SearchArchives for February 2010
25 February, 2010Ipswich switch
pulls plug on PS
Hundreds of Brisbane-based Public Servants could face an extra three hours travel time under a plan to relocate them to Ipswich, according to the Queensland Public Sector Union. General Secretary of the QPSU, Alex Scott said the Government needed to “get real” and to explain its PS relocation plan.Mr Scott said the proposed move would “condemn” the affected Public Servants to spending more time on public transport and in cars and taxis and would hit them with additional costs and lengthy waits on rail platforms.
“It’s a Government decision that’s completely at odds with the Government’s central message that people should be reducing travel, reducing emissions and doing their bit towards climate change,” Mr Scott said.
Over 100 QPSU members protested against the move earlier this week, taking the train from Brisbane to Ipswich to show their objection.
Mr Scott said workers from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) told the Union that much of their service delivery was carried out in Brisbane’s CBD, but the Government had signalled it wanted to relocate them to offices in Ipswich.
“What it will do is lumber hundreds of our members with spiralling transport costs estimated to hit $150 a week or more for a mega trek from Brisbane to Ipswich and return,” he said.
“It’s just plain wrong to ask workers who have family responsibilities in Brisbane to up stakes and spend their working lives in Ipswich – it’s certainly not fair on people with childcare responsibilities who have to pick up kids from school or day care.”
The Union acknowledged that some PS employment conditions stated staff must re-locate offices if requested to do so, but said all employers had a basic responsibility to treat workers fairly.
“Workers can’t magically shift their homes and families to Ipswich, they can’t take their friends, neighbours, relatives and community groups there either,” Mr Scott said.
“An extra 3 hours’ commuting each and every day will simply steal the best part of 2 working days out of many of our members’ working lives, which is not fair or reasonable.”
25 February, 2010
Bullying alliance
aligns educators
Queensland’s State and independent school systems have agreed to cooperate in an historic joint effort to reduce violence in the schoolyard.In a State first, the Premier, Anna Bligh and Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson joined Executive Director of the Association of Independent Schools, David Robertson and the Queensland Catholic Education Commission’s Mike Byrne, to announce the cross-sector initiative.
Ms Bligh said the group would establish the Queensland Schools Alliance Against Violence initiative which would be responsible for tackling violence in schools.
“The playground of today no longer stops at the school fence, it extends to cyberspace and beyond,” the Premier said.
“My Government is working cooperatively with the Independent and Catholic school sectors to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Queensland students.
“If we are to succeed we need everyone to work together using the world’s best practice methods.”
Ms Bligh said members of the Queensland Schools Alliance Against Violence included Education Queensland; the Queensland Catholic Education Commission; the Association of Independent Schools Queensland; Principal Associations representatives; the Queensland Council for Parents and Citizens Associations; the Federation of Parents and Friends Associations of Catholic Schools; the Queensland Independent School Parents Council; Queensland Teachers Union; Queensland Independent Education Union; the Commission for Children, Young People and the Child Guardian; and an Indigenous Education representative.
Mr Wilson said establishing the Alliance was a key recommendation of the recently released Rigby Report into Bullying, Enhancing Responses to Bullying in Queensland Schools, which was commissioned by the Government in September 2009.
“The Alliance will provide direct recommendations to the Queensland Government and oversee implementation in schools,” the Minister said.
“They will have key academics, violence prevention organisations, protection agencies and international experts at their disposal to assist in their work.”
Mr Wilson said the Government would also consider working with other States and the Commonwealth to address school violence at the next Education Ministerial Council Meeting.
Author of the report, Dr Ken Rigby said it encouraged a well-coordinated effort by schools and educational authorities to address bullying.
“There is a need to broaden and deepen our understanding of bullying and how it can be addressed more effectively in Queensland schools,” Dr Rigby said.
“More education is required on how bullying can best be conceptualised and a greater awareness is needed of the range of strategies and methods of intervention that can help to reduce the prevalence of school bullying.”
The Rigby Report into Bullying could be accessed at www.education.qld.gov.au
25 February, 2010
Internet is answer
to Question Time
An online forum being hosted by the Premier and Minister for Education tomorrow (Friday) will address issues and answer questions raised by members of the public.Labelled the first ‘People’s Question Time,’ the forum will allow parents and others the chance to have their say on the future of the State’s education system.
Premier, Anna Blight said the forum would be an opportunity for Queenslanders to make their voices heard on the best way to ensure all children in the State were given a flying start to life.
“The Education Minister and I, together with education experts and stakeholders, will take part in the forum giving Queenslanders the chance to ask questions and put forward suggestions,” Ms Bligh said.
She urged Queenslanders to “get online and get involved” in the forum.
“Whether it is new ideas to get parents reading with their children or questions about shifting Year 7 into high school, I want to hear your views,” Ms Bligh said.
“From the success of last year’s on-line Integrity and Accountability Forums it was clear that Queenslanders value the opportunity to have greater access to their Government.”
The Premier said the forum would be the first in a regular program of People’s Question Time and would take community consultation to a new level.
“Visual and audio footage of the forum will be streamed live via the web for people to watch online,” she said.
“This means, no matter where they live, Queenslanders can have their say and ask the questions they want to hear answered,” Ms Bligh said.
The forum will be streamed live on Friday 26 February between noon and 1pm.
Queenslanders can submit questions in the lead up to the forum via www.qld.gov.au/questiontime, or can watch live and lodge questions online during the event.
25 February, 2010
Government carpeted
over Westminster axe
The Queensland Public Sector Union has called for a return to the Westminster model of Government, saying permanent public service delivery mechanisms are needed.General Secretary of the QPSU, Alex Scott said the type of responsible Government under the Westminster system, where the Public Service remained independent of politicians, was needed to ensure Agencies could function efficiently.
“For many years now we’ve been sounding the alarm, calling for permanent public service delivery systems and permanent jobs so that Agencies can comprehensively plan, provide for, support and deliver services for our community,” Mr Scott said.
“Sadly for Queenslanders there’s been a marked drift away from Westminster’s proven model.”
He said a failure to adhere to the Westminster model was “eroding” democracy, reducing accountability and “fuelling dangerous risks.”
Mr Scott said the Government needed to consult with the people on how it was going to build permanent public service delivery capacity to deal with the population growth predicted in the Commonwealth’s Intergenerational Report.
The report estimated Australia’s population would increase to 36 million people by 2050.
“If we are going to get the next 40 years of permanent public service delivery right, then it’s time to return to Westminster’s tried and true foundations,” Mr Scott said.
“It’s time to return to Westminster’s fundamentals of permanent public service delivery, which means permanent jobs, permanent careers dedicated to efficiently building our State.”
He said it wasn’t clear why the Government was ignoring concerns about the future of permanent public service delivery.
“It’s time to value the expertise and plain hard work of every single public sector worker across each and every Department,” Mr Scott said.
“Those who might fob off Westminster responsibilities for permanent public service delivery to the private sector or chain public service delivery systems to a churn every few years are making a terrible mistake that could hurt all of us.”
25 February, 2010
Re-scam warning for
pre-scammed victims
A new internet scam targeting people caught up in past scams has been uncovered by Queensland Police.The email-generated scam has been designed to fleece those victims who have already sent money to West Africa in previous fee fraud schemes.
Detective Superintendent Brian Hay of the State Crime Operations Command Fraud and Corporate Crime Group said the scam involved an email being sent directly to the victim, saying the United Nations had agreed to compensate previous victims.
The recipient is asked to provide basic details in order to be considered for the scheme.
Detective Superintendent Hay said he believed the latest scam was particularly cruel.
“To target those individuals who have already lost thousands of dollars in scams is particularly vicious,” he said.
“These are heartless individuals who have no morals or common decency.
“Anyone who receives this email is asked to delete it immediately.
“The message we are constantly telling people is to never send any personal details to anyone you don’t know. If something sounds too good to be true then it generally is.”
Anyone who has been a victim of advance fee fraud is encouraged to report the matter to Police by visiting www.police.qld.gov.au
Information which could help police with their investigations should be delivered to Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
Crime Stoppers is a 24-hour service and people can remain anonymous.
25 February, 2010
Focus on science is
timely formula
Primary schools across the State are to have access to specialist science teachers in a move to help children develop a better understanding and interest in science in their early learning years.Following up on an election promise, the Premier, Anna Bligh and Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson said up to 100 science teachers would be placed in selected schools, starting this year.
Ms Bligh said neighbouring primary schools would also benefit from the Science Spark initiative as they would also receive help with their science programs by the specialist science teachers.
The Premier said under the initiative, 100 full-time equivalent primary science teachers and 15 regional science managers would be employed.
“We want to engage Queensland’s young people in the world of science to ensure they get the flying start they need for the jobs of tomorrow,” Ms Bligh said.
Mr Wilson said the science teachers were experienced classroom teachers and would be placed in primary schools by the end of March.
“In addition to the new science teachers, new regional science managers will work with Year 4 to 7 teachers to develop their knowledge and skills in science,” he said.
“They will work directly in classrooms to implement a rigorous primary school science curriculum and will help teachers plan science lessons and support them to reflect on their teaching to achieve improved outcomes for students.”
Science Spark builds on the Primary Connections program in schools which was delivered under the Science Education Strategy 2006-09.
Central Queensland will receive 13 teachers and 2 regional managers, Metropolitan areas will receive 21 teachers and four managers, the South East 16 teachers and two managers, North Coast 18 teachers and three managers, Darling Downs South West 14 teachers and one regional manager, Far North Queensland nine teachers and two managers and North Queensland nine teachers and one manager.
25 February, 2010
Minister fast-tracks
transport corridor
The Minister for Main Roads has asked the Department of Transport and Main Roads to finalise the preferred route for the Sunshine Coast’s long-awaited Multi-Modal Transport Corridor (MMTC) by the end of April.The Minister, Craig Wallace said while Cabinet had endorsed the current MMTC which includes a section along the Mooloolah River between Parrearra and the Mooloolah River Interchange in 2001, a land-based crossing was also being considered.
“Following community feedback raising environmental concerns, my department investigated a land-based crossing,” Mr Wallace said.
He said the Department would now conduct a rigorous cost-benefit analysis of the two options and would make a final recommendation on whether the existing corridor remained the preferred route or if the alternative option would be chosen.
Mr Wallace said the Government had carried out investigations regarding the planning of the MMTC corridor from Caloundra Road to the Sunshine Motorway, in particular the section between Parrearra and the Mooloolah River Interchange.
He said the Department would consider the feedback received from local residents as well as other factors such as environmental and economic impacts, when making a decision.
“The preferred alignment will still be subject to Federal Government approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act,” Mr Wallace said.
He said the project would include road, rail and other transport options.
25 February, 2010
Outreach workers
to reach out
Twenty-four Outreach Worker placements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have been announced for medical practices across Queensland.Federal Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon said 83 places had been created across Australia and would help close the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Mr Snowdon said 160 placements would ultimately be funded under the Commonwealth’s $42 million four-year plan to build the capacity of the Indigenous health workforce.
“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outreach Workers will help increase community engagement with health services, including increasing the uptake of Indigenous health checks and identifying Indigenous people who would benefit from improved access to health services,” he said.
“In addition, they will assist Indigenous people to access other health services, including follow-up care, specialist services and community pharmacies.
The Minister said that expanding the Indigenous health workforce was a key element of the Federal Government’s Indigenous Chronic Disease Package.
Mr Snowdon said that in addition to Queensland’s 24 placements, New South Wales would receive 23, Western Australia 12, Victoria nine, the Northern Territory eight, South Australia six and the Australian Capital Territory one.
He said the Outreach Workers would be employed by Aboriginal community controlled health organisations and Divisions of General Practice and would have access to nationally accredited basic level training through the vocational education and training sector.
“This will give them the flexibility to develop career paths in the health sector if they choose, by undertaking more advanced training such as that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers or enrolled nurses,” Mr Snowdon said.
“We already have dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers who perform a vital role in providing primary health care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and these new roles will extend our workforce even further.”
The new workers are expected to be appointed to Health Clinics before the end of June.
Queensland practices chosen to receive them are:
- GP Links Wide Bay, Bundaberg (two workers)
- Far North Queensland Rural Division of GP, Bungalow
- South East Alliance of GP (Brisbane), Capalaba
- North & West Qld Primary Health, Garbutt, Townsville (two workers)
- Townsville Aboriginal and Islanders Health Services Ltd, Garbutt, Townsville
- Townsville General Practice Network, Garbutt, Townsville
- Nhulundu Wooribah Indigenous Health Organisation Inc, Gladstone
- GP Partners, Lutwyche
- Wuchopperen Health Service Limited, Manunda, Cairns
- Moreton Bay General Practice Network, Margate Beach
- Bidgerdii Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation Community Health Service, Rockhampton
- Capricornia Division of General Practice, Rockhampton
- Brisbane South Division of General Practice, Salisbury
- Carbal Medical Centre (Darling Downs Shared Assoc Inc), Toowoomba
- GP connections, Toowoomba
- RHealth, Toowoomba (two workers)
- South East Primary Health Care Network, Woodridge
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (as possible auspice for Institute for Urban Indigenous Health), Woolongabba, Brisbane (four workers)
25 February, 2010
Duplex inspections
to be less complex
New building regulations that cut inspections of duplex developments from two to one have been approved by Cabinet and offered to local Councils as a way of slashing red tape.Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said while Councils will have the final say on whether they take advantage of the streamlining proposal, it could save Queenslanders thousands of dollars in associated fees.
Currently a home or a two-residence duplex no larger than a single residential home, is assessed first by a certified builder and then by Council at costs of up to $6,500.
Mr Hinchliffe said if Councils adopted the new system, the Council assessment would be replaced by a checklist which the owner could fill out and return to Council for final approval.
The Minister said Councils could decide to adopt the new system or continue with the old procedure and associated fees.
“The whole intent of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 is to make it cheaper and easier for Councils to approve homes in residential areas,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“We have created a streamlined yet stringent development application system popular with a number of Councils.”
He said if Councils had any concerns they could refuse the application, and therefore the duplex, or order a Council assessment with all the associated fees.
“Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Southern Downs and Toowoomba Regional Councils have already set their own processes and safeguards to save money and protect the community while Cairns, Gold Coast and Cassowary Coast Regional Councils are looking at passing resolutions as well,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
He said however that some Councils wanted to maintain the planning approval and separate building approval for duplexes in residential areas.
25 February, 2010
City Bill to pay off
New laws that update the legislative framework for delivering services in the City of Brisbane have been released for public comment.Minister for Local Government, Desley Boyle said the new Bill would cut through red tape and give Brisbane City Council the flexibility to deliver modern services in a “world-class city.”
“The original City of Brisbane Act amalgamated two cities, 10 towns and 13 shires into the City of Brisbane when it was passed in 1924,” Ms Boyle said.
“This new Bill will ensure Brisbane’s legislative framework is in tune with the 21st century.”
She said the City of Brisbane Bill, like the new Local Government Act 2009, was part of a comprehensive review of Local Government legislation.
“We have consulted extensively, including with the Lord Mayor and Councillors, throughout the development of the Bill and this consultation will continue throughout the review and drafting process,” Ms Boyle said.
“The new Bill will replace the City of Brisbane Act 1924, City of Brisbane Regulation 2004, Brisbane City Council Business and Procedures Act 1939, the Local Government (China Town and Valley Malls) Act 1984 and the Local Government (Queen Street Mall) Act 1981.”
She said submissions would close on 1 March and residents could check out the proposed legislation at www.dip.qld.gov.au
25 February, 2010
Disputes handler has
handle on award
A mediator with the North Queensland Dispute Resolution Centre, Stuart Osborne, has been recognised for his long service and achievements by the Attorney-General, Cameron Dick.Mr Osborne, of Rasmussen near Townsville, received a certificate of achievement from Mr Dick for being the first person in the region to complete more than 500 mediations.
Mr Osborne has worked at the North Queensland Dispute Resolution Centre for nine years and also works as a community visitor for the Office of the Adult Guardian.
“Stuart’s work and his commitment to mediation highlight the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution in solving conflicts,” Mr Dick said.
Mr Dick and MP for Townsville, Mandy Johnstone visited the Dispute Resolution Centre which has completed 192 mediations this financial year with a voluntary agreement rate of 84 per cent.
In 2008–09, the centre completed 388 mediations with an agreement rate of 82 per cent.
“Mediation is proving to be a worthwhile and cost-effective alternative to resolving these disputes in Court,” Ms Johnstone said.
“This saves everyone time and money and frees up our Courts, allowing them to concentrate on more complex and serious matters.”
Mr Dick and Ms Johnstone announced a series of mediation training courses for the Townsville region.
Ms Johnstone said the courses would be organised by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General and would be held between March and May.
She said more information was available by contacting the Dispute Resolution Centre on (07) 4799 7870.
25 February, 2010
Students line up
for online safety
An upgraded internet safety program for schoolchildren is to be rolled out across the State later this year. The ThinkUKnow program was launched by the Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, and is designed to help children think before they act online.
Developed by the Australian Federal Police and Microsoft, the program involves volunteers providing free interactive training sessions to ensure parents, carers and teachers can educate children about cyber-safety.
Federal Police Commissioner, Tony Negus said while the internet was a wonderful tool for parents and children, it also included dangers.
“This program aims to open the lines of communication between parents and children about online safety,” Commissioner Negus said.
“The hope is that young people will be confident going to their parents when they have a problem online, and parents will have a better understanding of how to deal with these issues and where they can go for help.
“The AFP will also continue to work closely with industry, Government and local and international law enforcement Agencies to protect children online through education initiatives and operations against online sex offenders.”
Microsoft’s Chief Security Advisor, Stuart Strathdee said simple actions such as keeping the family computer in the living room instead of in a child’s bedroom, could make the internet safer for children.
“We teach and encourage children to look and listen before crossing the road and the same basic principles apply when it comes to the Internet,” Mr Strathdee said.
“Through ThinkUKnow, we’re advising parents, carers and teachers to take an active role in their children’s online lives, just as they would in real life.”
Already operating in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, the program will be rolled out in Queensland along with Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory throughout 2010.
Further information was available from www.thinkuknow.org.au
25 February, 2010
Defence targeted
over metals spill
A plan put forward by the Department of Defence to prevent a repeat of metals being discharged from the Amberley Air Base into Warrill Creek has been approved by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM).Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said as a result of DERM’s enforcement action, Defence had agreed to a range of measures designed to improve waste and sewage management on site.
“DERM is satisfied that the actions, including diverting trade waste, flushing the sewage treatment plant and monitoring the surrounding waterways, will help ensure this won’t happen again,” Ms Jones said.
“Several of these actions are already underway such as an upgrade to the sewage treatment plan which is due for completion in March.”
She said timelines for each action had been set and DERM would monitor Defence’s progress to ensure they were on schedule.
Ms Jones said the approved plan followed a report submitted to DERM in November in response to a notice to conduct an environmental evaluation.
“The environmental evaluation found that the Defence sewage treatment plant at the Amberley Air Base was unable to cope with the trade waste input from various manufacturing activities on the base,” she said.
“This resulted in elevated concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium and nickel) being released from the sewage treatment plant into the adjoining gully (Frogs Hollow Gully) and, to a lesser extent, eventually into Warrill Creek. “
DERM’s investigations, including water sampling, found that aquatic ecosystems and adjacent land holders had not been adversely affected.
25 February, 2010
Even playing field
for flat dwellers
A better and fairer system of calculating body corporate fees has been proposed by the Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor.Mr Lawlor said the proposed changes would form part of an amendment to the Body Corporate and Community Management Act, and would close a loophole that affects the State’s 350,000 apartment and unit owners.
The Minister said the changes were “much needed.”
“The Act has had a loophole which unfairly allowed some unit owners to get away with paying less than their fair share of body corporate fees at the expense of others,” Mr Lawlor said.
“The present law means that in setting or adjusting body corporate contribution lot entitlements, all lot entitlements should be equal, except to the extent that is just and equitable in the circumstances for them not to be equal.
“We’re putting a stop to this and changing the law so it’s fairer for everyone all round,” Mr Lawlor said.
He said since the Act was introduced in 1997, lot owners could apply to have their lot entitlements - and thus body corporate fees - reduced at any time.
“Penthouse owners, for example, can effectively slash their own body corporate fees, but these costs are merely passed on to others in the complex instead,” he said.
“So a ground floor studio owned by a retiree or pensioner would be left paying much more than they had budgeted for when buying the unit - in some cases double - and this has forced many unit owners out of their homes.”
Mr Lawlor said under the new system, lot entitlements in a ‘standard format plan’ - such as some townhouse-type complexes - would be set in proportion to the unimproved value of the land.
“For a ‘building format plan’ - typically used for multi-storey developments - developers will have to set lot entitlements by some legislative guidelines but there could be scope for them to factor in market conditions and values of property,” he said.
“What this would mean is that an owner of a small one-bedroom place on a lower floor at the back of a unit complex, for example, would not be required to contribute as much towards common expenses as someone with a more expensive place, such as a four-bedroom, top-floor apartment with views.”
Mr Lawlor said he expected the new rules to come into effect later this year.
25 February, 2010
Ant sniffing dog not
to be sniffed at
Biosecurity Queensland’s latest weapon against electric ants is to go on show this weekend at the Community Cabinet meeting in Innisfail.A sniffer dog trained to detect electric ants has passed her probation and will now be permanently based in Far North Queensland.
Minister for Primary Industries, Tim Mulherin will attend the meeting to see the two-year-old Labrador, Ofira, demonstrating her skills.
“Ofira’s trainer will hide items that smell like electric ants and Ofira will sniff them out,” Mr Mulherin said.
“I’m inviting everyone who’s interested in Ofira and Biosecurity Queensland’s efforts to eradicate electric ants and other pests to come along and see for themselves.
“These ants are only about 1.5mm long but they’re capable of giving humans and pets sharp stings that can cause prolonged pain, itchiness and blisters.”
Ofira’s handler, a scientist with an interest in entomology, Danielle Lisle undertook training to oversee Ofira’s work and provide care and protection for her while on duty.
Ms Lisle said she looked forward to her new role as part of the electric ant eradication team.
Coordinator of the National Electric Ant Eradication Program, Charlotte Greer said Ofira’s immediate priority would be the restricted areas of Smithfield, Kewarra Beach, Caravonica and Trinity Beach.
The Community Cabinet is expected to include information on other invasive pests such as Asian honey bees and Miconia weed, with Biosecurity Queensland set to send all lawn care businesses in the Innisfail area an information pack about Miconia identification in the coming weeks and what they can do to help.
25 February, 2010
Youngsters get urge
for sexual health
The Minister for Health used last week’s Sexual Health Awareness Week to urge Queenslanders to think about the importance of their sexual health.The Minister, Paul Lucas said sexually transmitted disease (STI) rates were on the rise among Generation Y.
“Frankly the statistics are alarming,” Mr Lucas said.
“Unfortunately many in Gen Y believe they’re bulletproof whether it be in cars or risky sexual behaviour. We have to make sure they realise their decisions can have lifelong consequences.”
The Minister said the Metro north region from the Brisbane River to Caboolture had seen the number of Chlamydia notifications double since 2004.
He said Chlamydia notifications for the entire State in 2009 were at 16,592, well ahead of NSW at 14,614 and Victoria at 12,993.
He said most sufferers were under 24.
Mr Lucas said the aim of Sexual Health Awareness Week was to reduce the transmission of STIs, encourage sexual health checkups, remove the stigma surrounding STIs and promote the importance of condom use and safe sex.
“Sexual Health Awareness Week is about highlighting the consequences of these diseases and how to prevent them,” he said.
“Sexual health education empowers people by providing knowledge and understanding so they can make informed choices about their behaviour, and feel confident about acting on their knowledge.
“People don’t see the deaths from AIDS anymore due to advances in treatments. Sadly AIDS rates in Queensland have doubled in the last 10 years due to complacency.”
25 February, 2010
Youth Council call
Students aged 15 to 25 have been invited to nominate for a place on the Queensland Youth Environmental Council for 2010.
The Council meets two to three times throughout the year to consider environmental and sustainability issues, develop youth engagement projects and provide advice to Government representatives.
Nominations close on 1 March and the first meeting of the new Council will be held on 27-29 May. Further information was available from www.qyec.org.au
Wondai show explores PM links
A new Queensland State Archives exhibition will explore the link between former Australian Prime Minister, Andrew Fisher and Wondai in the South Burnett region.
The Wondai Regional Art Gallery is hosting the Top 150: Documenting Queensland exhibition from 5 to 28 March.
Further information was available from www.archives.qld.gov.au
Airport uni takes off
Southern Cross University’s new Gold Coast Airport Campus has been opened and will support students studying courses in business, tourism, law, health and allied health.
The Campus is expected to grow to accommodate about 2,000 students and over 130 staff by 2012.
The Federal Government contributed more than $7.7 million for the foundation building at the campus through its Capital Development Pool program.
More speed cameras in SE
Two new fixed speed cameras are operating at Warana and Mooloolaba, taking the number of fixed speed camera sites in south-east Queensland to nine.
The sites were chosen due to of a history of speed-related crashes in recent years.
Other fixed cameras are located at Kangaroo Point, Burpengary, Tarragindi, Redwood, Labrador, Broadbeach and Muirlea.
Murri Court opens
A new Murri Court has been opened in Charters Towers, bringing the number of established Murri Courts in Queensland to 17.
Murri Courts provide a forum where Indigenous elders, respected persons, community justice groups and the offender’s family can be involved in the sentencing process.
Magistrates, service providers and Indigenous communities have worked together to establish Murri Courts in Brisbane, Caboolture, Cairns, Caloundra, Cherbourg, Cleveland, Coen, Ipswich, Mackay, Maryborough, Mt Isa, Richlands, Rockhampton, St George, Toowoomba and Townsville.
Coal comments sought
Residents who would be directly affected by Hancock Coal Pty Ltd’s proposed 500-kilometre rail corridor from Hancock’s Alpha Coal mine to the Port of Abbot Point have been invited to have their say.
The route is being investigated by Hancock and a final alignment will be determined after further assessments such as detailed, on-site topographic studies.
Public consultation closes on 22 March, with further information available from www.hancockcoal.com.au
Funding for island airport
An additional $3 million will be allocated for the Whitsunday Coast Airport redevelopment.
The extra funding is in addition to the $4 million already committed and is expected to provide a better level of service and comfort for passengers.
Works are expected to include: additional floor space, customs and quarantine facilities, reconfiguration of the cafeteria, arrivals, check-in and security screening areas and relocation and refurbishment of airport offices.
New reef for bay
An artificial reef for recreational fishers in Moreton Bay will be created by sinking an old fishing vessel, built in the American State of Alabama.
The Tiwi Pearl will form a major extension to Harry Atkinson Reef, east of St Helena Island.
The vessel has been purchased as part of the Government’s election commitment to build six new artificial reefs in Moreton Bay.
Nambour station opened
A new $3.26 million fire station has been officially opened at Nambour in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
The facility replaces a station which dates from 1956 when it was staffed by just one fire chief and one firefighter.
The new Nambour Fire Station has 29 firefighters, including four station officers, 15 firefighters and 10 auxiliary firefighters.
18 February, 2010
Main Roads dispute
on way to settlement
A Government proposal to settle the long-running coverage dispute over staff at the Department of Transport and Main Roads has been welcomed by the Queensland Public Sector Union.The QPSU said the Government’s proposal would remove a legal barrier that had prevented the Core Agreement from going to ballot and being certified.
“The Union accepts that the proposal protects the entitlements of our members and has agreed that there is now no further obstacle to seeing the Core Agreement being certified,” the QPSU said.
When the Government abolished the former Queensland Transport and Department of Main Roads and created a new Department last year, the Union pointed out that some former transport workers were entitled to be paid under the Main Roads Agreement.
The QPSU said a dispute over the legal entitlements of those workers had ensued.
“That’s why our Union took the case to the Industrial Court, to establish once and for all the legal entitlements of members in integrated parts of the new Department,” it said.
“The issue before the Court was to decide which collective agreement actually covered employees in the new Department by law.
“The outcome of the Court case was a win for union members because it confirmed our union’s position that some workers in the newly formed Department were entitled to higher rates of pay.”
The Union said the latest proposal put forward by the Department would protect employees as per the Court’s decision and was “actually more favourable” than the legal position established by the Court.
“It would see existing integrated divisions with a workforce comprising both former Transport and former Main Roads employees being covered by the Main Roads agreement,” the Union said.
“The remaining five Divisions that comprise 100% former QT staff would be covered by the Core agreement.”
The QPSU said the five Divisions were Passenger Transport; Rail, Ports and Freight; Transport Services Division; Rail Safety and Security; and Maritime Safety.
All workers currently covered by the Core collective agreement will receive wage increases of 12.5 per cent and workers in the integrated Divisions will receive a windfall benefit through an additional increase of up to 3.2 per cent.
“While this proposal does resolve the dispute over legal entitlements, it does not address the fundamental problem of a Department split over two agreements,” the QPSU said, “where employees with the same level of responsibilities are not paid at the same rates.”
“The QPSU maintains that the existence of two different rates of pay side-by-side within the one Department is unfair and untenable, and that this inequity must be addressed over the life of the current agreements.”
18 February, 2010
Service-wide screen
for computer help
A new centrally-coordinated, whole-of-Government procurement process for ICT contractor services is to be adopted across the QPS.Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Robert Schwarten announced the new scheme which he said would be coordinated by the Government’s Chief Procurement Office.
Mr Schwarten said the scheme included managing recruitment agency requests for contractor placements, levels of payment, required skills, and contractor management and performance.
“The new model will provide a more transparent engagement process including simpler, standardised processes and contracts as well as making Government spending on ICT contractors more transparent,” he said.
The Minister said the model would reduce the transaction costs of engaging ICT contractors and obtain more competitive daily rates for contractors.
“It will make it easier for the local ICT industry - including small and medium enterprises - to work for the Government provided they meet the established performance and capability criteria,” he said.
“The Government will not develop its own contractor resource pool but will continue to access the skills required from industry through the resource manager.”
Mr Schwarten said the Chief Procurement Office would be responsible for monitoring the success of the model and would receive feedback through an advisory group.
He said an overview of the model has been distributed to Agencies and the ICT industry to prepare for the forthcoming changes.
“The Queensland ICT Industry Workgroup, including representation of the Australian Information Industries Association and the Information Technology Contract and Recruitment Association, has been instrumental in the development of the new model,” Mr Schwarten said.
Chief Executive of the Information Technology Contract and Recruitment Association, Danike Bakalich said she believed the arrangement was a first for industry-Government procurement of contractors.
“Traditional recruitment process outsourcing models would have seen the industry decimated in Queensland,” Ms Bakalich said.
“Instead we now have a jointly negotiated arrangement which will see a true win-win for the Government, the industry and our contractors.”
Executive Officer of the ICT Industry Workgroup, Paul Campbell said the arrangement was five years in the making.
Mr Campbell said the Workgroup was originally started to improve industry representation in Government-ICT procurement.
“The level of industry participation in reaching this outcome sets the benchmark for deeper industry engagement in other areas of ICT procurement practice and governance,” he said.
18 February, 2010
Treasury icon shares
retirement plans
The Government has accepted the ‘retirement’ of former Treasury head, Sir Leo Hielscher after 68 years of public service.Sir Leo will not seek reappointment as Chair of the Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC) when his term expires on 30 June.
Premier Anna Bligh said the Gateway Bridges would be renamed the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges, in recognition of one of Queensland’s greatest Public Servants.
“Sir Leo is an institution in Queensland,” Ms Bligh said.
“He is a man of great honour and integrity. In my view, no one person has contributed more to the development of Queensland than Sir Leo.
“After 14 years heading the Treasury, and the last 22 as Chair of QTC, it is with great reluctance that the Government accepted Sir Leo’s request for retirement.”
Ms Bligh said Sir Leo’s ability and respect in the international marketplace had served Queensland well for decades.
“When Sir Leo began work in the State Audit Office as a 15-year-old in 1942, it was the start of a journey that would see him kick-start Queensland as a destination for business investment,” she said.
“He is directly responsible for the development of Gladstone as a resources hub, helped establish the Griffith University, the casino industry in Queensland and he was the architect of Queensland’s fully-funded superannuation scheme.”
The Premier said Sir Leo also played a role in the planning and financing of the first Gateway Bridge – which is why the Government has decided to rename both bridges in his honour.
Treasurer, Andrew Fraser said Sir Leo had indicated a willingness to continue to serve the State where possible.
“Sir Leo will assume the role of ‘Foundation Chairman’ of QTC, where he will be available to provide strategic advice when needed,” Mr Fraser said.
Sir Leo said his retirement from the Chairmanship would allow him to spend more time with his wife, Lady Mary.
“It’s been both an honour and a privilege to be able to dedicate my working life to the betterment of Queensland,” Sir Leo said.
The current Chief Executive Officer of QTC, Stephen Rochester, will succeed Sir Leo as Chairman.
Mr Fraser said a global search for someone to replace Mr Rochester as CEO would commence shortly.
18 February, 2010
Directive promotes
promotion rules
A new Directive outlining procedures for recruiting and selecting PS staff and others for employment in the PS has been issued by the Public Service Commission.Directive No 01/10, Recruitment and Selection supersedes Directive No 03/09 and applies to the recruitment and appointment of all Public Servants excluding Chief Executive Officers and casuals.
It outlines the actions to be taken when advertising job vacancies, assessing applications and providing feedback to applicants.
In its Directive, the Commission says Agencies must advertise the majority of jobs on the Government’s Smart jobs and careers website for at least two calendar weeks.
It says the description of the vacancy should be “applicant friendly” and “clearly and simply” outline the key duties of the position, mandatory qualifications and attributes against which applicants will be assessed.
The Commission says targeted and specified advertising that limits the applicants to existing Public Servants or particular employees could be undertaken in some circumstances.
“A Chief Executive may approve targeted advertising in circumstances where wider advertising of a role below senior officer level would be unlikely to yield a superior candidate, and would therefore not justify the expenditure of Agency resources or applicant effort,” the Directive says.
“Specified advertising requires written agreement between an Agency Chief Executive and the relevant industrial organisation of employees.”
It said assessment processes must be “fair and evidence-based” and consistent with the “principles of employment equity and anti-discrimination.”
“Referee checking relating to an applicant’s work behaviour and performance must be conducted,” the Directive says.
Agencies must provide applicants with feedback on their application if they request it and the Directive says appointments must be published in the Gazette within a month of being approved by the responsible Chief Executive.
The new Directive can be accessed at www.psc.qld.gov.au
18 February, 2010
Leadership program
to lead by example
A new executive leadership program for the Queensland Public Sector has been launched jointly by the Public Service Commission, IPAA Queensland and the UQ Business School.The Inspiring Executive Leadership Program (IELP) has been designed specifically for Senior Officers and Executives in the Queensland Government and its first of four modules entitled ‘Inspirational Leadership’ is expected to commence next month.
Chief Executive of IPAA Queensland, Peter Rumph said the IELP would help Public Servants to enhance their leadership skills across four key modules - Inspirational Leadership, Innovation Leadership, Government Leadership and Strategic Leadership.
“Delivered through UQ Business School Downtown, the IELP modules use cutting edge ideas, models, tools and practices of leadership to develop each participant to their full potential,” Mr Rumph said.
“The program explores how effective leaders can create a long-term focus and make a significant impact to the future direction of the Sector.”
He said the Inspirational Leadership module focused on the skills and knowledge needed to lead people and would explore the nature of teams and group dynamics.
He said each module was mapped to, and aligned with, the Queensland Government’s Capability and Leadership Framework (CLF).
He said participants who completed all four modules would obtain a Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership.
“IPAA Queensland, as the peak professional body for the Sector, will be there for each participant to support and enhance their personal and professional development through the sharing of ideas, knowledge and networks,” Mr Rumph said.
He said further information was available from www.qld.ipaa.org.au
18 February, 2010
Red tape eased
on blue cards
The screening process for people working with children is to be streamlined to require only one check for all applicants and consequently cut red tape.Minister for Community Services, Karen Struthers said that while the current screening system was the best in the country it would get even better with improvements to the current ‘blue card’ process.
“In the past, if a classroom teacher (who has already been through a comprehensive criminal history check as part of their registration) wants to coach kids’ soccer after school, he or she would have had to apply for a blue card,” Ms Struthers said.
“Under our proposed changes, the registered teacher would only be required to apply for a cost-free exemption. The same applies to police officers who volunteer their time with young people after hours.”
She said the new system would reduce red tape and save time and resources for those who had already undergone a rigorous screening process.
Ms Struthers said the number of criminal history checks was expected to drop by around 100,000 in the first three years of the new system.
Since the blue card came into operation in 2001, more than 3,500 high-risk people have been prevented from working with children.
More than 475,000 blue card holders are monitored every day.
Fees for a blue card, currently $61.85 over two years will be reduced to $70 for three years.
Changes are also proposed for holders of yellow cards, who work in the Government-funded disabilities sector, to make the yellow card more closely aligned to the blue card.
“Under the new legislation, people who work with children with a disability will have to hold a blue card, just like other people who work with children,” Mr Struthers said.
“People who already hold a blue card, and who want to work with adults with a disability, won’t have to hold a yellow card as well.”
18 February, 2010
Weekly payments are
order of the day
New rules to allow welfare recipients to receive income support payments weekly instead of fortnightly have been announced by the Commonwealth’s social security agency, Centrelink.Federal Minister for Community Services, Jenny Macklin said the Social Security and Family Legislation Amendment (Weekly Payments) Bill 2010 would help vulnerable people, particularly those at risk of homelessness, better manage their money.
Ms Macklin said Centrelink officers would identify customers who found budgeting difficult and offer them the weekly payment option.
“This reform will target vulnerable Australians who find it difficult to budget and often end the fortnight with no money in their pockets and bills left to pay,” Ms Macklin said.
“These changes will help ensure people have regular access to money to purchase food, clothing and medicines, and keep up with regular payments such as rent.
The Commonwealth Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek said the weekly payments would help those struggling to pay rent in housing.
“Homelessness is a national priority and these changes will make sure that people are balancing their money across the fortnight, making it easier to stay on top of rent and mortgage repayments,” Ms Plibersek said.
The national Minister for Human Services, Chris Bowen said the new system would allow Centrelink to respond better to customer needs.
“The Government is committed to improving service delivery for all Australians,” Mr Bowen said.
“This includes tailoring Centrelink’s services to assist the most vulnerable people in our society by providing them with more options.”
18 February, 2010
Power price rise
shocks Minister
The economic model used by the Queensland Competition Authority to support a 13.8 per cent electricity price rise from 1 July has been questioned by the State Government.Minister for Mines and Energy, Stephen Robertson said the Government had lodged a submission challenging the independent Authority over its draft determination that recommended the price rise.
“The Government is deeply concerned about the rising costs of electricity supply and the pressure this is placing on household budgets,” Mr Robertson said.
“We strongly believe only genuine increases in costs should be passed on to Queenslanders through regulated electricity tariffs set by the QCA each year.
“The Government is of the view that some assumptions and modelling used by the QCA in making its draft pricing decision were flawed.”
He said the Government thought the price rise in the QCA draft determination for 2010-11 was too high to be justified.
“In particular, the Government disagrees with the QCA’s application of a modeling adjustment factor to calculate energy costs and maintains this should not be taken into consideration in determining the cost of the energy component in the Benchmark Retail Cost Index for 2010-11,” Mr Robertson said.
“The Government also considers the QCA’s approach to determining retail costs for 2010-11 over-estimated customer acquisition costs and that retail operating costs should be estimated using the same data as used in previous decisions.”
He said the QCA was expected to announce its final 2010-11 price decision by 31 May.
“The Government will continue to fight to minimise the impact of rising electricity supply costs,” Mr Robertson said.
18 February, 2010
Safety net widens
for internet use
A world-first pilot program addressing cyber safety for students is to run in 27 schools across Queensland.Federal Minister for Education, Julia Gillard said 164 schools in Australia would take part in the $3 million national initiative.
Ms Gillard said participating schools would implement policies and practices to support the safe, smart and responsible use of technology.
She said the schools would be provided with web resources to allow them to create an approach to cyber safety that met their individual needs.
“There is no one size fits all approach to bullying in schools but we are determined to provide teachers and school leaders with a range of tools to help them deal with bullying,” Ms Gillard said.
“Government and non-Government primary and secondary schools in urban, rural and remote Australia will participate in the cyber safety pilot which will run until 30 April 2010.
“The project will help clarify the role that schools play in ensuring responsible and safe use of technology.”
She said the pilot aimed to make cyber safety an integral part of student wellbeing practices in schools by improving cyber safety curriculum and increasing teachers’ skills in the area.
The Minister said the program would also help schools work with parents and the community
“Content for the initiative has been informed by extensive research and by a number of cyber-safety experts from across Australia,” Ms Gillard said.
“The Government is deeply concerned about the emergence of cyber-bullying in our schools and the impact it is having on students.”
She said the outcomes of the pilot would be independently evaluated and used to inform the Government’s review of the National Safe Schools Framework (NSSF) which is expected to be completed in June 2010.
The initiative was developed and conducted by child safety charity, the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
For a list of Queensland schools to be included in the program visit www.deewr.gov.au
18 February, 2010
New laws a jackpot
for ex-gamblers
New gaming laws that support problem gamblers in their efforts to kick the habit have been introduced.Gaming operators can now be fined up to $4,000 for advertising directly to gamblers who have chosen to exclude themselves from gaming venues.
A person who requests to be banned from a gaming venue such as a casino is known as an “excluded person”, and according to the Minister for Gaming Regulation, Peter Lawlor, many Queenslanders were choosing this as a way of fighting gambling problems.
Mr Lawlor said the legislative changes would help ‘excluded’ gamblers by ensuring they were not enticed back to gaming venues through advertising from operators.
He said the legislation was enacted after a series of incidents in which excluded persons were sent promotional material.
Mr Lawlor said gaming operators had failed to remove people from mailing lists even after being warned of previous failures by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation.
He said in one case, an excluded person who was sent promotional material returned to gambling and was allowed into gaming premises on multiple occasions.
“Gambling can be a serious concern for some people, and I applaud anybody who has the courage to recognise their problem and take this step,” Mr Lawlor said.
“Choosing to be excluded from a gaming venue is a great first step and the Queensland Government is helping these people by ensuring less direct exposure to the very problem they’re trying to leave behind.”
The new laws have been introduced via amendments to the Gaming Machine Act 1991, the Wagering Act 1998, the Keno Act 1996 and the Casino Control Act 1982.
18 February, 2010
OFT strikes out at
match makers
The Office of Fair Trading used the recent Valentine’s Day commemoration to warn people using match-making services to take care when entering contracts.Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said Queenslanders made 61 complaints in 2009 about their dealings with introduction and dating agencies - double the 2008 figure.
“In fact, all up in the past five years, around 200 complaints were reported to the Office of Fair Trading about dubious practices in this industry,” Mr Lawlor said.
He urged consumers to “do their homework” to avoid getting caught out by agents who don’t do the right thing.
“For example, if you want to stop your membership, do you know that your application or joining fee may not be refunded and that you may also be hit with a cancellation charge?” he said.
“You should be aware that under the Introduction Agents Act 2001, agents can’t charge you any more than a 30 per cent deposit for the service.
“It’s also smart to check what criteria they use for suitable introductions, how introductions are actually made, how many you’ll get and how frequently.”
Mr Lawlor said clients should also look up the agency’s privacy policy to see how their personal details would be stored and, if required, destroyed.
“You might also want to jump on to the Fair Trading website to check if the company you’re dealing with is appropriately licensed,” he said.
Mr Lawlor said most agencies were above board but that people should still be aware, ask questions, see the deal in writing and understand what they’re signing up for.
18 February, 2010
Childcarers to play
it by the book
New laws that require all childcare providers in Queensland to maintain and display a compliance log book have been introduced into Parliament.Premier, Anna Bligh said the new laws would ensure parents had easy access to information about centres, staff and safety issues.
“Parents are entrusting their children to the care of these services, and they want to be confident their children will be safe and well looked after,” Ms Bligh said.
“This is about giving parents access to a range of information to help them make decisions about who they allow to look after their children.”
She said the logbooks were the next step in major reforms to the sector and followed the launch of a child care compliance website on 1 February.
Ms Bligh said the reforms aimed to increase the accountability, safety and quality of child care.
“The website provides detailed information about child care services which have seriously or consistently breached the high standards we set for the care of our children,” she said.
“We know parents are hungry for this information - the phenomenal response to the Federal Government’s My School website, and the positive reaction to the Queensland Government’s release of school-by-school NAPLAN results is proof of that.”
Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson said the log books would contain information about any breach notices the service received from the Office for Early Childhood Education and Care.
“This includes the type of notice, why it was issued and details of any action required along with when the problem was fixed,” Mr Wilson said.
Mr Wilson said under the new laws all services would have a log book on display from July 2010.
18 February, 2010
Traffic managers
to be managed
A comprehensive review of roadwork safety is to be kicked off with changes to the way road traffic controllers are accredited.Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace announced the changes saying they were the first major component of the review and would require traffic management companies to demonstrate safety, quality and consistency within their organisational processes.
“Like everyone else, I’ve seen the stories about backpackers and overseas students doing a quick training course and getting out on the road as a traffic controller,” Mr Wallace said.
“That’s why I was determined that we’d have a serious look at this issue.
“This will be a big boost to safety and it will help ensure consistency within the traffic management industry.”
He said a new registration system for traffic management companies would be implemented in addition to the existing requirement for individual traffic controllers to be licensed.
“Traffic management companies will be regularly audited by the Department and may be de-registered if they are performing poorly,” Mr Wallace said.
The Minister said implementation of the new registration system would begin immediately and by early next year only registered traffic management companies would be permitted to work on State-controlled roads.
“While this registration system does not cover work done on Local Government roads, I encourage Councils to use these registered traffic management companies,” he said.
Mr Wallace announced a wide-ranging review last month, including examining signage and speed limits around road works, compliance with existing signage rules and smarter use of electronic signage.
“We’re spending $18 billion on road works over the next five years, so there’s going to be some disruption,” he said.
“But we must make sure any disruption is minimised as much as possible and we get the best protection we can for workers out on the road.”
The Traffic Management Association of Queensland estimates there are about 100 traffic management companies in Queensland and approximately 27,000 licensed traffic controllers.
18 February, 2010
Justice strategy to
sink teeth into gap
A new justice strategy is to be adopted to line up the goals of the Closing the Gap program with the practices of the National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework. Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Desley Boyle said the new strategy would take existing efforts to address Indigenous disadvantage into account but also be focused on what remained to be done.
“The Government is committed to addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Queensland in contact with the justice system,” Ms Boyle said.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are close to 13 times more likely to be in prison than non-Indigenous people.”
The Minister said the State and Federal Governments had devised the new strategy due to the disproportionate number of Indigenous prisoners and the number of deaths in custody.
“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Agreement came into effect 10 years ago with the primary aim of reducing the rate of Indigenous people coming into contact with the Queensland criminal justice system,” she said.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still over-represented in our prisons, in the number of child protection orders, and as victims of family violence.”
Ms Boyle said a number of innovative programs had been introduced as part of the Justice Agreement but that more needed to be done.
“All of the Indigenous Courts programs will be evaluated with some evaluations already underway,” she said.
“It is anticipated that the Australian Institute of Criminology’s evaluation of the Murri Court will be finalised in the coming months.
“These reviews will help us improve not only these programs but will inform the development of the new programs that will form part of the new justice strategy.”
18 February, 2010
New parking scheme
to kerb confusion
A new national parking permit scheme for people with disabilities is expected to be in place by July this year.Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten said a national scheme would deliver a more consistent system for the estimated 900,000 disability parking permit holders across Australia.
Mr Shorten said consultations on the scheme had shown community support for the plan, with those who submitted their views saying a national scheme was needed to make it less confusing for people with a permit when they travelled interstate.
He said the consultations also showed the public backed better enforcement of penalties against those who broke disability parking rules.
“It is clear that people with disability rely on disability parking schemes and want to see them better enforced,” Mr Shorten said.
“The consultations also endorse the commitment of Disability Ministers to create a scheme where no existing permit-holder will be worse off.”
He said any uniform concessions imposed would be minimum standards and that States which had more generous concessions for permit holders would be able to maintain them.
Mr Shorten said the current system was confusing and stressful as there are more than 100 different types of parking permits and differing eligibility criteria across the country.
“Disability parking schemes give independence and dignity to many Australians with limited mobility,” he said.
“We want to make sure we get this national scheme right, which is why we have taken the time to consult widely with the public and key organisations.”
Mr Shorten said consultations with States, Territories and disability and medical groups were continuing to determine the final eligibility and concessions criteria.
18 February, 2010
Land rate laws rate
well with Councils
New laws to protect the land rate income of local Councils have been introduced into Parliament following a Court of Appeal decision that favoured lower rates on commercial properties.The Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Stephen Robertson said the new laws would protect residential ratepayers from having to make up the $600 million shortfall the Court’s decision could lead to.
Mr Robertson said the Court’s decision would have required a “sudden, seismic shift” in the valuation rules for all commercial property – with discounts of 20 per cent for industrial land and 35 per cent for commercial land.
“While I understand that the commercial property owners would prefer lower valuations because it means lower Council rates and land tax, our duty is to protect the interests of the community as a whole and ensure consistency,” Mr Robertson said.
“If we don’t correct the Appeal Court’s interpretation of the law, then we would be accepting commercial property valuations on a fundamentally different basis from other property valuations, which recognise how land is actually used in the real world.”
The Minister said without the laws Local Governments would be potentially exposed to over $600 million in repayment of Council rates and Queensland taxpayers would be exposed to repayment of land tax.
“Queensland already has the lowest land tax rates in Australia for high value properties such as shopping centres,” Mr Robertson said.
“If the Court decision were to stand, this would see a further reduction in tax paid by these properties of up to 35 per cent - putting even greater disparity between obligations of these owners and their land tax commitments in other States.”
He said this would have left Councils with the option of either cutting services or increasing rates for ‘mum and dad’ ratepayers.
“The Queensland Government cannot stand by and let that happen,” Mr Robertson said.
18 February, 2010
Directive relaxes rule
The Public Service Commission has amended Directive 14/09 to remove the requirement for Chief Executives to consult with the Commission before advertising senior executive and senior officer vacancies.
In Directive 4/10, Amendment of Directive No. 14/09 – Placement of employees following machinery-of-government changes or service delivery reform, the Commission repealed Section 7.1 of Directive 14/09 and amended the heading of Section 7.2.
The amended directive is affective from 12 February 2010 and is available from www.psc.qld.gov.au
Hospitals performing
More patients are being treated in Queensland hospitals than ever before, according to the latest Quarterly Public Hospitals Performance Report.
In the December quarter for 2009 there were 228,203 admitted patient episodes of care, up by 8,222 (or 3.7 per cent) compared to the December quarter in 2008.
Emergency admissions rose, with 165,477 logged between July and November last year – an increase of 1.2 per cent on the same period a year earlier.
Great Queenslanders sought
Nominations for the Queensland Greats Awards are now open.
The awards recognise individuals and institutions whose achievements have played a significant role in the history and development of Queensland.
Previous winners have included Indigenous singer and songwriter Kev Carmody, former Queensland Governor Leneen Forde and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Nominations for the 10th anniversary awards close on 26 March and further information was available from www.premiers.qld.gov.au
Musical fellowships
Contemporary Queensland musicians have been urged to apply for the 2010 Grant McLennan Fellowship which is worth $20,000
The fellowship is administered through Arts Queensland and helped find songwriters with the potential to establish strong musical careers.
Applications close on 31 March and further information was available from www.arts.qld.gov.au
Surrogacy gets thumbs up
Parliament has passed laws to decriminalise altruistic surrogacy.
Attorney-General, Cameron Dick said the legislation was a milestone for Queensland and would give new hope to would-be parents while protecting the rights and interests of the children.
Queensland was the only State in Australia where altruistic surrogacy was a crime, punishable by jail.
Life Decision forums
A series of Life Decisions forums for older Queenslanders will be held throughout the State this year, starting with a forum next month in Townsville.
The free half-day forums will encourage people to take control of their futures and make plans in case they are unable to make their own decisions through age, illness or injury.
Older Queenslanders are being encouraged to ensure they have wills, enduring powers of attorney, advanced health directives and less formal arrangements to guide their families and loved ones.
Indigenous employment boost
Premier, Anna Bligh has said Queensland will be the first State to sign the Australian Employment Covenant agreement which aims to provide 50,000 jobs for Indigenous Australians.
Ms Bligh said the target was “ambitious” but “believable.”
She said the Queensland Public Service already employed 5,000 Indigenous Australians and had committed to employing a further 2,800 under the Covenant.
Clean coal goal
A proposal to build a $4.3 billion clean coal power plant in the Bowen Basin has progressed to the next stage with the Government seeking public feedback on draft terms of reference for environmental investigations.
If approved, the ZeroGen project, to be located west of Gladstone, could generate more than 2,000 construction jobs and see Queensland become a world leader in clean coal technology.
The proposed power plant would convert black coal into gas to generate electricity while storing the carbon dioxide in deep underground reservoirs.
Medical Centre underway
Work has begun on the $179 million Queensland Institute of Medical Research Centre at Herston in Brisbane.
The Centre will be home to 20 new research laboratories staffed by 400 scientists and students.
The centre, at the site of the old Queensland Radium Institute, has been funded by State and Australian Governments and by Atlantic Philanthropies.
Highway study
A planning study for a proposed realignment of the Cunningham Highway and a new interchange at the Amberley-Ipswich/Rosewood Road intersection has been announced.
The new alignment and interchange are expected to improve safety, ease congestion and cater for increased travel demands as south-east Queensland’s Western Corridor population continues to grow.
11 February, 2010
Ombudsman program
draws few complaints
The Queensland Ombudsman has published the latest results from a continuing program aimed at assisting Government Agencies deal with complaints more fairly and efficiently.Ombudsman, David Bevan said the report, Complaints Matter – A Review of the Complaints Management Systems of Queensland Government Agencies, contains the results of his review of Agencies’ complaints systems.
Mr Bevan said his review found Agencies had “significantly improved” their complaints management systems.
“When we began this project, we found that the complaints practices and procedures of most State Agencies were rudimentary, provided insufficient guidance to staff and provided little information to the community,” he said.
Mr Bevan said he assessed Agencies’ compliance against the standards for complaints handling that are set out in a 2006 Directive of the Public Service Commissioner.
He said the Directive was issued in following a recommendation from the Ombudsman’s Office, and that State Agencies had been required to comply with the Directive within 12 months of receiving it.
“Most Agencies have now implemented complaints systems that satisfactorily comply with the Directive and the remainder will comply with it once they implement my recommendations,” the Ombudsman said.
“An effective complaints system not only enables an Agency to correct decisions that are unfair or wrong, but also provides valuable feedback from members of the community that can be used to improve service delivery.”
Mr Bevan said it was reasonable for the community and Agency staff to expect that publicly funded Agencies would have systems in place to properly deal with complaints.
He made over 300 recommendations to Agencies on ways to improve their complaints management systems.
Nearly all the recommendations were accepted.
The Ombudsman’s full report can be accessed at www.ombudsman.qld.gov.au
11 February, 2010
PS fears squeeze from
population pressure
By Alycia BrownThe Queensland Public Sector Union has called on the State and Federal Governments to protect the sustainability of the Public Service in light of future population growth.
General Secretary of the QPSU, Alex Scott said consultation with communities was needed now if the PS was to cope with a population of 36 million by 2050 as foreshadowed in the Commonwealth’s 2010 Intergenerational Report.
Mr Scott said the Governments needed to work with communities to develop a long-term plan to build public service capacity and “provide for massive growth.”
“In 40 years’ time there will be hundreds of thousands more Queenslanders who will require sustainable, dramatically expanded public transport and personal transport networks to help keep communities moving,” Mr Scott said.
“It makes sense for Governments to take the time to have a considered, realistic discussion with our community about our perspectives as the future of quality public service delivery is charted.”
Mr Scott said a major investment in public service delivery would be needed to bypass the risk of Queenslanders falling “through the cracks” and being unable to access basic public services.
“Action must be taken to ensure public service delivery is sustainable,” he said.
Mr Scott said Public Servants were the key to excellent public service delivery, highlighting Union concerns about outsourcing to the private sector.
“Quality public service delivery simply cannot physically happen without sufficient numbers of Public Sector workers,” he said.
“One real concern for all Queenslanders is the recent trend towards more and more short term, contractor and consultant services in Governments which leads to poor organisational knowledge, reduced productivity and scope for misguided service delivery.
“The only way future Governments can be confident in the quality of public service delivery is to build and continuously develop capability, to value its Public Sector workers.”
Mr Scott said the QPSU was looking forward to further sharing its views during any consultations the Government hold.
“Among other things, we’ll be talking about workload measurement mechanisms, supporting innovation, improved training, fair hours and fair pay for our members,” he said.
“Action must be taken right now to build strong public service capacity and delivery mechanisms that will plan for and build the future of public service delivery for Queenslanders.”
11 February, 2010
Commission Inquiry
ends in tiers
The Australian Law Reform Commission has called for a new tier of public enquiry to be established to provide an alternative to Royal Commissions.Following a nine-month enquiry, the ALRC’s report Making Inquiries: A New Statutory Framework makes 82 recommendations for reform.
President of the ALRC, Professor Rosalind Croucher said a key recommendation was to amend the Commissions Act 1902 (Cth) and rename it the Inquiries Act to establish the two tiers of public inquiry - Royal Commissions and Official Inquiries, each with defined coercive and investigatory powers.
“Whenever there are controversial issues that cannot be satisfactorily dealt with by the Courts or the political process, there are inevitably calls for a Royal Commission,” Professor Croucher said, “although not all such issues warrant such an elaborate inquiry.”
“Royal Commissions should be reserved for the highest form of inquiry dealing with matters of substantial public importance, which may warrant the abrogation of certain privileges and protections, such as the right against self-incrimination.
“Official Inquiries would provide a more streamlined, cost-effective and flexible alternative to resolve matters of public importance, but which do not require extraordinary powers, such as those abrogating fundamental protections available to inquiry participants.”
She said other ALRC recommendations focused on openness and accountability including the publication of inquiry reports and monitoring resulting activities.
The ALRC also called for new legislation to ensure the prompt tabling of Royal Commission and Official Inquiry reports in Parliament; the publication of a summary of costs of Royal Commissions and Official Inquiries; and a framework for the protection of protected national security information utilised in proceedings.
Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said the Commonwealth Government had commissioned the report following issues identified in the Report of the Inquiry into the Case of Dr Mohamed Haneef which needed more detailed exploration.
The ALRC report was available from www.alrc.gov.au
11 February, 2010
Hospital reports
are healthy option
The Queensland Health website is to be expanded to include more information on the performance of hospital emergency departments.Deputy Premier and Minister for Health, Paul Lucas said the initiative would, for the first time, see comprehensive emergency department (ED) data available online.
Mr Lucas said wait times and attendances by hospital and triage category would be among the information published on the site.
He said while Queensland already reported more comprehensive data than any other State, the new publication would give the public access to even more important information.
“They can see that the average wait time in December for non-urgent patients at Townsville, for example, is just 34 minutes,” Mr Lucas said.
“If people can see how their local ED is travelling it will enable them to make a decision about whether, in non-urgent cases, it is more appropriate to go to their GP.”
Mr Lucas said the new ED data would enable clinicians to identify pressure points and where resources and staff needed to be re-allocated.
“Accountability breeds excellence: the more we report the better the indication we have of where we can improve,” he said.
Mr Lucas said data for January would be manually uploaded by clinicians as soon as it became available.
“Queensland Health is in the process of developing a system to enable the data to be uploaded more regularly,” he said.
Queensland Health already reports on elective surgery waiting times and patients, hospital administrations, same day care, outpatient services, births, radiation oncology wait times, patient and staff satisfaction, staffing numbers, bed numbers, ED admissions and performance.
“The Quarterly Public Hospitals Performance Report contains more than 1,800 separate statistics in every report,” Mr Lucas said.
“Our elective surgery waiting times continue to be the best in Australia at 27 days compared to a national average of 34 days.
“And while our ED performance has moved from sixth to third we know we can do better.”
The site was available at www.health.qld.gov.au
11 February, 2010
Transport campaign
drives recruitment
A program run by the Department of Transport and Main Roads encouraging job seekers to enter the transport and logistics industry has led to 100 people taking up new careers.Minister for Employment and Economic Development, Andrew Fraser said the Get Into Transport and Logistics project teamed jobseekers up with the industry, which was “crying out” for skilled workers.
“Some 22 people in Townsville and another 25 across Cairns, Bowen and Mackay are now ready to enter the industry having completed the two-month course, with another 14 people in Brisbane and 10 in Rockhampton close to finishing,” Mr Fraser said.
He said a program for the Sunshine Coast program had begun earlier in the month and that the last intake would be held in Wide Bay soon.
Director General of Transport and Main Roads, Dave Stewart said the project was a continuation of the Department’s successful Skilling Queenslanders for Work project that had run last year.
“The outcomes for jobseekers and industry from these projects have been overwhelmingly positive,” Mr Stewart said.
“The previous project assisted 126 participants, with 98 of them earning a heavy vehicle licence and 28 a forklift ticket. Ninety of these past participants are now in the workforce.”
He said this year’s program focused on producing heavy vehicle drivers for the road transport and bus and coach industries.
“Projects like this are of great value to the industry’s future,” Mr Stewart said.
He said ongoing assistance was provided to people who completed the training.
The Queensland Bus Industry Council is partnering the Department on the new project while the Queensland Trucking Association supported last year’s program.
11 February, 2010
Report makes noise
about loud workplaces
Safe Work Australia has released a report dealing with the dangers of loud noise in the workplace.The report, titled National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance Report: Noise Exposure and the Provision of Noise Control Measures in Australian Workplaces, was developed from the National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance survey.
Chair of Safe Work Australia, Tom Phillips said the report aimed to outline the demographic and employment characteristics of workers who reported exposure to loud noise.
Mr Phillips said the report also looked at the types of noise control measures that were provided in workplaces.
He said the study would help Governments and employers to produce better targeted occupational health and safety policies and campaigns to reduce the risk of workplace noise injuries.
“It is concerning that more is not being done to eliminate or reduce the exposure to noise in the workplace when occupational noise induced hearing loss is an entirely preventable but irreversible condition,” Mr Phillips said.
He said it had led to more than 3,600 workers’ compensation claims across Australia in 2007-08, amounting in $41 million in worker’s compensation payouts.
He said the report found that between 28 and 32 per cent of workers surveyed were likely to work in an environment where they were exposed to loud noise.
It found male workers were more likely to report exposure to noise than their female counterparts, while young workers were more likely to report exposure than older ones.
People who worked night shifts were also more likely to report being exposed to loud noises.
The worst industries for exposure were manufacturing and construction.
The report found that of the exposed workers, only 41 per cent said they had received training in noise injury prevention.
11 February, 2010
Library books role
in Indigenous plan
The State Library of Queensland is to take a leading role in testing the feasibility of a National Indigenous Knowledge Centre.Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin said the concept was first raised at the 2020 Summit in 2008 as a way to support and promote Indigenous cultures and knowledge in the wider community.
Ms Macklin said a National Indigenous Knowledge Centre would help celebrate and strengthen Indigenous cultures and knowledge.
Community consultations on the Centre have begun and are being led by Indigenous leader and academic, Dr Jackie Huggins.
Ms Macklin said meetings had so far been held in Blacktown, New South Wales and Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
“Participants so far have been supportive of a National Indigenous Knowledge Centre and have commented on its importance in showcasing and sharing Indigenous culture with the wider community,” she said.
“Having respect and understanding for the oldest continuing cultures in human history is critical.”
The State Library has partnered with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and the M.I. Murren Trust to conduct the feasibility study.
Ms Macklin said when the study was completed it would include possible roles and models for a National Indigenous Knowledge Centre.
She urged members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, along with the wider community, to provide submissions and participate in the consultations.
Written submissions will be accepted up until 31 March and further information was available from www.slq.qld.gov.au
11 February, 2010
Sustainability plan
has northern exposure
A report on the opportunities for sustainable development in the northern regions of Australia has been released by the Commonwealth Government.Produced by the Commonwealth’s Northern Australian Land and Water Taskforce, the report calls for close cooperation between the Governments involved in northern Australia to ensure the region’s economic potential is realised without risking its unique natural and cultural environment.
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia, Gary Gray said the north had its own challenges and possibilities that were separate from southern Australia.
“Northern Australia is a unique part of our country and integral to our national identity,” Mr Gray said.
“The Taskforce Report found that developing northern Australia as an integrated, sustainable region presents a complex challenge that requires strategic focus, national leadership and close collaboration between Governments.”
He said the Taskforce also stressed the planning and management of land and water resources in northern Australia must take Indigenous rights and interests into account.
In particular, the report identified the potential for sustainable development by expanding agricultural production through the development of small scale, widely distributed production units known as mosaic agriculture.
The report suggested the beef industry could be intensified to provide the potential for sustainable wealth creation in Indigenous communities.
Mr Gray said the Taskforce also put emphasis on protecting the north’s natural ecosystems to ensure the sustainability of its multibillion dollar tourism industry, conservation and natural resource management.
He said the Commonwealth would work with the Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory Governments to develop a coordinated response to the Taskforce’s findings and recommendations.
The report, Sustainable Development of Northern Australia, was available from www.nalwt.gov.au
11 February, 2010
Why wireless is more
for QLD residents
The 2009 household survey of computer and internet usage in Queensland has found more internet users are choosing to go wireless and pay more for higher download speeds and greater monthly capacity.Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Robert Schwarten said the ninth annual survey showed ADSL uptake levelled off in 2009 while the number of wireless connections had almost doubled every year since 2006.
“Although ADSL remains the most popular form of internet access at home at 43 per cent, it is being quickly overtaken by wireless connections, which have grown from three per cent in 2006 to a current 23 per cent,” Mr Schwarten said.
The survey included 3,600 households throughout the State and was conducted by the Office of Economic and Statistical Research on behalf of the Queensland Government Chief Information Office.
Mr Schwarten said the survey revealed that, of those with an internet connection, 44 per cent paid more than $50 per month for the service – up from 36 per cent in 2008.
“This shows Queenslanders are keen to pay more for their broadband services, perhaps reflecting the importance placed upon high-speed internet access and the growth in online services and entertainment,” the Minister said.
Mr Schwarten said retirees were also enjoying the digital age with more than half (53 per cent) of those 65 years or older having access to the internet or email at home – up from 49 per cent in 2008.
He said overall access to a computer at home rose slightly to 87 per cent of all Queensland adults compared to 85 per cent in 2008.
“We recognise Queenslanders are internet savvy and enjoy interacting online, so we have worked with the Federal Government and telecommunications suppliers to ensure the right infrastructure is in place for our community,” Mr Schwarten said
“Engaging online with Queenslanders is also a priority under Toward Q2 Through ICT, our five-year strategy for Government ICT.
“Within the next three years, we aim to double to 50 per cent the number of Government services available online.”
The full survey results are available from www.qgcio.qld.gov.au
11 February, 2010
Anti-violence program
breaks its boundaries
A community-based program helping to reduce domestic violence in Normanton is to be expanded into other communities.The campaign, Domestic Violence – It’s Not Our Game, will receive funding from the Australian Government to allow its expansion.
Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin said the program was run by the Carpentaria Shire in Normanton in conjunction with the local Normanton Stingers rugby league team.
Ms Macklin said since the campaign began in the remote Indigenous community, police had reported a significant decrease in domestic violence incidents and a drop in the number of breaches of domestic violence orders.
As part of the project, sponsorship is allocated to local rugby league teams whose players pledge they won’t commit domestic violence.
The penalty for breaching the agreement is immediate suspension and ultimately exclusion from the team.
Ms Macklin said the Normanton Stingers players were promoted as positive role models though advertising, media campaigns and workshops.
“Through the project, the Normanton community is clearly saying that domestic and family violence is neither normal nor acceptable behaviour,” she said.
“The success of the project is testament to the commitment of the Carpentaria Shire, the Stingers footy team and the people of Normanton to take responsibility for taking positive steps to tackle domestic violence.
“The project has won two awards at the 2009 National Awards for Local Government and was the overall winner of the 2008 National Crime and Violence Prevention Award.”
The $195,000 in Federal Government funding will allow the project to continue and expand to include rugby league teams from Doomadgee, Richmond, Hughenden, Cloncurry and Julia Creek.
11 February, 2010
New council to have
word on sentences
The Queensland Government is to set up a Sentencing Advisory Council to give the community a greater say in how criminals are dealt with in the State.Attorney-General, Cameron Dick said members of the public and victims of crime would have a voice on the new Council, along with experts in law enforcement, criminal law and juvenile and Indigenous justice issues.
“The new body will have the opportunity to provide input into guideline judgments prepared by the Court of Appeal on the appropriate sentencing range for a particular offence,” Mr Dick said.
“It will help bridge the gap between community expectation, the Courts and Government in deciding criminal penalties.”
He said the Government acknowledged community concerns about sentencing and recognised that sometimes it may seem that the sentence did not fit the crime.
“The public should have confidence in our independent judicial system, which has served our State well for 150 years, and in the independent discretion exercised by judges in determining sentences based on all the facts and circumstances relevant to a particular case,” Mr Dick said.
The Attorney-General said the Council would provide advice to Government on matters relevant to criminal sentencing, conduct research and arrange public education and information campaigns.
“The aims behind the Council are to promote consistency in sentencing, stimulate balanced public debate and raise awareness about the complexities of the sentencing process,” Mr Dick said.
He said the proposed model combines the best features of similar bodies in Victoria and New South Wales, which have already attracted widespread public and professional support.
Legislation needed to establish the Council is to be drafted over coming months and introduced to State Parliament before the end of the year.
11 February, 2010
Signs to brake
speeding habits
New road signs urging motorists to “check your speed” are being put up in 36 locations across the State in an effort to put the brakes on dangerous driving.Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace said accidents involving speeding motorists resulted in the deaths of 61 people in the first nine months of 2009.
“These new signs aim to ensure that statistic is not repeated this year,” Mr Wallace said.
“The signs display the speed limit and the message ‘check your speed’ and are in addition to a suite of road safety measures included in the Road Safety Action Plan to be implemented this year.”
He said the signs would be located in areas where motorists are known to speed.
“As motorists are reminded of their speed it will hopefully act as a deterrent.”
Mr Wallace said the road toll in Queensland was not a simple problem to solve.
“We are taking a coordinated approach to achieve the best results in changing the behaviour of reckless individuals,” he said.
“The message is simple: please remember to drive safe. Plan your trip and take your time.
“It is better to get to your destination safe and late, than not at all.”
Mr Wallace said he was committed to continually looking for new ways to improve safety on State-controlled roads and believed the introduction of the signs would help modify driver behaviour and reducing speed-related crashes.
11 February, 2010
Funding flowing
to rural councils
A breakdown of funding grants to Local Government Councils has shown three-quarters are provided to regional and rural communities outside the State’s south-east corner.Minister for Local Government, Desley Boyle said the analysis highlighted the Government’s commitment to sustainable growth in regional areas.
“Since July 2006, more than 79 per cent of Local Government funding administered by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning has been approved to Councils outside South East Queensland,” Ms Boyle said.
“This equates to $1.558 billion that has been delivered to help Queensland Councils improve the lifestyle, services and infrastructure they offer in rural and regional communities.”
She said funding had been allocated to a wide range of Council projects including $8.72 million towards the Gympie Regional Council’s Cooloola Coast Sewage Treatment Plants and over $22 million for Fraser Coast Regional Council to help improve the region’s water network.
Ms Boyle said $20 million had also been directed to Rockhampton Regional Council to help meet the cost of the Capricorn Coast to Fitzroy River Water pipeline.
“These are just a few examples of how regional and rural communities have benefited through the significant levels of State funding that has been provided to Councils over recent years,” she said.
“In 2006, the State committed more than $700 million over five years to help Councils deliver major infrastructure projects.
“We increased that commitment by another $180 million, taking the total investment to $880 million.”
11 February, 2010
Housing declaration
in good form
Homeowners who are required to provide a declaration of sustainability when selling their property can expect to find the going easier now that a new, simplified declaration form has been introduced.Under laws that came into effect on 1 January, anyone selling a house, townhouse or unit must provide a declaration listing their home’s sustainable features.
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said the Government had revised the sustainability declaration to address concerns about its complexity.
“For instance, we have removed the household report card and simplified the savings column and the disclosure of access and safety features,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“There is still a high level of interest in sustainable housing, but feedback from 10 community road shows late last year, the real estate industry and the public has been clear.
“Sellers want a form that can be filled out without assistance and without expert knowledge.”
He said the new form would help educate potential buyers about the operating costs of homes and the importance of sustainability features.
“It will ultimately help Queenslanders reduce the state’s carbon emissions,” the Minister said.
Mr Hinchliffe said questions included whether a house had ceiling fans, energy-efficient lights, a solar hot water system or gas cooking facilities.
He said if homeowners were unable to fully complete the form they could leave parts blank and still sign it.
“All existing sustainability declarations that have been signed will comply,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“To help the real estate industry adjust to this new declaration the old form will also remain available to allow the community and industry to adjust to the new form.”
Executive Director of the Housing Industry Association in Queensland, Warwick Temby said the revised form was user-friendly.
“The presentation has been vastly improved by removing some of the technical information, making the form much easier to understand,” Mr Temby said.
“The inclusion of a section to add items not listed also provides flexibility.”
The form was available from www.dip.qld.gov.au
11 February, 2010
OFT keeps guard
on security licences
The Office of Fair Trading rejected 133 applications for security guard licences in 2009.Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said the OFT, which administers and checks security licences throughout the State, would not tolerate applicants that posed a risk to community safety.
“As well as training and character reference checks, anyone who applies for a licence or applies to renew their licence goes through criminal history checks to ensure their suitability for working in the industry,” Mr Lawlor said.
“If these checks show the person has criminal convictions for disqualifying offences, which includes assault, sexual assault, fraud, stealing and drug offences as well as murder,
they are refused a licence outright – it’s as simple as that.”
He said security guards who did hold a licence were continually monitored.
“Our SCRAM system - short for Suitability, Checking, Reporting and Monitoring - checks every licensed security provider against Queensland Police Service records each night,” Mr Lawlor said.
“If a security licence holder is detected by SCRAM as having been charged with one of these disqualifying offences they have 28 days to show cause why they should not be suspended pending the outcome of the charges.”
He said if the licence holder was convicted of the offence, their licence would be cancelled immediately.
Mr Lawlor said that since July 2009 the OFT had issued 194 notices requesting providers to explain why they should not be suspended, 170 of which were a result of SCRAM.
“In this time, 31 licences were cancelled,” he said.
Mr Lawlor said there were over 27,000 licensed security providers in Queensland.
11 February, 2010
Recycling program
not going to waste
A program of installing recycling bins in public places has led to more than 480 tonnes of waste being collected in two years.Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the 480 tonnes represented the equivalent of the entire city of Toowoomba filling their wheelie bins.
“Since it began in January 2008, Public Place Recycling has rolled out 3,500 recycling bins in 90 public venues around Queensland,” Ms Jones said.
“As a result, more and more Queenslanders are choosing to ‘do the right thing and use the right bin’ away from home.”
She said the use of recycling bins in large sporting arenas such as the Suncorp Stadium had been outstanding.
Ms Jones said 180 recycling bins were installed at the Suncorp Stadium at the beginning of the 2009 football season and almost 80 tonnes of waste was collected over the year.
As well as the Gabba, Suncorp and other stadiums, recycling bins have been situated on footpaths in 15 Council areas, in shopping centres and parklands and at annual events such as the Ekka and the Woodford Folk Festival.
General Manager of Suncorp Stadium, Alan Graham said the stadium was pleased to join many other public place recycling venues in Queensland.
“Colour-coded bin caps on the concourse and corporate suite areas throughout the stadium make it very easy for patrons to help the stadium’s management sort waste and recycling into the right streams,” Mr Graham said.
Ms Jones said the vast majority of Queenslanders supported kerbside recycling, and it was clear from Suncorp Stadium’s results that people were keen to extend that commitment to recycling when they were away from home.
“But we can do better,” she said.
“It’s estimated that Queenslanders still throw away 50 per cent of recyclable material when away from home,’ she said
“More recycling bins will continue being rolled this year out at a range of different locations including public transports networks and theme parks.”
11 February, 2010
Centrelink employee
delivers the goods
A graduate employee of Centrelink’s Brisbane office is spending this week in Melbourne delivering a presentation on learning disorders faced by young Indigenous students.Katherine Williams is spending the week at Melbourne University’s Summer School where she is sharing the findings of her research with some of the nation’s leading academics.
A University of Queensland psychology graduate who is two years away from completing her Professional Doctorate in Clinical and Clinical Neuro Psychology, Ms Williams said she was looking forward to receiving feedback on her research.
“I’m nervous about it, but it’s such an amazing forum to present my research,” she said.
“My passion is to help young Indigenous students overcome learning disorders to improve their chances of getting a better education.”
Ms Williams’ research looks at the influence of environmental factors, trauma and family functionality on Indigenous students.
“I’ve been collecting data from three Indigenous schools in Brisbane and it will be good to see if my research sparks any interest,” she said.
“I’m hoping it could lead to a collaboration of research with other experts in their field.”
“Ultimately I’m hoping my research may also be useful in developing a training program for schools to help young Indigenous students overcome learning disabilities.”
Ms Williams has been a Centrelink employee since 2007 when she joined up as part of its graduate program.
She is currently working within Centrelink’s Human Resources section while completing her Doctorate.
11 February, 2010
Disaster relief expanded
Disaster relief funding arrangements have been extended to include a further 12 Local Government areas that have been affected by recent severe weather.
State and Federal Government Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) now cover 38 Councils impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclones Olga and Neville and other poor weather.
Barcaldine, Central Highlands, Longreach, Maranoa, Paroo, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Hinchinbrook, Isaac, Whitsunday, Winton and Woorabinda are the latest regions to be added to relief and recovery arrangements.
Sun targeted for safety
Safe Work Australia has released a new report on workers who are exposed to direct sunlight.
The report, National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance Report: Exposure to Direct Sunlight and the Provision of Sun Exposure Controls in Australian Workplaces, was written by the Cancer Council Victoria.
It found male workers were more likely to be exposed to sunlight, along with workers in industries such as agriculture, forestry, fishing construction and recreational services.
The report, the first national study on workplace ultraviolet radiation exposure from direct sunlight across all industries, is available from www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
Boarding school grants
A $1.9 million Commonwealth Government infrastructure grant has gone to two boarding schools in Queensland that enrol Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Djarragun College in Gordonvale will receive just over $1 million and Shalom Christian College in Condon will receive $920,000.
The funding is part of the Government’s Indigenous Boarding Infrastructure Program which aims to help boarding schools upgrade student accommodation and expand facilities to accommodate increasing numbers of Indigenous students.
Bug found in cotton
An exotic mealybug outbreak in cotton crops in Emerald is being tackled by the Government in partnership with Cotton Australia, growers and federal authorities
Five properties in the area have been badly affected by the outbreak which was identified by a Queensland Government entomologist at Biosecurity Queensland and Agri-science Queensland.
Since the Solenopsis mealybug was first detected in December officers have been giving advice to growers on management strategies.
Carseldine police station opens
A new $6.473 million police station at Carseldine has been officially opened.
The station will serve one of the fastest growing business and residential hubs in the Metropolitan North Region.
The new station has been accompanied by an upgrade in local policing services including 12 new police positions.
Approval left to Court
The Planning and Environment Court is to decide on a key approval for a proposed $628 million mixed-used development at Caboolture after the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said he would not prescribe the project.
“I have decided not to declare the Northeast Business Park a prescribed project under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
Prescribing the project would have given the Coordinator-General powers to become the assessment manager and nominate mandatory completion dates.
4 February, 2010
Police crackdown
goes gangbusters
The Queensland Police Service has launched a crackdown on gang violence.Minister for Police, Neil Roberts and Deputy Police Commissioner, Ian Stewart have announced a 12-month project targeting street gangs.
Mr Roberts said a street gang was any street-orientated youth group which considered involvement in illegal activities as part of its identity.
He said Police were taking action to “nip the issue in the bud” before it escalates to the level seen in some overseas countries.
“While there is no evidence to suggest Queensland has an organised street gang network, we cannot afford to miss or deny the early warning signs,” Mr Roberts said.
The Minister said gang-related violence in New Zealand rapidly escalated in 2006 to include 10 gang-related murders.
“This is not something we want to see happen in Queensland,” he said.
“The Police already have a range of responses – from enforcement activities through to prevention and problem solving – in place to address youth violence.”
Mr Roberts said the project would be an “intelligence-gathering exercise” aimed at better understanding the issue and ensuring street gangs don’t become a widespread problem in Queensland.
Deputy Commissioner Stewart said the Street Gang Project team would report directly to him.
“An inspector-level officer will manage and coordinate the project with support from five senior sergeant-level regional coordinators in the South Eastern, Southern, Metropolitan South, Metropolitan North and North Coast police regions,” he said.
“The primary focus is on groups of people, primarily youth, displaying the elements of cohesion, organisation, criminal activity and violence – the elements apparent in gangs.”
Deputy Commissioner Stewart said after 12 months the project would be evaluated by the QPS Review and Evaluation Unit, Ethical Standards Command.
“This initiative dovetails nicely with others sponsored by the QPS including the One Punch Can Kill initiative and the Coordinated Response to Young People at Risk program,” he said.
4 February, 2010
Taskforce seeks
truth on scams
The Australian Institute of Criminology is conducting an online survey into consumer fraud for the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce.The Taskforce has invited consumers to participate in the survey to help it obtain information on what scams people have received and how they responded to them.
It said gathering the information would help to improve the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of scam offenders.
The Taskforce was founded in 2005 with the aim of reducing the number and impact of frauds and scams, and to create a yearly co-ordinated consumer information campaign.
It comprises 20 Government Agencies and Departments in Australia and New Zealand with responsibility for consumer protection, including the Queensland Office of Fair Trading.
The Taskforce said the online survey was part of this year’s awareness campaign and was voluntary and only took a few minutes to complete.
Responses will remain anonymous, will not be disclosed to third parties and will only be used for statistical analysis.
The survey includes questions on whether people have received particular scams, such as emails involving Nigerian money transfers or unsolicited notifications of lottery wins, and if and how they responded to them.
It also asks if people have ever disclosed personal details or sent money to the scammers.
The survey also looks at reasons for not responding to the scams or not reporting them to relevant Government Agencies.
The survey results are expected to be released later this year and to participate, visit www.aic.gov.au
4 February, 2010
Education deal away
with the pharaohs
Education Queensland is to export its vocational education and training strategies to the Middle East after entering an agreement with the United Arab Emirates.Premier, Anna Bligh said deal meant Queensland would share its vocational education expertise with one of the world’s richest regions.
Ms Bligh said training would be offered to Emirates workers with the agreement allowing up to 200 trainee nurses per year from the UAE to complete their training at South Bank Institute of TAFE and Queensland University of Technology.
She said the first intake of 70 trainees was expected in July this year.
“My visit to the UAE last year was a revelation,” Ms Bligh said.
“I think everyone knows that Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s busiest regions in terms of infrastructure delivery and I think it speaks volumes that they would come to Queensland and seek out our education and training systems.
“Our education and training models are world class and one of the world’s most powerful and go-ahead regions wants them.”
The Premier said the agreement followed a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2009 and a series of trade missions.
She said Education Queensland already has a relationship with the UAE which was highlighted when the Australian International School was established in Sharjah in 2005.
This school – staffed largely by Queenslanders – has more than 1,000 students studying a Queensland curriculum.
“The United Arab Emirates is Queensland’s largest merchandise export market in the Middle East and strengthening our relationship will offer extensive opportunities for the growth and promotion of our already successful education and training organisations,” Ms Bligh said.
Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson said Abu Dhabi relied largely on the abilities of expatriates who made up 80 per cent of its population.
“It wants to learn how Queensland identifies and delivers training so it can improve the skills of its own local residents,” Mr Wilson said.
4 February, 2010
Online road resource
shows way for drivers
Motorists planning to drive in flood-affected communities have been advised by the Minister for Main Roads to check road conditions online beforehand.The Minister, Craig Wallace, said drivers should visit his Department’s 13 19 40 Traffic and Travel Information website, which provides real-time information about the state of the road network.
“With the wet season in full force in the northern parts of Queensland, we are working hard to ensure motorists are aware of changed road conditions,” Mr Wallace said.
“Motorists and members of the community can find out which roads are closed or have load or other travel restrictions in place, and which roads have been re-opened.”
He said the need to keep general commuters and industry moving could be achieved in part by offering good information to allow people to make informed choices about alternative routes or other modes of transport.
“For locals and tourists driving in the flood-affected regions, we are asking that they be mindful of the hazards associated with driving in wet conditions,” Mr Wallace said
“Heavy rainfall can often arrive with little warning, causing the road surface to become saturated very quickly.
“The best way of minimising the risks for road users is to slow down, drive to the prevailing conditions and avoid crossing flood waters at all times.”
The website can be accessed at www.131940.qld.gov.au
4 February, 2010
Productivity at work
probing PS services
A report on the effectiveness and efficiency of Government services across the nation has been released by the Productivity Commission.Report on Government Services 2010 was produced by a Steering Committee comprised of Senior Officials from all State and Territory Governments as well as the Commonwealth and is the fifteenth edition of the report.
The Committee was chaired by the Chairman of the Productivity Commission, Gary Banks.
Mr Banks said the report aimed to promote debate about the performance of Federal, State and Territory Governments across Australia
“Improving Government services is important to us all: everyone relies on these services at different life stages, and the services are particularly important for more disadvantaged members of society,” Mr Banks said.
The report includes chapters on early childhood education and training, justice, emergency management, health, community services and housing and measures Government performance in each area, comparing the role and responsibilities of State, Territory and Federal Governments.
“Governments need to know whether their policies are effective and being implemented efficiently, and whether services are reaching those people for whom they are intended,” the report says.
The report also looks at improving Government service provision to promote social and economic benefits
It found 66.4 per cent of all Australians were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with Police services across the nation, with 66.8 per cent of Victorians expressing the same view.
In 2007/08 Queensland spent $11,750 on in-school costs per full-time equivalent student, compared to the national average of $12,017 per student.
The State’s recurrent expenditure per person for public hospitals was $1,216.60 during 2007/08, a 9.3 per cent increase on 2006/07 figures ($1,112.40) and slightly under the national average ($1,360.20)
The Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision included representatives from State and Territory Departments of Premier and Cabinet, Treasury and Finance and the Federal Departments of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Treasury, and Finance and Deregulation.
The full report can be accessed at www.pc.gov.au
4 February, 2010
Aid floods in for
cyclone victims
The State and Federal Governments have announced assistance packages for North Queensland communities impacted by recent heavy rain and flooding.Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said victims of tropical cyclones Olga and Neville could claim assistance for the restoration of essential public infrastructure as well as costs associated with counter disaster operations.
Queensland Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said funding would now be available in 17 Local Government areas with arrangements extended to Carpentaria, Doomadgee and Mornington.
“Communities in the northern part of Queensland have been seriously impacted by heavy rain, associated flooding and damaging winds,” Mr Roberts said.
“These relief and recovery arrangements will provide assistance and help rebuild damaged public infrastructure in affected communities.”
He said that under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, Councils would be able to access funding to restore public assets and to cover the cost of counter-disaster operations.
MP for Mount Isa, Betty Kiernan said the three additional areas had been badly affected by severe weather and that she welcomed their inclusion in the arrangements.
“These communities will benefit from any and all assistance they are offered,” Ms Kiernan said.
Cyclone assistance has been activated in Carpentaria, Doomadgee, Mornington, Aurukun, Kowanyama, Cairns, Lockhart River, Cassowary Coast, Northern Peninsula, Cook, Pormpuraaw, Croydon, Tablelands, Etheridge, Wujal Wujal, Hope Vale and Yarrabah Local Government areas.
4 February, 2010
Surfing safety
making waves
A multicultural campaign to promote safety in the surf has been launched on the Gold Coast by the Ministers for Multicultural Affairs, Annastacia Palaszczuk and Tourism, Peter Lawlor and the Chief Executive of Surf Life Saving Queensland, John Brennan.Ms Palaszczuk said the $100,000 campaign would target Queenslanders from culturally diverse and non-English speaking backgrounds by including surf safety information brochures in 18 languages.
“It will give them access to beach education classes from trained surf lifesavers and ensure that school children get important surf safety information in their first language,” she said.
“People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are over-represented in national and State drowning figures, and considered an at-risk group by surf authorities.”
Ms Palaszczuk said the campaign would also encourage Queenslanders from diverse backgrounds to undertake surf life-saver training.
“We want to encourage Queenslanders from multicultural communities to become a part of the iconic life-saving movement,” she said.
“It will give them important new skills and training sought by employers and increase Queensland’s volunteering rate.”
Mr Lawlor, who initiated a cross-Agency response to surf safety following recent drownings on the Gold Coast, said the campaign was a step in the right direction.
“I want every single person who visits the beach to have the ‘swim between the flags’ message imprinted in their mind before they set foot on the sand,” he said.
4 February, 2010
Arty party marks
Arts Centre’s 25th
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre has celebrated its 25th anniversary.Premier and Minister for the Arts, Anna Bligh said the anniversary was a landmark for the Centre which is a leader in presenting exceptional performing arts from the State and around the world.
“Since the curtain went up on the first public performance in the Lyric Theatre on 7 February 1985 for a production of The Pirates of Penzance, more than 13 million people have seen a show at QPAC,” Ms Bligh said.
“It has an established track record as a producer of new work, is home to the State’s leading arts companies and a sought-after venue on the international scene hosting exclusive performances by the world’s most acclaimed companies such as last year’s visit by the Paris Opera Ballet.”
She said QPAC continued to defy global trends with its anniversary year starting with record sales.
Ms Bligh said over 60,000 people attended events in January, with two sell-out shows, Angelina’s Star Performance by the English National Ballet and the Ballet Theatre of Queensland’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Chief Executive of QPAC, John Kotzas announced the launch of the anniversary program for the first half of 2010, Act 1, which includes the Out of the Box festival, Ute Lemper, The Beach Boys and violinist, Nigel Kennedy.
4 February, 2010
Vegetable cooks
in hot water
Scientists from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation and the University of Queensland have discovered that overcooking or eating some vegetables raw can reduce their anti-cancer properties.Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin said the researchers had focused on the anti-cancer compounds in brassica vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.
“They have found that these vegetables should be steamed, or stir fried for just two to four minutes or microwaved for no more than two minutes,” Mr Mulherin said.
“That is the best way to maximise the anti-cancer properties of these particular vegetables.”
He said cooking the vegetables for any longer and eating them raw greatly reduced their anti-cancer compounds.
“I am encouraging everyone to take on board this important message about how to get the most out of their vegetables,” Mr Mulherin said.
Researcher with DEEDI, David Williams, who has completed a PhD on the topic said cooking the vegetables lightly helped to boost their anti-cancer compounds.
“When vegetables such as broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and garden cress are overcooked, or eaten raw, compounds known as ‘nitriles’ are formed,” he said.
“Nitriles do not protect against cancer and in fact replace anti-cancer compounds.
“Cooking these vegetables on a very low heat for a short time stops the nitriles and allows the release of anti-cancer compounds.”
Dr Williams said the exception to the rule is brassica vegetables that are naturally hot such as radish, mustard and watercress.
“They are best eaten raw to maximise the anti-cancer compounds.”
He said further research was needed to fully understand the anti-cancer properties of brassicas, but that current results indicated a reduction of cancer in people with a high proportion of the vegetables in their diet.
Mr Mulherin and Dr Williams said they hoped the research would help protect Queenslanders from cancer and allow them to lead healthier lives.
4 February, 2010
Venus rises in new
park victory
The new public park at Kangaroo Point has been officially opened.Premier and Minister for Arts, Anna Bligh opened the park, saying it was destined to become an iconic addition to the Brisbane landscape for locals and tourists.
“It will be the ideal destination for many of the city’s signature events like Riverfire and the Australia Day fireworks,” Ms Bligh said.
The Premier also announced British artist Wolfgang Buttress’ Venus Rising, as the winner of the statewide poll that was undertaken to decide which public art work would be placed in the park.
“Venus Rising, is a lace-like sculpture stretching more than 30 metres into the sky, and is sure to become an icon for the city,” Ms Bligh said.
“It’s only fitting that Queenslanders have had the final say on a major work of public art that will be a centre piece of this beautiful new green space in one of the best locations in our city.”
More than 4,500 people voted, giving a definite thumbs-up to Venus Rising, which won 59 per cent of the vote.
Venus Rising is one of five public artworks destined for the park that are funded by art+place, the Queensland Government Public Art Fund.
Ms Bligh said the long history of the Kangaroo Point site had been considered throughout the project and influenced the design, construction and materials used.
“Where possible materials have been recycled, such as the beautiful Brisbane ‘Tuf’ stone which has been incorporated into the walkways and feature walls,” she said.
4 February, 2010
Law system reports
are all in the family
Three reports evaluating aspects of Australia’s family law system have been released by the Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland.Mr McClelland said the reports focus on how the Family Law Courts deal with family violence cases and found that further progress was needed to ensure the cases were responded to effectively.
“The reports provide a comprehensive and objective analysis of the family law system against the aim of providing fair and sustainable solutions for families, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children,” Mr McClelland said.
He said the Evaluation of the 2006 Family Law Reforms by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) examined the impacts of changes to family law.
He said some of the changes included introducing shared parenting; requiring separating parents to attend family dispute resolution before Court; and establishing Family Relationship Centres to provide information, advice and assistance to families.
According to Mr McClelland, the AIFS report found the idea of shared parental responsibility was widely supported but often misunderstood to mean equal shared care time and had led to unrealistic expectations among some parents.
The AIFS reported that the majority of parents in shared care arrangements believed they were working well but identified concerns where an ongoing fear of violence existed.
The report also found there had been a shift away from using the Family Law Courts and that more separated parents were using dispute resolution services.
Mr McClelland said two reviews, Family Courts Violence Review, conducted by Professor Richard Chisholm and Improving Responses to Family Violence in the Family Law System, conducted by the Family Law Council, addressed the effectiveness of legislation and Court practices involving cases of family violence.
“The Government is committed to improving the family law system so that separated families can effectively access the help they need and disputes can be resolved in the best interests of children,” he said.
Mr McClelland said the Commonwealth Government would consider the findings and recommendations of the reports before responding.
Copies of the reports were available from www.ag.gov.au
4 February, 2010
Energy Office in
power play
The Office of Clean Energy has joined with ENERGEX and Ergon Energy to bid for $100 million in Commonwealth funding to build a demonstration smart electricity grid in Townsville, Brisbane and Toowoomba.Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Stephen Robertson said Queensland’s demonstration grid would show how promising new technologies could be successfully applied to the Australian lifestyle, climate and geography.
Mr Robertson said a sustainable future electricity industry would require better use of renewable energy sources and greater understanding of how energy was used.
“The Queensland Smart Communities bid would incorporate renewable energy technologies into the electricity network, along with information technology that will help consumers make better-informed and smarter choices about their energy use,” he said.
“New technologies include a solar thermal storage technology pilot, which captures heat from the sun and stores it for future electricity generation.”
The Federal Government’s $100 million National Energy Efficiency Initiative aims to gather data for a broader industry rollout of smart grids in Australia and to build awareness of the economic, technological and environmental benefits.
“If the bid is successful, the CSIRO and Queensland’s tertiary sector will share in our expanding energy efficiency knowledge through real-life trials, with demonstrable community outcomes,” Mr Robertson said.
“The Queensland Smart Communities bid proposes to build a large-scale demonstration Smart Grid, Smart City project in Townsville, with several stand-alone smart grid projects at Zillmere (in Brisbane’s north) and Toowoomba.”
He said technologies to be deployed in Townsville would bring a number of new benefits - from giving electricity suppliers a better picture of customer electricity use, to automatically diverting around network faults and allowing a faster response to outages.
4 February, 2010
Public chewing over
koala habitat plans
The Departments of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) and Infrastructure and Planning (DIP) have received 87 submissions on proposed new planning powers and regulations for the protection of koalas in the south-east.Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said local residents, Councils and community groups who wanted to join the debate still had a month to ensure their voices were heard.
Ms Jones said submissions on the new State Planning Policy (SPP) and State Planning Regulatory Provisions (SPRP) had been received from residents, Councils and organisations.
She said the changes were aimed at halting the decline in South-East Queensland koala populations.
“The new regulatory provisions will immediately impose criteria against which new development applications must be assessed by Local Government,” she said.
“The new State Planning Policy will provide longer-term protection for koalas and their habitat by influencing land-use planning to make sure that future development does not unduly impact on koala habitat.”
The Minister said the new SPP and SPRP provisions would recognise new koala habitat statutory mapping that identifies bushland and rehabilitation areas as well as areas of value to koalas in an urban context.
She said they would guide local planning decisions and development applications ensuring consideration was given to koala movement and koala-friendly designs like retention of habitat on site, appropriate fencing and low-speed roads
Ms Jones said bushland koala habitat would be protected from development in the priority areas of Koala Coast and Pine Rivers as well as outside the urban footprint in other areas.
She said DERM and DIP would consider all public submissions and make any necessary changes before finalising the SPP and SPRP.
Submissions close on 28 February and further information was available from www.derm.qld.gov.au
4 February, 2010
Support develops
for film industry
A new support scheme for the Queensland film industry has been developed following extensive consultation with participants and players.Premier and Minister for the Arts, Anna Bligh said the scheme had been created by Screen Queensland and represented a $6 million investment in the Queensland screen industry.
Ms Bligh said the scheme would consist of a number of screen support programs.
“One new program, the Writers’ Room, will provide financial and professional support to writers to help projects reach a market-ready stage,” she said.
“The Development Attachment Program will give Queenslanders the chance to be involved in development projects helping them gain hands-on experience and industry credits.”
Ms Bligh said the Queensland film industry was evolving and growing and generated $57 million in expenditure last financial year.
She said it was a priority that the new funding programs were designed to support the industry’s growth and future challenges.
Chief Executive of Screen Queensland, Maureen Barron congratulated the industry for its input and confirmed consultation would continue to ensure a smooth transition for the programs’ introduction.
“The new programs reflect an open and consultative approach by Screen Queensland,” Ms Barron said.
It was encouraging to receive so much feedback and hear people’s ideas.
“I look forward to keeping the lines of dialogue open with an annual review and a mechanism to get feedback on the effectiveness of the programs,” she said.
4 February, 2010
Promising forecast
for weather experts
The Federal Department of Climate Change has invited Australian scientists and weather experts to become involved in the next big climate change assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the IPCC.In a statement, the Department said IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report would detail the state of climate change knowledge and would be developed from 2010 to 2014.
The DCC said the report’s authors would be faced by a demanding task.
It said if chosen, the authors could be expected to attend five international author meetings and prepare their designated section of work.
The Department is to operate as the National Focal Point for IPCC activities and was looking for Australian experts to perform as Coordinating Lead Author, Lead Author and Review Editor.
It encouraged interested parties to complete a nomination form and apply for the positions.
The DCC said the Commonwealth Government would select nominees to put forward to the IPCC based on selection criteria and that the IPCC Bureau would then select their positions.
The Department said subject to Ministerial approval, successful nominees would be provided with grants to support travel and living expenses when attending IPCC meetings, but funding would not cover costs associated with nominees’ regular professional engagements such as salaries.
Nominations close on 19 February 2010.
Completed nomination forms and requests for further information should be emailed to climatescience@climatechange.gov.au
Further information was available from www.climatechange.gov.au
4 February, 2010
Grants guide has
free advice
New guidelines to assist Local Councils allocate community grants fairly and openly have been released by the Minister for Local Government, Desley Boyle.Ms Boyle said while many Councils had processes in place to guide the open and transparent allocation of community grants, some did not.
“Sometimes community groups can think others are getting favoured when it comes to the allocation of community grants,” Ms Boyle said.
“These guidelines have been developed especially to give community groups greater peace of mind and give Councils direction in how to ensure they are open and transparent when allocating community grants.”
She said the guidelines, which are free and available on the web, had been designed to help Councils in Queensland achieve best practice.
“For those Councils with grant procedures already in place, the guidelines can act as a benchmark,” Ms Boyle said.
“For Councils without processes, this tool will be invaluable in improving the management of their grant schemes.”
The Minister said the guide covered the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of grant schemes, as well as the application and risk assessment process, training, communication and how to avoid some common pitfalls.
“It is also important for Councils to communicate the availability of grant money as well as the application and assessment process,” Ms Boyle said.
“There’s no point having funding available if no one knows about its existence.
“By using the guidelines, Local Governments will be making the most of their available funding pools.”
The guidelines also feature a range of sample forms such as a grants policy, a funding agreement, community guidelines, application form and instructions for applicants.
They were available from www.dip.qld.gov.au
4 February, 2010
Medals awarded
The National Australia Day Council has announced the winners of its 2010 Australia Day Achievement Medallions in Queensland, provided to Government Agencies across Australia to acknowledge outstanding performance by staff members.
The medallions are reserved for the highest level of recognition for staff and are usually presented in association with Australia Day events.
Four staff members of the Department of Communities received medallions: Pam Longland, Bradley Saunders, Kathie Scott and Pieta Sephton.
Paramedics graduate
A graduation ceremony for 32 Advanced Care Paramedics from the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy has been held at the Kedron Emergency Services Complex in Brisbane.
Commissioner for the Queensland Ambulance Service, David Melville congratulated the graduates, saying they would provide a boost the Service’s ranks
“Each of these Advanced Care Paramedics has already experienced life on the frontline, having worked in regions across the State throughout the course,” Commissioner Melville said.
Housing development opened
A new housing development aimed at providing accommodation for low income earners has been opened on the Gold Coast.
The $3.2 million Government-funded social housing development at Southport consists of three one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units.
The funding came from the $20 million Capital Assistance Grant presented to the not-for-profit Gold Coast Housing Company.
Charter contract
Cairns-based company Independent Aviation has been awarded the whole-of-Government contract to manage aircraft charters.
Independent Aviation was the successful tenderer to supply air charter management services from 15 February 2010.
The company has been appointed for an initial period of two years, with the option of two one-year extensions.
Terminal open
The $100 million terminal redevelopment at the Gold Coast Airport has been officially opened.
The new terminal was finished two months ahead of schedule and at over 30,000 square metres is more than double the size of the previous terminal.
Deputy Premier, Paul Lucas was joined by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese to open the terminal.
Reconciliation award opens
Nominations have been invited for the 2010 Reconciliation Award for Business.
The award, now in its eighth year, recognises Queensland businesses and community organisations who are working in partnership with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people on important reconciliation projects and initiatives.
Nominations close on 12 March and further information was available from www.reconciliation.qld.gov.au
Hospital contractor named
Abigroup Contractors has been appointed managing contractor for the $1.2 billion Queensland Children’s Hospital project.
Construction of the hospital will combine the Royal and Mater children’s hospitals into one facility at South Brisbane in 2014.
The $ project represents the largest capital investment in children’s health services in Queensland’s history.
