18 December, 2008

New recruiting rules to skill for

A new Directive from the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations will provide Public Service Agencies with increased flexibility to attract and retain workers with critical skills.
   The Directive Engaging Officers on Fixed Term Contracts of Employment says financial and other incentives would be used to attract officers with specific business skills for a fixed term.
   It says fixed term contracts should not be offered to Public Servants until a job evaluation or market assessment had been performed and that they should be avoided for continuing or ongoing roles such as those within the Senior Executive Service.
   The Directive came into effect this week and defined a fixed term contract as being the appointment of an Officer on a contract of employment for a defined period.
   The Department said any conflicts with existing industrial relations agreements or laws must be resolved before a fixed term contract was entered into to avoid detriment to the Officer’s employment conditions.
   “The use of fixed term contracts of employment under a scheme, initiative or employment strategy… must have prior approval from the Commission Chief Executive and/or the Director-General of the Department responsible for administering the Industrial Relations Act 1999,” the Directive says.
   “Remuneration and employment conditions offered under a contract of employment must be transparent, justified and defendable.”
    It says the level of total remuneration must not exceed that payable to Senior Executives unless the Chief Executive of the Agency believed there was a valid reason for doing otherwise and the maximum term of a fixed term contract was five years, and for technical specialist positions, a new contract may be offered if the Officer’s employment would extend beyond that.
   Copies of the Directive were available at www.psier.qld.gov.au

18 December, 2008

Senator clocks on to PS day off

Tasmanian Senator, Helen Polley, has called for all Public Servants to spend one day every month participating in charity work.
   Senator Polley said the community needed people to get involved in charity work to help reduce homelessness, poverty, illiteracy and other ailments that “plague” society.
   She said many charities were trying to help people in need, but that they needed help to do so.
   “If we can make this happen I am sure many of our society’s ailments will improve rapidly” Senator Polley said.
   “This program not only benefits the needy, it will make Public Servants grow and understand the challenges our society faces.”
   State President of Tasmanian St Vincent De Paul Society, Peter Lyall, welcomed the proposal.
   “I think it is an excellent idea, as charities are forever looking for volunteers,” Mr Lyall said.
   “I am glad that a politician is setting a good example.”
   Senator Polley’s office has been leading the way, with staff volunteering at Sacred Heart School and the Door of Hope.
   Senator Polley said other charity groups that would benefit from the program included Meals on Wheels, St Vincent De Paul and local school literacy programs.
    “I would like to challenge my State and Federal colleagues to match me and my staff’s dedication to the community and begin volunteering,” she said.
   “Everyone benefits when they volunteer.”
   Senator Polley said she hit upon the idea on a recent visit to Massachusetts in the United States, where all Public Service workers were released from their normal duties once a month to work in prisons, schools, aged care homes and for charities.
   She said she was impressed by the idea and would be recommending to Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, that Australia implement a similar program.
   “I think it's fantastic idea,” Senator Polley said.

18 December, 2008

Victorian jumps fence to head Corrections

The new Director-General of Queensland Corrective Services has been named as the current Head of Victoria Corrections, Kelvin Anderson.
   Minister for Corrective Services, Judy Spence announced Mr Anderson’s appointment saying it signalled a new era for corrective services in Queensland.
   “Mr Anderson has extensive experience in the corrective services field, previously serving as the Commissioner of Corrections Victoria,” Ms Spence said.
   “During this time, Mr Anderson proved himself as one of the best correctional services leaders in the country and contributed significantly to the achievements made within the Victorian system.”
   Ms Spence said Mr Anderson was well-equipped to lead QCS over the next three years and would bring an interstate perspective to the State’s corrections system.
   She said he would play a crucial role in ensuring Queensland continued to achieve best practice in modern day corrections.
   “It is certainly an exciting time to be joining QCS, as we embark on a number of initiatives to build the prisons of the future,” she said.
    “In recent years we have undertaken the biggest prison capital works program in Queensland history, re-written the Queensland Corrective Services Act to modernise our system and introduced the new Parole and Probation Division.”
   Ms Spence said QCS had also continued to focus on prisoner rehabilitation through the expansion of the work camp program and Pups in Prison.
   She said the initiatives had transcended into successful and practical rehabilitative models that other States were keen to follow.
   “I have confidence that, under the direction of Mr Anderson, QCS will continue to lead the way in the criminal justice arena,” Ms Spence said.
   She said Mr Anderson would take on the position of Director-General from February next year, with Acting Director-General Neil Whittaker continuing in the role until then.
   “I thank Mr Whittaker for his excellent work over the past five months while he filled this position,” she said.

18 December, 2008

Tick for new PS check rules

Under a new Directive from the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations, candidates for Queensland Public Service jobs must only be asked to disclose criminal history or police information that is relevant to employment screening process.
   The Directive, Employment Screening, came into effect this week and set out screening requirements for persons engaged in, or applying to perform, child-related duties or duties that made a check of their criminal history relevant to their suitability for the job.
   “An employing entity must inform candidates about employment screening requirements for any job involving relevant or child-related duties,” the Directive says.
   It says employment screening of candidates could be conducted only on recommended persons but could go ahead on current employees as a result of changed employment circumstances which warranted the screening or as a result of the notification of a relevant charge or conviction by the employee.
   The Directive says the candidate has to provide written consent to be screened, which could be sought at any time during the job selection process.
   “If the person from whom consent to screening is requested does not provide both written consent and acceptable documents which support proof of identity within seven days from the request and without a reasonable explanation, the person will be deemed to have refused consent,” the Directive says.
   “Where a person refuses consent, the Chief Executive is not required to consider or further consider that person for engagement to perform the relevant or child-related duties which required screening.”
   It says current employees must notify any charges and convictions for indictable offences as failure to do so could result in disciplinary action.
   The Directive also says a request for a criminal history or Police information check must be sent to the Police Information Centre at the Queensland Police Service.
   It says the principles of natural justice must be followed before a Chief Executive decided against a person’s suitability to perform relevant or child-related duties, and the person must be given a copy of all information used in the decision.
   “A decision not to engage a current employee to perform either child-related or relevant duties because of an employment screening process may be subject to a fair treatment appeal to the Public Service Commission chief executive,” the Directive said.
   Copies of the Directive were available at www.psier.qld.gov.au

18 December, 2008

Community compact is tidy beginning

Proposals for a formal relationship between Government and non-government organisations to create lasting change in the community have been strongly supported by the Australian Council of Social Service, ACOSS.
   Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said a more robust and creative relationship with the sector was critical to reducing homelessness and closing the gap in Indigenous life outcomes.
   ACOSS said a national compact would be underpinned by a code of conduct, mediation approaches and agreed ways to resolve conflict.
   Ms Macklin said the compact would also provide a framework for addressing regulatory and legislative reform and initiatives to enhance the viability of the sector.
   The new report from ACOSS showed the non-profit sector supported a partnership agreement with Government similar to compacts in other countries.
   ACOSS said a national compact or similar mechanism would outline how the Government and non-profit organisations would work more effectively together.
   “The report was based on consultations held at 16 forums across Australia between July and October and 60 submissions,” Ms Macklin said.
   Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, said the consultations indicated the success of a compact would depend on building a strong and collaborative relationship with the non-profit sector while enabling the sector to continue to deliver on-the-ground assistance.
   She said the next phase of work would commence in early 2009.

18 December, 2008

Pool committee dives in deep end

A Pool Safety Advisory Committee is to be established as part of a shake-up of pool safety laws.
   Describing the pool safety reforms as the biggest in 20 years, Premier, Anna Bligh said the advisory committee would be established to look at key areas of pool safety with new regulations ready to be put in place next year.
   Ms Bligh said a State register of pools and mandatory inspections had also been proposed as part of the review.
   “Queenslanders love our outdoor lifestyle and pools are an important part of that,” Ms Bligh said.
   “But losing any child to a pool drowning is a tragedy and we need to do everything we can to prevent tragedies like this happening.”
   She said the State already had some of the toughest pool safety laws in the country but there was room for improvement.
   She said a single State-wide standard to replace Queensland’s existing 11 pool fencing standards would be also considered.
   “The review will also address concerns that pool fencing laws are not being adequately policed by Local Councils,” she said.
   Ms Bligh said the committee would be made up of key stakeholders, including child safety and Local Government representatives, while organisations including the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia, Kidsafe Australia, the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors and the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Queensland would also be invited to take part.
   She said the Committee would be given wide-ranging powers to consider issues including a pool register, mandatory ongoing inspections of swimming pools, widening pool fencing laws to include all pools in Queensland, inspections at the point of sale, mainstreaming pool fencing standards and requiring building certifiers to inspect new pools.
   “Some of these options may be controversial but any option that could help save even one child from drowning is worth considering,” Ms Bligh said.
   “If the new initiatives save even one life, they will be worth it, however legislation and standards are no substitute for adult supervision which remains the most effective way of preventing drowning.”
   She said the Advisory Committee would develop a draft report on its findings which would be released for public comment.
   She said the Committee would also seek submissions from specific parties, such as drowning prevention, awareness and support groups.

18 December, 2008

Trusted lawyer wins trust as Trustee

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Kerry Shine has announced that Peter Carne would be the new Public Trustee.
   Mr Shine described Mr Carne as a stalwart of the Queensland legal scene for the past three decades.
   He said Mr Carne would oversee the office of the Public Trustee, which was the largest of its kind in the country.
   “Mr Carne brings vast legal experience to the role having worked in law in Queensland for almost 30 years,” Mr Shine said.
   “As well as working in his own private legal practice for many years, he has acted in several public roles, including his current position as the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Law Society for the past three years.”
   He said Mr Carne would continue the Public Trustee’s service to Queensland and welcomed him and the impressive experience and leadership he would bring to the role.
   Mr Shine said Mr Carne was formerly a director of the Tarong Energy Corporation and, between 1994 and 1997, was Commissioner of the Queensland Legal Aid Commission.
   He said he had also held a host of honorary positions, including Chairman of the Queensland Law Society Specialist Accreditation Board, President of the Queensland Law Society and Director of the Queensland Law Foundation.
   Mr Shine said the Public Trustee of Queensland was established in 1915 and had 15 regional offices throughout the State that provided economical and accessible financial, trustee, legal and associated services.
   He said Mr Carne would take up the position in March.

18 December, 2008

Roadworker safety drives new campaign

Concerns about the safety of roadworkers have prompted the Minister for Main Roads, Warren Pitt, to call on Queenslanders to slow down around roadwork sites.
   Mr Pitt launched the Roadworker Safety Campaign to try and increase awareness of the dangers of poor driving and speeding around roadworks.
   He said the State's road construction program highlighted the need for motorists to slow down and keep their wits about them in and around roadwork sites.
   “Every day there are hundreds of roadworkers doing their job on Queensland roads for the benefit of all road users,” Mr Pitt said.
   “Motorists driving without due care around roadworks risk more than damage to their vehicles or fines and demerit points.”
   He said the Government hoped the Roadworker Safety Campaign would illustrate to drivers the real dangers of poor driving around roadworks.
   Mr Pitt said that from 2000 to 2005, there were 2,609 recorded traffic incidents where roadworks were a contributing factor, 31 of which resulted in fatalities and 909 in hospitalisations.
   “As is the case with all aspects of the road toll, these figures are simply too high and I'm confident they can be reduced with improved driver behaviour,” he said.
   MP for Redlands, John English, urged motorists to remember to ‘Look out, watch out and be aware.’
   Mr English said with more traffic on the roads during the holiday season, it was even more crucial for drivers to slow down and understand that roadwork safety was everyone’s responsibility.
   “Motorists need to ask themselves whether they'd be comfortable in their own workplaces, with only plastic barriers or safety cones separating them from speeding traffic metres away,” he said.
   “It's a sobering thought and surely enough to persuade anyone to slow down, drive to changed conditions and obey signage and roadworkers' directions.”

18 December, 2008

Tourists bitten by Bali rabies scare

Queensland Health has warned travellers to Bali to avoid contact with dogs, cats, monkeys and other animals following advice that the area had lost its “rabies-free” status.
   Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young, said anyone who was bitten or scratched by an animal in any area where rabies existed should seek immediate medical attention locally and when they arrived home, as the disease could be fatal.
   Dr Young said Queensland Health and their interstate counterparts were informing doctors of the situation so they could give advice to patients who were going to Bali or had been there since 1 August.
   “Already, rabies is present throughout much of Asia as well as other countries,” she said.
   “Bali has been regarded as free of the disease though it has existed in other parts of Indonesia.”
   Dr Young said human rabies characteristically followed a bite from a rabid animal, most frequently a dog, but in some parts of the world, other animals could be a source.
   She said she had been advised authorities in Bali had taken steps to control the situation including implementing a program of culling and vaccination in dogs and vaccination of people in affected villages.
   “Anyone travelling to Bali or any rabies-endemic region should be aware of the risk and avoid close contact with either wild or domestic animals,” Dr Young said.
   “They should seek medical advice about whether pre-travel rabies vaccination is required.”
   She said early rabies symptoms included a poor appetite, cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, sore throat, tiredness and vomiting.
   Dr Young said the disease was almost always fatal.

18 December, 2008

School security easy as ABC

Community members have been asked to keep a close watch on schools over the six-week Christmas break to help protect them from would-be thieves, vandals and arsonists.
   Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, said community vigilance had been crucial in reducing the number of insurance claims for break and enters and vandalism at State schools in the past 12 months, reducing incident claims by 24 per cent.
   He said the School Watch Hotline received an average of 61 calls a month from diligent community members who reported suspicious activities in school grounds.
   “Recently a neighbour rang the hotline and reported hearing the sound of smashing glass and voices coming from the school grounds,” Mr Welford said.
   “Police were advised and detained two people onsite before further damage could be done.”
   He said in another case, quick action by a passing member of the public, who contacted the School Watch Hotline, saved a school from potential fire damage.
   Mr Welford said the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service responded and extinguished a fire near the school’s tennis courts, which prevented it from spreading to school buildings.
   “I commend these people for reporting these incidents and I would encourage others to also call the School Watch Hotline on 13 17 88 or Police if they notice anything suspicious.”
   Mr Welford said the crackdown on school security would continue as schools closed at the end of last week.
   He said the Department had a range of measures in place, including intruder detection devices, alarms and 24-hour monitoring and surveillance by Police, the State Government Security Service and private security firms.
   “School security patrols will be a regular sight in many areas throughout the State during the coming school holidays,” he said.
   Mr Welford said State schools would be closed to Tuesday 27 January 2009.

18 December, 2008

Security cameras are next stop for buses

Queensland Transport has invited feedback on a discussion paper on controls surrounding the use of Closed Circuit Television systems on Queensland buses.
   Queensland Transport recently funded the installation of Closed Circuit TV systems in about 120 buses to address safety and security concerns.
   The Agency said the cameras were installed in buses used on general routes, for service contract areas or routes in regional Queensland.
   QT said in addition to the CCTV systems it had installed itself, there were a number of buses that had already been fitted with CCTV systems through other funding arrangements, namely TransLink and the School Bus Upgrade Scheme, or independently by the operator.
   It released a discussion paper on the installation and use of CCTV systems on buses that included recommended specifications for CCTV systems and guidelines for the installation and use of CCTV.
   The discussion paper also recommended a code of practice for the use of CCTV by operators of passenger transport services and infrastructure.
   QT said while all aspects of the installation and use of Closed Circuit Television systems were well covered in the documentation, compliance was currently voluntary.
   It said continuing the voluntary approach was not considered appropriate in view of the significant risks relating to privacy and failure to maintain CCTV systems.
   Interested parties must make their submissions by 31 January 2009.
   More information, including copies of the discussion paper, could be found at www.transport.qld.gov.au

18 December, 2008

Road transporters on wrong track

The Workplace Ombudsman has revealed that almost a third of Australia’s road transport operators are failing to comply with workplace laws.
   A national campaign conducted by the Ombudsman found around 120 truck drivers, bus drivers and other workers were underpaid and could be in line to receive $135,000 in backpay.
   The campaign found almost $100,000 of the underpayments occurred in the short-distance freight industry in Queensland.
   Executive Director in the Workplace Ombudsman’s Office, Michael Campbell, said the campaign had helped to better inform employers of their obligations.
   “Transport is an industry that is a source of many of our workplace queries and complaints, so education is a vital part of our role,” Mr Campbell said.
   He said inspectors had checked the books of 362 employers and had identified 114 companies with issues.
   Mr Campbell said 20 per cent of companies audited in Queensland had breaches, with the percentage expected to rise as audits continued.
   Sixty-six per cent of Victorian passenger transport businesses were non-compliant, as were 45 per cent of long-distance freight businesses in regional NSW.
   Mr Campbell said the Agency wrote to over 9,000 transport industry businesses earlier this year alerting them to the targeted campaign.
   “The road transport industry has a significant number of vulnerable workers, including trainees and apprentices, and this campaign will help ensure they receive their proper entitlements,” he said.
   Mr Campbell said the campaign identified issues such as underpayment of office staff and cleaners, use of the wrong pay scale, underpayment of drivers’ ‘pay-per-kilometre’ and underpayment of drivers’ weekend, overtime and public holiday rates.
   He said most breaches were inadvertent and were being voluntarily rectified, although legal action was being considered in one situation.
   Mr Campbell said around 100 audits still needed to be finalised.

18 December, 2008

Breathalyser police come to the party

Queensland Police have developed a program to show Queenslanders how many drinks they could have before their breath alcohol concentration was over the legal limit.
   Senior Constable Mark Readman from the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit has planned a Drink Rite session at the Caloundra RSL Club from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday 18 December.
   Senior Constable Readman said the program involved six people drinking different strengths of beer and wine over a period of two hours.
   He said a Police Officer would breath test the participants every half hour, with the readings and amount of alcohol each person had consumed recorded on a poster for everyone to see and discuss.
   Senior Constable Readman said anyone else who wanted to have their breath alcohol concentration tested would be welcome to do so.
   “During previous Drink Rite events we’ve had a positive response from the patrons and have found that most drinkers are keen to monitor their alcohol consumption,” he said.
   “We look forward to a big turn out on the night and hope everyone will take the opportunity to find out, in a fun way, how much they can responsibly drink.”
   He said Drink Rite helped people learn about the alcohol content of different drinks and the effect these varying levels could have on drinkers.
   Senior Constable Readman said people were generally surprised at the difference in readings for drinkers who consumed alcohol of varying strengths.
   “Many factors determine the effect alcohol will have on a person at any given time, but the Drink Rite program shows participants how quickly standard drinks can increase their alcohol concentrations,” he said.
   “The message still is, and always will be, if you are going to drink alcohol - do not drive."

18 December, 2008

Speedboat drivers called to wake up

Officers of the Environmental Protection Agency will fine boaties who fail to slow down in designated areas this summer in an effort to protect turtle and dugong populations in parts of the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
   Regional Manager at the EPA, Miles Yeates, said boat traffic during the summer holidays would increase the pressure on marine wildlife, in particular turtles and dugongs which were often injured by boat strike.
   “Please give these animals 10 minutes out of your day and ‘go slow’ for those below,”
Mr Yeates said.
   “The green and loggerhead turtles and dugongs in Moreton Bay Marine Park are all threatened species, and boat strikes are a particular issue in the bay.”
   He said boat strikes could kill and injure turtles and dugongs, and it was important to further reduce their mortality rate to ensure the population’s survival.
   Mr Yeates said with the increased boating traffic during summer, the EPA had reinforced the ‘go slow’ message and reminded boaties who failed to slow down in the designated areas that they would be liable for on-the-spot fines.
   Mr Yeates said EPA patrols would focus on the five ‘go slow’ areas at Moreton Banks, Amity Banks, north of Peel Island, east of Lamb Island and between Prices and Blakesleys anchorages in the marine park.
   “I urge bay users to get to know the boundaries of these areas,” he said.
   “They are signposted on the water and described in the Moreton Bay Marine Park introductory guide available at the EPA Cleveland office.”
   He said more information could be obtained from the EPA Moreton Bay Regional Office or by phoning (07) 3821 9000.

18 December, 2008

Airport taskforce lands big outcomes

The Brisbane Airport Task Force’s first anniversary report has found improved safety, an upgraded alternative route, better public transport and rapid traffic-incident response times were key outcomes since its initial review 12 months ago.
   Minister for Main Roads, Warren Pitt, said the Task Force had been successful in implementing several key short-term strategies to relieve access to the Brisbane Airport precinct.
   “The Task Force has successfully upgraded and signalised the alternative driving route to the airport precinct via Sugarmill Road and Lomandra Drive, resulting in a 38 per cent increase of traffic using the route between November 2007 and April 2008,” Mr Pitt said.
   “This has helped to reduce traffic congestion and travelling times on Airport Drive and reducing the volume of traffic needing to travel through the Airport Drive roundabout.”
   He said public transport to and from the airport precinct had also been boosted by extending the 380 and 320 bus routes and increasing the frequency of the services.
   Mr Pitt said there were now an additional 25 trips per weekday on the 320 bus route, which provided connections to the Airtrain and offered passengers and workers a practical alternative to driving.
   He said frequency of Airtrain services to Brisbane and Gold Coast stations had also increased, with the Task Force including an additional 8pm service from the domestic terminal.
   “The Task Force has also achieved faster response times and clearances of incidents through the Motorway Breakdown Response Service operating on the Gateway Motorway and airport interchange roundabout,” Mr Pitt said.
   “While implementing a range of measures, the task force has been actively informing the public about travel options to the airport precinct.”
   He said for safety reasons, the Task Force had ruled out turning off the traffic signals at the airport roundabout in its initial report issued in December 2007.
   Mr Pitt said the safety record of the airport roundabout post-signalisation had significantly improved.
   “Main Roads has not received any reports of accidents at the roundabout on Airport Drive since the installation of the traffic signals in August 2007,” he said.
   “More than 17 million motorists use the roundabout each year and these signals have played a major part in improving safety and reducing accidents in this area.”
   Mr Pitt said some initiatives recommended by the Task Force had not been implemented for various reasons, such as the permit system to allow only motorists with legitimate business into the Brisbane Airport precinct.
   He said with the high volume of vehicles accessing the precinct on a daily basis, a permit system was considered too difficult to police and therefore would not be introduced.

18 December, 2008

Police out front about candid scammers

Queensland Police have warned members of the public to remain vigilant and not fall prey to ‘get rich’ schemes or fraudsters offering fast money this Christmas season.
   Superintendent Brian Hay of the State Crime Operations Command Fraud and Corporate Crime Group said the promise of fast money in these difficult times could be tempting.
   “Work from home and ‘get rich’ schemes may seem an inviting solution to difficult economic problems, however the consequences can be more severe and in some cases devastating,” Superintendent Hay said.
   He said people should take a bit of extra time to ensure they were vigilant against emails forwarded to them by people or organisations offering employment opportunities.
   Superintendent Hay said as a general rule of thumb, any email from a sender you did not know should be deleted to help you avoid ending up in an international crime network.
   “People who respond to these offers could find themselves laundering stolen money for transnational criminals,” he said.
   “In addition to this, the victim may find they have just provided their bank account and identity details to a criminal who could use it to commit other crimes.”
   He said quite often ‘get rich’ schemes left the victim in a worse situation than they were previously in.
   Superintendent Hay said some victims had handed over large sums of money in the scams, rather than receiving it as they were led to believe.
   “If the offer seems too good to be true, then it generally is,” he said.
   “Remember to be aware, stay vigilant and protect yourself against fraud this season.”

18 December, 2008
Cooperation brings speed down
The Department of Main Roads, Queensland Transport and the Queensland Police Services have worked together to reduce the speed limit on a section of the Warrego Highway west of Toowoomba.
   Minister for Main Roads, Warren Pitt, said the section of highway had been identified for a speed limit reduction from 100km/h to 90km/h, in response to community concerns.
   “The section of the Warrego Highway between Banyula Drive, Torrington, and Kingsthorpe Haden Road, Kingsthorpe, (approximately nine kilometres) has a significant history of crashes,” Mr Pitt said.

QT customer centre hours
Queensland Transport Customer Service Centres have announced their Christmas opening hours.
   All Centres will be closed from Thursday 25 December 2008 to Thursday 1 January 2009 (inclusive) with the following exceptions:
   Open 29, 30 and 31 December 2008: Atherton, Burleigh Waters - Bermuda St, Biloela QGAP, Bowen, Bundaberg, Caboolture, Cairns, Cannonvale, Cleveland, Currumbin Waters, Emerald, Gladstone, Greenslopes, Gympie, Harristown, Hervey Bay, Inglewood QGAP, Innisfail, Ipswich, Logan City, Longreach, Mackay, Mareeba, Maroochydore, Maryborough, Mt Isa, Nambour, Redcliffe, Rockhampton, Roma, Southport, Spring Hill, Stanthorpe QGAP, Townsville – Garbutt, Warwick and Zillmere
   Open 29 and 30 December 2008: Dalby

PS database online
A Queensland Public Service database listing entries from the Government Gazette from 1864 to 1948 has been launched online at WorldVitalRecords.com.
   The database included an index to approximately 65,000 Queensland Public Servants’ entries.
   It gives the name, present office, location, date of birth, date of initial appointment, and the date, page and volume of the Government Gazette reference.
   The database also includes an index to approx 35,000 names of teachers mentioned in the Education Office Gazette from 1907 to 1920, as well as an index to approx 12,500 names from School Committee notices in the Gazette between commencement year of 1876 and 1899.

Computer funds open
Schools are being invited to apply for funding in the Federal Government's Computers in Schools program.
   Schools that did not apply in round one or round two of the National Secondary School Computer Fund are being encouraged by the Commonwealth to take the opportunity now.
   Federal Minister for Education, Julia Gillard said schools had until 11 February 2009 to lodge an application, with further information available from www.digitaleducationrevolution.gov.au

Anzac Day is no holiday
The Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations has announced that there will be no public holiday for Anzac Day next year as it falls on a Saturday.
   The Minister, John Mickel said there would not be a holiday on the following Monday.
   He said non-exempt shops such as large supermarkets would be closed for ANZAC Day but smaller shops such as bakeries, newsagents and independent retail shops that predominantly sold food or groceries could open all day.
   “Other independent retail shops (with up to 20 staff engaged at any one time in the shop) can open from 1pm and cinemas and other places of public entertainment can open from 1.30 pm, unless they have a permit to open before that time,” Mr Mickel said.

Mayors move on living standards
Mayors from Indigenous Councils have committed to reducing overcrowding and improving living standards in rural and remote communities during a Ministerial Roundtable at Parliament House.
   The Mayors said they would aim to improve conditions over the next 10 years.
   The Roundtable agreed greater education and information for Indigenous communities on housing and home ownership options and obligations were priorities.

Industrial estate proceeds
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning has begun planning the proposed industrial estate at Bromelton near Beaudesert.
   Acting Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, John Mickel, said studies were underway to determine the types of industries that would be suitable in the Bromelton State Development Area.
   “No decision has been made and people can rest assured this site will be carefully designed with the environment and nearby communities in mind,” Mr Mickel said.

Diamond data
All data from diamond exploration reports dating back to the 1960s have been compiled into one big document for diamond explorers.
   Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson, said the document would help explorers narrow down their search for diamond deposits in Queensland by taking some of the guess work out.
   Mr Wilson said over 40 exploration companies had been exploring for diamonds in more than 20 areas of the state since 1960.

ABC opens new HQ
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Brisbane operations are to be moved to a new site at South Bank on the corner of Grey and Russell Streets.
   Managing Director of the ABC, Mark Scott, said the site was necessary following a cancer scare at the Corporation’s former studios in Toowong.
   “We can now move forward with optimism that ABC Brisbane staff will again be in one location in the future, working again as a team,” Mr Scott said.

Solar farm kicks in
Australia’s newest solar farm at Windorah is now delivering clean emissions-free energy to outback Queensland towns in the State’s remote south-west.
   The solar farm uses five 14-metre diameter solar dishes which follow the sun across the sky to capture sunlight and help power local homes and businesses.
   Innovative cloud monitoring and prediction software to be trialled at the site detects when a cloud moves in front of the sun and employs a battery system to maintain the same generation capacity until the cloud moves away.

Internet report shows growth
A joint report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has found the number of people subscribing for broadband and taking up mobile and 3G options has increased.
   The report, Communications Infrastructure and Services Availability in Australia 2008, found the number of broadband subscribers increased by 1.1 million in the 12 months to June 2008 and that broadband connection speeds were rising with a 25 per cent increase in subscribers during the year.
   It reported there were 8.55 million 3G services in operation at June 2008 (an increase of 88 per cent) and that the number of fixed lines remained stable in the year.
   ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman, said the report provided a “concise and objective account of communications infrastructure.”

11 December, 2008

PS goes for broke to beat finance crisis

The Queensland Public Service is to play a major role in the State Government’s response to the global financial crisis with Treasurer Andrew Fraser announcing it would be required to come up with an additional $100 million in savings in the next financial year.
   He said this amount would be in addition to the $80 million already foreshadowed as savings for the period.
   Delivering the Government’s Major Economic Statement, Mr Fraser said the PS savings would not stop there but would be expected to reach $200 million a year from 2010-11 onwards.
   “These savings will be achieved by reducing corporate overheads and reducing publication, marketing and communication costs,” Mr Fraser said.
   “This savings target builds on other recent efficiency reforms of Government such as improvements in procurement, the ongoing consolidation of ICT across Government, the amalgamation of the former Service Delivery Performance Commission and the Office of the Public Service Commissioner.”
   He said decisions on Agency specific targets would be made as part of the 2009-10
Budget but the overriding objective would be to ensure that front line staff and functions were unaffected.
   According to Mr Fraser, other reforms that would assist in reaching the savings target included the creation of the Civil and Administrative Tribunal which was expected to replace around 26 different Tribunals, the formation of the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet, and the review of all Government Boards and Statutory bodies.
   He said the whole-of-Government productivity dividend would also contribute to the savings as would the review of corporate services with funding redirected to frontline services.
   Mr Fraser said the 15 Government-Owned Corporations (GOCs) would also be expected to pull their weight with the ongoing reform program to continue and requirements that they improve their efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.
   “GOC reform will continue with GOCs required to improve their performance and review their asset holdings to identify surplus, non-performing and non-core assets for sale,” he said.
   He said while GOC reforms had resulted in progress towards improving returns to the taxpayer, the Government was committed to aligning the returns to levels comparable to the private sector.
   “At the same time, Government expects the GOCs to continue to improve their efficiency and productivity, to ensure their continued strength and sustainability into the future, protecting and growing jobs and bringing greater benefit to the Queensland economy.”
   He said like the wider Public Service, the GOCs would be expected to identify operational efficiencies and productivity measures that would allow them to contribute an extra $100 million a year to the Government by 2011-12.
   “The chairs of the GOCs have been advised of the reforms and have been asked to develop, with their Boards, a detailed implementation plan.”

11 December, 2008

History book makes its own history

The Ombudsman has questioned a contracting process used by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet to appoint a prominent historian to write a history of Queensland and a publisher to publish it.
   The Ombudsman raised the concerns in a report tabled in Parliament following his investigation of a complaint by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mark McArdle, that the contract was awarded without normal accountability processes being followed.
   Ombudsman, David Bevan said his investigation established that in December 2005, former Premier Peter Beattie invited Emeritus Professor of History and Politics at Griffith University, Professor Ross Fitzgerald, to write the history of the State to mark its 150th anniversary next year and UQP to publish it..
   Mr Bevan said he didn’t have the jurisdiction to review the former Premier’s decisions, but he was authorised to investigate the Department’s actions in implementing the Premier’s directives.
   He found that the Department had not, in fact, followed its processes adequately but that there was no breach of duty or misconduct by anyone concerned.
   He said officers of DPC involved in the contract process believed that to give effect to the former Premier’s decision they needed to complete documentation for each contract justifying its exemption from the Department’s normal procedures for seeking competitive offers.
   “I have formed the opinion that this course of action was both unnecessary and potentially misleading,” Mr Bevan said, “as it gave the appearance that the Department had made both decisions in accordance with its normal processes when this was not the case.”
   “I also considered that the documents the officers prepared to justify not seeking competitive offers, on the grounds of urgency or the specialised nature of the work involved, did not contain sufficient details to support those claims even though the evidence probably supports exemption on at least one of those grounds.”
   Mr Bevan’s investigations led him to make a number of recommendations for DPC to implement that would improve the accountability and transparency of its contracting and expenditure approval processes.
   He recommended the Department review its Purchasing Procedures to provide better guidance to officers on the situations in which a contract can be awarded without obtaining competitive offers, and that it reinforce with staff the need to record sufficient details to justify any exemptions from obtaining competitive offers.
   He also recommended that the Department ensure that adequate training is provided to any officer involved in significant purchasing matters.
   “Finally, I have recommended that the Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office in the Department of Public Works issue guidance to all public sector Agencies on appropriate procedures for managing contract processes where a Minister or Cabinet has made a decision that a Department is to enter into a contract with a specified provider,” Mr Bevan said.
   Copies of the Ombudsman’s report could be found at www.ombudsman.qld.gov.au

11 December, 2008

Correct weight on horse virus response

An independent review into the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries’ response to the State’s outbreak of the Hendra virus has found it was “effective” and “successful” in containing the disease.
   Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin, welcomed the findings of the review by Dr Nigel Perkins, saying Dr Perkins was a veterinary epidemiologist with extensive experience in disease control.
   Mr Mulherin said he found the response was appropriately managed and consistent with the nationally approved AUSVETPlan and Department procedures.
   “Overall, the report is a strong endorsement for the work undertaken by the very dedicated and skilled staff who responded to these incidents,” he said.
   “When you consider the seriousness of the incidents and the very real risks to those staff who had to work in close contact with the horses on the affected premises, I believe that the staff involved did a tremendous job.”
   In his report, Dr Perkins said the actions of DPI&F staff “were in accordance with national and state operating procedures.”
   Although he said the Departments initial actions were “rapid and effective”, he made 20 recommendations to help improve processes.
   Dr Perkins suggested the Department give more details in the conditions of written quarantine notices to avoid confusion; introduce a more formalised induction process and a review of safety procedures; establish arrangements for the removal and disposal of dead horses by contractors; initiate face-to-face meetings with owners regarding horse euthanasia; and provide Hendra updates on its website.
   Mr Mulherin said he thought the review’s most significant finding concerned information for people involved with horses.
   “People working with horses need to be more aware of the potential risks associated with Hendra virus and handling of horses,” he said.
   “The report indicates that people involved in procedures exposing them to horse fluids or tissue, perhaps even in apparently healthy horses, may require higher levels of biosecurity and protective clothing and equipment.
   “This is an area that requires further investigation.”
   In Parliament, Mr Mulherin acknowledged the “tragic consequences” of the Hendra cases in Redlands and Proserpine, which led to the death of a young vet and at least eight horses, and serious illness for a veterinary nurse.
   He said both people who contracted Hendra were from the Redlands Veterinary Clinic and that the vet had died on 20 August and the nurse had been released from hospital on 19 August.
   Mr Mulherin said DPI&F had been notified about unusual deaths at the Redlands Clinic on 7 July after a horse had been euthanased on 26 June.
   He said Department staff had visited the clinic on the day they were notified, and declared it a quarantine site.
   The owner at Proserpine first contacted a vet about a sick horse on 10 July, but it died a day later.
   Mr Mulherin said DPI&F had advised the vet to test for Hendra, which was found to be the cause of death.
   He said DPI&F would consider the recommendations in the report.

11 December, 2008

Downpayment made on Budget Honesty

Legislation to ensure the Government and the Opposition are financially accountable for their election promises is set to be introduced into Queensland next year.
   Treasurer, Andrew Fraser, said Cabinet had approved the preparation of Charter of Budget Honesty, which would provide for the independent evaluation of policy costings before elections.
   “It will adopt the framework of the Federal Charter legislation, and provide for the Treasury to independently assess policy costings,” Mr Fraser said.
   “The Bill will require a full update of the forward estimates for the Budget by the Under Treasurer to be presented before election day.”
   He said economic and financial management had always been a Government priority and that Queenslanders wanted to see that the affordability of policy proposals had been properly assessed.
   Mr Fraser said when the legislation was passed the Government and opposition would have to account for their election commitments.
   “No more ‘thought bubbles’, no more ‘don’t-you-worry-about-that costings,” he said.
   “Through this Bill, governments and alternative governments alike will be subject to the same process.”
   Mr Fraser said under the proposed new legislation, Treasury officials would be prohibited from providing advice to either the Government or Opposition in relation to the policy settings after an election had been called.
   “Their assessment will be appropriately limited to an assessment of the costings provided for a policy proposal,” he said.
   “The costings of election commitments will be released publicly by the Under Treasurer as soon as possible after a policy costing has been provided.”
   Mr Fraser said it was important for Queenslanders to have the information before casting their vote.
   “I have every reason to expect the support of the Opposition in the passage of this Bill, and their support for submitting their policies for independent assessment by the Treasury,’’ he said.

11 December, 2008

Queensland taps into phone surveillance

Legislation has been introduced into the Federal Parliament to allow Queensland law enforcement Agencies to use telecommunications interception powers, bringing the State in line with the rest of the country.
   Commonwealth Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said the important law enforcement powers were already available to Police forces in other States and Territories and the inclusion of Queensland Agencies meant that the telecommunications interception regime would be truly national.
    “The amendments will recognise Queensland’s Public Interest Monitor in the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 (Cth),” Mr McClelland said.
   “This will allow the Queensland Government to introduce legislation that satisfies the recordkeeping, reporting and inspection obligations under the Federal Act.”
   He said the obligations were a key component of the interception regime as they established the minimum standards interception Agencies must comply with to ensure accountability.
   “This legislation recognises a longstanding commitment the Queensland Government has given to the Public Interest Monitor and its unique oversight role in law enforcement matters in Queensland,” he said.
   According to media reports, Queensland was the last State to gain the powers because it hadn't passed laws that satisfied the Telecommunications Interception Act's record-keeping, reporting and inspection obligations.
   Queensland was expected now to legislate to comply with the TIA.

11 December, 2008

Cameras trained on railway crossings

The introduction of closed circuit security cameras and red light cameras at rail level crossings is being considered by the Government in an effort to improve safety.
   Minister for Transport, John Mickel said the move arose from a trial of closed circuit television cameras installed at a level crossing with boom gates on Brisbane’s Southside earlier this year.
   Mr Mickel said Queensland Rail would examine an expansion of the trial to other level crossings, with the possible inclusion of red light cameras to capture photos of motorists who ignored flashing warning lights.
   He said Queensland Rail had become aware of worrying behaviour by motorists negotiating the level crossing on Boundary Road, Coopers Plains, where the closed circuit television cameras had been installed.
   “Motorists were entering the crossing while the warning lights were flashing, and some ended up queuing across the crossing during peak traffic periods,” Mr Mickel said.
   “Other motorists were more determined to ignore the flashing lights and lowered boom gates, and deliberately tried to drive around them.”
   He said in a number of cases, vehicles struck and damaged the boom gates trying to get through the crossing and cameras were installed on either side of the crossing to monitor and identify patterns of driver behaviour.
   Mr Mickel said the cameras had a definite impact on drivers’ behaviour, as some drivers could see they were being monitored.
   “The camera vision is monitored at train control, which can alert train drivers to unsafe situations such as cars queued across the level crossing,” he said.
   He said Queensland Rail would consult with other Agencies including police, Queensland Transport and Main Roads, about the installation of the closed circuit television cameras and potentially red light cameras at other level crossings.
   Mr Mickel said the improvement and affordability of camera technology meant there was potential to roll out closed circuit television cameras in regional areas.
   “Red light cameras involve more complex technical and operational requirements, and their suitability for use at level crossings will be discussed with Police,” he said.
   “The red light cameras would enable motorists who broke the law by not stopping at level crossing flashing lights to be issued with a traffic infringement notice.”
   Mr Mickel said Queensland Rail and Police planned work together to conduct blitzes at level crossing throughout the state.

11 December, 2008

Train upgrade on the right track

The TransLink Transit Authority has pledged to upgrade Queensland Rail’s entire fleet to meet current Disability Discrimination Act standards by 2013.
   Minister for Transport, John Mickel, welcomed the commitment by inspecting the first revamped disability-friendly train at Roma Street Station.
   Mr Mickel said his inspection coincided with the International Day of People with Disability and highlighted the State’s commitment to creating a “fair Queensland for all.”
   “International Day of People with Disability is an opportunity for us all to understand the access issues of people with disabilities,” he said.
   “The Queensland Government is serious about making rail services safer and stations more accessible.”
   Mr Mickel said the first two upgraded trains were ready to be introduced into service.
   “QR are currently upgrading one, three car train set every 30 to 40 working days and they expect that the entire fleet will be upgraded by 2013,” he said.
   “The new trains that we are currently adding to the network are already fitted to these new standards.”
   Mr Mickel said the upgraded trains would improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities, particularly people with vision and mobility impairments.
   “New Braille signage, improved lighting, colour contrast fittings, and audible tones to indicate when the doors are closing, will go a long way in assisting people with a vision impairment to get around,” he said.
   “The trains are also being fitted with electronic door opening buttons, which means passengers are no longer required to locate and turn a handle to open the doors.”
   Mr Mickel said people with hearing impairments would benefit from new screens next to doors providing information about whether the door was open or locked.
   He said all Queenslanders would benefit from the upgrades.
   “There is improved space for prams and wheelchairs and priority seating for people with disabilities, seniors, pregnant women and adults carrying children,” Mr Mickel said.
   “In recent years we've done an enormous amount of work to improve access to public transport.
   Representative of the Queenslanders with a Disability Network, John McPherson, commended QR for its commitment to accessible design.
   “The help phone and door controls are very easy to use and locate,” Mr McPherson said.
   “Additionally, there is excellent circulation space in the vestibule, which is useful for people with vision or mobility impairments and other passengers.”

11 December, 2008

Building standards go up for disabled

Public buildings across Australia may have to comply with new standards for access by people with disabilities if a draft policy for improvement is adopted by Australian Governments.
   The Commonwealth used the recent International Day of Persons with a Disability to table new draft standards, saying they would be mirrored in the Building Code of Australia.
   Federal Attorney General, Robert McClelland, said the standards would help provide better access to new and upgraded public buildings for people with a disability by making it clearer what was required to avoid discrimination.
   He said mirroring the standard requirements in the Building Code of Australia would reduce complexity by aligning building and discrimination laws.
   Mr McClelland said the Commonwealth believed access to public and commercial buildings for all members of society was critical for achieving social inclusion.
   “These initiatives will have a positive impact on the daily lives of people with a disability – providing better access to premises such as shops, Government offices and hotels,” he said.
   “It will make their rights clearer and more certain.”
   The proposed Premises Standards addressed access issues such as signage, circulation space in lifts and accessible toilets, the number of wheelchair spaces in theatres and the use of tactile warning indicators on stairways and ramps.
   Federal Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr, said harmonising the access requirements and the Building Code of Australia would provide people with a disability with greater access to public and certainty for the building industry.
   Senator Carr said the Commonwealth intended to refer the draft Standards to the House of Representatives’ Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee for final public consultation, before it made its report in the first half of 2009.

11 December, 2008

2009 calendar is ahead of its time

A 2009 calendar featuring inspiring stories from people with disabilities has been launched to celebrate International Day of People with a Disability.
   Minister for Communities and Disabilities, Lindy Nelson-Carr, said 2009 would be the fourth year the calendar had been produced, and featured 12 real-life stories from Queenslanders discussing the issues they faced as people with disabilities.
   “The Share Your Story initiative gives Queenslanders with a disability a way to express their individuality, personality, opinions, hopes and dreams,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
   “By sharing their personal stories, we learn more about each other, raise awareness about disabilities and, ultimately, help build a more inclusive community.
   She said there had been a large number of submissions to the calendar, with the stories chosen celebrating the “rich diversity of Queensland.”
   Ms Nelson-Carr said stories in the 2009 calendar revolved around overcoming challenges, breaking down barriers and the importance of support from family and friends.
   “It is such a joy to read these heartfelt and courageous words from fellow Queenslanders,” she said.
   “I am really proud of Share Your Story and I invite Queenslanders to obtain a copy.”
   Ms Nelson-Carr said some of the stories included a man who became a race car driver, a former dancer who found passion in artwork, a woman who ran a fishing business and a man who cooked breakfast for the homeless every weekend.
   Ms Nelson-Carr said copies of the free Share Your Story calendar were available from Disability Service Queensland regional offices and Queensland Government Agent Program offices or could be viewed online at www.disability.qld.gov.au
   She said participants in the 2009 Share Your Story Calendar were:

January - Barb Rosedale, Cooktown
February – Grant Plowman, Highfields
March – Brianne Ronquillo, Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane.
April- Tim Morrissey, Gold Coast
May - Christine Pampling, Toowoomba
June – Samir Michael, Alexandra Hills, Brisbane.
July – Jade Roberts, Bundaberg
August – Jeremy Murphy, Deagon
September – Ann Brunker, Bowen
October – Jeffery Finlay, Gordonvale
November – Lisa Cox, Aspley, Brisbane.
December – S-Troupe, Ipswich

11 December, 2008

Parents learn from new school book

A new handbook designed to help parents of students with a disability navigate the education system has been launched by Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford.
   Mr Welford said Education for children with a disability – a guide for parents would provide parents with a starting point for gathering information and making informed decisions about their child’s education.
   “It is important parents feel they can confidently speak with school staff about their child’s needs so they can influence the educational support he or she receives,” he said.
   “There are many critical parental decisions such as choosing the right secondary school and planning post-school options that also need to be made along the way.”
   Mr Welford said the handbook would help guide parents through all schooling ages, from early to senior learning.
   The launch coincided with the International Day of People with Disability to recognise the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
   “It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the important role parents and school communities play in the successful education of all young Queenslanders,” he said
   “Research has shown families have a major influence on their children’s achievements at school and throughout their lives.”
   Mr Welford said children were more likely to do well in school and undertake further studies if they were supported by their family, school and community.
   “For parents of children with a disability, it’s even more important to have a strong relationship with school staff and the people who share responsibility for their child's development,” he said.
   “This guide helps to strengthen partnerships by explaining in plain English the terms parents may be unfamiliar with and gives contact details if they need more information.”
   A copy of the guide was available from www.education.qld.gov.au

11 December, 2008

Pet legislation gets pat on the back

New legislation to encourage responsible pet ownership will see the registration and microchipping of cats and dogs become mandatory.
   Minister for Local Government, Warren Pitt, said the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 placed greater responsibility on the community and gave Councils the power to enforce the responsible behaviour.
   Mr Pitt said the legislation also introduced a “menacing dog classification.”
   He said in addition to the new Act the Government had funded four pilot studies aimed at reducing the number of animals euthanased unnecessarily each year.
   “We’ve committed $315,000 towards these two-year pilot studies with a view to informing possible amendments to the legislation in the coming years,” Mr Pitt said.
   “Gold Coast City Council will trial an approved breeder permit scheme and a targeted education campaign focusing on appropriate enclosures for pet cats, at a cost of $77,000.”
   He said Logan City Council would construct a community animal desexing clinic and Townsville would establish and education program and restart the CatScan program to microchip cats over five months old.
   Mr Pitt said Moreton Bay would work with local veterinarians to promote cat desexing and would utilise the RSPCA’s Education Mobile Unit and Portable Animal Welfare Service.
   “While the new legislation establishes the minimum obligation for pet owners around the State, these trial studies will provide evidence-based approaches to other ideas and strategies for dealing with this serious issue in the future,” he said.
   Mr Pitt said the pilot studies would complement the voluntary code of practice for pet shops, which set out best practice within the industry.
   He said Queensland was the second last jurisdiction to put mandatory registration and identification of cats and dogs in place, with the Northern Territory still to implement the practice.
   “The new legislation brings us into line with other States and places the onus of responsibility back onto pet owners,” Mr Pitt said.
   “The Government will continue to work closely with Councils and industry to ensure the legislation in place continues to reflect the collective needs of the community and the welfare of animals,” he said.

11 December, 2008

Correctional staff get big tick

Correctional Centres across Queensland have welcomed an influx of new staff following a graduation ceremony at the Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Academy at Wacol.
   Minister for Corrective Services, Judy Spence congratulated the 99 new custodial officers, dog squad officers and their dogs, Probation and Parole officers and participants in management development programs, on completing their intensive training course.
   Ms Spence said it was an exciting time to join QCS, with the Government investing record amounts in infrastructure to build the prisons of the future and upgrade existing ones.
   She said the 34 new custodial officers would fill positions at correctional Centres in south-east Queensland, joined by two experienced officers from private correctional Centres who had undertaken a three week bridging course.
   "These new officers have a broad range of experience in field including the Defence Forces, Police, security, education, telecommunications and real estate," Ms Spence said.
   "They have undertaken an intense training program to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to begin a rewarding career with Queensland Corrective Services.”
   She said their training included modules on control and restraint, cultural awareness, legislation, suicide prevention, firearm training, first aid, interpersonal skills, safety and security, and code of conduct.
   Ms Spence said the new custodial officers joined QCS as part of a recruitment drive that has seen more than 290 new officers graduate from the QCS Academy in 2008.
   She said 11 dog handlers and their dogs, 23 Probation and Parole officers, 29 staff members completing management development programs and two distance education students completing their Diploma of Correctional Administration had also graduated.
   Ms Spence said the dog handlers had completed a General Purpose and Passive Alert Drug Detection course held in Brisbane and Rockhampton since August.
   She said Probation and Parole officers from as far away as Roma, Palm Island, Mt Isa and Thursday Island completed the Reporting Officer Development Program.

11 December, 2008

Campaign shines light on suntan danger

A new campaign warning Queenslanders about the dangers of sun tanning has been launched by Health Minister, Stephen Robertson.
   Mr Robertson said the Dark side of Tanning campaign provided graphic illustrations of the damage unsafe sun exposure could do to skin, even before it began to burn.
   He said the campaign targetted teenagers and young adults, and would run until the end of January.
   “We have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world because too many Queenslanders do not take simple precautions and therefore put themselves at risk,” Mr Robertson said.
   “Skin cancer remains one of the State’s most important and difficult health challenges, with one in 20 Queenslanders expected to be diagnosed with melanoma before the age of 75.”
   He said 2,658 Queenslanders were diagnosed with melanoma in 2005, 263 of whom died.
   Mr Robertson said Australia-wide, there were around 400,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year, making it the most common form of cancer in the country.
   “Diagnosing and treating skin cancer comes with an estimated $300 million national price tag, putting extra pressure on the public health system,” he said.
   He said one of the State’s aims under the Towards Q2 strategy was to reduce unsafe sun exposure by one third by 2020.
   “This skin cancer prevention campaign will be one step towards achieving that goal.”
   Mr Robertson said the Dark Side of Tanning campaign had already proven successful in NSW.
   “The NSW Cancer Institute has indicated there has been a five per cent change in people who are anti-tan as a result of the campaign, with 60 per cent of the population regarded as anti-tan,” he said.
   “As a result of seeing the ad, nearly two thirds of viewers were less likely to get a suntan and over half were thinking about increasing their level of sun protection.”
   Mr Robertson said he was confident the campaign would also prove successful in Queensland.
   He recommended people follow five steps to prevent skin cancer: slip on protective clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on wrap-around sunglasses.

11 December, 2008

VET training boasts on-the-job success

Queensland’s vocational education and training graduates have one of the highest employment rates in the country, according to a recently released national survey.
   Figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research’s Student Outcomes Survey showed 83.8 per cent of the State’s 2007 VET graduates found jobs.
   Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, said almost 74,000 of the 88,580 graduates in Queensland last year had achieved employment.
   “Queensland is in the top three States and Territories behind South Australia and the ACT and ahead of the national average of 80.7 per cent when it comes to graduates finding work,” Mr Welford said.
   “This survey serves as a national report card on the employment outcomes of VET activity in both TAFE institutes and private training providers.”
   He said the survey found over 87 per cent of Queensland graduates were satisfied with the quality of training they had received.
   “It’s also pleasing to see that 89 per cent of our graduates said they had fully or partly achieved their main reason for doing the training and 26.5 per cent of graduates had enrolled in further study,” Mr Welford said.
   He said the data showed students from higher-level courses such as Diplomas and Certificates III and IV enjoyed higher rates of employment than students from lower-level courses such as Certificates I and II.
   “These latest apprenticeship and traineeship figures show we are on track to deliver more skilled workers to ensure we can continue to build tomorrow’s Queensland,” Mr Welford said.
   “Our Queensland Skills Plan is helping to tackle skill shortages, with a particular focus on boosting workforce participation.”
   Mr Welford said part of the Government’s Q2 vision was to increase the number of Queenslanders with trade, training or tertiary qualifications from 50 to 75 per cent by 2020.
   “Meeting this target will increase innovation and growth in our economy,” he said.

11 December, 2008

No ranger danger when kids go bush

The Environmental Protection Agency has launched an evening ‘Go Bush’ activity that encourages children looking for an energetic activity in their school holidays to join a local ranger at dusk.
   Ranger with the EPA, Ros Black said Go Bush was an easy, fun way for everyone to learn about climate change, native wildlife and the environment.
   Ms Black said the dusk and night walks would ensure participants had the best chance of seeing wildlife and they would remain cool.
   “If you’re looking for school holiday activities to entertain the kids, then Go Bush is healthy, educational - and fun,” Ms Black said.
   “Kids will be inspired by our Junior Ranger, Rainforest Ranger and Power Ranger activities.”
   She said the family frog-spotlight walk was back by popular demand this summer and an excellent frog season was expected following spring’s heavy rain.
   Ms Black said frogs at every stage of development could be spotted on evening walks through the lush rainforests of Boombana National Park.
   She said other family spotlight walks scheduled for summer were at Daisy Hill, Noosa and the Glass House Mountains.
   “Head for the cooler climate of Springbrook National Park and enjoy damper, a cuppa and some Aussie bush poetry around the campfire before heading out on a night tour to see what nocturnal animals are out and about,” she said.
   “Join a local ranger at dusk to witness the flurry of wildlife activity in Tamborine National Park, or on a twilight stroll to watch the sun set from Western Window outlook in Maiala National Park.”
   Ms Black said these activities and a host of other school holidays activities for kids and families were being held in locations around Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.
   She said more information could be obtained by calling 1300 130 372.

11 December, 2008

High powered plans for powerline network

New ‘green’ projects to improve amenities around powerlines in Southern Queensland are on the cards according to Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson.
   Mr Wilson said Powerlink, the State cooperation responsible for maintaining the high voltage electricity transmissions network, would work with Local Councils to implement the new measures over the next four years.
   “We need transmission lines to give us the power we need to get on with our daily lives,” Mr Wilson said.
   “What this is about is making life better for the communities that live around powerlines.”
   Mr Wilson said the $1.3 million environmental program would target future powerlines in the State’s south.
   He said Powerlink would work with the Lockyer Valley, Somerset, South Burnett and Toowoomba Regional Councils and Ipswich City Council.
   “They’ll work with community groups on the sorts of projects to be funded,” Mr Wilson said.
   “I commend Powerlink, the Councils and the community for working together to get these important local projects up and running.”
   The Minister said the GreenWorks program was expected to generate job opportunities, with work set to begin in mid-2009.
   A steering committee, comprising of local Mayors and Powerlink representatives, would seek advice from technical and environmental specialists on potential projects surrounding future heavy-duty 500 kilovolt powerlines.
   Powerlink Chief Executive, Gordon Jardine, said the projects formed part of the organisation’s forward planning and would provide landowners and the community with certainty around planning for future land use.
   “The development of a 500kV transmission network will help to meet the fast growing electricity demand in Queensland, and transport high voltage electricity more efficiently and with a smaller footprint,” Mr Jardine said.
   “Easements for the future proposed 500kV powerlines have been acquired between Tarong and Gatton, and between Gatton and Blackwall (near Ipswich) and Greenbank (in the Logan area).”
   He said the future powerlines would help transport electricity from the generation-rich Surat Basin area to the fast-growing south east corner of the State.
   “Both NSW and Victoria have already developed 500kV transmission networks to meet the electricity needs of their State,” Mr Jardine said.
   “The time is approaching for Queensland to strengthen its transmission network to ensure the continued security and reliability of electricity supply, and to support the continued economic growth of the State.”
   He said Powerlink took its responsibility to the community and environment very seriously and looked forward to mitigating some of the potential effects of the transmission lines through the GreenWorks program.

11 December, 2008
Foster care awards open
Nominations for the annual Foster Care Excellence Awards have opened.
   The Awards provide the Department of Child Safety with an opportunity to recognise the role that foster and kinship carers play in Queensland's child protection system and the enormous contribution they make to the lives of vulnerable children and their families.
   Nomination forms have been distributed to Child Safety Service Centres and foster and relative care services around the State and local nominations must be lodged with Departmental zonal offices by 23 January 2009
   More information could be found at www.childsafety.qld.gov.au

Post Office reminder
Australia Post has reminded the community to post their Christmas cards early as record volumes of Christmas mail are expected again this year.
   Australia Post’s Nadine Lyford said the service handled millions of extra items during the festive season and that early posting ensured mail would arrive in time.
   “Generally, if people receive Christmas cards, they are more likely to then send a Christmas card back. That’s a good reason to send your cards now,” Ms Lyford said.

Rescuers return
Five members of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team have returned from Papua New Guinea after assisting local rescue teams following a landslide at a gold mine in the Eastern Highlands Province.
   The Papua New Guinea Government requested assistance through Emergency Management Australia after several people were killed and many more either injured or missing as a result of the landslide.

Pay input invited
The Australian Fair Pay Commission has invited interested groups and individuals to make submissions to the 2009 Minimum Wage Review.
  The Commission said submissions should address the capacity for the unemployed and low-paid to obtain and keep employment, employment competitiveness, safety nets for the low-paid and minimum wages.
  Further information was available from www.fairpay.gov.au

Cadets win trophy
The Maroochydore Emergency Service Cadets Group has won the prestigious Henry Stewart Christie trophy for the third consecutive year.
   Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said the HS Christie trophy was the highest award available within the cadet organisation.
   Mr Roberts said the award recognised Queensland’s most outstanding group in the areas of training, development and community involvement.

British police targetted
The British Government has launched a backlash campaign aimed at luring its expatriate police officers home.
   According to Agence France-Presse, British Police were ‘fed-up’ with Australia poaching their officers and was offering a £10,000 resettlement package to welcome them home.
   The Brits said almost 10 per cent of their force had left to work overseas and they were particularly targetting the South Australian and Western Australian police services.

Mine feedback called
The Government is seeking feedback on the proposed new $2.9 billion open cut mine in the Surat Basin.
   An Environmental Impact Statement has been released and comment invited to give a better understanding of the full range of impacts and to consider the views of the community.
   Submissions could be made in writing and should be addressed to the Coordinator-General of the Project.

Council Bill seeks comment
The Local Government Bill was introduced into Parliament in late October and stakeholders have now been invited to make further submissions.
   Changes to the Bill are planned for 2009 as Amendments in Committee when the Bill is debated and these changes would be based on submissions received by 31 January 2009.
   More information could be found at www.lgp.qld.gov.au

Reserve expands
The Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve is to be expanded to protect the Mackay region’s bird and fish breeding habitats.
   Minister for Natural Resources and Water, Craig Wallace, said 11 hectares of State land would be added to the reserve to “protect the unique biodiversity and conservation values of the area.”
   Mr Wallace said Mackay Regional Council had accepted trusteeship of the additional land, allowing his Department to formally include it in the reserve.

Herberton turns 125
The Herberton Hospital has celebrated its 125th birthday, with official events to coincide with next year’s Tablelands Regional Council festivities marking the 150th anniversary of Queensland statehood.
   Minister for Health, Stephen Robertson, said the environmentally friendly hospital had continuously provided Queenslanders with first class health services since it was established in 1883.
   Mr Robertson said it had been restructured in 1984 and refurbished this year to deliver a more age-friendly environment for residents.

4 December, 2008

PSC firms up on temporary staff

The Public Service Commission has issued a new Directive prescribing the requirements of Agencies hiring temporary employees and when those employees have a claim to a permanent job.
   The Temporary Employment Directive is to be applied where a Chief Executive employs a person as a temporary employee on a full-time or part-time basis. It is not to be used for casual employees.
   According to the Directive, people may be employed as temporary employees to meet temporary circumstances, which include replacing another employee on leave, a temporary or urgent demand for particular skills or a temporary increase in workload during times of fluctuating organisational needs.
   It says that for each separate period of engagement, the temporary employee has to be provided with a letter of engagement detailing the circumstances of the appointment, the specified tasks to be performed, duration of the engagement, and advice that the temporary employment does not constitute appointment to a tenured role or position.
   “Once a temporary employee completes three continuous years of service in the same role, the Agency must conduct a review of the temporary status of the employee with the aim of converting them to tenured status wherever feasible,” the Directive says.
   It says the review of temporary status would also apply to non-continuous service, where a temporary employee had performed a cumulative total of three years service in the same role.
   “A temporary employee does not need to be employed in the same position in order to be eligible,” it said.
   “Continuous service in the same role includes a role which is essentially the same.”
   The Directive said the review must result in the conversion of the temporary employee to tenured status at level where the temporary circumstances no longer existed and the role performed by the temporary employee was ongoing.
   It said the employee’s review must be finalised within 28 days of the employee becoming eligible for conversion and the outcome must be given in writing.
   “Where the review does not result in the conversion of the temporary employee to tenured status and the employee continues in the role on a temporary basis, the employee is to have his or her employment status reviewed again on the completion of each additional three years continuous service,” it says.
   “However, the employment status of the employee should, in the interests of fairness and efficient employee management, be reviewed at the end of 12 months after a decision to extend the temporary employment as a result of the mandatory review.”
   The Directive said an employee who was eligible for review may lodge a fair treatment appeal directly with the Public Service Commission in relation to the failure of the Agency to conduct the mandatory review or to have the outcome of the review reviewed.
   It said there would be a transition period of 12 months applying to the implementation of the Directive during which Departments must review the employment status of all of its eligible temporary employees.

4 December, 2008

Electricity charges shock Minister

The Department of Mines and Energy has been ordered to scrutinise the decision of the Queensland Competition Authority to increase the maximum price of electricity by 13.6 per cent.
   Minister Geoff Wilson said the rate-hike decision was “news no one wanted to hear”.
   “On a $400 quarterly bill, that’s an increase of $4.20 a week or $55 a quarter,” Mr Wilson said.
   He has directed his Department to look at the decision to make sure the price rise only reflected the true cost of supplying electricity to Queensland.
   “If it doesn’t stack up, we’ll take up the fight for consumers again. We’ll lodge another strong submission with the QCA,” he said.
   Mr Wilson said a big factor in the QCA’s decision was the massive amount spent on electricity infrastructure in Queensland – about $9 billion over 5 years – to strengthen the network.
   “You’ve only got to look at what happened after those violent storms hit the south east the week before last. 230,000 homes and businesses lost power and within 72 hours it was back on. It showed the real strength of the State’s electricity network,” he said.
   “We’re not alone. Other States have also been hit with price rises higher than ours. Queensland’s electricity prices are still among the lowest in the country.”
   Mr Wilson said the Government would continue to reach out and help the battlers.
   “We stepped in to help them before and we’ll do it again,” he said.
   “We increased our electricity rebate for pensioners and seniors from $145 to $165 to ease the financial burden. We established a $3 million hardship scheme for people who had difficulty meeting the cost of their electricity and gas bills.”
   He said the Government had also given households and small businesses in regional Queensland more than $600 million in subsidies last year to help keep electricity bills down.
   “There are big challenges ahead for Queensland and the world in the current global economic crisis. We’re all aware of the need to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
   “One thing is undeniably clear: the long term future for Queensland and the world does not include business as usual. We cannot keep doing what we were doing. We owe it to future generations.”
   Mr Wilson said it was important for industry stakeholders, especially consumer groups to lodge submissions with the QCA during the public consultation period.

4 December, 2008

Agencies to share in care for carers

Government Departments and Statutory Bodies are to be required to report annually on how they were providing services to carers and the people they cared for under a new charter that enshrines the contribution of carers make in the Government’s Tomorrow’s Queensland vision for the future.
   In addition, a new Office for Carers is to be established within Disability Services Queensland.
   Minister for Communities and Disability Services, Lindy Nelson-Carr said the new Carers (Recognition) Bill 2008 would formally recognise carers.
   “Queensland has a growing number of carers who selflessly take on the role of caring for a family member or loved one, and the future of Queensland will be all the stronger because of them,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
   “It can be a very difficult and emotionally trying job but it is one carers take on with enormous amounts of love, patience and compassion.”
   She said the legislation was an important step in supporting carers as it formally recognised their role as key partners in the delivery of care.
   Ms Nelson-Carr also said a new Carers Advisory Council would be established to advise Government on the interests of carers and promote compliance with the legislation.
   She said the new Office would provide an important focus on carers and ensure they featured prominently in Tomorrow’s Queensland.
   “Carers are represented in every part of the wider community,” she said.
   “They can be adults caring for other adults, parents caring for children who are ill or have a disability, young carers caring for a parent, sibling or relative, Indigenous carers, carers with culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds, carers in rural or remote areas and those who have multiple care responsibilities.”
   She said carers made up an estimated one in seven Queenslanders, so the Bill would empower hundreds of thousands of people and recognise them in law.
   The Bill was introduced as a Private Member’s Bill but was significantly amended by the Government to ensure it could deliver meaningful outcomes and give carers an important new partnership with Government.
   Ms Nelson-Carr said an Inquiry by the Australian Government that was currently underway could lead to national legislation to recognise carers.

4 December, 2008

Jokers called in on triple-0 crackdown

New laws that impose heavy fines and penalties for wasting the time of emergency service personnel have been passed by the State Parliament.
   Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said emergency service personnel receive thousands of false calls to triple 0, which diverted valuable resources from real emergencies.
   “It’s a waste of precious time and resources, and is frustrating for our hardworking emergency crews”, Mr Roberts said.
   “This isn’t about punishing people who make genuine or mistaken calls. Only false and malicious callers should be worried.”
   He said powers to investigate false calls would be delegated to designated emergency services personnel.
   “Front line firies and ambos will continue delivering front line services,” Mr Roberts said.
   The new legislation also enables the Queensland Ambulance Service to refer patients to alternative health services in cases where they did not require ambulance transport. This could include a GP or 13HEALTH.
   “This initiative is aimed at reducing the need for patients to be transported to emergency departments, when some other form of treatment would be more appropriate,” Mr Roberts said.
   In order to enhance patient care, the legislation also enables appropriate information sharing between relevant authorities on the health status of a patient.
   Paramedics would be able to provide police, health workers and carers who have an interest in the wellbeing of the patient, information on the patient, to ensure the best possible care.
The legislation also clarifies that the QAS could provide community education functions, to the extent that it did not detract from front line service delivery.
   The QAS would continue to offer a comprehensive range of first aid training and a baby capsule hire service to the community.
   The legislation also creates a new Emergency Services Advisory Council, which incorporates the functions of the pre-existing Rural Fire Advisory.

4 December, 2008

Councils plugged in to positive charges

A schedule of standard infrastructure charges has been prepared for Local Government Councils detailing what they can and cannot charge for in an effort to improve housing affordability and avoid ‘gold-plating’ of infrastructure projects.
   Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Paul Lucas said the new schedule would lead to consistency in the way Local Government infrastructure charges were calculated.
   Mr Lucas said the schedule was about giving developers and the community more confidence that the charges, which are eventually passed onto home buyers, were fair and reasonable.
   “This list of what Councils can and can’t charge for will give the development industry the certainty it has been crying out for and make it easier for councils to complete their infrastructure planning,” Mr Lucas said.
   “At the moment there is considerable variation in the way Councils develop these charges.”
   He said any Council that wanted to set its own infrastructure charges would need to use the standardised framework which provided a fair and transparent way of calculating it.
   He said the standard schedule would cut out any excesses and make sure Local Governments were not gold-plating their infrastructure planning to include non essential infrastructure items.
   “All new communities must be supplied with the essential services of water and sewerage, storm-water, roads and parks,” Mr Lucas said.
   “Through their Priority Infrastructure Plans (PIPs) Local Governments ensure that this essential infrastructure is planned, charged for and supplied to support Queensland’s fastest-growing areas.”
   “It’s important councils get their PIPs in place as quickly as possible,” he said.

4 December, 2008

Disaster cleans up with Fed donation

The Federal Government has donated $500,000 to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Fund.
   Federal Attorney General, Robert McClelland said the contribution matched the Queensland Government’s donation and helped push the level of donations to the fund past $1 million.
   Mr McClelland said the donation would help Queenslanders recover from the recent storms and support communities to get back on their feet.
   The donation was in addition to other Commonwealth financial assistance already available to the storm victims.
   “The Commonwealth has activated the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, providing eligible Queenslanders a one-off payment of $1,000 and $400 for each child to relieve their hardship,” Mr McClelland said.
   He said the Commonwealth would also provide financial assistance to Queensland through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
   He said under the NDRRA, the Queensland Government would be reimbursed half of its expenditure on eligible personal hardship and distress relief assistance to victims, such as emergency food, accommodation, clothing and replacement of essential household items, psychological and financial counselling and other long-term recovery measures.
   “Natural disasters can disrupt communities for long periods of time after the initial devastation,” he said.
   He said in recognition of the disruption, the Federal Government would continue to provide assistance to help individuals and communities recover.
   For individuals, businesses and other organisations willing to contribute to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Fund, cheques could be made out or credit card donations could be made 24 hours a day by calling 1800 173 349.

4 December, 2008

Agencies act fast to slow traffic

The Departments of Main Roads, Transport and the Queensland Police Service have joined forces to reduce the speed limit on a section of the Bruce Highway near Gympie, following growing community concern.
   Minister for Main Roads, Warren Pitt said the local community concern at the level of angerous driver behaviour between Cooroy and Curra on the Bruce Highway had led to the decision to lower the speed limit to 90km/h.
   Mr Pitt said Main Roads had spent close to $100 million during the past three years on works to improve capacity and safety along that stretch of the highway but it had become evident that more needed to be done to improve safety and reduce the number of crashes.
   He said the accidents resulted from excessive speed, failure to drive to the conditions and lack of due care.
   “Reducing the speed limit from 100 to 90km/h will add only four seconds of travelling time per kilometre, but can make a big difference to the road toll,” Mr Pitt said.
   He said the reduction in speed limit would be enforced by the Police to ensure it was taken seriously by all motorists.
   Minister for Transport, John Mickel said an analysis of the Cooroy–Curra stretch that included crash data, volume of traffic and the road environment had been undertaken.
   He said the Cooroy–Curra section of the highway would be well sign-posted to alert motorists to the change in speed limit and local advertising would be taken out to advise of changed conditions.
   “The safety benefits have been demonstrated on a number of roads such as the Ipswich Motorway, where a 10km/h speed reduction resulted in a 25 per cent crash reduction; the Captain Cook Highway in the far north; and locally on the approaches to the Gold Nugget and Matilda service station intersections,” Mr Mickel said.
   Mr Pitt said Main Roads was planning for the long-term future of the Cooroy–Curra section of the Highway.
   "The Department recently completed a joint State and Federal strategic planning study, which identified the corridor for the upgrade.”
   He said variable message signs would be in place by early next year, with more advanced warning technology to follow.
   Mr Pitt said the system could also warn about wet road conditions, traffic congestion, crash sites and other potential hazards.

4 December, 2008

Fisheries report nets Gov’t commitment

An independent expert’s review of Queensland's East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery has been released, with both the Federal and Queensland Governments committing to act on its findings.
   Federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett said the review found that proposed changes to the fishery were a significant step forward, but it also identified further improvements that should be made in future to ensure best practice management.
   Mr Garrett said the suggested improvements were likely to form the basis of the conditions and recommendations of the fishery's export approval.
   "The primary objectives of the review were to assess the fishery's level of interaction with protected species, such as dugongs, whales and sawfish, management of shark, and commercial fishing effort," Mr Garrett said.
   Queensland Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin welcomed the outcomes of the review.
   Mr Mulherin said over the past two years, Queensland had reviewed the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery, which targeted a range of species including shark, barramundi and mullet.
   He said the Government would work closely with their Federal counterparts and an independent expert panel to ensure strict sustainability guidelines were met.
   "The Queensland Government will consider changes to the fishery in the near future to be implemented in 2009,” Mr Mulherin said.
   “The Australian Government will then undertake a formal assessment of the fishery under the new arrangements.”
   Mr Garrett said a temporary extension of the export approval which expired on 30 November had been made to 28 February 2009 to allow the Governments time to consider the Report.
   He said he was committed to ensuring the fishery was managed in an ecologically sustainable manner and that the World Heritage Area values of the Great Barrier Reef were protected.
   "I also understand the importance of the fishery to Queensland and intend to work closely with the Queensland Government in relation to the sustainable management of the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery," Mr Garrett said.

4 December, 2008

Teaching plan is class act

Top teaching graduates are to be offered scholarships to work in specialist subject areas, difficult schools or remote locations as part of a plan by the Department of Education and Training to improve outcomes for students.
   Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford said recruiting and retaining top teachers was the key to ensuring all Queensland students could access the best possible education, no matter where they lived.
   “That’s why the Bligh Government is investing in new programs that will help us attract the best graduate teachers and place them in the schools and regions where they are most needed,” he said.
   “There are shortages of teachers in some subject areas such as manual arts and maths B and C. Other positions are difficult to staff, such as those at schools in areas of socio-economic disadvantage or those in rural and remote locations.”
   Mr Welford said bonded scholarships would be offered to high-calibre final year undergraduate students to teach in subjects where shortages have been identified, or in challenging and complex schools.
   “We will also implement a ‘sister school’ program in partnership with universities to provide graduates with initial teaching experience in a location of their choice,” he said.
   “This would be followed by a placement in a difficult-to-staff location with a guaranteed return to their preferred location after an agreed time.”
   He said “boomerang transfers” would also be offered, with staff supported to undertake short-term placements in challenging locations with a guaranteed return to their preferred location on completion.
   Mr Welford said he hoped these new strategies would also help address a concerning trend of teachers increasingly leaving the profession within four or five years of entering the classroom.
   “This is a trend that must be arrested. We need these skilled, experienced and confident teachers to stay in our classrooms, especially those in disadvantaged schools or remote locations,” he said.
   “Education is a key area in our Toward Q2 vision for Queensland in 2020. Giving our students the best possible learning environments is an investment in our future.”
   He said this could only be achieved by recruiting and retaining highly skilled teachers and deploying them where they were most needed.

4 December, 2008

New law to vet animal welfare

New laws that put the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries in charge of regulating animals on show in zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, and circuses have been opened for public comment.
   Currently the regulation is shared between DPI&F and the Environmental Protection Agency.
   Minister Tim Mulherin said the discussion paper sought community feedback on regulating exhibited animals and proposals for a single piece of legislation.
   “Native and exotic animals have long been used for exhibition, educational and entertainment purposes across Queensland,” Mr Mulherin said.
   “Currently native animal permits are issued by the Environmental Protection Agency and exotic animal permits by the Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries.
   “A review, by the Service Delivery and Performance Commission identified problems with having the industry administered by two different Government Agencies.”
   He said the review found there were some animals not covered by any Agency, there were public safety issues associated with exhibiting dangerous animals, and there was a lack of comprehensive standards for keeping exotic animals.
   “The review recommended that DPI&F be solely responsible for regulating the industry under a single piece of legislation. This will streamline the process and cut red tape.”
   Mr Mulherin said Biosecurity Queensland would lead the process and the new legislation would address the issues raised in the review.
   “It will also respond to current trends in keeping animals and will require zoos to address risks relating to animal welfare, public safety, biosecurity and pest potential,” Mr Mulherin said.
   “While some people oppose any sort of zoo, the discussion paper lists some of the benefits to keeping and exhibiting animals, and these include contributions to conservation, research, education and recreation.”
   He said the legislation would cover all animals used for entertainment purposes such as those kept by zoological parks, aquariums and oceanaria, wildlife parks, safari parks, circuses, magicians, petting zoos, and other mobile animal demonstrations.
   It would not cover animals in game parks, animal shows, horse racing and other sporting events, pet shops, animals exhibited for sale, feeding of wild animals and fish tanks in surgery waiting rooms.
   “These animals are subject to the Animal Care and Protection Act which protects their welfare,” Mr Mulherin said.
   The discussion paper is on the Biosecurity home page at the DPI&F website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au
   Interested people could make a submission by 30 January 2009.

4 December, 2008

Victims winners in new compo scheme

Sweeping reforms to Queensland’s victims of crime compensation scheme have been announced by the Premier Anna Bligh and Attorney-General Kerry Shine.
   The new Victims Financial Assistance Scheme, which would replace the current scheme under the Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995, would receive funding of $29 million a year – an increase of more than $7 million.
   Ms Bligh and Mr Shine said this would result in significant increases in the amount of assistance available to the families of victims of criminal violence as well as new categories of funding.
   They said financial assistance for related victims - such as the dependents of those killed as a result of criminal violence - would be more than doubled from a maximum of $39,000 to $100,000 per family.
   They also said there would be a new compensation category for secondary victims - such as the parents of children who have suffered sexual abuse – with a maximum payment of up to $50,000.
   The existing maximum of $75,000 for primary victims, who had personally experienced an act of violence, would continue.
   “The Victims Financial Assistance Scheme will be available to a broader range of victims and make it easier for them to get on with their lives by cutting waiting times and reducing costs,” Ms Bligh said.
   “Our current criminal injury compensation scheme has not been substantially reviewed since its introduction 13 years ago and the new scheme will be a far more efficient one.”
   Under the current scheme, she said, many victims were required to appear in Court again to apply for compensation- the new scheme removed any requirement to do so.
   “Additionally, victims will also be able to seek interim funding of up to $6,000 immediately after a serious crime to cover such urgent costs as funeral expenses and relocation costs when the home is a crime scene.”
   At the moment, victims sometimes had to wait years for compensation and also had to bear the medical and legal expenses associated with their claims. Under the new scheme, they would be able to seek reasonable medical and legal costs incurred in making their application.
   Mr Shine said an expanded and more coordinated Victim Assistance Unit would also be established to help victims access funding, care and professional services.
   “This will link all of the services for victims of crime in a one-stop shop,” Mr Shine said.
   “The new unit will employ staff in the five key areas of financial assistance assessment, service coordination, hotline and website services, training and court support.”
   He said a team of assessors would ensure claims were finalised in a timely manner, as well as making the process easier and less daunting than the current criminal compensation scheme.
   “Another team will coordinate the Government and non-Government services available to victims across the State, particularly in regional and remote areas,” Mr Shine said.
   “A team of counsellors in the new unit will provide intensive support to victims of crime who are also witnesses in trials against the alleged offenders.”

4 December, 2008

Mining students break new ground

Twelve Indigenous job seekers have gained full-time employment in the construction and mining industry after undertaking a Government-funded educational program in north-west Queensland.
   Federal Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, congratulated all 26 participants who graduated from the fourth Dugalunji Civil Construction and Mining Skills Prevocational Program in Camooweal.
   Mr O’Connor said the 13-week Structured Training and Employment Project and Employment Related Services (STEP ERS) involved paid training and on the job work experience as well as accredited training at the Mount Isa Institute of TAFE, Rutherfurd MIRATS and Whitehouse Consultancies.
   He said participants of the program were drawn from a number of communities stretching from north Queensland to eastern Northern Territory.
   “This program is a wonderful example of how accredited training when supported with work experience can achieve employment,” Mr O’Connor said.
   “Twelve participants from the latest course have already secured full-time positions with organisations including Rio Tinto, Legend International Holdings, Incitec Pivot and Myuma.”
   He said further full time employment opportunities are being discussed with companies including Xstrata, Ozminerals, RoadTek and Seymour Whyte.
   Mr O’Connor said four courses had now been completed at the Dugalunji Training Camp since last year and 43 of the 92 participants had successfully moved from training into full-time employment.
   He said the Commonwealth had committed to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment within a decade by providing education and employment opportunities.

4 December, 2008

Eco-tourism plan gets green light

A new partnership between the State’s peak tourism, Government and conservation groups has been formed to protect Queensland’s natural beauty and support ecologically-sustainable tourism across the State.
   Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), Queensland Conservation Council (QCC), Tourism Queensland, The Wilderness Society and WWF - Australia formed the Queensland Tourism and Conservation Alliance to ensure Queensland was at the forefront of best practice sustainable tourism.
   “The Queensland Government, Queensland’s tourism industry and the Queensland conservation movement are aligned in protecting and fostering appreciation of Queensland’s natural and cultural heritage,” she said.
   “Queensland’s natural beauty is one of Queensland’s most potent drawcards. For both tourism and conservation groups, the protection of our natural assets is paramount.”
   Ms Boyle said Queensland tourism operators were positioned to capitalise on the growing trend towards nature-based tourism activities.
   “More than 2 million domestic visitors to Queensland (in the year to June 2008) participated in a nature based activity while in Queensland,” she said.
   “A further 1.4 million international visitors to Australia who participated in nature based activities while on their trip, visited Queensland.”
   She said while the Government encouraged people to come and experience the natural wonders of Queensland, through the further development of outstanding nature-based visitor experiences, it would also be able to educate visitors about the State’s environment and what could be done in order to preserve it for generations to come.
   To formalise the partnership, Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Queensland Conservation Council (QCC), Tourism Queensland, The Wilderness Society and WWF-Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

4 December, 2008

On-spot penalties draw fine line

Police are now able to issue on-the-spot fines for public nuisance offences following new laws being enacted that free up the Court system and allow police officers to devote more time to police work.
   Minister for Police and Corrective Services, Judy Spence said the new laws would enable a 12-month trial of the new ticketing system to start on 1 January 2009 in the Townsville and South Brisbane police districts.
   “In the trial areas of South Brisbane and Townsville, the Queensland Police Service reported over 2,600 public nuisance offenders over the last year alone, translating to an estimated saving of over 150 police hours per month,” Ms Spence said.
   “Under the new system, police will have the power to issue tickets on-the-spot, as an alternative to arresting the offender and issuing a notice to appear in Court.”
   She said as part of the new approach, urinating in public would be designated as a specific public nuisance offence attracting a $100 on-the-spot-fine, following the increase of penalty units by the Premier Anna Bligh.
   “The maximum penalty for public nuisance offences will be $300, depending on the seriousness of the offence,” Ms Spence said.
   “Police will also be able to issue tickets and on-the-spot fines for people who obstruct police or disobey a police direction in relation to public nuisance offences.”
   She said the new laws had been introduced in direct response to recommendations made in a Crime and Misconduct Commission review of public nuisance offences in Queensland.
   Ms Spence said in 2007-08, more than 26,000 public nuisance offences were recorded in Queensland for disorderly, offensive, threatening and violent behaviour.
   “While the new approach is expected to significantly reduce the number of people entering the Court system, serious offenders will still be arrested and charged,” she said.
   “By giving police the power to rapidly deal with public nuisance offences on the spot, the new approach will also allow police to spend more time on the beat responding to the needs of the community.”
   She said the new system meant that those offenders who did not need to be arrested could simply receive a ticket for their offence in the same way a person received a traffic ticket.
   “In addition, people who have been arrested can later be released and issued a ticket – reducing the amount of paperwork our frontline police need to complete,” she said.
   “This will be an extra option for police to apply more discretion when dealing with public nuisance offences, in addition to the existing suite of options including arrest, issuing a notice to appear, issuing a warning or issuing a move-on direction.”

4 December, 2008

Scholarships point way for Indigenous

A new fund aimed at closing the educational gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students has been launched to offer scholarships.
   Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Lindy Nelson-Carr announced the multi-million dollar fund saying it would raise the educational bar for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
   Ms Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation would support up to 100 scholarships a year valued at up to $20,000 per student.
   “With start-up funding of close to $26 million, it represents a real opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to close the educational gap on their non-Indigenous peers,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
   She said the Foundation was being established with funds from the former Aborigines Welfare Fund and unspent funds from the Indigenous Wages and Savings Reparations Scheme.
   She also announced the Foundation’s advisory board with significant Indigenous representation.
   Ms Nelson-Carr named the seven board members as Cindy Shannon (Chairwoman), Leann Wilson, Sione Fa’Aoso, Kerrin Anderson, John Goddard, Nereda White and Thelma Gertz.
   “I am really pleased by the level of expertise and skill that each advisor brings to the board,” she said.
   “I am sure they will add greatly to the foundation’s success.”
   Ms Nelson-Carr said schools and universities would be among the organisations asked to recruit and select the scholarship students.
   She said the Foundation would be seeking private and corporate sponsorship to boost the fund and increase the number of young people it could assist.
   “I would also like to acknowledge the previous generations of Indigenous Queenslanders who laboured under past control laws and policies, too often under-paid and unfairly dealt with,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
   “This Foundation is built on their efforts.”
   More information about the Foundation could be found at www.atsip.qld.gov.au

4 December, 2008

Tourism plan is just the ticket

A new long-term plan identifying future tourism investment and infrastructure opportunities has been released by Tourism Queensland and Brisbane City Council.
   Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the plan highlighted the opportunity for private sector investment in areas such as new hotel accommodation, new Moreton Bay connections and more interpretative and information centres.
   “The report specifically details 10 aspirational tourism projects for the Brisbane region, including a nationally significant Indigenous visitor attraction at South Bank, a revamped Mount Coot-tha, and creation of a new ferry terminal for Moreton Bay and Islands on Brisbane River,” Ms Boyle said.
   She said there was no doubt the Queensland tourism industry would recover from the current difficult economic circumstances.
   “So we need to plan now for the future and investigate the many tremendous opportunities to develop new product and investment.”
   For the past 12 months Tourism Queensland has worked alongside Brisbane Marketing in partnership with the local tourism industry to develop the Brisbane Regional Tourism Investment and Infrastructure Plan.
   “More than 300 industry operators, developers and investors were consulted in the preparation of the report, which is part of the Queensland Government’s 10-year Queensland Tourism Strategy,” Ms Boyle said.
   “In the last 10 years, domestic visitors to Brisbane have increased by 22 per cent and international visitors have increased by 28 per cent, but competition for the tourist dollar is increasingly cut-throat.”
   Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said Brisbane was currently Queensland’s number one tourism gateway with international visitors spending $1.35 billion last year.
   “This is a practical and long-term plan to secure Brisbane’s future as a top destination and promote our city to the world,” Mr Newman said.
   “The completed vision will create distinct opportunities for private investors to come on board helping us deliver increased tourism revenue to the Brisbane economy.”
   He said the next stage was to move forward on a number of feasibility studies on all 10 catalyst projects from both a commercial and environmental point of view.
   The 10 catalyst projects identified as possible triggers for further development and growth in the region were:

An internationally significant national Indigenous centre on a centrally located river frontage site;
A Moreton Bay aquarium and marine discovery centre;
A “Story of Brisbane” high-tech interpretation centre and a viewing platform of Greater Brisbane and the Scenic Rim at Mt Coot-tha, including a cable car system between the lookout and the botanic gardens;
Two new or redeveloped major piers for river boat and island services from Brisbane city centre;
A second shipping terminal up river to support existing facilities and address the needs of the new, larger cruise ships visiting Brisbane;
Two new international five to six star hotels to be built at Victoria Park and in the CBD;
Extension of Ipswich’s successful railway heritage theme to create a tourism precinct with a conference centre and accommodation facilities;
A major walk with associated hut and high quality lodge-style accommodation infrastructure in the Scenic Rim;
Development of a major Moreton Bay ferry terminus at or near the mouth of the Brisbane River for a faster and more effective link between the CBD and the Moreton Bay islands; and
An eco-lodge on Moreton Island.

4 December, 2008
Flouride added to water
Water fluoridation is to be introduced into south east Queensland over the next four weeks.   Fluoridation of the water supply as a public health initiative is supported by the World Health Organisation, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Public Health Association of Australia, the Australian Medical Association, the Australian Dental Association, among others.
   Queensland is the last State in Australia to fluoridate its water supply.

Women’s health boost
Women’s health services in southwest Queensland have been boosted by the resumption of a outreach women’s health service based in Charleville and Mitchell.
   Two specialist nurses have been recruited to resume a Mobile Women’s Health Service from the two communities.
   The Mobile Women’s Health Service is a network of 15 nurses based in 14 locations throughout the Queensland.

Police cop out
Two Police Officers have been stood down pending the outcome of investigations by the Ethical Standard Command.
   A Constable from the North Coast Region was stood down with pay while the ESC investigated a range of alleged misconduct that included the improper use of Police resources and a Senior Constable from Metropolitan North Region was also stood down with pay for an alleged assault relating to an incident in 2006.
   The Queensland Police Service said both men would work in non-operational positions until the investigations were finalised.

Fish limits reminder
Recreational fishers have been reminded of the different bag and size limits that applied to the various species, particularly silver jewfish.
   Boating and Fisheries Patrol officer at the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Meagan Hepworth, said there had been an increase in the number of fishers mistaking silver jewfish for other jewfish that were not covered by the same regulations.
   Ms Hepworth said the silver jewfish had a minimum legal size catch of 45cm and any undersized catch should immediately be returned to the water.
   She said a silver jewfish could be distinguished from other jewfish by a silver coloured body, dark lateral line - starting at the top of the gills down the flank all the way to the tail fin, 10 or 11 hard dorsal spines and two hard anal spines.

New ambulances hit road
Queenslanders can expect to see 145 new ambulance vehicles on the road as part of a $16.9 million funding boost.
   The new ambulance vehicles would be fitted with state of the art equipment and features and three bariatric ambulances were part of the vehicle rollout with two to be stationed in Brisbane and another in Townsville to service North Queensland.

Transport gears up for holidays
Brisbane’s late-night public transport services are gearing up for the festive season with NightLink bus services doubling their frequency to run half-hourly and FlatFare taxi ranks opening two hours earlier.
   NightLink buses would be ramped up from 105 to 210 services both on Friday and Saturday nights over coming weekends to cater for increased demand.
   The FlatFare taxi services are provided from four secure taxi ranks – Warner Street in the Valley Edward Street, Eagle Street and George Street in the City.
   Under the FlatFare scheme, passengers travelling in the same direction are grouped together by a taxi marshal and pay a flat fare to the marshal – not the taxi driver – for their shared trip.

Penalty units hit $100
Legislation has been passed to increase the value of a penalty unit for offences from $75 to $100, bringing Queensland into line with other Australian States.
   The increases are the first since the State Penalties Enforcement Act was passed in 1999.

Water lovers urged to behave
Maritime Safety Queensland has urged surfers, swimmers, boaters and skiers to try to get along as the summer holidays arrive and increase their numbers.
   Statistics from the Authority show that with the increase in boating, there has also been an increase in reported marine incidents, with 766 reported in Queensland in 2007.

Volunteers thanked
Emergency services staff and volunteers who assisted in the clean-up after the recent storms have been recognised by the State Government.
   A large contingent of SES and Rural Fire volunteers worked long hours to help their local communities, many travelling to Brisbane from Central, Western and Northern Queensland, and also from interstate.
   Between 250 and 400 SES volunteers were involved on a daily basis, contributing an estimated 20,000 hours of volunteer effort.

Levy helps mining watchdog
The work of the Mines Inspectorate, the State’s mining industry safety watchdog, has been boosted by the new mining industry safety and health levy which recently took effect.
   Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson said the Inspectorate provided vital safety and health service that helped save lives, and it would be well supported by the new levy.
   Mr Wilson said the levy was expected to raise $26 million from the $26 billion industry.

Weed beaters thanked
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin has thanked Queenslanders for tracking down the devastating pest weed Mexican feather grass.
   Mr Mulherin said the weed was recently discovered in Brisbane and investigations had revealed that a number of the plants had come in from Victoria.
   He said DPI&F officers had successfully located and retrieved two-thirds of the Mexican feather grass plants from a range of Brisbane suburbs and regional locations.
   He said officers were working on tracking down the remaining plants.