29 January, 2009

PS chimes in for gongs

Public Servants featured prominently in the Australia Day awards this week with the announcement of recipients of the Public Service Medal.
   The honours were announced on Australia Day by the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce.

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL

Gregory Kenneth (Greg) CLAYDON PSM
Natural Resources and Water
For outstanding public service in the areas of natural resource management and water reform.

Mr Claydon has been at the forefront of water reform in Queensland for many years and has served the Queensland Government since 1974.
   He has brought a rarely encountered level of innovation and commitment to this complex matter. His intuitive thinking and dedication has greatly assisted Queensland's development of a robust water reform agenda at state and national levels.
   Mr Claydon's acumen in his various roles of Chairperson, General Manager and current Executive Director, Strategic Water Initiatives, has underscored his substantial capacity to drive the reform agenda. His paper Water Allocations and Entitlements - Towards a National Framework for Property Rights in Water - Review of Policy Issues and Options was one of the earliest water reform documents prepared at a national level and was influential in the development of the Queensland Water Act 2000.
   Mr Claydon's work has set the platform for how Queensland is today addressing the most severe long-term drought in its history. He has also made a significant contribution to Queensland's involvement in the Murray Darling Basin Commission, helping to ensure that issues important to Queensland have been effectively represented and addressed.
   His approach to major policy initiatives is to ensure that inclusive and comprehensive community engagement strategies are executed throughout the formation of draft legislation. This approach has produced enormous respect and appreciation from stakeholders and community groups throughout Queensland.
   Mr Claydon has been a tireless and effective representative and advocate for Queensland in the area of natural resource management, and is recognised by both the wider community and his colleagues.

Warren Edward DAY PSM
Gold Coast City Council
For outstanding public service in the fields of engineering and disaster management.

Mr Day has demonstrated outstanding service in his role as the Gold Coast City Council's Director of Engineering Services, overseeing the Council's largest directorate, and has provided exemplary commitment to the education and professional development of young engineers.
   Mr Day's wealth of experience and directorial capability consistently enables him to exceed expectations in delivering major, complex and multi-dimensional projects on time and within budget.
   Under his stewardship, the Council became the first local government authority to receive triple quality certification in Management, Workplace Health and Safety, and Environmental Management. Mr Day's guidance has seen the Council reach the leading edge of timely delivery of quality, innovative, engineering projects.
   He has displayed unparalleled leadership in, and commitment to, delivering creative, cost-efficient engineering solutions to benefit the community.
   Mr Day's exceptional leadership skills are also demonstrated in his involvement in the field of disaster management. He drove the development of the stand-alone, Council-funded Gold Coast Disaster Management Centre at Southport - a coordinated, cohesive response by the city to natural disasters.
   His innovative action in bringing all disaster response agencies under the one roof utilizing the Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System has now been applied State-wide by Emergency Management Queensland. In addition, during the last decade Mr Day has provided professional support to the School of Engineering at Griffith University's Gold Coast campus, helping to make the Gold Coast a noted centre of engineering activities.    He has also been instrumental in developing the Safer Motorcycle Advanced Rider Training, a Council-subsidised training course aiming to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents in the city by helping riders to improve their skills.
   Mr Day is highly regarded within the Public Service not only for his outstanding knowledge and aptitude for engineering services but also for his dedication, leadership and innovative contribution to the Gold Coast.

David Joseph KOPELKE PSM
Education
For outstanding public service to education in Queensland, particularly in the field of environmental education.

Mr Kopelke has performed exceptionally in his role as Principal at Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre.
   His innovative vision, initiative and strong leadership have led to the inclusion of environmental education into the Queensland curriculum, and his outstanding dedication to preserving the environment has also raised awareness of environmental issues amongst the wider community.
   In 1977, Mr Koeplke was appointed to the position of Teacher-in-Charge of the then Boyne Island Field Study Centre. He worked tirelessly to convert the school into a challenging residential camp facility, developing curriculum that offered visiting students a unique opportunity to learn more about the environment. He still continues to promote environmental education at the Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre.
   Mr Kopelke was active in the establishment of the Australian Association for Environmental Education in 1980.
   In 1982, he was active in introducing Marine Studies into Queensland High School Curriculum and, 4 years later, he created an employment scheme for Indigenous Australians in the environmental sector through the National Employment Services Association scheme. He also established the Foreign University Student Visit Scheme which fostered discussion about the natural environment between Australian and overseas students.
   In the early 1990s, Mr Kopelke showed leadership and innovation by establishing the first working display building for alternative energy in the Gladstone region. He subsequently established the first Energy Efficiency Education program in Australia which is now presented in all Queensland schools.
   Much of his work has formed the basis for Marine Studies Education in Australian schools.
   Mr Kopelke has displayed outstanding leadership, innovation and dedication to the establishment and improvement of environmental education in Queensland over many years.

Jennifer Mary MULLER PSM
Health
For outstanding public service within Queensland Health, particularly in the areas of cancer screening programs and access to health services.

Over many years Ms Muller has demonstrated consistent leadership, strategic thinking, intellectual capacity and commitment to evidence-based practice in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of population-based breast and cervical cancer screening programs in Queensland and throughout Australia.
   Ms Muller was one of a few individuals who were involved in the establishment of the Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Screening Programs in Queensland, programs which still play a pivotal role in the ongoing development of cancer screening services throughout Australia.
   Ms Muller has led the progressive development and implementation of the Queensland Cervical Screening Program and the BreastScreen Queensland Program; the latter now screening in excess of 210 000 women annually. She has represented Queensland nationally in all facets of program development, delivery and evaluation and has always championed the interests of consumers, particularly those of disadvantaged groups who have the least access to health services.
   She was instrumental in the development and implementation of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Pilot Program that occurred between 2002 and 2004. Ms Muller also led the development of the Queensland Health Pap Smear Registry.
   She is committed to reducing the burden of disease caused by cancers that can be prevented or treated if detected early. Ms Muller established the Queensland Rural Women's General Practitioner Service and the Mobile Women’s Health Nurse Service, both of which provide a range of health services for women in rural and remote areas.
   Her work has resulted in the reduction of mortality rates associated with breast and cervical cancer affecting women in Queensland.
   Ms Muller's strong advocacy skills and ability to think strategically have increased Queensland women's access to cancer screening services.
   Her outstanding service has contributed in a significant way to Australia's model of cancer screening programs that ensure the availability of high-quality, population-based screening services across the country.

John Patrick STRANO PSM
Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
For outstanding public service in the areas of investment and trade.

Mr Strano has demonstrated exceptional service, loyalty and dedication to the economic development of Queensland and to the growth of the Smart State Industries.
   Since 1971, he has significantly influenced Queensland's trade, investment and industry landscape. His stewardship of the Queensland's inward investment function stands him apart in terms of Public Service excellence.
   Credited with attracting some of the most significant investments to be made in the state, his influence has enabled Queensland to create new international linkages, higher skilled jobs, develop new industry clusters and provide positive global branding for the State as a mature investment location.
   Mr Strano's leadership of the investment function in Queensland has played an integral role in supporting the development of industry clusters. His nurturing of key strategic relationships has maintained Queensland's position of strength in investment attraction.
   As Executive Director of Manufacturing and Investment, he developed the Gateway Schools programs in aviation and manufacturing which aim to raise the profile of careers in manufacturing, engineering and aviation.
   Mr Strano's influence in the public sector extends beyond investment, with significant trade achievements such as the establishment of the Queensland division for the Italian/Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the establishment of the Queensland/Japan Chamber of Commerce.
   Mr Strano has been described as a superb ambassador for both the government and the Queensland community. He has proven his skill and dedication, and his efforts over a number of years have far exceeded what would normally be expected of senior employees.

Dennis Stanley WOGAN PSM
Main Roads
For outstanding public service to the road design and construction industry.

Mr Wogan has played a key role in developing competitive relationships in the road design and construction industry in Queensland and led the introduction of the landmark concept of relational behaviour into the industry.
   Mr Wogan helped to pioneer the concept that the Queensland road system is an integral part of the state's public infrastructure. His efforts have recognised and responded to the public's high expectation of the performance, quality and operation of this infrastructure.    Mr Wogan's tireless efforts have created a system that has better managed costs, is more equitable, and has raised the profile, accountability and reputation of the road design and construction industry as a whole. This in turn has built a strong, sustainable industry that is more efficient and more profitable.
   Mr Wogan has also paved the way for new methods of training and teaching within the industry, and has been instrumental in capturing the intellectual property of the Department of Main Roads and sharing best practice ideas with a broad industry audience. He has been a leading light in the Department's drive for improved efficiency in delivery of its core business.
   Mr Wogan's efforts and outstanding leadership have helped build Queensland's economy by improving the performance of the road design and construction industry, ensuring its ongoing capability development and creating new benchmarks across Government in technical excellence, standards, specification development, career progression, procurement and public sector innovation.

29 January, 2009

Jobs squad gets down to work

Opening up Public Service jobs to the unemployed and setting up a “jobs squad” are among measures the Government has announced to beat the looming financial crisis.
   Premier Anna Bligh said the State is on a virtual “War Footing” as it prepares to tackle the issues ahead.
   Ms Bligh said she had ordered a review to be conducted across the Public Sector and services to identify vacant positions to provide to the State’s new Rapid Response Flying Squad and Treasury had presented a full briefing on the economic crisis to Cabinet.
   “We will leave no stone unturned in terms of finding and filling these positions,” Ms Bligh said.
   She said a review of the 1990’s fight against unemployment during the last economic downturn and a briefing by economic and social commentators for the entire Labor caucus were also on the agenda.
   “Queensland needs to be on a war footing to face this global crisis,” she said.
   “The Government will do everything possible to provide certainty in uncertain times.”
   Ms Bligh said the comprehensive review of Government jobs programs established in the downturn of the 1990s would allow them to learn from past experience.
   “We have been through this before and I want to draw on that experience to make sure that we recreate the things we did right and avoid any mistakes,” she said.
   Ms Bligh said the Government had identified 349 skilled jobs in Government owned corporations for the Flying Squad and that Government companies such as Energex, Ergon, Queensland Rail, Sunwater, Stanwell and Tarong Power Stations had hundreds of skilled positions vacant.
   “We have put these jobs in the back pocket of the Rapid Response Flying Squad who are now touring affected mining centres,” she said.
   “They will make every effort to match the skills of those who have lost their jobs to these positions.”
   Ms Bligh said the ‘jobs squad’ of outside experts would provide rapid response solutions to counter the effects of the financial crisis.
   “We have approached the best minds from industry, business, academia, social services unions and the Public Sector,” she said.
   “Every aspect and perspective on the crisis will be represented. They will be the Government’s eyes and ears on the ripple effect of the economic crisis.”
   Ms Bligh said Chief Economist at the ANZ, Saul Eslake, had accepted a place on the squad, as had Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd Director and former Qantas CEO, Geoff Dixon.
   “It’s times like these that we need every shoulder to the wheel, when Government, business, unions and community have to pull together,” she said.
   “We intend to do everything we can to provide certainty and protect jobs. I want to use the best talent at my disposal and that is exactly what I am going to do.”
   Bank of Queensland CEO David Liddy, Queensland Resources Council President, Nicole Hollows, and Queensland Director the Australian Industry Group, Chris Rodwell, are also to join the squad. A full list appears in the PS News Senior Appointments section.

29 January, 2009

Green program off to high-energy start

A program that helps homeowners save on their energy and water bills has enjoyed a strong start with almost 2,500 homes signing up in the first three weeks.
   Premier, Anna Bligh, said the ClimateSmart Homes program would help households save up to $250 a year on their energy and water bills and reduce their carbon footprint by up to 20.4 tonnes.
   Ms Bligh said the program would employ over 100 electricians and was designed to help Queenslanders reduce their carbon footprint.
   “The response so far to the ClimateSmart Homes program has been incredible,” she said.
   “Almost 10,000 Queenslanders have already registered their homes for the service, and that number is growing by around 1,500 a week.”
   Ms Bligh said the service was valued at $450 but was available to Queenslanders for just $50.
   She said small changes around the home added up to make a big difference and over the next two years, projected savings through the program were around $65 million and 5.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
   Ms Bligh said these savings would go a long way to achieving the State’s Q2 target to reduce Queenslanders’ carbon footprint by a third by 2020.
   The ClimateSmart Home Service provides households with a home energy audit conducted by a licensed electrician; an energy monitor supplied and installed to help households keep track of energy use; a water efficient showerhead; and up to 15 energy efficient fluorescent light globes.
   Ms Bligh said Queenslanders could register for the program by calling 13 20 40 or visiting www.climatesmarthome.com.au

29 January, 2009

Credit rating a credit to State

Confirmation of Queensland’s AAA credit rating has been welcomed by State Treasurer, Andrew Fraser.
   Mr Fraser said ratings agency Moodys had once again reaffirmed the rating, an important measure of confidence in a time when “frightened” world markets were searching for sound, safe investment opportunities.
   “Queensland is affirmed as a top quality choice,” he said.
   “The assessment identifies the challenges of maintaining our capital spend against a rapidly deteriorating economic environment.”
   Mr Fraser said in its yearly update to the markets, Moodys said Queensland would continue to successfully manage its fiscal operations.
   He said this was a “clear vote of confidence” in the ability of the Government to manage the State’s finances through the challenges of the global financial crisis.
   “Moodys state that Queensland’s credit quality reflects moderate debt levels, significant levels of internal liquidity and a dynamic and diverse economic base,” Mr Fraser said.
   “The Moodys report is a reinforcement of our economic and financial policy credentials in the face of growing economic uncertainty.”
   He said the report noted “strong governance and management factors include multi-year budget projections, prudent forecasts and contingency provisions”, saying they had contributed to a strong record of meeting or exceeding targets over consecutive years.
   Mr Fraser said during the economic downturn the Government’s number one priority was jobs.
   “That’s why we took the decision to quarantine our $17 billion capital works program which supports 119,000 jobs for Queenslanders,” he said.
   Mr Fraser said the Major Economic Statement released in December 2008 had put forward a comprehensive response to the financial crisis.

29 January, 2009

Commission to review Commissions Act

The Australian Law Reform Commission is to review the Royal Commissions Act 1902.
   Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, said he had asked the Commission to look into a number of issues including whether some inquiries could be better served by less formal alternatives.
   “Royal Commissions have been an important means of inquiry and source of advice to Government since Federation,” Mr McClelland said.
   “But they have tended to be highly technical, time consuming and expensive.”
   He said the recent inquiry by former Judge, John Clarke into the Dr Mohammed Haneef case had brought the issue into the spotlight.
   “Mr Clarke indicated in his report that having powers under the Royal Commissions Act would not have overcome some particular difficulties raised in that inquiry,” he said.
   “Less formal inquiries in other areas may nonetheless benefit from having some of the powers of a Royal Commission, including the ability to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents as well as protection from suit for defamation.”
   President of the ALRC, Professor David Weisbrot, welcomed the review saying the Commission would focus on a number of matters.
   Professor Weisbrot said those issues included whether an alternative form or forms of Commonwealth executive inquiry with statutory foundations was needed; the need for special powers for national security inquiries; finding an appropriate balance between powers for persons undertaking inquiries and protections of the rights and liberties of persons interested in them; and information disclosure.
   The Commissioner in charge of the new inquiry, Professor Les McCrimmon, said there were a number of lessons to be learnt from problems thrown up by recent inquiries.
   “These difficulties have included the power to compel the provision of information, a lack of power to investigate breaches of the Act, the adequacy of penalties for a failure to comply with the Act, and the ability of Royal Commissions to communicate information about unlawful behaviour to law enforcement bodies,” Professor McCrimmon said.
   In carrying out its review, the Commission is to identify and consult with key stakeholders, including State, Commonwealth and Territory Agencies.
   Its final report is to be completed by 30 October 2009.

29 January, 2009

Diving inspectors thrown in deep end

A team of workplace health and safety inspectors has been established in Cairns to serve the State’s dive industry and maintain high standards of public and worker safety.
   Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has established the Dive Unit of three experienced divers to deal with the safety and health issues specific to diving and snorkelling.
   Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, John Mickel, said the State’s dive industry had a world class safety record and the lowest dive fatality rate in the world.
   “With the tourism industry facing hard times in 2009 as a result of the global economic crisis it is critical that the State Government works with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland to maintain our reputation as a safe diving and snorkelling destination,” he said.
   “The establishment of the Dive Unit underscores Workplace Health and Safety Queensland’s commitment to providing both the resources and technical expertise to support the industry and dive safety initiatives.”
   Mr Mickel said around 1.2 million people participated in recreational diving and snorkelling activities in Queensland each year.
   “There is also a significant occupational diving sector including harvesting, construction and scientific diving work,” he said.
   “It made sense to have a dedicated unit and to base it in Tropical North Queensland where most of the State’s recreational dive and snorkelling activities occur.”
   Mr Mickel said the dive unit would work across the entire State to develop education initiatives and information resources, assess and provide solutions for workplace health and safety, provide advice on diving matters, and propose regulatory reforms where necessary.
   He said the State’s recreational dive industry was the most strictly regulated in the South Pacific and Asia, and had been covered by the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation since 1989.
   “Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the industry have worked closely for many years to implement a wide range of safety initiatives,” Mr Mickel said.
   “But we must do more because while the annual death toll has steadily decreased since 2002, on average there are between 4 and 6 diving and snorkelling fatal workplace incidents each year.”
   Between 1998 and 2008, there were 70 diving and snorkelling workplace-related fatalities in Queensland - 63% from snorkelling and 37% from diving.
   Mr Mickel said the majority involved recreational overseas visitors, with only 9 being Australians.
   He said 3 people died in 2008 compared to 11 in 2002.
   “While every single death is regrettable, they represent only a very small percentage of the large number of local, interstate and international tourists who dive and snorkel in Queensland each year,” Mr Mickel
   “A survey of overnight visitors estimated around 1.2 million international and domestic visitors undertook scuba diving or snorkelling activities while in Queensland in the 12 months to March 2007.”
   Mr Mickel announced the new Dive Unit after meeting with key members of the dive industry to discuss significant and emerging health and safety issues.

29 January, 2009

Union unites in award program

The Queensland Public Sector Union has reminded members to nominate deserving candidates for the QPSU Awards.
   The Union said there were various awards available as a way of recognising and showing appreciation to members for their contributions to union activities.
   A spokesperson for the Union said the Awards recognised services to fellow union members, and often awarded the length of membership as a union delegate or activist.
   “Awards take the form of badges and certificates, with the highest honour being a grant of life membership,” the spokesperson said.
   “Awards are considered by the QPSU's Awards Committee.”
   The Awards include the Emma Miller Award for outstanding women activists, the Life Membership Award for “distinguished service” to the Union and the Activist Award, recognising high levels of activism by an individual.
   The QPSU said it was easy to forget achievements were usually the product of sustained efforts by active members, and encouraged members to nominate people they thought were consistently involved in planning and delivering Union activities, had been a member for over 10 years or had demonstrated support from Welfare Committees, Common Interest Groups or District Branches.
    “If you think a member is deserving of recognition we urge you to support a nomination allowing us an opportunity to give due consideration,” the Union said.
   “To consider a member for an Award, our policies require that nominations supported by members or delegates are received in a timely manner prior to a meeting of this Committee.”
   Presentations of life membership are made at the QPSU's Annual General Meeting.
    More information and nomination forms for the awards can be obtained from Danielle Pickersgill at the Union via djp@qpsu.org.au

29 January, 2009

Minister shocked by electricity price hike

Price increases of up to 20 per cent for electricity have been labelled outrageous and unfair by Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson.
   Mr Wilson said he has asked the Energy Ombudsman to investigate Queensland Electricity’s decision to lift prices for market contract customers.
   “I expect those Queensland Electricity customers on market contracts would be extremely unhappy with this price hike,” he said.
   “Customers should let their feelings be known to Queensland Electricity by exercising their right to choose and shopping around for a better deal – this may mean switching to a different retailer.”
   Mr Wilson said although he had referred the matter to the Ombudsman, the worst punishment a retailer could endure was to lose customers.
   “Under the previous monopoly system, customers had one retailer and were forced to pay one price – like it or lump it,” he said.
   “Now they have the power to choose and can shop around for the best deal.”
   Mr Wilson said the Government was “committed to looking out for the battlers,” aligning himself on the side of consumers.
   “We increased our electricity rebate for pensioners and seniors from $145 to $165 to ease the financial burden,” he said.
   “We established a $3 million hardship scheme for people who had difficulty meeting the cost of their electricity and gas bills.”
   Mr Wilson said the Government had given households and small businesses in regional Queensland over $600 million in subsidies in 2008 to help keep electricity bills down.
   “We’ve provided nearly half a million dollars to the Queensland Council of Social Service to advocate for consumers,” he said.     “The bottom line is that we’re on the side of the consumer and we will continue to look after the interests of everyday Queenslanders, especially people who are doing it tough.”

29 January, 2009

Museum showcases State’s history

The Queensland Museum South Bank has launched an exhibition showcasing the people, places and events that have shaped Queensland over the past 150 years as part of the State’s 150th celebrations.
   Minister for Arts, Rod Welford, said the exhibition, Queensland Stories: People Places Past Present, showed the diversity of Queensland by tracing the changes in culture and society since the State separated from NSW in 1859.
   “Queensland Stories also looks at some of the influential people who have played a key role in shaping this State, including the first Governor of Queensland, Sir George Ferguson Bowen and Sir Samuel Walker Griffith through to more recent figures such as former Premier Peter Beattie,” Mr Welford said.
   “Promotion of Queensland in the 1950s gave us that famous ‘Sunshine State’ tag and images of sun, surf and sand still resonate with many Queenslanders as part of our identity today.”
   Mr Welford said souvenirs of past Jubilee and Centenary celebrations would be on show, reflecting historical aspirations that were important such as progress, richness and resources.
   He said the exhibition also included the first film footage shot in Queensland.
   Mr Welford said the footage was captured with a Lumiére Cinematographe in 1899 and showed trams and the daily pedestrian traffic in Queen Street and on Victoria Bridge.
   He said other highlights included objects from the Queensland Museum collection such as an Eddie Mabo T-shirt, an original state boundary post marker and Mr Beattie’s Akubra.
   The exhibition is scheduled to run until December 2009 and can be viewed between 9:30am and 5pm, seven days a week.
   Further information on Queensland Stores: People Places Past Present and Queensland Museum South Bank was available from visiting www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au

29 January, 2009

Valuable land for priceless park

A new public park is to be established on the edge of the Kangaroo Point cliff in Brisbane.
   The 9,867 square metre site currently houses the former South Bank Institute TAFE building which is to be demolished to create the park.
   Premier, Anna Bligh, said the new park would offer the best views of the city and was a 150th birthday present to Queensland residents.
   Ms Bligh said although the land was “incredibly valuable to developers” it was “priceless to the people of Brisbane.”
   “This will be a place which families can enjoy and where tourists can come during the day and at night to enjoy some of the best views Brisbane has to offer,” she said.
   Ms Bligh said the park would link up with the existing strip of park running along the top of the cliffs adjacent to River Terrace.
   She said the park was designed to include a cafeteria, gas barbeque areas, picnic shelters and a children’s playground.
   “We intend for there to be a café or restaurant on the site and we will be seeking tenders from the private sector for this facility.”
   She said a new car park would be created to facilitate the park and the entire project would cost around $8.75 million and be finished by November 2009.
   The sale of the old TAFE car park on the other side of River Terrace is expected to help fund the project.
   The old TAFE consists of three main buildings constructed in the 1960s but has been vacant since the TAFE moved to South Bank in July 2008.
   Ms Bligh said the Government would call for tenders for the demolition of the old South Bank Institute TAFE building in late February.
   “It is estimated that this project will create 75 jobs,” she said.

29 January, 2009

School gardens get seeding funds

Up to 190 Government primary schools across Australia, including nine in Queensland, are to take part in a program promoting the benefits of growing, preparing and sharing fresh food.
   The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program is to be funded by the Commonwealth to help tackle childhood obesity by giving children hands-on experience in healthy eating.
   The program’s namesake, Stephanie Alexander, said the program had been operating in Victorian schools for seven years and had made children more aware of the natural world and healthy foods.
   “They consistently try new foods and new dishes with interest and curiousity, they handle tools in the garden and knives in the kitchen with respect and with confidence, they approach both garden and kitchen classes with enthusiasm and anticipation,” she said.
   “The garden becomes a place of beauty and is visited constantly by the students even when they do not have classes, and they love to cook and take pride in presenting beautiful platters of food to be set out in the centre of the table for everyone to first admire before they tuck in.”
   She said children in years 3 to 6 would get the opportunity to work in a garden, harvest the food, cook it in a teaching kitchen and sit down with other students and parents to taste and enjoy what they have made.
   Demonstration schools are to be set up as models for interested schools to visit and act as a training centre for schools joining the program.
   Nine schools in South Australia, eight in NSW, one in the Northern Territory, eight in Western Australian and two in Tasmania are to receive grants of up to $60,000 for kitchen and garden infrastructure.
   The next round of grants is expected to open in mid-2009, with further funding rounds in 2010 and 2011.

29 January, 2009

Singer to talk at library

The State Library of Queensland is hosting a “conversation” with controversial philosopher, Peter Singer as part of the 2009 Queensland Ideas Festival
   To be held on Thursday, 5 February at 6.30pm in the Library’s Cultural Centre on Brisbane’s South Bank, the event will coincide with the launch of Professor Singer’s new book The life you can save: Acting now to end world poverty.
   During the conversation the author will discuss the moral implications of greed and poverty, and his suggestion extreme poverty could be abolished if the world’s wealthiest 10 per cent of people donated a fraction of their income.
   Professor Singer’s well-known views on euthanasia, abortion and the sanctity of human life have led to him being branded a prophet of death, a baby-killer and a Nazi as well as one of the most dangerous men on the planet.
   Tickets to the “conversation” are $25 via qtix on 136 246 or www.qtix.com.au and five per cent of the proceeds will go to Oxfam.
Ticket giveaway:
   The Library has kindly offered PS News readers the chance to win two free tickets to the conversation, simply phone (07) 3234 1238 between 2.00pm and 2.10pm this Friday, 30 January 2009 to be in the draw.
   The first and fifth callers will get to join the conversation.

29 January, 2009

Children subjects of grown up study

A new study has revealed children’s academic progress could be influenced by the behavior management policies adopted by childcare centres, preschools and schools.
   Conducted by the University of Sydney, the study found there was a move away from guiding children at childcare centres, to a system based on rules, discipline and rewards at schools.
   Researcher, Natalie Johnston-Anderson, found the sudden change in the behavioural environment between preschool or childcare and school, led many children to have difficulty coping which could lead to long-lasting effects.
   Ms Johnston-Anderson said children who found it difficult to cope with the transition to school could have trouble establishing a rapport with their teacher.
   “The nature and quality of the kindergarten teacher-child relationship can have repercussions throughout a child’s schooling,” she said.
   Ms Johnston-Anderson conducted the research as part of her honours thesis.
   She said before-school policies recognised young children would act out if they were controlled by adults, while most school policies featured a ‘student welfare’ or ‘student discipline’ approach.
   Ms Johnston-Anderson said 86 per cent of school policies used rewards such as stickers and certificates while less than 10 per cent of preschools did, with many being against the use of rewards at all.
   She said 71 per cent of school policies featured lists of school rules, while just one third of preschool policies did, and no childcare centre policies did.
   Ms Johnston-Anderson said schools focused on the responsibilities of children in the classroom more than before-school centres.
   “Where the behavioural environment represents a gradual rather than sudden change for children, the chance of developing positive teacher-child relationships and hence having a successful transition is higher for all children,” she said.
   “For children already at risk, the differences between the two environments can add an extra layer of challenge when they may already be struggling with learning basic numeracy and literacy skills.”
   Ms Johnston-Anderson called for “greater consistency” in teacher training and more coordination between the two sectors.
   “Teachers in kindergarten classrooms should understand and use the best elements of good childcare and good preschool practice to make the transition easier for children,” she said.

29 January, 2009

Jobs program is put to work

A jobs and training program for unemployed and under-employed workers is expected to benefit over 15,000 people in 2009.
   Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, John Mickel, said the Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative was extremely important due to the economic downturn.
   Mr Mickel said the Government would inject $81 million into jobs programs for the unemployed and under-employed this year.
   “Over the last 10 years Queensland has led Australia by a wide margin in investment in jobs programs, and we will continue this commitment,” he said.
   “During this time more than 200,000 Queenslanders have received jobs and assistance under these programs.”
   Mr Mickel said Queensland’s unemployment rate had been below the national average over the past four years.
   “The current economic situation has reinforced our determination to help the most disadvantaged in the workforce with the necessary skills to get jobs,” he said.
   “It is a great irony that at a time when we are being buffeted by strong economic winds, skill shortages still remain.”
   Mr Mickel said this year young people at risk of slipping through the cracks in the education system, parents and carers entering or re-entering the jobs market, and mature-aged people would benefit from the program.
   “Other groups who will be assisted include Indigenous people, people with a disability, migrants and refugees,” he said.
   “We estimate that there will be 290 projects funded across the state in 2009 providing jobs, job preparation, training and valuable infrastructure to local communities.”
   Mr Mickel said an additional $4 million would be put towards the Government’s Productivity Places Program, aiming to reduce skills shortages and increase the productivity of industry and enterprises.
   “The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative has produced outstanding results for more than 24,000 people since it replaced the Breaking the Unemployment Cycle initiative in July 2007,” he said.
   “Twelve months after receiving assistance 71 per cent of project participants are in employment or further training.”
   Further information was available from www.employment.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300 369 925.

29 January, 2009

11 dive in to find lost ship

A joint State/Commonwealth project to find the remains of the World War II hospital ship AHS Centaur has attracted11 expressions of interest from national and international project managers.
   Premier, Anna Bligh, said she was pleased to see such an interest in the project.
   Ms Bligh said the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine south east of Cape Moreton in May 1943.
   She said the Centaur caught fire and sank within minutes, killing 258 of the 322 people on board.
   Ms Bligh said the specifics of the 11 tender applications were commercial-in-confidence and were now the subject of evaluation which would be undertaken by the intergovernmental steering committee.
   “The evaluation will take place over the next couple of weeks,” she said.
   “Dependant upon subsequent contractual negotiations it is hoped the preferred Project Manager could be known soon after.”
   Ms Bligh said the Project Manager’s first responsibility would be to develop search timeframes.
   “It is expected that the search’s timing could be affected by the availability of suitable vessels, equipment and prevailing weather conditions,” she said.
   “But my government is keen for it to be undertaken at the earliest possible time.”
   The Committee’s evaluation criteria is to be based on relevant experience, previous track record, methodology, business skills, proposed timeframes, likelihood of achievement, value-for money and referee checks.
   The separate Reference Group which includes the Steering Committee’s Chair, the Project Manager, Centaur Association representatives, and historian Captain Foley are to meet once the Project Manager has been selected.
   The Federal Government has matched Queensland’s $2 million commitment to the search.

29 January, 2009

Renovators warned to nail agreements

People engaging tradesmen to undertake building repair or restoration work have been warned to make sure they have a written contract before allowing the work to begin.
   Housing Minister, Robert Schwarten, issued the warning saying it was particularly important for those recovering from recent natural disasters.
   Mr Schwarten said the Queensland Building Services Authority had received calls from concerned homeowners about interstate contractors offering to undertake repairs without a written contract.
   “Your home is likely to be your greatest investment, so it pays to be cautious about who you let work on your home and how you go about it,” he said.
   “Having a written contract for work means both parties know precisely what needs to be done, how much it will cost, how long it will take and what their rights and responsibilities are.”
   Mr Schwarten urged homeowners to ensure their contract recorded all agreements in writing, including the five business day ‘cooling-off’ period.
   “You should also receive from the builder or contractor a BSA-approved contract information statement, which you should read carefully,” he said.
   “Never under any circumstances sign any documents until you understand them. Seek legal advice if necessary.”
   Mr Schwarten warned homeowners not to pay the full price up front, to pay an appropriate deposit and to ensure progress payments matched the amount of work completed.
   General Manager of the Queensland Building Services Authority, Ian Jennings, said homeowners should also avoid signing separate contracts for a home – for example, one for the supply of materials and the other for the actual construction.
   Mr Jennings said homeowners should avoid “cost plus” or “do and charge” arrangements with trade contractors.
   “Homeowners should avoid agreeing to cash settlements with their insurers,” he said.
   “These cash settlements can sometimes lead to complications further down the track.”
   Mr Jennings also prompted homeowners to ensure they used a contract reflecting Queensland law when using an interstate contractor.
   “Some contractors from interstate may encourage you to sign an interstate contract, which is not in your best interests as legal requirements differ across the border.”
   He said further information was available from www.bsa.qld.gov.au

29 January, 2009
Fish taskforce for Noosa
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin has announced a new taskforce to investigate fish deaths and abnormalities among fish larvae at Noosa River hatchery.
   Aquaculture veterinarian and taskforce member, Dr Matt Landos, said the evidence currently pointed to farm chemicals in the area.
   The Environment Protection Agency has also implemented a monitoring program in the Noosa River in response to concerns of a cancer cluster in the region and the fish deformities.

Moon calendar out
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority has announced that its 2009 Moon Phase calendar is now available.
   The calendar can be downloaded www.afma.gov.au

141 police join the beat
One hundred and forty-one new police have been sworn into the Queensland Police Force at a service at the Sleeman’s Sports Complex in Chandler.
   Minister for Police, Judy Spence, congratulated the new recruits, saying the QPF now had 9,983 officers.
   The new officers were posted to Rockhampton (6), Cairns (8),the Metropolitan North Region (23), the Metropolitan South Region (18), the North Coast Region (33), Townsville (3), the Gold Coast (22), Logan (8), Toowoomba (10) and Ipswich (10).

House overhauls website
The United States White House has launched a new-look website following the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
   The website is similar to Mr Obama’s election campaign site and highlights four of the main points made during the campaign: change, economy, transparency, and public service.

Emerald canker free
Emerald has been declared a citrus canker free zone, four-and-a-half years after the plant disease was detected in Central Queensland.
   Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin, said the announcement came just weeks after the State was declared free from Equine Influenza.
   Mr Mulherin warned residents not to become complacent, saying there was no known cure for the disease which caused lesions on citrus leaves, stems and fruit, and reduced fruit quality and quantity.

Wastewater upgrade
A major upgrade to a wastewater treatment plant in Moreton Bay has received a $63 million boost from the State Government.
   The Murrumba Downs wastewater treatment plant upgrade is expected to cost around $152 million and will improve the quality of wastewater and benefit the environment by providing nearby residents with recycled water for industrial use.
   Scheduled for completion in late 2010, the facility will ensure the plant is capable of meeting the wastewater treatment needs of the area’s growing population to at least 2016.

Termite warning
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has warned residents to keep an eye out for termites, which are on the move in the warmer weather and looking for new homes.
   Minister, Tim Mulherin, said homeowners should inspect their home every three to four months for signs of termite activity to reduce the danger of serious infestation.
   Mr Mulherin said termites generally began looking for new homes around November and December, but could continue to pose problems until March.

Bursary nominations sought
The Queensland Public Sector Union has called for its members to propose nominations for the Patricia Cousar Memorial Bursary.
   The bursary scheme, which was introduced in 2001, is available to dependents of QPSU members who are entering years 11 and 12 or an equivalent study course.
   The bursary is used to finance the cost of education for the students and is drawn at random.
   Nominations close on 30 January, with further information available from www.qpsu.org.au

22 January, 2009

Work needed on workplace changes

Proposed changes to national industrial relations laws would disadvantage State Public Servants according to the Federal Secretary of the State Public Services Union, SPSF, David Carey.
   Mr Carey told a Senate Committee that the Commonwealth’s proposed “Fair Work Bill” which was planned to replace WorkChoices, would “not be good enough” for the workers in State Public Services.
   Mr Carey said while the Union applauded scrapping the worst parts of WorkChoices, there were a number of failings in the replacement Bill that would deprive State public sector workers of many rights they currently enjoyed under their State industrial relations systems.
   "We know the Rudd Government has an agenda to ‘harmonise’ all State's industrial relations laws,” Mr Carey said, “and this, in itself, could be a good thing.
   “But unless it is seriously amended, the Federal Act will inevitably sell short workers currently in the State systems.”
   He said of particular concern was the limited powers of arbitration to be allocated to the proposed Fair Work Australia which would succeed the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
   The union believes the FWA should have broad powers of arbitration to settle industrial disputes however they arise, whether in Enterprise bargaining, the meaning of an agreement or award, or because a dispute has erupted in a workplace over a local issue.
   Mr Carey said the “regime of good faith bargaining" the Bill was seeking to establish was bound to fail because an intransigent and well-resourced employer, such as a State Government, could just walk away from the table after ticking all the procedural boxes to say they had negotiated in ‘good faith.’
   Only a strong FWA with powers to arbitrate could protect the workers’ rights.
   Mr Carey said the union also wanted the FWA to have arbitration powers to ensure cases run to achieve "Equal Pay for work of Equal Value" would be more likely to be successful. He suggested the Senate Committee and the Government look to the pay equity principles developed in NSW and Queensland for guidance.
   The union made 34 specific recommendations for amendments to the Bill and called on the Commonwealth to give serious consideration to them since the SPSF Group represented 120,000 workers, making the CPSU one of the biggest unions in Australia.

22 January, 2009

Door slammed on open plan offices

Open plan offices have been found to contribute to workplace stress and sickness with a Queensland researcher saying the results of a recent study were “absolutely shocking”
   According to researcher Vinesh Oommen of the Queensland University of Technology's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, a review of global research into modern office design has found that open plan layouts lead to lower worker productivity and higher stress levels.
   "The evidence we found was absolutely shocking,'' Dr Oommen said.
   "In 90 per cent of the research, the outcome of working in an open-plan office was seen as negative, with open-plan offices causing high levels of stress, conflict, high blood pressure, and a high staff turnover.”
   He said the level of noise alone in open plan offices caused workers to lose concentration, pulling down productivity levels.
   “There are privacy issues because everyone can see what you are doing on the computer or hear what you are saying on the phone, and there is a feeling of insecurity,” he said.
   Dr Oommen said the likelihood of workplace conflict increased because of the irritation caused when other people’s phones rang and this led to higher blood pressure and sometimes anger and violence.
   He said the probability of picking up contagious diseases was also increased as viruses and bugs could move quickly through the workforce.
   "Based on these findings, I think employers around the country need to rethink the open-plan environment in their offices,'' he said.
   Dr Oommen said the research found that the traditional office design of small, private closed offices was better for most workers,
   He said some employers were motivated to introduce open plan layouts due to cost considerations.
   “Using open-plan designs can save 20 per cent on construction,' he said.
   More details of the study can be found in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Health Management.

22 January, 2009

PS to boom as economy busts

The Queensland Public Sector Union has warned that as the economy worsens, the need for a strong Public Service strengthens.
   QPSU Secretary, Alex Scott said the economic crisis already affecting Queensland has seen large numbers of people applying for PS jobs, a fact that reinforced the important role public services play in the life of all Queensland communities.
    “Essential public services must be maintained even in the teeth of a recession,” Mr Scott said.
   “No matter how bad the economy gets, there will always be a need for strong public services – particularly in areas outside of Brisbane.”
   He said with a State election in the wind, the QPSU will expect the major parties to outline how they will maintain public services, including the creation of more secure jobs with decent workloads to protect the communities in tough times,
   “We need workers in emergency services, child protection, hospitals, schools, and may other areas,” Mr Scott said.
   “Queensland’s population is growing and the need for these jobs won’t go away.”
   He said public jobs were essential to maintaining the health of local businesses.
   Mr Scott urged the State’s politicians to put public services ahead of short-term budgetary considerations.
   “The effect on Queensland, particularly on regional and remote areas, from slashing essential services would be terrible” he said.
   “This recession won’t be around forever, but if the State Government targets essential public services in cost-cutting bids, the after-effects could last decades.”
   “A strong public sector should be number one priority for any Government serious about Queensland’s future”, Mr Scott said.

22 January, 2009

Online alerts for rail line issues

A new service to provide train travellers with email and SMS alerts of delays, disruptions and cancellations on the QR network has been launched by Transport Minister, John Mickel.
   Mr Mickel said passengers who wanted to receive the updates needed to register online.
   “The online registration process is simple - passengers register their details at the QR website and tailor their requirements to the times and lines they travel on the network,” he said.
   “For example, a passenger who travels from Ferny Grove to arrive at Central Station by 8am can register to have alert updates sent to their mobile phone and/or email address for their period of travel.”
   Mr Mickel said disruptions could occur at any time for due to police incidents, bad weather, signaling problems, overhead power difficulties and level crossing incidents.
   He said the service was trialled last year using a combination of commuter rail group members and QR employees.
   “This has enabled us to review and amend any issues with the system prior to its release to our customers,” Mr Mickel said.
   He said the new alert system would supplement existing notifications placed on the QR website.
   Mr Mickel said a Brisbane company had helped QR implement the new technology, showcasing Queensland innovations to the rest of the world.
   “We are indeed proud to have seen and benefited from the innovation of home-grown, local companies, to bring these technologies to our QR suburban rail network,” he said.
   To register for eRail updates, visit www.qr.com.au

22 January, 2009

Reef job makes giant splash

Tourism Queensland’s innovative promotion of the “Best Job in the World” attracted more than 200,000 prospective applicants in its first 24 hours.
   Tourism Minister, Desley Boyle, said the position, which had been promoted on www.islandreefjob.com was open to national and international applicants.
   Ms Boyle said the “Best Job in the World” was a six month $150,000 contract to live rent free on Hamilton Island while promoting the Great Barrier Reef and tourism in Queensland.
   “This is one of the most ground-breaking tourism campaigns ever undertaken and while we knew it would be big, the global response in the first 24 hours has outstripped even our expectations,” she said.
   Ms Boyle said the successful applicant would spend their time exploring the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling, bushwalking and swimming.
   “They’ll need to make friends with the locals and really get to know the destination and then report back on their experiences via blogs, video diaries and media interviews,” she said.
   “This is not a competition, it is a genuine job, and it will be tough for the successful candidate.”
   Acting Premier, Paul Lucas, said the campaign was part of the Government’s push to drive international tourism during the economic crisis.
   “This campaign is about us working hard to protect the $18 billion a year that tourism generates in Queensland and the jobs that go with it,” Mr Lucas said.
   “Traditional tourism advertising just doesn’t cut it sometimes and we are thinking outside the box by launching this campaign.”
   He said the $1.7 million campaign was expected to generate over $70 million worth of publicity for Queensland.
   Ms Boyle said the position had received a huge response from around the world.
   “In the UK alone, the best Job in the World was the lead story everywhere from the BBC to the Daily Telegraph, it’s been reported on CNN, Sky News and Reuters and been talked about on major morning television and radio,” she said.
   “In one day alone we have reached around 29 million Brits and achieved $13 million in publicity for Queensland.”
   Eleven shortlisted candidates are to be flown to Hamilton Island for the final selection process in May, with one of the candidates chosen as a wild card entry by visitors to the job’s website.
   Ms Boyle said the successful applicant would receive return airfares to Hamilton Island, travel insurance, and access to computers, the internet and digital video and still cameras.
   She said over 200 applications had already been submitted, with applications closing on 22 February.

22 January, 2009

New bus services get green light

Up to 1,000 new bus services to cater for an extra 64,000 passengers a week have been announced for Brisbane following a $6.8 million investment by TransLink.
   Minister for Transport, John Mickel, unveiled the improved services during a visit to Aspley Hypermarket Translink bus terminal, saying they would commence on 23 February.
   Mr Mickel said the new buses would service commuters in Brisbane city and Brisbane’s northern, southern and north-western suburbs.
   “Through TransLink, we will fund the record bus improvements, with services to be delivered by Brisbane Transport,” he said.
   “This package of improvements is TransLink’s single biggest investment in bus services with 26 new buses due to service the new and improved routes.”
   Mr Mickel said buses catered for around two thirds of all passengers using the TransLink network and new buses and services were needed to meet a growing demand for public transport.
   “The Government has allocated $177 million for bus services in the Brisbane area in 2008-09, up from $146 million in 2007-08,” he said.
   “In this financial year alone, TransLink will fund an extra 135 buses across South-East Queensland with 90 allocated for Brisbane.”
   Mr Mickel said some of the new enhancements included a limited stop service (363 - Herston to Brisbane) and two new prepaid bus services (157- Runcorn to Brisbane and 343 - Aspley to Brisbane).
   He said there would also be changes along the 140 corridor with 10 to 15 minute frequencies throughout the day, seven days a week.
   “The frequency of the busiest bus route on the network, the 199 would be expanded to run between five and 10 minutes, six days a week,” Mr Mickel said.
   Improved bus routes are to include the 66, 124, 140, 141, 142, 150, 153, 156, 157, 161, 162, 199, 343, 345, 363, 372, 373, 377 and 378.

22 January, 2009

Designers size up obesity problem

The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) has examined the impact of overweight and obesity on Australian workers by looking at how the increasing size of Australians is being reflected in workplace design.
   Chairman of the ASCC, Bill Scales, said the accuracy of anthropometric data was an emerging issue for designers and for the Council.
   Mr Scales defined anthropometric data as the measurements of the human body used by designers when planning such things as office products, spaces and systems.
   He said the ASCC report Sizing Up Australia: How contemporary is the anthropometric data Australian designers use? followed up on earlier work into the implications of overweight and obesity for occupational health and safety and for workers’ compensation.
   He said this work was important in light of findings by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2008 that 7 million Australians aged 18 years and over were overweight or obese, an increase of 2.8 million over the previous 15 years.
   “Australia’s anthropometric dimensions have changed due to improved nutrition, increasing rates of obesity, ageing and different migration patterns,” Mr Scales said.
   “A number of emerging issues including the extent of overweight and obesity amongst the Australian workforce may have implications for the designers of workplace equipment and products.”
   He said the Council’s initial research suggested that existing Australian anthropometric data did not adequately represent the current Australian workforce, findings confirmed by designers who admitted they were concerned that the data they were using was out of date or inaccurate.
   “They (the designers) want access to data which accurately reflects the current body shape of the Australian workforce,” Mr Scales said.
   “More accurate Australian anthropometric data and tools will help our designers make workplaces safer,” he said.

22 January, 2009

Conference planners launch paper chase

The Institute of Public Administration Australia has called for papers for its 2009 National Conference which is to be held in Brisbane in November.
   Exploring the theme ‘The Changing Public Sector Climate’, the Institute has encouraged Public Service practitioners and academics to propose papers focusing on future directions and challenges facing the PS.
   Conference Organiser, Cath Healy of IPAA Queensland, said proposals adopting a comparative perspective and addressing the implications of research and practice for public administration would be particularly welcome.
   Ms Healy said the conference would look at addressing issues of capability; collaboration; clients and community; cost; strengths and weaknesses; international influences; identifying sustainable solutions to public problems; and challenges in public sector management.
   She said it would examine how these themes influenced Public Service functions and how it carried them out and the conference would try to identify new challenges likely to emerge and how the sector could respond to them.
   Ms Healy said proposals for papers should be submitted to the National Conference Organising Committee by Friday 27 February 2009.
   “If you are interested in submitting a paper for consideration, please submit an abstract of up to 300 words (in electronic form compatible with MS Word), accompanied by the form which can be obtained from the website,” she said.
   “At the conclusion of the conference, accepted papers will be published with permission on the IPAA conference website, www.ipaanationalconference.org.au”
   Ms Healy said some papers could also be accepted for publication in the Australian Journal of Public Administration or Public Administration Today.
   The 2009 IPAA National Conference will be held from 19 to 20 November 2009 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre at Southbank.

22 January, 2009

Councils to get $57 million tip

Local Government Councils across the State are to share $57 million in a program to improve environmental outcomes in their communities.
   Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Main Roads and Local Government, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the money would help the Councils manage their environmental needs better.
   Ms Palaszczuk said the three-year Environmental Infrastructure Program would assist communities deal with serious environmental concerns and disasters.
   “In a first for Queensland, this program will provide Local Governments with a minimum 25 per cent subsidy towards the capital cost of infrastructure projects that will protect our environment,” she said.
   “Councils will be able to apply for funding for projects such as stormwater management, landfill rehabilitation, catchment protection, beach, river and soil erosion prevention, and flood mitigation.”
   Ms Palaszczuk said projects eligible for funding would need to increase the capacity of natural and built environments to better cope with the effects of climate change.
   She said the State Government’s long-term plan, Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland, was committed to protecting the environment and the Queensland way of life.
   “As part of this commitment, we have set the target to protect 50 per cent more land for nature conservation and public recreation,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
   “I encourage all Councils through the state to apply for funding under this program to ensure our precious environment is protected for current and future generations.”
   She said applications close on 28 February 2009 and further information was available from www.localgovernment.qld.gov.au

22 January, 2009

Firefighters put out wage dispute

Members of the United Firefighters Union have voted to accept a negotiated pay rise.
   The decision was welcomed by the Acting Emergency Services Minister, Andrew Fraser, who said it meant an average increase of over five per cent at a cost of $9 million.
   The members voted 1,071 to 378 to accept the offer.
   Mr Fraser said the offer and acceptance followed a report into the 2006 Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Certified Agreement.
   “The report identified changes in the role and responsibilities of firefighters,” he said.
   He said the increases were separate from the four per cent wage rise Firefighters and Station Officers received in July 2008 under their current certified agreement.
   “I acknowledge the efforts of Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts, who worked hard to have this issue resolved,” Mr Fraser said.
   “Work is currently underway to arrange payment as soon as possible.”
   Firefighters and Station Officers will be entitled to back payment of 50 per cent of the increase for 2 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 and back payment of the total increase applicable from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009.
   State Secretary of Queensland’s United Firefighters Union, Mark Walker, said the offer was accepted with “quite a convincing margin” and thanked members for their patience during the negotiations on the job evaluation process.
   “With this matter behind us, we can now get down to business that has been put to one side over the last 18months, and commence preparations for the next Enterprise Bargaining agreement which will deliver additional increases of 4.5 per cent from 1 July this year,” Mr Walker said.
   The secret ballot was conducted from 22 December 2008 to 9 January 2009.

22 January, 2009

DPI&F takes bite out of shark numbers

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has revealed that a total of 578 sharks were caught in shark control equipment in 2008, an increase of 18 over the year before.
   Minister, Tim Mulherin, released the figures saying the largest capture was a 5.3 metre Tiger shark caught at Mackay in September.
   Mr Mulherin said any sized shark could cause serious injury or death if it attacked, but that sharks over two metres long were particularly dangerous.
   “Of the sharks caught in 2008, 260 were more than 2 metres in length – 4 more than in the previous year,” he said.
   Mr Mulherin said the five largest sharks caught in 2008 were all tiger sharks ranging from 5.3m to 4.2m.
   He said two were captured in Mackay, one on the Capricorn Coast, one at Rainbow Beach and one in Cairns.
   “A wetter start to 2008 and some ongoing rain has probably been the most likely reason for the increase in shark movement and catch,” Mr Mulherin said.
   “We would expect that the rain and warmer weather in recent weeks in south-east Queensland will see a further increase in shark movement, particularly for bull sharks.”
   Manager of the Shark Control Program at the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tony Ham, said Townsville recorded the highest number of sharks caught, with 99, followed by the Sunshine Coast, with 79.
   “Shark control equipment is in place off 85 Queensland beaches and includes nets and drumlines which are designed to attract and capture large and dangerous shark species in a particular area,” Mr Ham said.
   “In Queensland, the shark control program offers swimmers additional safety.”
   He said the Department urged Queenslanders to swim only at patrolled beaches, obey lifeguards, leave the water when a shark was sighted, refrain from swimming in murky water, not swim alone or when bleeding and not to swim with animals.
   Mr Ham said it was also important not to swim near schools of fish or where fish were being cleaned, and to stay well clear of shark control equipment.
   Mr Mulherin also urged swimmers to stay safe in the water.
   “To reduce the risk of an attack, people should avoid swimming near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways, particularly early in the morning, evening and at night,” he said.
   “Beaches protected by shark control equipment and lifesaving services are certainly a safer option if going for a swim.”

22 January, 2009

Lawyers lay down admin law

The Australian Government Solicitor has joined with the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Law to present Australia’s first week-long intensive course in administrative law.
   Entitled Excellence in Government Decision-making, the course is the first of its kind and was unveiled by High Court Justice Bill Gummow in November 2008.
   AGS Senior Specialist, Tim Moe, said the course would bring practitioners, the Law Faculty and leading Australian figures in administrative law together for the first time.
   Mr Moe said administrative law touched on all aspects of Government, and was directly relevant to all Public Servants and the legal staff of all Agencies and Departments in all Governments across Australia.
   “The course is suitable for lawyers and non-lawyers and will maintain a varied and interesting pace throughout the week,” he said.
   “Participants will gain considerable insight into the theory and practice of administrative law, and into the relevant legislation, recent cases and policy perspectives.”
   Mr Moe said the new course would run from 30 March to 3 April 2009, and would provide coverage of merits review, judicial review, Ombudsman, Freedom of Information and Privacy.
   The cost of the course was $3,450 and covered the five days of instruction provided.
   “The Commonwealth Solicitor-General, Stephen Gageler would speak on the first day of the course, with other speakers to include Tom Howe, the Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Stephanie Forgie; and Professor Triggs,” Mr Moe said.
   He said Judges, AGS practitioners and other Law Faculty would also present sessions.   “Participants in the course may choose to receive a Certificate of Completion from AGS and the University of Sydney or can (at no extra cost) complete an item of assessment through the University and obtain University credit for the course (as a postgraduate subject) at Diploma or Masters level.”
   He said attendance at the course represented an historic opportunity to be involved in the first collaborative and intensive course in administrative law.
   The AGS and the Faculty of Law invited all Public Servants to join them in Excellence in Government Decision-making.

22 January, 2009

Tourism forum to show direction

A national forum to assist the tourism industry ride out the troubled economic conditions is to be held on the Gold Coast in August.
   Tourism Minister, Desley Boyle said the seventh annual Tourism Futures conference would bring together industry leaders, policy makers, operators, tourism professionals and academics from across Australia to discuss market forecasts, trends and best practice information.
   The event would be jointly hosted jointly by Tourism Queensland, Tourism Australia and Gold Coast Tourism.
   “For an industry that makes a major contribution to the national economy, tourism has been facing some tough challenges in recent years,” Ms Boyle said.
   “There is no doubt that current world events such as the state of the international economy and climate change are having an impact on our industry.
   She said it was important to understand the challenges ahead as well as the opportunities they presented.
   Ms Boyle said more than 450 delegates from across Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia were expected to attend the conference which was created by Tourism Queensland in 2002 and was “just as important for operators across the country now.”
   She said it was fitting that a Queensland destination is hosting the 2009 conference.
   “Surfers Paradise and the wider Gold Coast region is growing in reputation as a business tourism destination, maturing beyond its already world-class reputation as a sub-tropical playground,” Ms Boyle said.
   The 2009 Tourism Futures national conference will be held at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa from 17 to 19 August and details of the conference program and registrations would be released in due course.

22 January, 2009

Gladstone bags infrastructure plan

Consultants have been appointed to develop a Strategic Plan for Social Infrastructure in the Gladstone Region.
   Acting Premier, Paul Lucas, announced the project saying it would begin by mapping out priorities for social infrastructure in the region and lead to a plan that would benefit the people of Gladstone for generations to come.
   Mr Lucas said the plan would ensure money was invested where it was needed most.
   “We’ll get far better bang for our buck doing the homework up front, rather than just periodically firing off requests for pet projects with little long term benefit,” he said.
   “Modern industry, particularly in regional centres like Gladstone, is very keen to be the good corporate citizen but often gets the impression Governments and communities lack coordination about what their priorities are.”
   Mr Lucas said the Strategic Plan would identify projects in areas such as sport and recreation, accommodation, the arts, health and education.
   “Resource industries will continue to provide jobs and boost local businesses in Gladstone, but there is no question they can also have adverse impacts for the community that must be carefully managed,” he said.
   “As part of this, companies need to look at ways they can create benefits for the whole community, not just the people they employ or do business with.”
   Mayor of Gladstone Regional Council, Councillor George Creed, said his Council strongly supported the joint initiative.
   “This is only the first step in a very important process,” Councillor Creed said.
   “This community looks forward to seeing the establishment of a social infrastructure funding scheme involving industry proponents as a consequence of this work.”
   Mr Lucas said resource companies had already started investing in Gladstone’s long term future with Gladstone Pacific Nickel committing to spend at least $9 million on projects in the community.
   Mr Lucas said the plan would be developed over the next year and include an audit of the existing social infrastructure to identify shortfalls and consider the potential impacts of major projects.
   He said community consultations would play an important role in helping the plan develop.
   The Social Infrastructure Strategic Plan is a partnership between the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Gladstone Regional Council and the Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board.
   Briggs and Mortar, Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants and Andrea Young Planning Consultants were appointed to develop the plan.

22 January, 2009

Teachers chalk up training session

More than 100 teachers and school Principals have taken part in a special training program in Cairns to prepare them to teach in remote Indigenous communities in 2009.
   Member for Cairns, Desley Boyle, said the teachers would work at 39 schools across Cape York, Yarrabah, Woorabinda, and Palm Island.
   Ms Boyle said the teachers were among 140 who had been selected through the Partners for Success strategy.
   “Our Government, through Education Queensland, introduced a targeted recruitment and selection strategy in 2001 to improve teacher retention in remote communities,” Ms Boyle said.
   “The teachers are specially selected to work in these communities and are given specific training to prepare them for the transition to live and work in some of the State’s most remote areas.”
   Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, said the training provided through Partners for Success focused on high-quality teaching practices aimed at improving outcomes for Indigenous students.
   “It covers the statewide curriculum and outcomes, cross-cultural perspectives, teaching English to Indigenous second language learners, and behaviour management,” Mr Welford said.
   “The program also covers topics to prepare teachers to work in remote areas including personal resilience and coping with change.”
   He said teacher turnover in remote Indigenous communities had reduced considerably since the introduction of Partners for Success in 2001.
   Mr Welford said teachers used to leave communities within 18 months or sooner.
   “In 2007-2008 the average time our teachers stayed in Indigenous communities was 3.2 years, which is a full 12 months beyond the required minimum length of service,” he said.
   “We attribute this dramatic improvement to the rigorous recruitment, selection and induction strategies under Partners for Success.”
   Ms Boyle congratulated the teachers for their “hard work and dedication”, and wished them well for the coming school year.

22 January, 2009

Ship of State to protect wreck

The resting place of the historic HM colonial Schooner Mermaid has been declared a protected site by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett.
   Mr Garrett said the wreck of the HMC Mermaid was discovered off Flora Reef on 5 January by archaeologists from the Australian National Maritime Museum.
   The Museum’s curator and maritime archaeologist, Kieran Hosty, said the discovery held major historical importance.
   “There have been several attempts to find this site over the past 40 years or so, but it's always proved elusive,” Mr Hosty said. “There's a sense of elation here now.”
   He said the team that found the wreck included scientists from James Cook University and the Museum of Tropical Queensland,
   “A lot of work remains to be done in interpreting the site,” Mr Hosty said.
   “It will be interesting to see if the physical evidence on the site accords with the historical accounts of what happened on the day the ship struck the reef.”
   Mr Garrett said the Mermaid was built in 1816 and became famous when it was used by Lieutenant Phillip Parker King RN to survey parts of the Australian coastline in the 1820s.
   “Lieutenant King circumnavigated the Australian mainland in the HMC Mermaid, conducting the first reliable survey of the Great Barrier Reef Inner Route and eventually opening this passage to commercial traffic,” he said.
Mr Garrett said the Mermaid had been wrecked on 13 June 1829 and was first sighted by HMS Crocodile in 1830.
   “The original description of the wreck's location formed the basis for the search area which led to the wreck's remarkable discovery on the southern side of Flora Reef almost 180 years later,” he said.
   Mr Garrett said the protected zone would ensure access to the site was controlled so the ship could continue to be part of Australia’s heritage.
   He also announced the Commonwealth would review legislation governing objects of significant cultural heritage importance, such as artefacts and relics of shipwrecks.
   “The Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 and attendant regulations are being reviewed for the first time in 13 years,” he said.
   “The review invites public submissions until 6 March 2009, to ensure consideration of a wide range of views.”

22 January, 2009
Cabinet to Townsville
The first Community Cabinet for 2009 is to be held in Townsville on 1 and 2 February.
   Premier Anna Bligh, the Cabinet and the State’s top Public Servants will attend the Cabinet, while members of the public are also invited.
   Acting Premier, Paul Lucas, said the Cabinet was about “listening to Queenslanders on their turf and on their terms.”
   Further information was available from www.thepremier.qld.gov.au, or by phoning 1800 448 377.

More brass for police
A National Police Service Medal is soon to be awarded to State, Territory and Federal Police who stand out from the crowd in the line of duty.
   The separate medal has been created to recognise the unique role Police Officers play in the preservation of peace, the protection of life and property and the maintenance of law and order throughout Australia.
   Police would have to serve 15 years to be eligible, with the first awards expected to be made in the second half of 2009.

Agency staff recognised
Staff of the Child Support Agency in Queensland have been recognised for excellent performance in 2008 at the annual national General Manager’s Awards.
   Queensland individuals and teams received 6 of the 19 national awards for their outstanding achievements.
   Local winners were: the Intensive Debt Collection team (Brisbane); the Change of Assessment team (Brisbane); the Toowoomba Regional Service Centre; Megan Miller (Customer Services Officer, Cairns); Scott Ferguson (Team Leader, Cairns); and Mark Morrison (Business Strategy and Development, Toowoomba).

Disaster relief payback
The State Government is to be partially reimbursed by the Federal Government for its expenditure on recent natural disaster relief and recovery measures.
   Through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Assistance program the Government would provide assistance to 12 disaster-declared Queensland Local Government areas.
   Acting Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, said the Government would also reimburse between 50 and 75 per cent of eligible state expenditure on measures including restoration or replacement of essential public assets such as roads and schools.

Women finalists announced
Finalists for the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 2009 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation's Rural Women's Award have been announced.
   The RIRDC award helps promote the work of innovative agriculturists and helps support women in the industry.
   The four finalists are sheep and cattle producer Wendy Agar from Charleville; cattle producer and photographer Carly Burnham from Monto; Smithfield Feedlot co-owner Barb Madden; and sugar grower and Isis Canegrowers’ rural water-use efficiency extension officer Sandra Webb.
   The winner will be announced on 3 March.

Fingerprints nailed
Australians travelling to the United States for less than 90 days will now be required to provide all 10 fingerprints to the US’ Electronic System for Travel Authorisation.
   The US Department of Homeland Security made the changes following security upgrades at major ports of entry.
   Travellers will also be required to provide basic travel and eligibility information online.