26 October, 2011

Ombudsman finds
children at risk

The Victorian Ombudsman has reported that the Department of Human Services had failed to ensure the safety of 59 at-risk children in its Loddon Mallee Region.
   Acting Ombudsman John Taylor tabled his report following a whistleblower disclosure in June.
   According to Mr Taylor, his investigation would not have proceeded without the whistleblower coming forward and was the fourth in two years to raise “serious concerns” about the performance of the State’s child protection system.
   “I am, again, compelled to present a report regarding the failure of the Department of Human Services to ensure the safety and well-being of some of Victoria’s most vulnerable children,” Mr Taylor said.
   He said his investigation confirmed that the Department had failed to protect children at risk; had pursued numerical performance targets at the expense of the children; had followed a policy of providing the minimum possible response to child protection reports; and had failed to keep adequate records.
   “Consequently I referred the circumstances of 59 children identified during my investigation to the Department for reconsideration,” he said.
   “The Department reopened the cases of 50 children which were closed and took other action to address my concerns in the other nine.”
   He said the failure to investigate the reports was due to a deliberate policy decision in the Bendigo office of the Department to reduce the number of child protection reports it investigated.
   “Despite receiving [551] more reports in 2010-11 than the previous year, the region conducted less than three quarters of the number of investigations.”
   He said the Secretary of the Department and other executive staff were aware of the decision.
   “I believe a practice has developed where the drive to meet numerical targets has overshadowed the interest of children despite evidence that they may be at risk,” Mr Taylor said.
   “The managers deny this, however I consider that the evidence speaks for itself.”
   He said the failings he uncovered in his investigation may have been avoided if the lessons from his previous three reports had been learnt.
   The Acting Ombudsman said he was also concerned at the poor standard of record-keeping in Departmental files reviewed during the investigation.
   “Many cases did not contain a detailed analysis regarding why an investigation was not considered necessary,” he said.
   The full text of the Ombudsman’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.

26 October, 2011

PS call to spearhead
Indigenous jobs

Senior Public Service managers across Australia have been called on to copy their private sector counterparts and go into bat for Indigenous employment.
   Writing in the new-look magazine of the Institute of Public Administration Australia, Public Administration Today, the National President of the IPAA, Percy Allan called on the senior echelons of the PS to pledge more jobs for Indigenous Australians.
   “Indigenous success stories tell us those who find work have far fewer problems than those who don’t,” Mr Allan said.
   “To find work, Indigenous Australians need skills and opportunities to escape the downward spiral of hopelessness and despair that many regrettably view as the natural fate for Australia’s original peoples.”
   His plea echoes a similar call by Commonwealth’s Special Minister of State, Gary Gray for Federal Public Service Chiefs to lead by example in hiring more Indigenous employees.
   Mr Gray said he expected the Australian Public Service to be doing more towards achieving the 2018 target of a further 100,000 private and public sector jobs for Indigenous Australians.
   The IPAA magazine looks at other aspects of Indigenous affairs, including The Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure Report to the Australian Government, which recommended 25 existing Indigenous-specific programs across the Commonwealth be closed immediately, and 51 others be consolidated into 18.
   The report said Commonwealth Government expenditure on its Indigenous-specific programs amounted to some $3.5 billion annually and that it had yielded dismally poor returns to date.
   Public Administration Today also features articles supporting its Indigenous employment theme by Public Service Chiefs including Federal Auditor General, Ian McPhee, former Commonwealth and ACT Ombudsman, Allan Asher and the Australian Public Service Commission.
   It is distributed nationally and read by public sector employees in all three tiers of Government, Statutory Authorities and not-for-profit organisations.
   Mr Allan’s comments can be found in the PS News Feature pages at this PS News link.

26 October, 2011

Mental illness to
be front of mind

Public submissions have been invited into a Parliamentary inquiry into mental illness in the workplace.
   Minister for Mental Health, Mary Wooldridge said the inquiry, which is being conducted by the Family and Community Development Committee, was initiated to deliver on a commitment to enhance workforce participation for Victorians with a mental illness.
   She said the inquiry was aimed at helping to make it easier for people with a mental illness to participate fully in the community.
   “People with a mental illness face a range of challenges that often makes it harder for them to secure and hold down a job, with many facing discrimination,” Ms Wooldridge said.
   She said she wanted to significantly increase the employment rate of people with a mental illness.
   She said the Committee was considering evidence of the low rate of workforce participation of people with mental illness and the social and economic costs involved, as well as the identification of the barriers that people with mental illness experience in gaining and retaining employment.
   Ms Wooldridge said the Committee was also considering the respective roles of, and collaboration between, Local, State and Commonwealth Governments, business and community organisations in supporting the workforce participation of people with mental illness, and the effectiveness of programs that aimed to improve the workforce participation of people with mental illness, including best practice models.
   The Committee will accept submissions until 11 November.
   The terms of reference for the inquiry and advice on submitting comments can be found at this PS News link.

26 October, 2011

Comments invited on
water restrictions

A proposed new set of permanent water restrictions across the State have been released for public comment.
   Minister for Water, Peter Walsh said the changes were drafted by Melbourne’s metropolitan water businesses, and were designed to lock in water saving behaviour adopted during the drought and establish consistency across the State.
   “Victorians did a great job of saving water throughout the drought, but water restrictions need to be simplified,” Mr Walsh said.
   “At present there is no consistency to permanent water savings rules across the State and changes between stages are complicated and difficult to communicate.”
   He said he asked the water retailers to put forward a set of clear and consistent guidelines around drought response and permanent water savings plans.
   “The changes would require government to consider not just dam levels, but also weather and catchment conditions, trends in demand and the performance of the water supply system when considering water restriction levels,” he said.
   “Permanent savings rules would be simplified so that gardens and lawns can only be watered between 6pm and 10am.”
   Mr Walsh said stage 1 water restrictions would put the city on alert and limit the use of automatic and manual watering systems to between 6am and 10am and 6pm and 10pm every second day.
   “Under Stage 2, customers would be asked to save water with use of watering systems restricted to between the times of 6am and 8am and 6pm and 8pm every second day and watering of lawns banned,” he said.
   “At Stage 3, when there is just enough water in the storages, watering systems and use of hoses, buckets and watering cans would be restricted to 6am and 8am every second day, while under Stage 4, or critical conditions, all outdoor watering would be banned.”
   The proposed plans can be accessed at this PS News link and comments will be accepted until 14 November.

26 October, 2011

Shrine shines with
new website

The Shrine of Remembrance has a new and improved website.
   The new information resource was officially launched by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Hugh Delahunty who said it would offer students, veterans and history enthusiasts a whole new virtual-dimension, allowing more of them and the general public a better opportunity to connect with Anzac history.
   “The new website improvements add a whole new virtual-dimension, allowing more people the opportunity to connect with our Anzac history,” Mr Delahunty said.
   “Website users young and old can tap in to podcasts of lectures and important events, access digital stories of veterans, utilise the online educational resources or even take a virtual tour of significant military sites.”
   Mr Delahunty said the new website developments included new user-friendly, interactive, and educational tool features, as well as improved online access to archives, learning and volunteer opportunities, updated lists of upcoming events at the Shrine, and links to other veterans-based websites.
   He said the Government had spent $50,000 towards the redevelopment of the website.
   “Since 1934, Melbourne’s iconic Shrine of Remembrance has been at the forefront in honouring the sacrifices of Australia’s war and peacekeeping,” Mr Delahunty said.
   “Importantly, even more people in Victoria and around the world will have the opportunity to experience the Shrine of Remembrance in the comfort of their own homes, especially veterans and their families, people with a disability, students of disadvantaged backgrounds and others who otherwise may not be able to visit the Shrine in person.”
   Chief Executive of the Shrine of Remembrance, Denis Baguley said the new website allowed the Shrine to further expand its public education role in Victoria and reach out to a wider audience, and to better connect with the veterans’ community.
   The new website can be visited at this PS News link.

26 October, 2011

Councils warm to
bushfire plan

Four Councils in the Dandenong Ranges are to be the first in the State to take part in a pilot program to improve bushfire preparedness.
   Minister for Bushfire Response, Peter Ryan launched the Dandenong Ranges Bushfire Landscape Plan, which focuses on community safety and planning.
   “The Dandenong Ranges, which incorporate Yarra Ranges, Cardinia, Casey and Knox municipalities, is one of the most beautiful places to live and to visit in Victoria,” Mr Ryan said, “but the ranges also have a complex bushfire risk due to the population density, topography and vegetation.
   “The Fire Services Commissioner will pilot a new integrated approach which aims to address existing gaps in fire management plans, and identify short and long-term issues and priorities to improve bushfire safety.”
   He said the Dandenong Ranges pilot program would examine a number of issues, including public and private land management, demographics and population, community planning and preparation, and understanding fire behaviour.
   He said the landscape plan would include input from stakeholders.
   “This project is being led by the Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley, with involvement from the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria, [the Country Fire Authority], and Victoria Police as well as representatives from local churches, traditional owners, schools, sporting clubs, cultural heritage groups, traders associations, environmental groups and senior citizens,” Mr Ryan said.
   “It is the first time a plan of this kind, with such broad input, has been undertaken to look at fire planning and preparation across municipalities in such a strategic and holistic way.”
   He said the plan would include consideration of new innovations in fire prevention technology as well as traditional safety measures.
   “The Dandenong Ranges Bushfire Landscape Plan will consider short, medium and long-term fire mitigation initiatives, infrastructure improvements and contingency options which include leaving early, Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs), community fire refuges and evacuation,” he said.
   Mr Ryan said projects across the State were being supported as part of Fire Action Week (13 to 20 November) to help communities prepare, plan and respond to bushfires.

26 October, 2011

Women leaders in
skills makeover

A joint program between the Department of Human Services and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) is offering scholarships to women board members in the community sector.
   Announced by the Minister for Women’s Affairs, Mary Wooldridge, the scholarships would allow 34 female directors the opportunity to improve their expertise and skills by undertaking the AICD’S Company Directors’ course.
   Ms Wooldridge said the $180,000 initiative would be open to women throughout Victoria who were currently members of a not-for-profit board of a government-funded organisation.
   “I am confident this program will engage highly talented women and will increase their skills and experience even further,” Ms Wooldridge said.
   “It will also strengthen the governance of the not-for-profit boards that these women are on and ensure they are well-placed to serve more broadly as a director.”
   Ms Wooldridge said the scholarships were an example of an initiative that could help increase the number of women on boards of Australian companies.
   “Research released last year by McKinsey & Co showed that companies with the highest share of women executives outperform those companies with no women in the key areas of return on equity, and earnings before interest and tax,” she said.
   Information on the scholarship program could be obtained from Brenna Murphy at the Department of Human Services., on (03) 9918 7343.

26 October, 2011

Building audits for
better buildings

The Building Commission has announced an updated audit program which it believes will improve the regulation of Victoria’s building system.
   Building Commissioner, Tony Arnel revealed the new program at a meeting of building surveyors in Melbourne.
   Mr Arnel said a key component of the Commission’s risk-based auditing program was a sharpened focus on Building Surveyors – both Municipal and Private.
   “Building Surveyors are the front line of the regulatory framework,” Mr Arnel said, “which is why they will form an integral part of the audit program’s focus.”
   He said every Victorian Municipal Building Surveyor would be audited in a two-year cycle under the revamped audit program.
   “I urge all Building Surveyors to embrace the program, as it is your input from building sites that helps the Commission identify potential problem areas,” he said.
   Mr Arnel said the audit program would continue to identify the risk to public health and safety, sustainability and the amenity of the built environment.
   He said the expanded audit program would assist the Commission to further improve its risk-based approach to monitoring, enforcing and improving building standards, conduct practices, building outcomes and the overall governance of Victoria’s building industry.
   “Where breaches are identified the Commission will take appropriate action, including referral of practitioners to the independent Building Practitioners Board for consideration of disciplinary action.”
   He said the audit program and procedures were directed by an overarching policy, which was recently revised with expert opinion from leading agencies.
   Mr Arnel said these audit initiatives were among several recent Commission projects to improve compliance and enforcement policies and procedures.
   He said the projects included revised complaints management policies and procedures; a major strategic review of the consumer complaints management system; improvements to monitoring and evaluating the performance of building surveyors and the building permit system; and investigations and enforcement policies and procedures for the Commission’s Investigations Regulatory Compliance division.

26 October, 2011

Consultation hots
up on fire levy

A second stage of public consultation for the design of the new property-based Fire Services Levy has been announced by the Treasurer, Kim Wells.
   Mr Wells said the consultation exercise followed circulation of a discussion paper in June which attracted more than 100 submissions.
   He said a series of community forums would be held to enable interested Victorians to discuss the consultation paper options and provide their feedback directly, rather than by written submission.
   “The new levy will ensure all Victorian property owners pay a fair contribution for fire services, and that fire services continue to operate with sufficient resources,” Mr Wells said.
   “I encourage all interested community members to read the consultation paper and come along to a forum to have a say on the final design and implementation of the new levy.”
   He said the Fire Services Property Levy Options Paper outlined a range of levy design and implementation issues and options, including the most appropriate tax base on which to apply the levy and how to transition from the insurance-based model to a property-based model.
   “This reform will lead to a fairer, more equitable system to fund fire services in Victoria,” he said.
   Mr Wells said community forums would be held in Lilydale, Traralgon, Ballarat, Hamilton, Horsham, Kilmore, Shepparton, Bairnsdale, Mornington, Eltham, Wodonga, Geelong, Bendigo and Mildura.
   He said the Government intended to introduce legislation in early 2012, and the levy would be phased in from 1 July 2012 to allow insurers to phase out the existing insurance-based levy prior to full implementation from 1 July 2013.

26 October, 2011

High hopes for
alpine grazing

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has issued a report into the trial of cattle grazing as a bushfire risk management strategy in the State’s high country.
   At the same time the Commonwealth Government has announced a new Regulation to keep cattle out of the Alpine National Park without proper assessment of the potential for environmental damage.
   According to DSE, its report is one of a series being developed to inform the design and conduct of a long term research trial rather than addressing the effectiveness of cattle grazing in bushfire mitigation.
   DSE said the report covered the first phase of the trial. It said the findings from the first year had enabled it to progress work for the longer term research trial, which includes the completion of a science plan and the environmental management plan.
   Among its many findings, the report revealed that cattle prefer exotic grass species over native species; that deer and cattle prefer the same grazing conditions and have the same impact on the environment; most damage occurs near waterholes and along creeks; that targeted fencing may be possible in some locations; and access to the bushfire threatened sites was difficult.
   Meanwhile, the Commonwealth’s new Regulation specifies that grazing domestic stock, including cattle, in the Alpine National Park , would have a significant impact on the heritage values of the Australian Alps Heritage Area and that any future grazing activities in the area would need to be assessed under the Act.
   Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, said the Victorian Government was wrong to reintroduce cattle to the Alpine National Park and had set a “dangerous precedent” for the management of national parks across Australia.
   “The reintroduction of cattle to the Alpine National Park is the first time in generations anyone has tried to take backward steps in a National Park and I am opposed to it,” Mr Burke said.
   “The Alpine National Park is part of the Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves which are listed on the National Heritage list partly because of their rare alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems.”
   He said he was continuing to consult with State and Territory governments on a proposed new Regulation which would give extra protection to National Parks across Australia.

26 October, 2011

Police to embrace
sex crackdown

Victoria Police is to become lead Agency for the enforcement of new laws cracking down on illegal brothels and unlawful sex workers.
   Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien announced the changes saying the laws would remove barriers to police taking action against the brothel operators and provide a better balance between the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies and licensing authorities.
   “This Bill provides Victoria Police with the power to investigate brothels operating without the required planning permit, and seek orders to effectively shut down illegal brothels, similar to the powers already available to local government,” Mr O’Brien said.”
   He said Consumer Affairs Victoria would retain powers to bring court action against any licensed operator who breached sex work laws and would remain primarily responsible for monitoring compliance with the licensing system.
   He said the proceeds of crime provisions in the Confiscation Act 1997 would also apply to sex work-related offences, so that those convicted of such offences would face losing their assets.
   He said Victoria Police and Consumer Affairs Victoria were working together with other agencies and had set up an illegal brothel taskforce, involving local Councils, Australian Federal Police, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Australian Taxation Office.
   He said the Victoria Sex Industry Strategic Management Group was developing an approach to enhance the sharing of information and intelligence to assist in the identification, arrest and prosecution of illegal brothel operators in Victoria.

26 October, 2011

Project plants foot
for P-plate drivers

A world-first driver research project is to be introduced into Victoria in an effort to reduce the number of young people killed on the State’s roads.
   Announced by the Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder and Commonwealth Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King, the joint State/Commonwealth P Drivers Project would research and trial a behaviour change program for young P-plate drivers.
   Mr Mulder said the trial would focus on high-risk behaviours amongst new drivers with the aim to change behaviour to improve safety.
   “It’s a sad fact that young drivers are some of the safest drivers on our roads while on their L plates, but are most at risk of crashing in the first 6-12 months of driving on their Ps,” Mr Mulder said.
   “We will be recruiting 26,400 young drivers in Victoria and 1,600 in NSW to participate in the trial.
   “We are calling on the community and asking everyone to encourage young drivers to get involved and help keep them and their mates safe on our roads.”
   Ms King said the $10 million trial of the P Drivers Project also included funding from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), RACV and NRMA Insurance.
   She said the project had been developed to research and trial a behaviour change program for young P-plate drivers and would be tested to see how well it performed in reducing the number and severity of crashes involving new drivers.
   “This is the largest research trial of this type ever undertaken in the world which focuses on changing the behaviour of young drivers,” Ms King said.
   “Young drivers are one of the most at-risk groups travelling on our roads with P plate drivers being three times more likely to be involved in casualty crashes than experienced drivers.”

26 October, 2011

EPA to dump on
charity dumpers

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has joined with the National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations (NACRO) to launch an awareness campaign to counter the illegal dumping of rubbish and unwanted goods at local charities.
   Chief Executive of the EPA, John Merritt said the Authority would have dedicated Authorised Officers patrolling known dumping hotspots from 29 October to 1 November.
   “NACRO have asked for our support in addressing this growing problem,” Mr Merritt said, “which includes cleaning up everything from dead animals, broken bikes, old TVs and even bags of dirty nappies.”.
   “Unfortunately up to 40 per cent of all donations left at charity bins or outside stores cannot be resold and ends up in landfills.
   “It’s costing charities in Victoria up to $5 million annually.”
   Spokesman for NACRO Donald Munro said its members valued the generosity of the donating public, but were increasingly being seen as soft targets for the dumping of unwanted household waste.
   “Charities are no different to any other organisation in that we have to pay to dispose of anything we cannot sell, resulting in escalating costs and a reduction in the money available for the causes we represent,” Mr Munro said.
   “NACRO is pleased to be partnering with EPA on this initiative, which will hopefully help get the message out that dumping on charities is not acceptable.
   “We urge the public to donate responsibly - that means providing good quality items during opening hours.”
   Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith said the EPA would target known dumping hotspots.
   “This is about creating awareness and educating the community about the correct way to dispose of unwanted goods,” Mr Smith said.
   He urged the public to donate responsibly.
   “To highlight the problem and raise community awareness, the EPA will use a range of enforcement powers from issuing warnings, to fining people for dumping rubbish,” he said.
   “So our message to anyone ‘spring cleaning’ over the Melbourne Cup weekend is to choose the right way to get rid of unwanted goods.”

26 October, 2011

WorkSafe Awards
in safe hands

The annual WorkSafe Awards have been presented for 2011, recognising the best in workplace safety, health and return to work programs and policies across Victoria’s workplaces.
   Among the 11 winners were Joe O’Meara of the office of Youth Justice Custodial Services in Malmsbury for excellence in coordinating return to work efforts and Gippsland Water at Traralgon for its Annual Health and Wellbeing Program.
   Speaking at the awards, Assistant Treasurer, Gordon Rich-Phillips said they recognised the significant contribution of individuals and organisations in workplace health, safety and return to work.
   “Victorian workplaces are the safest they have ever been and we continue to see the rate of workplace injuries trending downwards,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
   “These results reflect leadership, hard work and commitment of workers, health and safety representatives, supervisors and employers right across the State.”
   Chief Executive of WorkSafe, Greg Tweedly, congratulated the winners on their remarkable achievements.
   “These individuals and businesses highlight the importance of making health and safety a priority in the workplace,” Mr Tweedly said.
   “Every worker is entitled to a safe workplace and to return home safely at the end of each day to friends, family and loved ones.”
   Mr Tweedley said Mr O’Meara’s award for Return to Work Coordinator Excellence recognised his achievements in returning an injured worker or workers to safe and sustainable work.
   He said Gippsland Water received a Special Commendation for Commitment to Workplace Health and Wellbeing for its Annual Health & Wellbeing Program.
   The full list of winners is available at this PS News link.

26 October, 2011

Skills training
put to the test

The first steps in reforming the Vocational Education and Training sector (VET) have been announced, ensuring continued support for the skills and training needed for continued economic growth.
   The steps were announced by the Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Peter Hall who said they were consistent with recommendations from the Essential Services Commission (ESC).
   “In 2011 the Victorian Government will make a record investment of around $1.2 billion in vocational training, and this is expected to increase to around $1.3 billion in 2012,” Mr Hall said.
   “As a result of the move to a market-driven system since 2008, the number of Victorians enrolling in vocational education and training has increased by more than 44 per cent over three years and the number of education providers offering government-subsidised training has risen by 36 per cent.”
   Mr Hall said there had been particularly strong growth in recreation/fitness trainers (440 per cent), hospitality (54 per cent), tourism (66 per cent), wholesale and retail (62 per cent), business and clerical studies (94 per cent), finance (50 per cent) and property services (45 per cent).
   He said the ESC’s report made more than 40 recommendations to improve fee and funding arrangements, ensuring a fair and effective market in vocational education and training.
   He said that in order to manage growth and expenditure, the Government would make a number of changes to fees and funding for 2012 that were consistent with the ESC’s findings, including taking the first step toward creating a level playing field between TAFE and non-TAFE providers by reducing the Government subsidy for TAFEs with annual turnover of more than $100 million.
   Mr Hall said other changes included bringing tuition fees for apprentices into line with the fees paid by their peers; removing the minimum and maximum fee caps charged by training providers to students; and reducing the level of Government subsidy provided for the delivery of a number of courses which have recently experienced high growth.

26 October, 2011

Safety crossings
made safer

Upgrades to around 35 pedestrian road crossings have been announced to improve safety and accessibility for people with disabilities.
   According to the Minister for Public Transport, Terry Mulder the $1.1 million program would make the existing pedestrian crossings safer and more accessible.
   “Improvements to crossings will assist people who are blind or have low vision, people in wheelchairs and those who use other mobility aids such as walking frames,” Mr Mulder said.
   “The improvements also assist other pedestrians, including people pushing prams.”
   He said the improvements s would include the installation of audible crossing signals that told people when it was safe and not safe to cross the road.
   “Pram crossings will also be widened and made easier to use for people in wheel chairs and short sections of footpaths will be built across medians.”
   Mr Mulder said the program began in 1999 with the aim of increasing safety and accessibility in local communities and to services such as public transport.
   “In addition to this specific program, VicRoads considers the needs of all road users as part of major road projects such as intersection upgrades,” he said.
   “Where appropriate, these projects include treatments that make them safer and more accessible for pedestrians.”
   He said areas to receive funding under the program included $350,000 for the metropolitan north western area of Melbourne, $347,000 for the metropolitan south eastern area of Melbourne, $92,000 across Victoria’s eastern region, $105,000 across Victoria’s northern region, $94,000 across Victoria’s south western region, and $109,000 across Victoria’s western region.

26 October, 2011

And in Other News...

Pay ballot deadline
The Community and Public Sector Union has reminded its members to vote in the protected action ballot for the new Victorian Public Service Agreement.
   The ballot closes with the Australian Electoral Commission at 10 am tomorrow (Thursday 27 October).
   Ballot papers can be obtained from this PS News link.

Bay works halted
The Department of Sustainability and Environment has called a stop to beach enhancement works at Half Moon Bay, and has launched a review into the need for the project.
   A review of the project found the beach was relatively stable and did not require sand to prevent erosion at this point in time.
   The Department said that while the Half Moon Bay project would not proceed, the Enhancing our beaches program under which it was funded would continue.

Water win
Melbourne Water has been named the inaugural Organisation of the Year at the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Australasia Awards.
   The Awards recognise and encourage projects and organisations that promote public participation.
   Managing Director of the Association, Shaun Cox said the award acknowledged Melbourne Water’s commitment to the IAP2 values, and most importantly applying these values in its day-to-day work.

Community awards presented
Five winners and three highly commended recipients have been named in the Australian Safer Communities Awards.
   Minister for Emergency Services Peter Ryan said the awards recognised innovative practice and achievements by organisations and individuals helping to build safer and more resilient communities.
   The State’s winning entries will now be considered for the 2011 Australian Safer Community Awards at a national level.
   Among the Government winners were the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB), the Country Fire Authority Manningham City Council, and Lara Primary School.

Big response to planning changes
The Victorian Planning System Ministerial Advisory Committee has received more than 500 submissions in response to its call for suggestions to improve the planning system.
   Submissions closed on 31 August and were now available on the Department of Planning and Community Development website.
   The Advisory Committee will submit a preliminary report to the Minister for Planning by the end of November 2011 and the submissions can be viewed at this PS News link.

Learning Centres coming
The first two Work and Learning Centres to be established in Victoria will be at Geelong and Carlton to help vulnerable Victorians get a job and build a better future.
   Premier Ted Baillieu said the Centres would be established near public housing areas in North Geelong and Carlton, and would be the first of five to be built on public housing sites.
   Mr Baillieu said the Centres would provide important training and employment assistance to the people in the community who needed it most.
   He said the first two Centres would be operational in the first half of 2012.

Justice forum
A two-day Aboriginal Justice Forum has been held in Warrnambool.
   The Forum included a mix of senior Government and Koori community members gathering to workshop justice priorities identified under the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement.
   The Forum was co-Chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Justice, Penny Armytage, and the Chairperson of the Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (RAJAC) in the hosting region, Denis Rose.

19 October, 2011

Public monitor to tap
into phone taps

A new “Public Interest Monitor” is to be appointed to test applications for phone taps, covert surveillance and special investigation warrants sought by police, security agencies and other bodies with investigative powers.
   Victorian Ombudsman, George Brouwer recommended the new watchdog in a recent report which found a gap in accountability arising from a lack of oversight in the use of telecommunication interception powers.
   Minister responsible for establishing an anti-corruption commission, Andrew McIntosh said the new Public Interest Monitor would play a role prior to, and at hearings of, applications for the powers.
   He said the Monitor would represent the public interest.
   “The Public Interest Monitor will provide increased accountability and oversight for integrity and law enforcement bodies,” Mr McIntosh said.
   “(It) must give an Annual Report which will be tabled in both Houses of Parliament.”
   He said the Public Interest Monitor Bill 2011 provided for the Public Interest Monitor to represent the public interest in applications relating to telecommunication intercepts and surveillance devices.
   He said the Ombudsman’s report highlighted a lack of oversight into the use of telecommunication interception powers and recommended the introduction of measures to ensure there was merits-based assessment of telecommunication intercepts in Victoria.
   Mr McIntosh said that under the legislation, the Public Interest Monitor would attend an application hearing and test the content and sufficiency of material relied upon in the application.
   He said the Principal Public Interest Monitor would be supported by Deputy Public Interest Monitors, and all the appointees would need to be Australian lawyers.
   He said the Public Interest Monitor would be independent and not subject to direction by government or any law enforcement agency.
   Mr McIntosh said the new law would apply to Victoria Police, the Office of Police Integrity (OPI), the Chief Examiner, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Department of Primary Industries and other agencies.
   Victoria Police has welcomed the move with Acting Chief Commissioner Ken Lay saying the Public Interest Monitor would strengthen oversight arrangements for the use of coercive and covert powers.
   “Victoria Police has always been very clear on its obligations to the community to responsibly and appropriately exercise its use of a range of significant investigatory powers,” Acting Chief Commissioner Lay said.

19 October, 2011

Gambling Foundation
is a sure bet

New laws that establish a Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation have been introduced into Parliament by the Minister for Gaming, Michael O’Brien.
   Mr O’Brien said the legislation, which drew on the VicHealth model, would create a service delivery body focused on tackling problem gambling and fostering responsible gambling.
   “Decisions over the funding of research, treatment and communications that were previously decided by the Minister for Gaming will be in the hands of the Foundation,” Mr O’Brien said.
   He said the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Bill 2011 would establish the new organisation which would be tasked with reducing the prevalence of problem gambling and the severity of gambling-related harm.
   He said it would also have a role in fostering responsible gambling in Victoria.
   Mr O’Brien said the Foundation would commission problem gambling research, develop and implement communication and education strategies and work with key organisations such as Gambler’s Help to deliver counselling and treatment services.
   He said the establishment of the Foundation put the day-to-day decisions about prevention programs, advertising campaigns, treatment services and problem gambling-related research into hands of an independent body.
   The Foundation is to have a Board of between seven and 11 members, three of whom would be elected Members of Parliament.
   Mr O’Brien said the Foundation was expected to be established and fully operational by mid-2012.

19 October, 2011

Mum not the word for
maternity services

The Department of Health is unable to demonstrate that much needed maternity services are provided when and where they are needed according to the Auditor-General, Des Pearson.
   In his audit report Maternity Services: Capacity, Mr Pearson said planning was critical to the delivery of effective, accessible maternity services but shortcomings in the Department’s planning approach had limited its understanding of maternity capacity in Victoria.
   He said his audit examined the capacity of maternity services in Victoria, focusing on whether access to services was timely and whether the Department and health services were planning effectively to meet current and future demand.
   Mr Pearson found that access to maternity services for antenatal, labour and birth and postnatal care was not equitable, and that the Department’s planning decisions were not based on system-level knowledge of maternity service capacity.
   “Shortcomings in the Department’s planning approach have limited its understanding of maternity capacity in Victoria,” Mr Pearson said.
   “Therefore, it cannot demonstrate that maternity services are provided when and where needed.”
   He found that the Department did not use individual health service plans to inform a system-wide view of maternity services, had limited data about the timeliness of access to antenatal services, and had not accessed external advice to inform strategic planning.
   “As a result, the Department’s planning decisions are not based on system-level knowledge of maternity service capacity,” he said.
   Mr Pearson found that improvements to the Department’s planning were underway to address the limitations.
   “More positively, the Department is now beginning to gather information on the maternity system which will allow it to reliably identify gaps in service delivery.”
   He made six recommendations following his audit, including the Department regularly measure and monitor maternity service capacity and focus on improving access to maternity services in growth areas.
   The full text of the Auditor-General’s report can be accessed at this PS News link.

19 October, 2011

Education panel to
vet VET model

A panel of two education experts has been appointed to hold public consultations on a model for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector proposed by the Essential Services Commission (ESC).
   The Commission reviewed the fees and funding of the VET sector, making 43 recommendations in its report which was tabled in Parliament.
   Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Peter Hall said the panel members would be Professor Gerald Burke and Dr Peter Veenker and they would report to him in November.
   “Professor Burke is an adjunct professor at Monash University’s Faculty of Education and a member of Skills Australia, providing advice to the Federal Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations on workforce development and skill needs,” Mr Hall said.
   He said Professor Burke was formerly Chair of the Victorian Qualifications Authority and a member of the Victorian Learning and Employment Skills Commission and the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
   He said Dr Veenker had worked in the private and public sectors in the fields of finance, management and education, including extensive experience in vocational education and training.
   “He was formerly Chief Executive of the Canberra Institute of Technology, and Chief Executive and Director of the East Gippsland Institute of TAFE, Swinburne University of Technology and Geelong’s Gordon Institute,” Mr Hall said.
   The Essential Services Commission made its sweeping recommendations in its VET Fee and Funding Review.
   Among the proposed reforms were greater information for students, employers, providers and governments; reforms to allow VET markets to operate more effectively; establishing an independent body to provide impartial assessment of VET market conditions; and expanding eligibility for a government-funded course for people with outdated qualifications.
   More information and the ESC report can be accessed at this PS News link.

19 October, 2011

Road safety gets
the numbers

Victoria’s vehicle number plates are to be modified to carry a road safety message.
   Premier Ted Baillieu announced the plan saying the particular road safety message to be adopted would be selected after community consultation.
   “What better place to reinforce road safety messages than on number plates,” Mr Baillieu said.
   “We want to hear from Victorians across the State - drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, children,” he said.
   “This is an issue that affects us all.”
   He said the move was all about getting people thinking and talking about how to improve road safety.
   Mr Baillieu’s announcement followed the launch of the regionally-targeted campaign Talk the Toll Down, which was supported by 60 regional editors and their newspapers around Victoria.
   “We must keep the community talking and thinking about road safety,” Mr Baillieu said.
   “It’s every road user’s responsibility, to take care on the roads and through this initiative, we can all talk the toll down in Victoria.”
   The Premier said the new number plates were expected to roll out next year.
   He called on people with ideas to start submitting them now to this PS News link.

19 October, 2011

Bushfire policy
safe on refuges

A new fire refuges policy has been announced by the Minister for Emergency Services, Peter Ryan.
   Mr Ryan said the new policy delivered on a key recommendation of the Bushfires Royal Commission.
   He said the new Community Fire Refuges Policy provided the framework for identifying, establishing, managing and maintaining community fire refuges in areas of very high risk.
   “Victoria is the only state in Australia to have a fire refuges policy, which has been finalised following extensive research and stakeholder consultation,” Mr Ryan said.
   “The appropriateness of establishing a community fire refuge will need careful consideration by Councils and communities against other available safety options.”
   He said the release of the refuges policy was part of the Government’s commitment to implementing all 67 recommendations from the Bushfires Royal Commission.
   Mr Ryan said that in July this year the Building Regulations 2006 were amended to establish performance standards for the construction of community refuges, pending the development of a national standard, due by mid-2012.
   He said a community fire refuge was a designated building open to the public that could provide short-term shelter from the immediate life-threatening effects of a bushfire.
   Mr Ryan said the development of the Policy had been led by Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley.
   Commissioner Lapsley said an associated Community Fire Refuges Practices and Procedures document set out the principles and guidelines to be followed when identifying, establishing, managing and operating a community fire refuge.
   He said both the Community Fire Refuges Policy and the Community Fire Refuges Practices and Procedures could be accessed at this PS News link.

19 October, 2011

Water use programs
found to be sound

The audit of a program designed to reduce water use on farms has found it had been planned and implemented effectively by the Agencies responsible.
   According to the Auditor-General, Des Pearson in his report Supporting Changes in Farming Practices: Sustainable Irrigation, the programs and projects put in place to increase on-farm water use efficiency and reduce associated environmental impacts had been successful.
   “Like any program, however, there are opportunities to become more effective and efficient,” Mr Pearson said.
   He said the audit assessed the outcomes of the Sustainable Irrigation Program (SIP) and the efficiency, effectiveness and economy of programs designed to reduce on-farm water use.
   Mr Pearson found that the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) had effectively planned and implemented the programs which reduced impacts on the environment.
   “DSE, CMAs and DPI have effectively planned and implemented a range of programs and projects to increase on-farm water use efficiency and reduce associated environmental impacts,” Mr Pearson said.
   He said his audit found that DSE and the CMAs, which were primarily responsible for sustainable irrigation programs at a State-wide and regional level, had undertaken detailed planning for the SIP.
   “This level of planning is positive, although there are opportunities to improve by assessing the relevance of key plans and updating them, and enhancing information about program effectiveness and efficiency by also reporting outcomes achieved”
   Mr Pearson said DSE was, for the most part, meeting program objectives and outcomes, but because it lacked outcome-focused performance monitoring and reporting it could not adequately show it was achieving all the expected long-term benefits of the program.
   “This absence of meaningful outcome reporting is an ongoing problem across the public sector.”
   He said it was a problem that needed to be addressed if Parliament and the community were to be assured that the expenditure of public finances was achieving the expected benefits.
   Mr Pearson recommended that DSE, DPI and the CMAs address the inefficiencies of their current reporting processes to reduce duplication and improve timeliness.

19 October, 2011

Ministers planning
motherhood committee

A Ministerial Committee is to be established to advise on ways to improve healthcare for women and newborn babies in Victoria.
   The move follows tabling of an Auditor-General’s report into Victoria’s maternity services and was announced by the Minister for Health, David Davis.
   Mr Davis said the Ministerial Perinatal Services Advisory Committee would be appointed in early 2012.
   The Auditor-General’s report made six recommendations to improve maternity services in Victoria, all of which the Department of Health has accepted.
   Mr Davis said the recommendations from the audit highlighted the need for better planning for maternity services.
   “Lack of planning across the health system has resulted in inequitable access to services, particularly in growth areas of metropolitan Melbourne,” Mr Davis said.
   He said that through the Victorian Health Priorities Framework 2012-2022, released in May, the Government was working to improve the planning and coordination of maternity services.
   He said the Government was also funding a range of initiatives to support and encourage rural maternity and obstetrics services.
   “These include postgraduate training for specialist rural GPs, and extra postgraduate scholarships in midwifery and nursing targeted at getting specialist nurses into rural settings,” he said.
   “Our funding is also building capacity for rural midwives through ongoing clinical supervision, including exposure to other health services,” Mr Davis said.

19 October, 2011

Better childcare
comes into play

All State and Territory Governments, including Victoria, have signed up to Australia’s first truly national regulatory system for early childhood education and care services.
   The move has been hailed as a significant milestone in boosting quality and transparency in Australian child care centres.
   Federal Minister for Child Care, Kate Ellis said the evidence was clear that the quality of the experiences children had in their first five years of life had a profound influence on their future wellbeing.
   “With more children than ever before being enrolled in early childhood education and care, those early experiences are being increasingly shaped by their child care experiences,” Ms Ellis said.
   “The regulations that all States and Territories have signed up to will mean that parents can now have confidence that no matter where they live and no matter what child care centre their child is attending – they will be receiving an appropriate standard of care.”
   She said the Australian Government had committed an additional $2 million to print and distribute a comprehensive set of supporting materials for child care centres to assist with the harmonisation of regulations.
   These materials would be available soon through the new national body, the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.
   Ms Ellis said the National Quality Framework was being implemented by all Australian Governments and would start to take effect from 1 January next year.
   The Minister said it would improve educator-to-child ratios so that each child received the individual time and attention he or she needed.

19 October, 2011

More bite for
wild dogs

A new advisory committee on wild dogs has been established to give local community groups more input into their control.
   Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh said the new group would provide the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) with valuable advice and reinvigorate the wild dog management committees.
   “The new Statewide committee replaces the Gippsland and North East Wild Dog Management Groups and will be supported by a number of local, community-led wild dog control groups,” Mr Walsh said.
   He said the committee would be chaired by former Executive Director of Biosecurity Victoria, Peter Bailey and include affected landholders from the north-east, north-west and Gippsland regions.
   He said it would also include representatives from the Victorian Farmers Federation, Catchment Management Authorities, the forestry plantation industry, DPI, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria.
   Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Industries, Bill Sykes said the new committee would be charged with reviewing the effectiveness of wild dog control programs and adopting national best practice.
   “We have been consulting with landowners and farm groups on what practical changes can be made to reduce wild dog predation,” Dr Sykes said.
   “Some of their suggested changes have already been made, such as ensuring wild doggers continue to have 72 hours to check traps and a commitment to introduce aerial baiting next autumn.
   “We are also reviewing trap sizes and changes to the restrictive three kilometer buffer zone.”
   Dr Sykes said the committee would liaise with the local control groups to gather important intelligence and practical knowledge to inform decision-making about control programs.

19 October, 2011

DPI workshops to be
organic donations

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is to conduct workshops across Victoria in November offering organic food producers and processors the chance to improve their efficiency and market know-how and optimise production to meet consumer demand.
   The workshops will provide the fledgling organic industry with opportunities and options to progress its markets and address supply issues.
   Agribusiness Development Officer with DPI, Cathy Mulligan said supply variability, inconsistent product quality and poor organisation were all combining to hold the industry back.
   “There is a lack of consistent supply of organically produced and processed products, which deters demand and makes it more difficult for retailers and exporters to invest in infrastructure and business relationships to support the industry,” Ms Mulligan said.
   She said the organics industry was this year valued at $445.5 million and over the next five years was expected to grow at an average 13.3 per cent a year.
   “While it is good news the organics industry is growing rapidly, the industry as a whole lacks economies of scale and remains highly fragmented, with many producers doing their own thing when it comes to supplying markets.”
   Ms Mulligan said it was unfortunate the gap between organic food production and demand in Australia was being filled by imports and the fragmented nature of the industry had made maintaining consistency in supply and quality difficult for producers.
   “However, producers and suppliers with access to a strong supply chain will have more reliable supply, understand market demand and are more likely not to have to sell at lower prices in the conventional market,” she said.
   “These are themes we will cover in the workshops.”
   She said the workshops were being funded by the Federal Government’s Enterprise Connect program and would be run by DPI, with support from the Victorian Organic Industry Committee, at Swan Hill on 15 November; Ballarat on 16 November; and Ellinbank on 17 November. The workshops are free to eligible participants.
   For more information or to register, contact Cathy Mulligan at DPI on (03) 5258 0229 or cathy.mulligan@dpi.vic.gov.au

19 October, 2011

Strong future for
disability services

A new report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has found that the number of Australians using disability support services continues to increase.
   The report, Disability Support Services 2009-10: Report on Services Provided Under the National Disability Agreement, shows the number of overall users increased by 47 per cent in the period 2004–05 to 2009–10.
   It found that nearly 300,000 people used services provided under the National Disability Agreement in 2009–10, accounting for approximately $5.8 billion of combined Government expenditure.
   According to the report, almost 45 per cent of combined Government expenditure in 2009-10 was on accommodation support, followed by community support (about 14 per cent), community access services (about 11 per cent) and employment services (about 11 per cent).
   It said that between 2004-05 and 2009-10, the number of Australians with disability using employment services rose by 83 per cent.
   Spokesman for AIHW, Sean Ackland said there were two types of employment services available to people with disability.
   “There are those that provide assistance for people in gaining paid employment in the open labour market and those that provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities to work in specialised and supported work environments,” Mr Ackland said.
   He said around a quarter of disability service users aged 15 to 64 years had some form of employment in 2009-10.

19 October, 2011

Privacy complaints
reach record levels

The Victorian Privacy Commissioner has reported a 27 per cent spike in complaints about privacy issues in 2010-11, the biggest increase since the office was established in 2001.
   The Commissioner, Helen Versey, said her Office received 2,575 enquiries during the year that included 345 that could have become formal complaints against public sector agencies.
   She said 73 of the 345 progressed into complaints after the complainant unsuccessfully attempted to resolve the matter direct with the organisation complained about.
   Ms Versey said complaints about the alleged inappropriate use and disclosure of personal information was the greatest area of concern for most complainants (48) with data security the second most common with 38.
   She said 21 complaints related to the collection of information and 34 were about data quality.
   She said many complaints related to infringements of the Information Privacy Principles.
   “Technology today means that small mistakes can result in massive data breaches,” Ms Versey said.
   “Privacy needs to be part of every organisation’s risk management strategy.”
   She said the organisations most successful in embracing the Privacy Principles were those in which leadership was from the top and sufficient resources were allocated to privacy and privacy awareness within the organisation.
   The Privacy Commissioner’s Annual Report also revealed that 32 complaints were referred to conciliation with 25 being successful, which was a 78 per cent success rate.
   “Common outcomes achieved in successfully conciliated complaints included apologies; reviews of, or changes to, an organisation’s privacy policies or information handling practices; privacy training for an organisation’s staff; reimbursement of expenses; and financial compensation.”
   Ms Versey said she received seven notifications from organisations seeking assistance following significant privacy breaches and de-identified examples of PS breach notifications, complaints and enquiries were included in her report.
   She also reported that during 2010-11, Privacy Victoria delivered 165 privacy awareness and training activities to more than 3,000 staff from about 144 public sector organisations, including Local Councils.
   She said by 30 June, online training had been organised for over 4,000 staff from 13 PS agencies through a low-cost online training course made available from March 2011.
   The Privacy Commissioner’s full report can be accessed at this PS News link.

19 October, 2011

Equal opportunity
goes regional

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has launched a consultation process to uncover issues relating to human rights in regional areas.
   The Commission said it consulted with different community groups each year and in the past had produced reports on the rights of people with a disability, women’s rights, children’s rights and the right to self-determination for Aboriginal people.
   “This year, we are consulting with people in regional Victoria,” it said.
   “We believe the voices of people who live in regional Victoria are not being adequately heard in major discussions about human rights at a State-wide level.
   The Commission said the 2010 Parliamentary Inquiry into Regional Disadvantage found that people living in regional Victoria were not being heard.
   It said it was keen to hear from regional Victorians about the big issues affecting them and what the Commission could do to help and would be asking them about their experience of human rights, how they responded to issues and how they dealt with the challenges in their region.
   It said it wanted to know what people in regional areas thought needed to be done to protect the basic human rights of all people in regional Victoria.
   To find out this information, the Commission has launched an online survey and face-to-face discussions designed to generate comment.
   It said by answering the short survey about their experiences, people in the regions would be helping it better understand what it could do to help.
   It said the survey was completely private and did not ask for a name. Any identifying details would be kept confidential.
   The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission survey can be accessed until 14 November 2011 at this PS News link.
   The face-to-face forums would be held at Wangaratta on 18 October and Warrnambool on 8 November 2011with more information available from this PS News link.

19 October, 2011

Alcohol campaign
to protect young

An education campaign explaining the potential harm caused by supplying alcohol to young people has been launched by the Ministers for Mental Health, Mary Wooldridge and Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien.
   The $1 million program is a joint effort between Government Agencies, VicHealth and the Australian Drug Foundation and aims to ensure young Victorians and parents are aware of a new law governing the supply of alcohol to people under the age of 18.
   Ms Wooldridge and Mr O’Brien said the campaign would include advertisements in newspapers, on bus and tram stops and online with a new website developed to host webinars, podcasts and community forums.
   “Previous law on the supply of alcohol to minors did not apply to private homes, which on occasion resulted in adults supplying alcohol to minors without their parents’ knowledge,” the Ministers said.
   “From 1 November, it will be against the law to serve alcohol in a private home to anyone under 18, without parental or guardian consent.
   “Anyone breaking the law could be fined up to $7,000.”
   They said that a third of all Victorian secondary students were binge drinking each week, putting them at risk of short-term harm, such as injury or sexual assault.
   The new law was intended to help prevent that harm.
   “As part of the campaign, there will also be an interactive education program which will help parents discuss this issue with their children,” the Ministers said.
   They said for more information about the new law or to request an education pack interested readers could visit the VicHealth website at this PS News link.

19 October, 2011

New Commissioner
does the business

Victoria’s new Small Business Commissioner has commenced work.
   Minister for Small Business, Louise Asher welcomed the former Deputy Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, Geoff Browne, to the job saying it would help many Victorians avoid the disruption often associated with small business disputes.
   Ms Asher said Mr Browne was appointed following an extensive search.
   “Mr Browne’s strong leadership skills and his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors in senior management roles makes him an outstanding appointment to the role of Commissioner,” Ms Asher said.
   She said he replaced Peter Lisle who had been acting in the role for the past 18 months after Mark Brennan was appointed Director of Liquor Licensing.
   She congratulated Mr Lisle on his contribution saying he was a “tireless advocate for small business.
   “I thank Mr Lisle for his extremely valuable contribution.”
   Ms Asher said Mr Browne had been responsible for a number of important functions after joining Consumer Affairs Victoria as Deputy Director in 2005.
   She said these included leading organisational change, providing strategic direction and advice, ensuring the effective delivery of Consumer Affairs’ services to Victorians, implementing program management and overseeing numerous major projects.
   She said Mr Browne had also been a Trustee of the Travel Compensation Fund, a member of the Australian Business Register Advisory Board and Chair of the Legal and Governance Working Group for the Business Names National Reform COAG project.
   He holds a Masters Degree and First Class Honours Degree in Economics and a Graduate Diploma in Company Secretarial Practice.

19 October, 2011

Fire management
code flares up

Public comment has been invited on a proposed Code of Practice for fire management on public land.
   According to the Director of Strategy at the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Gil Marshall, the Code provides a framework for the management of fire, including planned burning and bushfire response, on Victoria’s public land.
   Mr Marshall said reviewing the Code was a recommendation of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission and would support ongoing improvement in fire management on public land.
   “The draft Code of Practice seeks to establish strategies and actions to help DSE and its partner agencies work together better, and manage fire to a consistently high standard across the State,” Mr Marshalll said.
   He said the key features of the Code included clearly articulated objectives with measurable outcomes; a risk analysis framework to support fire management planning; and an improved monitoring, reporting and evaluation section based on science and continuous learning
   “Since the Code of Practice was last reviewed in 2006 a lot has happened to influence how fire is managed in Victoria.
   “The Code of Practice needs to be updated to keep pace with new fire management techniques and community expectations.”
   Mr Marshall said the draft Code clearly stipulated the objectives for fire management on public land so there was a clear purpose when undertaking works on the ground.
   He said a 60-day public consultation period had been opened with comments received until 2 December.
   The draft Code is accessible on the DSE website at this PS News link.

19 October, 2011

And in Other News...

State records surplus
The Victorian Government recorded a net surplus of $517 million for the 2010-11 financial year, according to the 2010-11 Annual Financial Report.
   Treasurer Kim Wells said the weaker national economy in the course of the year translated into a $512 million reduction in Victoria’s GST revenue for 2010-11, and the floods of late 2010 and early 2011 affected more than 20 per cent of the state.
   Mr Wells said the 2010-11 financial result included savings of $164 million achieved through a $2.2 billion savings plan to cut Government waste and duplication, including reductions in advertising, consultancies and Ministerial staff.
   The report can be accessed at this PS News link.

Magistrates overhaul website
The Magistrates Court of Victoria is undertaking a review and redevelopment of its website.
   The aim is to improve the usability of the site and improve the online service that the Court provides to its stakeholders through feedback from users.
   A survey, accessible at this PS News link, will be online until 25 October 2011.

Innovation ideas wanted
Expressions of interest for round two of the Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program are now open.
   Up to $6 million of funding is available for Victoria-based projects which develop new ways of working and improving productivity in business, government and the community sector, using high-capacity broadband.
   Information sessions for potential applicants will be held across metropolitan and regional Victoria. For further information, including program guidelines, details of how to apply and information sessions, visit this PS News link.
   Expressions of interest close on Friday 4 November 2011.

Cats go to water
Geelong’s Kardinia Park is to be kept green through sustainable stormwater reuse technology.
   Completion of the stormwater project will improve the security of the park’s water supply by capturing up to 20 million litres of water a year, reducing reliance on potable water and allowing the park to be watered during dry conditions.
   The project will divert the equivalent of about eight Olympic-sized swimming pools of stormwater each year into underground storage.
   The stored water will be treated and used to irrigate the stadium, the two outer ovals and parklands in the vicinity. The turf will also be replaced with drought-tolerant grass to lower the demand for watering.

Research funds available
A major research fund for treating persons with a mental illness has been unveiled by Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge.
   The $10 million Mental Illness Research Fund will support a small number of grants, possibly three to five, to facilitate innovative research, which can translate into real improvements for Victorians with a mental illness.
   An expert advisory committee, chaired by Professor Bruce Tonge, will provide advice on the Fund, including on the research agenda for the grants, with support provided by Neurosciences Victoria. The application round will open once the research agenda and strategic priorities are finalised in coming months. To express interest in the consultation process, email info@neurosciencesvic.com.au

12 October, 2011

Privacy complaints
reach record levels

Planning in place
for danger season

Victorian police, fire authorities and other emergency services have met with the national body, Emergency Management Australia (EMA) as part of their preparations for the upcoming bushfire and disaster season.
   Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said the operational briefings, which were being held in every State and Territory, would also include other Commonwealth agencies such as the Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia, the Australian Defence Force and Centrelink.
   “Last summer, Victorians endured some of the worst floods the State had seen in many years,” Mr McClelland said.
   “The damage to property and communities across Victoria was enormous.”
   He said preparations for the upcoming disaster season had been under way for some months and the operational briefing included advice from experts with the Bureau of Meteorology and Geoscience Australia on the types of threats the State faced.
   “The experts are expecting a high risk of grassland fires due to above average levels of growth throughout the State, along with higher than average temperatures, while strong moisture levels in the soil means experts are advising the risk of forest fires will be moderate,” Mr McClelland said.
   “There will also be above average severe storm activity.”
   He said the advice was that Victoria could expect a difficult time over summer.
   He said the national/State briefings around the country were a key recommendation of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.
   “Australian Government Agencies will provide a comprehensive overview of the support and services available to States and Territories during disasters and emergencies,” Mr McClelland said.
   “The Commonwealth works with communities to prevent, prepare, respond and recover from disasters – from disaster mitigation initiatives, and community awareness and warning measures, through to disaster relief and recovery support.”
   He said the operational briefing included information on the availability of Commonwealth assets, including the Defence Force; cooperative response procedures under the Australian Emergency Management Arrangements; seasonal outlooks from the Bureau of Meteorology in relation to severe fire weather and cyclone activity; and the bushfire detection and mapping capabilities of Geoscience Australia.

12 October, 2011

Equal opportunity
goes regional

Alcohol campaign
to protect young

New Commissioner
does the business

Concerted effort
against con men

New South Wales has joined Victoria in a cooperative effort to tackle travelling con men and groups who rip off consumers with dishonest offers of home improvements and repairs.
   Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts and the Victorian Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien launched a national travelling con men hotline saying the new resource would help jurisdictions across the country combat itinerant traders who took advantage of consumers.
   Mr Roberts said the new hotline, 1300 133 408, would allow anyone across Australia to call up and report itinerant rip-offs.
   “Each year, fair trading agencies across the country receive hundreds of reports about travelling con men ripping off consumers with cheap and dodgy home repairs,” Mr Roberts said.
   “A New South Wales Fair Trading taskforce is leading a new national strategy against travelling con men.
   “Information from the national hotline will be fed directly to the taskforce for analysis and follow-up.”
   He said the hotline was an initiative that grew from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that set out principles of co-operation between New South Wales and Victoria in the fight against travelling con men.
   Mr Roberts said all Australian governments were supporting new initiatives to stamp out what for too long had been considered civil offences.
   “We are asking the public, the media and every Australian to get behind the work of this taskforce and support government agencies across Australia as they combat these gangs,” he said.
   Michael O’Brien said Consumer Affairs Victoria had achieved significant results from a travelling con men campaign that ran over the summer of 2009/10.
   “When Consumer Affairs Victoria and Crime Stoppers worked together last year, the reports of travelling con men dropped, as they knew we were onto them and they moved on,” Mr O’Brien said.
   “The implementation of Australian Consumer Law has helped build the capacity of fair trading agencies across the country to work in co-operation,” he said.
   The Ministers said signs that an offer of home repairs may be dubious included uninvited visits and offers; cheap quotes on home improvement or repair work that are cash-only, and today only; pressure on the consumer into accepting immediately; and payment demanded before any work began.

12 October, 2011

Productivity slips
as wealth rises

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has found that on average, Australians were less productive in 2010 than they were 10 years earlier.
   It also found they were living longer, were better educated and had higher incomes.
   In its paper, Measures of Australia’s Progress: Summary Indicators 2011 the ABS says that the average life expectancy of Australians’ had improved by two to three years, higher education qualifications were held by more of the population and average incomes had grown by an extra $8,200 over the decade.
   Against this it found that productivity - the efficiency with which an economy transforms inputs into outputs – had fallen by 2.1 percentage points.
   There had also been progress in other areas with unemployment dropping from 6.3 per cent in 2000 to 5.2 per cent in 2010, and average household incomes for both low and middle income Australians growing by more than a third (38 per cent).
   National wealth per person (real net worth) had risen from $285,700 in 2000 to $308,500 in 2010.
   The ABS says however there was more to progress than economic factors - the number of Australian animal species threatened with extinction had increased from 332 in 2000 to 432 in 2010 and greenhouse gas emissions in 2009 were 13 per cent higher than they were in 1999.
   Deputy Australian Statistician at the ABS, Trevor Sutton, said Measures of Australia’s Progress: Summary Indicators, presented reliable, easy-to-understand information that described how Australia was progressing across a range of social, economic and environmental measures.
   “Measures of Australia’s Progress is one of the most important publications the ABS produces for the Australian public,” Mr Sutton said.

12 October, 2011

Fire management
code flares up

Weeds report cuts
issue down to size

A new report on the management of weeds and rabbits on roadsides in rural Victoria has found that responsibility lies with the local Councils.
   Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh said the independent report ended years of buck passing between Councils and nearby farmers.
   “The report finds farmers and landholders should not be responsible for managing weeds and rabbits on public roadsides,” Mr Walsh said.
   He said the deadlock over who should fund and control roadside weeds and pests could be dated back to the passage of the Road Management Act in 2004 which “created chaos and confusion” as to whether Councils or neighbouring land owners were responsible.
   He said the report’s recommendations also confirmed current practice that the Victorian Government should be responsible for funding the control of State and regionally prohibited weeds.
   Mr Walsh said the report found regionally controlled weeds such as gorse and ragwort should be the responsibility of VicRoads on State roads and Local Government on municipal roads.
   “The report makes a major advance by recommending Councils adopt plans for controlling only those weeds on roads which are of priority for their community,” Mr Walsh said
   “Weeds that are not a priority for the local community would not have to be controlled by Councils, representing a major cost saving for Local Government.”
   Mr Walsh thanked the members of the working group, which included representatives of State and Local Government, the Victorian Farmers Federation and the Municipal Association of Victoria.
   He said the Government welcomed the certainty provided by the group’s recommendations and would work with Local Government on possible funding and implementation as part of its formal response.
   The 42-page report Roadside Weeds and Pests: Recommended responsibilities for action, can be accessed at this PS News link.

12 October, 2011

Hard heads to
save hard hats

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has launched a new initiative to recycle hundreds of old hard hats.
   The plan is to turn them into other useful things such as park benches.
   Warehouse Manager with DSE, Jeremy Bowen said the hard hats worn by field staff at work needed to be replaced every three years to maintain their protective values.
   “Because we have so many hard hats throughout DSE and Parks Victoria for firefighting staff and other field staff, and they are such tough items, we decided to call the old ones in and recycle them into everyday items,” Mr Bowen said.
   “Given we replace just under 2,000 helmets a year and it takes about 550 hard hats to make a park bench, it won’t take long until we have enough!”
   He said the recycling program had been so popular with DSE and Parks Victoria fire fighters that it had been expanded across Victoria so staff could send in their old hard hats from anywhere in the State to the DSE warehouse at Altona.
   “We are now looking at collecting other types of plastic waste and have already added about 3,000 plastic tags to the collection to be recycled,” Mr Bowen said.
   He said the helmets and plastic tags would be taken to a local recycling company for sorting, processing and then turned into a range of goods including benches and other outdoor products.
   The company concerned runs a project supported by Sustainability Victoria which involves schools recycling their plastic bags and packaging in exchange for credits to purchase the products made from the plastic collected through the program.
   “As part of the hard hat recycling scheme, we are also hoping to get the recyclers to produce items that DSE can buy back and use ourselves, such as bollards and office chairs,” Mr Bowen said.

12 October, 2011

Union ups ante
on pay impasse

The Community and Public Sector Union has set legal procedures in train to initiate protected industrial action across the Victorian Public Service.
   According to the Union, the move is necessary because negotiations with the Government over a pay increase have reached an impasse.
   Victorian Branch Secretary of the CPSU, Karen Batt said that months of talks had failed to budge the Government from its position of a 2.5% annual salary increase despite the official cost of the living running at 3.6%.
   “The Government is only interested in reaching agreement if it’s on their terms which means taking a real wage cut,” Ms Batt said.
   “A Protected Action Ballot has now been ordered by Fair Work Australia.”
   She said the protected industrial action can only apply to CPSU members covered by the Public Service Agreement 2009.
   “Other CPSU members are not affected and not involved at this time.”
   She said the ballot will be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission and eligible members would soon receive a ballot paper asking if they agreed to take industrial action in support of reaching a new Enterprise Agreement.
   “The question will only require one simple Yes or No answer,” Ms Batt said.
   “Vote Yes to send a message to the Government that its 2.5% p.a. is not good enough.
   “Vote Yes to give our union negotiators the option of taking the specified industrial action should it be necessary.”
   She said by voting Yes, the members would make legal any industrial action that may be taken.
   She said the type of action most likely would be bans and stoppages but a full list would be on the ballot paper.
   More information about the campaign, the ballot or the negotiations to date are available from the CPSU at this PS News link or on phone (03) 9639 1822.

12 October, 2011

Good and bad in
disability audit

The Auditor-General has found that a program being run by the Department of Human Services that allows people with disability to manage their own support services themselves is highly popular and effective but could be managed better.
   In his audit report Individualised Funding for Disability Services, Auditor-General Des Pearson said the program of Individual Support Packages (ISPs) for people with disability was providing good outcomes and all concerned were enthusiastic about the program and its potential.
   “However, benefits are not consistently delivered. Application processes are burdensome, allocation decisions can lack consistency and transparency, and DHS needs greater assurance that funds are spent appropriately,” Mr Pearson said.
   He said under the program, flexible funding packages were offered to people with disability allowing them to manage the funds themselves.
   “At least 7,800 Victorians have an ISP, accounting for 19 per cent of DHS disability funds,” the Auditor-General found.
   He said the scheme was empowering people with disabilities and promoting their dignity and independence.
   “These successes, however, highlight the importance of allocating ISPs fairly,” Mr Pearson said.
   “Accessing an ISP is unnecessarily complex and people are not treated consistently.
   “This is leading to inequitable outcomes, which is exacerbated by the fact that demand for ISPs exceeds supply.”
   He made 11 recommendations in his report including a call for the Department of Human Services to improve its training and guidance of staff to ensure consistency and fairness in assessing applications and developing a risk-based audit system for ISP users.
   The full text of the Auditor-General’s report can be accessed at thisPS News link.

12 October, 2011

Green agency
seeing red

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) almost doubled its legal caseload in the past financial year, cracking down on businesses behaving badly and winning prosecutions in court.
   According to the Chief Executive of the EPA, John Merritt, the prosecutions led to penalties of $2.5 million for community programs or compliance works, as well as more
   than $400,000 in direct fines.
   Mr Merritt said the Agency also issued 269 ‘Pollution Abatement’ Notices’ and ‘Clean Up’ Notices compared to 171 in 2009-10, after reforming its regulatory systems and compliance and enforcement role.
   “In the last financial year we had 26 prosecutions, up from 14 the previous
   year,” Mr Merritt said.
   “On average we’ve had one successful prosecution a fortnight.”
   He said among the companies successfully taken to court were Eco-Chem Pty Ltd, fined $25,000 and ordered to pay $265,000 in compensation for breaching its waste storage licence; Visy Paper, ordered to pay $100,000 for a chemical incident that saw 14 people admitted to hospital after being exposed to a gas cloud; shipping company Boskalis Australia, ordered to pay Swinburne University $75,000 towards a PhD project on water of turbidity in coastal areas following an oil spill in Port Phillip Bay; and Enviro Fill Greenvale, fined $200,000 plus clean-up costs of $59,000 for allowing building and other waste to be dumped in two former quarry sites in Greenvale.
   “One of our key responsibilities is to enforce the law,” Mr Merritt said.
   “We said we would prosecute where business is not doing the right thing by the community and we have.
   He said prosecution was always the final option but Victorians had a right to expect to be protected if business was polluting their local environment.

12 October, 2011

Workplace watchdog
leading the way

The national Fair Work Ombudsman claims to be ‘leading by example’ by improving entitlements for parental leave for his staff in a new Enterprise Agreement which came into effect last month.
   The 2011-14 Agreement increases access to parental leave for both parents following the birth of a baby.
   According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, Nicholas Wilson, mothers covered by the Agreement who have just given birth are now entitled to 16 weeks parental leave on full pay, up from 14 weeks, and her partner is eligible for four weeks on full pay, up from three weeks under the previous Agreement.
   The latest Agreement also includes a new entitlement to paid primary caregiver’s leave if the partner of the birth mother is required to be the primary caregiver of the baby for any time in the first 16 weeks from the birth.
   Mr Wilson said the entitlements were in addition to those available under the Federal Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme.
   Mr Wilson said the Agency had gone beyond its minimum legal obligations to develop a parental leave policy that was tailored to employee needs but also benefited the Agency.
   “Implementing generous, innovative and flexible parental leave policies can help employers boost their productivity and performance,” Mr Wilson said.
   “Employers with parental leave policies that make employees feel valued can benefit from having more committed and productive staff.”
   He said the new FWO Agreement also provided for employees to receive superannuation payments while on paid and unpaid parental leave and enshrined the provision of paid lactation breaks for mothers.
   He said the new Agreement covered about 950 employees who also received a four per cent pay increase when it began and would enjoy a three per cent rise in July 2012 and two per cent in July 2013.
   Mr Wilson said his Office had also produced a Parental Leave Best Practice Guide to assist other employers develop policies to provide optimal support for employees accessing parental leave and it also offered other Best Practice Guides on work and family, individual flexibility arrangements, consultation and co-operation, young workers, gender pay equity, small business and the Fair Work Act, bargaining, privacy, managing underperformance and dispute resolution
   He said they could all be downloaded from this PS News link.

12 October, 2011

Cosmetic laws
get better look

New laws that regulate the ingredients in cosmetics have been passed by the Australian Parliament.
   According to the Commonwealth’s Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, the new laws will cut red tape, eliminate overlapping regulation between Federal Agencies and better protect public health.
   “The regulation of ingredients in cosmetics has been split between the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) which has been confusing for consumers and a burden on industry,” Ms King said.
   “This new legislation finalises the transfer of the regulation of these ingredients to NICNAS while also allowing any conditions which have been put on their use by TGA, to be transferred to NICNAS.”
   She said the new law meant that the ingredients would automatically be included in the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS) without requiring further assessment by NICNAS.
   “This both addresses a public health gap and will reduce the regulatory burden on industry.”
   She said the new laws would also mean that consumers could find information about the regulation of cosmetic ingredients in one place.
   “It also removes the need for NICNAS to prepare and publish a summary report for each chemical assessment as NICNAS now publishes the full public report for each assessment on the NICNAS website.”
   She said the new legislation also made minor technical amendments to the Schedule to the Act to clarify certain data requirements for new chemicals and maintain consistency with other national chemical notification schemes.

12 October, 2011

New health app is
feelgood project

The Department of Health has launched a new, free, application for iPhone and iPad users to help them locate local health services and learn more about medical conditions and treatments.
   The Better Health Channel mobile phone app was unveiled by the Minister for Health, David Davis who said it “extended the reach” of the Better Health Channel, Australia’s number one health and medical website.
   “Now, thanks to this new app, iPhone and iPad users can search for and locate an extensive range of health services throughout Victoria including doctors, dentists, pharmacists and physiotherapists,” Mr Davis said.
   “The app also allows people to get quick access to hundreds of Better Health Channel medical conditions and treatments fact sheets, anywhere at anytime.”
   He said thanks to the digital media age, the app would place trusted health information in people’s hands and connect them with a range of services including counselling, occupational therapy and child services.
   “In a recent online study, nearly three quarters of the Australian population went online last year to access health and medical information,” Mr Davis said.
   He said the app built on the Better Health Channel’s past success in delivering the best available health and medical information almost instantly.
   “The app helps people make better informed health decisions by providing easy to understand health information articles that can be searched by category, body part, or with the helpful A-Z index,” he said.
   “It also includes first aid information and procedures to a range of common injuries to help users respond confidently in critical moments.”
   Mr Davis said anyone who owned an iPhone or iPad could download the app for free by visiting the Better Health Channel website at this PS News link or the Better Health Channel facebook page at this PS News link or by searching ‘Better health’ in the Apple app store.

12 October, 2011
Social event planned
A social networking event is to be hosted on Thursday the 13th of October by Pride in Transport, the transport portfolio’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and gender diverse people group.
   Planned for the Locanda Bar at Rydges Hotel in Exhibition Street, the after-work event is open to everyone in the VPS and will be the second for the year after the highly successful first attracted around 90 people
   According to Jason Bradley from DOT, Pride in Transport is a VPS first and serves to create an inclusive work environment where GLBTI people are recognised and supported.
   For more information email pridein.transport@transport.vic.gov.au

Car crackdown continues
Consumer Affairs Victoria intensified its crackdown on unlicensed and unlawful motor car traders in the last financial year with more than 100 reports of suspected unlicensed motor car traders received to the end of June.
   Fifteen court actions were finalised during the year with CAV succeeding in securing convictions, good behaviour bonds, financial penalties and compensation amounting to around $158,000.

Heritage register a winner
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria’s online information management system the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register Information System (ACHRIS) has won an award at the Victorian Spatial Excellence Awards.
   The system took out the People and Community award.
   The awards recognise the achievements of top online information projects of the Victorian technology industry.

More police on the beat
Uniformed Victoria Police are to become more conspicuous on the streets from next month with 125 extra general duties positions allocated to Police Service Areas (PSAs) across the State.
   The additional officers are part of a recruitment program aiming to add 1,700 police officers to the State force by November 2014.

5 October, 2011

Workplace safety
put on hold

The Assistant Treasurer has called on the Federal Government to delay the introduction of national Work Health and Safety Regulations for 12 months.
   The national system is due to start on 1 January 2012.
   Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said the Commonwealth had not provided the information needed to assess fully the impacts of the national laws on Victoria, and details of the package were yet to be finalised despite the looming start date.
   “The Victorian Government supports the principle of OHS harmonisation,” Mr Rich-Phillips said, “however we need to be able to assess the benefits and costs to Victoria, to ensure that the proposed package is in Victoria’s interests.
   “As the Commonwealth has not provided that information, the Victorian Government has started work on a supplementary independent Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) to assess the impact of the proposed laws.”
   He said the State would not be in a position to proceed until a Victorian-specific RIS had been undertaken and evaluated and that would take several months.
   “Delays have occurred in the Commonwealth finalising key parts of the package,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
   “The model regulations were released three months behind the agreed schedule and are still not finalised; the final National Regulatory Impact Statement was released four months behind schedule, and does not quantify the impacts on Victoria as promised; and the draft Codes of Practice have only just been released this week, and will be open for public comment until mid-December.
   “A 12 month delay will allow these issues to be addressed, and provide businesses with a greater opportunity to prepare for transition.”
   He said the State Government recognised the importance to businesses of adequate transition timeframes and was committed to ensuring they were given them.
   Victoria joins Western Australia in calling for the delay.

5 October, 2011

Lessons learned in new
learning environments

The University of Melbourne is to be the first in Australia to introduce custom-designed learning environments, tipped to be the way of the future for university graduates.
   The university has announced it will open seven graduate learning spaces over the next year with the first three officially opened by the Federal Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr, last week.
   The three new facilities link to the University’s Graduate Schools of Education, Science and Land and Environment.
   Senator Carr said they would enable the university to extend its expertise in learning-environment design.
   He said the Australian Government had supported the infrastructure development that would enable academics to deliver lasting returns to the community.
   “They develop their skills and expertise in learning environments designed for the specific needs of professional graduate programs,” Senator Carr said.
   He said the Commonwealth’s spending on the projects was designed to build a strong and vibrant tertiary education sector with modern education and research facilities.
   He said the funding had enabled the University of Melbourne to fast-track a major capital works program, turning more than 13,000m2 of traditional facilities into an integrated suite of contemporary teaching and learning spaces.
   Senator Carr said the infrastructure would benefit students, staff, researchers and, ultimately, the nation.

5 October, 2011

Council panel to
offer counsel

A new panel to advise the Minister for Local Government has been announced.
   The Minister, Jeanette Powell, said an interim Local Government Ministerial-Mayors’ Advisory Panel had been set up with five Mayors appointed from the five Council groupings in Victoria.
   “The delivery of this election commitment highlights the Coalition Government’s determination to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the relationship between State Government and Local Government in Victoria,” Mrs Powell said.
   “The Ministerial-Mayors’ Advisory Panel (MMAP) will facilitate more meaningful, better informed dialogue between the two arms of government in Victoria.”
   She named the members of the MMAP as:

Cr Robert Doyle (Melbourne) representing inner metropolitan Councils;
Cr Sue McMillan (Knox) representing outer metropolitan Councils;
Cr Helen Patsikatheodorou (Hume) representing interface Councils;
Cr Michael Ryan (Horsham) representing regional cities; and
Cr Neil Pankhurst (Campaspe) representing rural Councils.

   She said the members of the interim Panel would provide high level strategic advice on the range of legislative, regulatory, strategic and policy decisions that impacted on and required a partnership between the State Government and Local Government.
   The Ministerial-Mayors’ Advisory Panel will also serve as an important conduit of communication between Councils with quite different needs and challenges,” Mrs Powell said.
   “It’s important the five Council groupings will hear how their associates from different regions deal with different issues.
   She said the Panel would improve efficiency at both levels of government and enable them to work together towards a better Victoria.
   Mrs Powell said the Minister for Local Government would chair the Panel which would meet at regular intervals.

5 October, 2011

More memories for
Police Memorial

Two Police Officers from Queensland, Sergeant Daniel Stiller and Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding, have had their names added to the National Police Memorial wall in Canberra, as part of National Police Remembrance Day last week.
   The two new names join those of 750 officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty across Australia since the first recorded police death in 1803.
   This year’s event focused on the role of women in policing, with 13 policewomen listed on the National Police Memorial since the appointment of the first female police officers in 1915.
   Acting Chief Commissioner Ken Lay said 29 September was one of the most important days on the police calendar.
   “National Police Remembrance Day is a time for all Victorians to come together and remember the 157 dedicated police who have tragically lost their lives serving their community,” Mr Lay said.
   “We pay tribute to them and their loved ones, whose loss is even greater than ours.”
   He said the community should never forget that each member of the police force killed in the line of duty has meant that someone has lost a father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother or sister.
   “As police officers, National Police Remembrance Day also serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers we face in our profession day in and day out.”
   National Police Remembrance Day is also the Feast Day of Saint Michael the Archangel, the Patron Saint of Police.
   Minister for Police, Peter Ryan announced on the day that a new fund would be established to ensure the grave sites of officers killed in the line of duty were maintained and prevented from falling into disrepair.
   “There are about six sites that require restoration,” Mr Ryan said.
   “The vast majority of graves of our 157 police officers who bravely lost their lives protecting others are lovingly maintained by relatives of the fallen.
   “The Police Graves Memorial Fund will ensure the remaining police graves that aren’t currently maintained can be restored and forever honoured and remembered.”
   He said it was a mark of respect to do so.

5 October, 2011

Consumer watchdogs
let off the leash

Staff from Consumer Affairs Victoria have hit the roads to the regions this week, heading to the NSW border for a joint education and compliance program with their interstate colleagues from Fair Trading NSW.
   The combined agencies will be visiting businesses, making presentations to community groups and discussing consumer concerns with the people in Albury, Wodonga and surrounding towns.
   On the way to Albury-Wodonga, CAV personnel are visiting regional centres including Wangaratta, Seymour and Euroa, dropping in on motor car traders, conveyancers and retailers to educate and check compliance with relevant legislation.
   According to the Acting Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, Geoff Browne the fair trading and consumer agencies from both States answer thousands of enquiries about anything from the latest scam doing the rounds to what a person’s rights are when they’re trying to get a refund.
   “The same queries from traders and consumers emerge on both sides of the border so it makes sense for these agencies to work together to address common concerns,” Mr Browne said.
   “This joint exercise will strengthen what is already a valuable and productive relationship between the States.
   “It is building a strong foundation for a more co-ordinated approach to education, compliance and enforcement activities.”
   He said this was particularly relevant since the new Australian Consumer Law (ACL), came into force across Australia on 1 January this year, meaning that whether consumers were in Ballarat or Burke, the laws were the same in relation to refunds and consumer guarantees, unfair contract terms, unsolicited sales and product safety.
   Mr Browne said confident consumers, aware of their rights and responsibilities, were more likely to make decisions that promoted their interests and similarly, traders who understood their obligations to consumers would be less likely to flout the law.

5 October, 2011

Violence programs
funded for women

Two community organisations in Victoria are to be the first in Australia to receive funding under a national plan to reduce violence against women and children.
   Federal Minister for the Status of Women, Kate Ellis said the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children brought together the efforts of governments across the nation to make a real and sustained reduction in the levels of violence against women.
   Ms Ellis said the inTouch Multicultural Centre against Family Violence and the Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre would share in a total of $472,000 over the next three years under the plan.
   “All forms of violence against women are unacceptable in any community and in any culture and it is everyone’s responsibility to reject and prevent violence,” Ms Ellis said.
   “These grants will support activities that prevent, respond to, and speak out against violence, change community attitudes and behaviours, and encourage community responsibility to support the reduction of violence against women.”
   She said a range of projects would support different communities with the two Victorian projects specifically targeting culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
   She said the InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence would work with Indian, Sudanese, Vietnamese and Croatian communities across Victoria to prevent violence against women.
   She said through the project, community leaders would engage with each community through education activities.
   Ms Ellis said the Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre would receive funding to implement its Healthy Relationships in a New Culture project for newly arrived Sudanese, Somali, Indian and Iraqi communities in the Darebin area, including Arabic, Assyrian/Chaldean, and Kurdish people.
   “This innovative project will support the development of curriculum and other culturally relevant information, including lessons on the importance of healthy and respectful relationships,” she said.
   “Changing community attitudes is a long-term challenge.
   “By working together and challenging the attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to occur, all levels of government are saying a very loud ‘no’ to violence,” Ms Ellis said.

5 October, 2011

New faces named on
IPAA Executive

The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) has appointed a new national Vice President and Treasurer.
   The Institute has announced that Yehudi Blacher (Vice President - Journals and Partnerships) and Len Scanlan (Treasurer) would both join the Executive of the National Council.
   National President of IPAA, Percy Allan welcomed both to the Council.
   He said Mr Blacher would take over as Vice President from fellow Victorian Peter Allen, who had served on the IPAA National Executive from 2008.
   He said until recently Mr Blacher was Secretary of the Department of Planning and Community Development.
   “He has held senior management positions with the Department for Victorian Communities, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Department of Human Services and the Office of Local Government in Victoria,” Mr Allan said.
   He said Mr Blacher served on six boards and had authored numerous articles and contributed to books such as Local Government Reform in Victoria and The Collaborative State.
   “In his role as Vice President (Journals and Partnerships), Mr Blacher will be overseeing the Institute’s two publications, the Australian Journal of Public Administration (AJPA) and Public Administration Today (PAT),” Mr Allan said.
   “He will also be fostering the affiliations IPAA has with national and international bodies such as the Institute of Public Administration of Canada, the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand, the Chinese Public Administration Society, and the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.”
   He said Mr Scanlan’s career in the Queensland public sector had spanned more than 30 years.
   “Len Scanlan was the Auditor-General of Queensland from December 1997 until December 2004,” Mr Allan said.
   “He also served with the Premier’s Department working in inter-governmental relations, the Transport Department in policy and planning, and Queensland Treasury in the area of financial management policy.”
   He said Mr Scanlan was Chair of the Audit Committees for Brisbane City Council, Queensland Health and Queensland Urban Utilities where he was also a Board member as a Non-Executive Director.
   “Len brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position of Treasurer and we are very happy to have him on board,” Mr Allan said.
   He said Mr Scanlan would replace Barry Mewett who had stepped down after more than 20 years as Treasurer for the Institute.”

5 October, 2011

Lifestyle stats have
satisfaction guarantee

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has found that 78 per cent of Australians aged 18 years and over are satisfied with their lives.
   This is similar to the 76 per cent who reported being satisfied in 2001, according to the Bureau’s records.
   In 2010 it found that 43 per cent were pleased or delighted with their lives, while 34 per cent reported being mostly satisfied.
   Those who were married (82 per cent), widowed (78 per cent) or never married (76 per cent) were more likely to be satisfied with their lives than those who were divorced (66 per cent) or separated (56 per cent).
   People who had contact with friends and family outside their household at least weekly were much more likely to be satisfied with their lives (78 per cent) than those who either had no recent contact (33 per cent) or who had no friends or family outside their immediate household (28 per cent).
   Most Australian adults (97 per cent) had at least weekly contact with family or friends living outside their household, however, changes in technology were clearly having an impact on how Australians communicated with their friends and family.
   In 2010 twice as many adults (40 per cent) spent time engaged in internet social activities compared to 2006 (20 per cent). The proportion of people using internet services such as email and chat rooms to contact friends and relatives also increased, from 47 per cent to 60 per cent over the four years.
   More information from the Bureau’s General Social Survey could be obtained from this PS News link.

5 October, 2011

More police march
to the beat

Victoria Police has announced it will be allocating 400 more frontline police across the State before 30 June next year.
   Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan said the force would first assign 125 to areas in Melbourne and regional Victoria by the end of December 2011.
   Mr Ryan said some of the officers would be taking up duty from the end of October, serving such growing areas as Frankston, Brimbank, Melbourne, Hume, Moreland and Wyndham.
   He said Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Shepparton, Latrobe, Mildura and other regional communities would also benefit from the extra police.
   “Families have every right to be safe and feel safe in their homes and on the street,” Mr Ryan said.
   He said Victoria Police were being properly resourced to undertake the necessary crime deterrence and preventative measures.
   “Putting more police on the beat will boost community safety and serve as a visual reminder that crime, violence and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated,” Mr Ryan said.
   He said Victoria Police had already allocated 600 additional police across the State since November 2010, with 450 of them part of a program of committing 1,700 extra officers to the force.
   “Our police work extremely hard keeping their communities safe and these additional officers will boost their efforts in targeting local crime issues and making our roads safer,” Mr Ryan said.
   He said resources were also being made available to the police to recruit 940 Protective Services Officers by November 2014 to make train stations across Melbourne and major regional centres safer for passengers.

5 October, 2011

Ombudsman targets
clerical workers

The Fair Work Ombudsman has announced a national education and compliance campaign to focus on clerical workers.
   The Ombudsman, Nicholas Wilson said the campaign provided a great opportunity for employers of clerical workers to improve their understanding of workplace laws.
   “Most employers try to do the right thing by their employees, but we do receive about 2,000 complaints from clerical workers each year, so we believe this is an area that requires some attention,” Mr Wilson said.
   “We have excellent resources available to assist the large number of employers of clerical workers to ensure they provide workers their full entitlements.”
   Mr Wilson said the campaign was specifically focusing on the 40,000-plus businesses in the accountancy, bookkeeping, labour-hire, employment placement and recruitment services sectors.
   “We are aiming to improve awareness and compliance of workplace laws in these sectors, thereby equipping employers to provide some guidance on workplace laws to the many businesses they interact with, and the response so far has been very positive,” he said.
   The Fair Work Ombudsman is identifying 1,500 employers in the sectors throughout Australia and asking them to supply employment records for audit.
   Inspectors will check that employers are paying workers correct minimum rates of pay, penalty rates, loadings and allowances and are complying with their record-keeping and pay slip obligations.
   Key stakeholders, including employer groups and unions, have been briefed on the campaign and are assisting to promote it to their members.

5 October, 2011

ALRC puts view
on viewing

The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has issued a discussion paper proposing fundamental reform of the classification system for media material.
   The Commission is concerned that the increasing numbers of media platforms, often merging into each other, is confusing for industry and the wider community.
   It wants Government regulation to concentrate on media contents that is of most concern to the general public.
   ALRC Commissioner in charge of the National Classification Scheme Review, Terry Flew said the goals of classification in balancing individual rights with community standards and protection of children remained vitally important.
   “But we need a new framework that minimises costs and regulatory burden, and does not penalise Australian digital content industries in a hyper-competitive global media environment,” Professor Flew said.
   Drawing on more than 2,400 submissions responding to its May Issues Paper, the ALRC found that the existing classification framework was fragmented, approached content inconsistently across media platforms, and was confusing for industry and the wider community.
   Its National Classification Scheme Review Discussion Paper puts forward 43 proposals for reform including the introduction of a new Classification of Media Content Act covering classification on all media platforms—online, offline and television.
   The discussion paper suggests a greater role for industry in classifying content—allowing Government regulators to focus on the content that generates the most community concern, and ensure access to adult content is properly restricted.
   It wants content to be classified using the same categories, guidelines and markings whether viewed on television, at the cinema, on DVD or online.
   It also suggests changes to classification categories, with age references - PG 8+ and T 13+ (Teen) - to help parents choose content for their children.
   Finally, it calls for the Federal Government to take full responsibility for administering and enforcing the new scheme.
   The discussion paper can be accessed at this PS News link and the closing date for public submissions is 18 November.

5 October, 2011

Snake warning
has bite

The Department of Primary Industries has issued an alert to country communities warning that the snake season was now open.
   District Veterinary Officer with DPI, Jeff Cave said Australia was home to many highly dangerous snakes with all livestock susceptible to snake venom and horses particularly sensitive.
   “The effects of snake bite depend on the species of the snake, the period of time since the snake last bit, the size of the bitten animal and the location of the bite,” Dr Cave said.
   “Signs of snake bite can be variable but, in general, snake venom paralyses muscles and affected animals will develop muscular tremors and staggers.”
   He said they would unable to swallow due to paralysis of the tongue, would then collapse, have trouble breathing and finally die from respiratory failure.
   “Although snake bites can cause death of livestock, it is worth remembering that the sudden death of livestock can be due to a number of different causes.”
   Dr Cave said that if an animal received a small dose of venom it might recover after an illness of one to five days.
   “Snake bite can be difficult to diagnose at post-mortem since the small puncture wounds and local swelling are hard to find on a large animal.
   “Often a diagnosis is based on the sighting of a snake and the exclusion of other diseases.”
   He said a test was available to identify the type of venom and the only effective treatment for snake bite was snake antivenom given without delay.

5 October, 2011

Disability report
finds health link

A new report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has found that people with severe or profound disability rely up to 10 times more on health services than those without a disability.
   The report, entitled The use of health services among Australians with disability, showed that the high use of health services (such as general practitioners) among people with disability was linked to the prevalence of multiple long-term health conditions.
   Spokesperson for the AIHW, Sean Ackland said the combination of mental and physical health conditions was a particularly high contributor to the figures.
   “The high use of services prevails even after taking into account the multiple health conditions, with or without mental health conditions,” Mr Ackland said.
   “This suggests that the level of functional impairment, in addition to the presence of multiple health conditions, increases the likelihood of needing and seeking assistance from the health care system.”
   He said the report showed that in the 12 months before the data was collected people with severe or profound disability were 3.5 times as likely to have consulted a specialist doctor and 5 times as likely to have consulted both a specialist doctor and other health professionals as people without disability.
   He said the report also showed that of all people with mental disorders aged 16–64 years, those with severe and profound disability were 2.5 times as likely as those without disability to access health services (including hospitals) for mental health problems, and twice as likely to consult health professionals (including GPs) for mental health problems.
   “Of all people with a combination of a mental disorder and any physical condition aged 16–64 years, those with severe or profound disability were around 3 times as likely to access health services (including hospitals), consult health professionals (including GPs), or consult mental health professionals, for mental health problems,” Mr Ackland said.
   The full AIHW report can be accessed at this PS News link.

5 October, 2011

Privacy warning
on social media

The Victorian Privacy Commissioner has issued an Information Sheet for Victorian Government organisations using or planning to use social networking.
   According to the Commissioner, Helen Versey, social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and others could be useful for enhancing transparency in government processes and for increasing engagement with the community.
   “However, there are privacy concerns that need to be identified and addressed,” Ms Versey said.
   “Each social networking service will differ in the way it operates and is managed,” she said, “and a Victorian public sector organisation that uses that service to collect, use or disclose personal information needs to understand the operation and management of each.”
   She said the privacy implications and risks associated with using the sites should be assessed individually for each networking service to ensure compliance with the Information Privacy Act 2000 (Vic)
   “The use of a social networking service by government organisations should be directed to a particular purpose, or multiple purposes,” she said.
   “An organisation should not use social networking simply because it can!”
   She said there might be other methods for encouraging input from the public that would allow individuals to protect their personal information while doing so.
   “Given that many people still do not use social networking services, it would be unwise to use those services as the only method for public consultations and providing information to the general public,” she said.
   Ms Versey said the privacy settings on social networking sites were often confusing and users could unintentionally disclose information about themselves they didn’t mean to. “Organisations should indicate in their privacy policy that when an individual ‘likes’ a page on Facebook, ‘follows’ the organisation on Twitter, or similar, that some of the individual’s personal information may be visible to others.”
   She said the new Social Networking information sheet included a checklist for Victorian public sector organisations and could be accessed at this PS News link.

5 October, 2011

Consumers warned on
Certificate fees

The Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages has issued a warning to consumers to beware of an online company offering to process applications for a fee.
   The Registry says it is free to apply for a Birth, Death or Marriage Certificate in Victoria but the company called Certificate Express charges.
   “Certificate Express is not endorsed or affiliated with the Registry,” the Office said in a statement.
   “You can obtain official Victorian Birth, Death and Marriage certificates from the Registry.
   “You do not have to pay a fee to apply but the Registry does charge a fee for issuing a certificate.”
   It said free application forms were available from the Registry’s website at this PS News link.
   “If you are considering using an online service to administer your application, be wary of privacy risks and costs,” the Registry warned.
   “You may be giving a private company your personal information including name, address, birth date and place, and your signature.
   “They may also charge ongoing monthly fees, debited from your credit card, unless you cancel your subscription.”
   The Registry said that anyone with an enquiry about applying for a Certificate, could contact it online or by phone on 1300 369 367.
   It urged anyone with a grievance against Certificate Express to contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for advice and assistance.

5 October, 2011

Emergency roles
raising alarm

New laws that clarify the roles of government and emergency service agencies when responding to natural disasters have been introduced into Parliament by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan.
   Mr Ryan said the laws would help make Victoria safer.
   “This legislation will help steer Victoria’s emergency management towards an ‘all hazards, all agencies’ approach,” Mr Ryan said, “so that, for example, CFA and VICSES volunteers will be able to operate under either Agency’s’ structure.
   “The Victorian Government is implementing all 67 Bushfires Royal Commission recommendations and these changes will directly fulfill recommendations 11 and 51.”
   He said amendments to the Victorian State Emergency Service Act 2005 would further increase efficiency among Agencies.
   He said among the changes made in the new laws were broadening the powers of the Chief Officer, Operations to enable him or her to give directions to individual VICSES members, or any other person who volunteered.
   “Under these changes, the Chief Commissioner will have responsibility for coordinating the response to an emergency and for keeping the Minister for Police and Emergency Services informed,” Mr Ryan said.
   “It also means that the Minister’s role is to ensure that satisfactory emergency management arrangements are in place to facilitate the prevention of, response to and recovery from emergencies.”
   He said the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission highlighted a shared responsibility for community safety and that the changes being made were among a number of measures being taken to make Victoria safer.
   He said a discussion paper had recently been released to initiate major reforms to Victoria’s crisis and emergency management arrangements.
   Mr Ryan said the paper, Towards a More Disaster Resilient and Safer Victoria would ensure the State was fully prepared for future emergencies and better able to recover more quickly from the impacts.
   The paper can be accessed at this PS News link.

5 October, 2011

And in Other News...

Speed cameras hit the road
An additional 32 locations have been announced for speed and red-light cameras.
   The devices were originally installed a year ago but were not turned on while the Auditor-General investigated the speed camera program.
   Having passed the audit test, the cameras are being commissioned progressively with details published on this PS News link.

Field guide for the birds
A new field guide highlighting woodland birds of north east Victoria is to be launched this week at a community field day at Thoona, near Glenrowan.
   The new field guide by Birds Australia’s National Regent Honeyeater Team Coordinator and Woodland Birds for Biodiversity Officer, Dean Ingwersen, is expected to be a highlight of the day.
   The glossy fold-out guide features photos of more than 60 woodland bird species and will be free from the Wodonga, Wangaratta and Benalla offices of the Department of Sustainability and Environment following the launch on Friday (7 October).

MCEC cooks up awards
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) was awarded eight medals at the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards last week, including a gold.
   Entering the awards for the first time MCEC took one gold, two silver and five bronze for its home-produced menu items.
   Conducted annually by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, the 2011 Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards received more than 1,000 entries from 213 exhibitors across Australia.

Water projects recognised
Three Melbourne Water projects have been recognised at the 2011 Victorian Engineering Excellence Awards.
   The projects were the Werribee aqueduct which won the category for infrastructure up to $20 million; the Tarago Reservoir water treatment plant which was highly commended in the infrastructure over $75 million category; and the Frankston drainage improvement project, also highly commended in its infrastructure over $20 million category.

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Ombudsman finds children at risk

PS call to spearhead Indigenous jobs

Mental illness to be front of mind

Comments invited on water restrictions

Shrine shines with new website

Councils warm to bushfire plan

Women leaders in skills makeover

Building audits for better buildings

Consultation hots up on fire levy

High hopes for alpine grazing

Police to embrace sex crackdown

Project plants foot for P-plate drivers

EPA to dump on charity dumpers

WorkSafe Awards in safe hands

Skills training put to the test

Safety crossings made safer

And in Other News...

Public monitor to tap into phone taps

Gambling Foundation is a sure bet

Mum not the word for maternity services

Education panel to vet VET model

Road safety gets the numbers

Bushfire policy safe on refuges

Water use programs found to be sound

Ministers planning motherhood committee

Better childcare comes into play

More bite for wild dogs

DPI workshops to be organic donations

Strong future for disability services

Privacy complaints reach record levels

Equal opportunity goes regional

Alcohol campaign to protect young

New Commissioner does the business

Fire management code flares up

And in Other News...

Privacy complaints reach record levels

Planning in place for danger season

Equal opportunity goes regional

Alcohol campaign to protect young

New Commissioner does the business

Concerted effort against con men

Productivity slips as wealth rises

Fire management code flares up

Weeds report cuts issue down to size

Hard heads to save hard hats

Union ups ante on pay impasse

Good and bad in disability audit

Green agency seeing red

Workplace watchdog leading the way

Cosmetic laws get better look

New health app is feelgood project

Workplace safety put on hold

Lessons learned in new learning environments

Council panel to offer counsel

More memories for Police Memorial

Consumer watchdogs let off the leash

Violence programs funded for women

New faces named on IPAA Executive

Lifestyle stats have satisfaction guarantee

More police march to the beat

Ombudsman targets clerical workers

ALRC puts view on viewing

Snake warning has bite

Disability report finds health link

Privacy warning on social media

Consumers warned on Certificate fees

Emergency roles raising alarm

And in Other News...

Ombudsman finds
children at risk

PS call to spearhead
Indigenous jobs

Mental illness to
be front of mind

Comments invited on
water restrictions

Shrine shines with
new website

Councils warm to
bushfire plan

Women leaders in
skills makeover

Building audits for
better buildings

Consultation hots
up on fire levy

High hopes for
alpine grazing

Police to embrace
sex crackdown

Project plants foot
for P-plate drivers

EPA to dump on
charity dumpers

WorkSafe Awards
in safe hands

Skills training
put to the test

Safety crossings
made safer

Public monitor to tap
into phone taps

Gambling Foundation
is a sure bet

Mum not the word for
maternity services

Education panel to
vet VET model

Road safety gets
the numbers

Bushfire policy
safe on refuges

Water use programs
found to be sound

Ministers planning
motherhood committee

Better childcare
comes into play

More bite for
wild dogs

DPI workshops to be
organic donations

Strong future for
disability services

Privacy complaints
reach record levels

Equal opportunity
goes regional

Alcohol campaign
to protect young

New Commissioner
does the business

Fire management
code flares up

Privacy complaints
reach record levels

Planning in place
for danger season

Equal opportunity
goes regional

Alcohol campaign
to protect young

New Commissioner
does the business

Concerted effort
against con men

Productivity slips
as wealth rises

Fire management
code flares up

Weeds report cuts
issue down to size

Hard heads to
save hard hats

Union ups ante
on pay impasse

Good and bad in
disability audit

Green agency
seeing red

Workplace watchdog
leading the way

Cosmetic laws
get better look

New health app is
feelgood project

Workplace safety
put on hold

Lessons learned in new
learning environments

Council panel to
offer counsel

More memories for
Police Memorial

Consumer watchdogs
let off the leash

Violence programs
funded for women

New faces named on
IPAA Executive

Lifestyle stats have
satisfaction guarantee

More police march
to the beat

Ombudsman targets
clerical workers

ALRC puts view
on viewing

Snake warning
has bite

Disability report
finds health link

Privacy warning
on social media

Consumers warned on
Certificate fees

Emergency roles
raising alarm