Melbourne, Swan Hill and Mildura in 2010.
SupportLink is an electronic referral system that provides victims of crime with specialised support as well as assisting in the prevention of crime.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Strategy and Organisational Development with the police, Lucinda Nolan and Project Manager, Inspector Bernie Jackson have extended the program to branch out into more than 30 Police Service Areas (PSAs).
Acting Deputy Commissioner Nolan said police from the Transit Safety Division would also be able to refer anyone they came in contact with across the State on the public transport network.
She said the initiative would ensure that vulnerable people in remote, rural and metropolitan areas had access to critical support services.
“While police have been referring people to support services for a long time, there hasn’t been a common referral system to assist police and support services,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Nolan said.
“Now we have a system within the organisation which will not only save time but more importantly provide people with access to a range of support services.”
She said since the project’s introduction, there had been more than 3,000 referrals made, with 35 per cent of those being for victims of crimes against the person such as assaults and sexual offences.
She said all operational police members within the trial areas had access to the SupportLink system, allowing them to make a referral which is then followed up by the relevant support service.
“Any person coming into contact with police, including victims of crime, young people or the elderly seeking advice on how to secure their property, can be connected to services or counselling at the earliest opportunity,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Nolan said.
2 November, 2011
Police open gate
on farm crime
Victoria Police is to establish a new Livestock and Farm Crime Specialists Group to crack down on livestock theft and farm crime.
Announced by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan, the Specialists Group would be established within the police force to investigate a recent spike in livestock theft, particularly sheep, to undertake targeted operations, prosecute offenders and roll out crime prevention initiatives.
“Livestock theft and farm crime is an increasing problem in regional and rural Victoria,” Mr Ryan said, “however there is currently no central coordinating office within Victoria Police to tackle livestock theft and farm crime offences.”
He said there had been a 129 per cent increase in the number of sheep stolen in 2010-11 compared to 2009-10, possibly due to recent record prices for sheep, lamb and wool.
“During the past financial year in the western region alone there have been 67 thefts involving heavy machinery, including 28 tractors and 13 bobcats,” Mr Ryan said.
He said the initiative included a Statewide network of police investigators undertaking extensive training to form the Livestock and Farm Crime Specialists Group and act as a point of contact for farmers; a committee, chaired by Victoria Police and including representatives of the Victorian Farmers Federation, Department of Primary Industries, the Municipal Association of Victoria, the Stock Agents Association of Victoria and other agencies; and an online intranet “investigation hub” that would sit within the Victoria Police website.
Mr Ryan said the Victoria Police Crime Department would be holding a biannual Livestock and Agricultural Conference to observe crime trends in specific regions.
2 November, 2011
Safety campaigns to
save the children
Three new advertising and safety campaigns have been launched to improve road safety for young children.
Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder unveiled a new early childhood Traffic Safety Education program, Starting Out Safely, and a new advertising campaign – Helmet Rap – to boost children’s awareness of how to stay safe around the road.
“Research has identified that parents play an influential role in teaching their children positive road safety behaviours,” Mr Mulder said.
“In July this year VicRoads introduced a new delivery model for the Starting Out Safely program.
“This included engaging a range of early childhood organisations to deliver the program to young children and those educating and caring for young children across the state.”
He said the new model had a focus on supporting parents, carers and educators to work together to guide children’s learning on how to become safer road users.
“Research shows that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury among children by 60 to 90 per cent,” Mr Mulder said.
“The Transport Accident Commission has developed the new Helmet Rap advertising campaign to encourage children to wear properly fitted helmets.”
He said Starting Out Safely included an extensive range of resource materials and would be delivered through kindergartens, early childhood centres, maternal and child health, and family day care.
In a third road safety move, the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Wendy Lovell launched the Kidsafe Driveway Safety Campaign to remind drivers to look out for children in driveways.
Ms Lovell said the campaign aimed to increase community awareness with a car window sticker and poster which would be distributed through Victorian Maternal and Child Health centres and early childhood services.
“It goes without saying that driveway accidents have a devastating impact on families, especially when the driver is a family member or friend,” Ms Lovell said.
“That is why the Kidsafe campaign emphasises the three Ss: Supervise your children actively, Separate driveways from play areas and See what’s around your vehicle.”
2 November, 2011
Creative scholarships
creating interest
A new program of creative scholarships has been announced to support Victoria’s artists of the future.
The $3 million Creative Scholarships program announced by Premier Ted Baillieu is being funded as part of a $24 million commitment to supporting the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA).
Mr Baillieu said the scholarship program would support outstanding and disadvantaged students at the VCA and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
“The VCA and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music have international reputations as leaders in the field of arts education and training,” Mr Baillieu said.
“These institutions enrich the lives of emerging artists and are crucial catalysts for the diversity and talents of their students.
“This extensive scholarship program will reward excellence and break down barriers for students in accessing the best arts education on offer.”
He said 68 scholarships would be available to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the VCA and Conservatorium in 2012-13, with each one providing between $8,000 and $14,500 to students across all disciplines.
“These scholarships are part of our commitment to ensuring that the VCA maintains and strengthens its position as Australia’s leading arts training institution,” Mr Baillieu said.
He said more information and application details were available from this PS News link.
2 November, 2011
Applause rains on
stormwater plan
An Australian-first pilot program that uses a simple plumbing innovation to divert stormwater onto gardens and lawns has been demonstrated at the Fishermans Bend Community Centre.
A community barbecue and information session was held to showcase the program being rolled out in Garden City by the City of Port Phillip in conjunction with Melbourne Water, to help homeowners divert rooftop stormwater flows to gardens and lawns.
Manager of Catchments for Melbourne Water, David Ryan said the Fishermans Bend Community Centre would be the first site to have a downpipe disconnection unit installed.
He said by diverting stormwater onto gardens or lawns before it entered the stormwater network, homeowners could make a difference to the quality and quantity of stormwater that flowed into Port Phillip Bay.
“Stormwater can carry all sort of pollutants washed from rooftops,” Mr Ryan said.
“Simple innovations like the system being piloted in Garden City will divert these flows to areas that might miss out when it rains, help replenish the ground water system and, most importantly, help keep pollution, particularly nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus out of the Bay.”
Mr Ryan said the types of pollutants carried by stormwater did not impact on the health of gardens, and in many cases could improve their condition.
He said Melbourne Water planned to extend the program, which was supported by the Plumbing Industry Commission of Victoria, to other parts of Melbourne in the future.
2 November, 2011
And in Other News...
Women’s roll now open
Nominations are now open for the 2012 Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
The Honour Roll acknowledges and pays tribute to women from across Victoria who have succeeded through vision, leadership, commitment and hard work.
The new inductees will be announced during International Women’s Day celebrations in March 2012 and nominations are open until 21 December 2011 with application forms and guidelines available at this PS News link.
Forest tracks reopened
Hundreds of forest tracks and roads across Victoria have reopened following temporary closures as part of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria’s seasonal road closure program.
Acting Manager of the DSE Statewide Roading and Bridges Program, Wayne Beaton said the roads and tracks were closed over winter and spring for public safety and to protect track surfaces, as well as water quality and the forest environment.
Airport study completed
A study into the Geelong region’s airport requirements for the next 30 to 50 years has been released.
The Geelong Regional Airport Feasibility Study, commissioned earlier this year recommended the development of a long-term development plan at Avalon Airport, Government and Council assistance to Lethbridge Airpark in submitting an application to the Regional Aviation Fund for runway and lighting upgrades; and a detailed site study of the Gheringhap area as a possible future airport site.
Events app out
A free mobile phone app providing up-to-the-minute information for events throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria is now available.
Minister for Technology, Gordon Rich-Phillips said the app covered major tourism events as well as community and regional events in Victoria.
Mr Rich-Phillips said the VicEvents app was one of a series that would focus on improving accessibility to publicly available information.
State parks expanded
More than 10,000 hectares wis to be added to Victoria’s parks.
Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith has introduced new laws that create Lake Tyers State Park in East Gippsland, reclassify Frankston Natural Features Reserve as a nature conservation reserve, and rename St Arnaud Range National Park to Kara Kara National Park.
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