SearchArchives for May 2010
27 May, 2010Audit finds Education
‘could do better’
An audit of how the Department of Education and Training and schools use students’ NAPLAN results to inform teaching and learning strategies has identified opportunities for improvement.Auditor-General, Glenn Poole said some schools had good practices and systems in place to help staff analyse student data but that improvements could be made to enable DET to deliver services more effectively and efficiently.
In his audit report, Using student information to inform teaching and learning, Mr Poole said more guidance and training for teachers was needed to help them analyse NAPLAN and school-based student data.
“A few of the schools visited had trained staff to interpret and analyse the data but most of the schools visited had no formal training in place,” he said.
“Teachers who had undertaken some training reported that they were confident to analyse the data while teachers who had not been trained reported that their capacity to analyse the data was limited.”
Mr Poole said improved data analysis skills would allow teachers to inform parents about student progress, identify curriculum changes, estimate whether students were making good progress and evaluate their classroom practices.
The Auditor-General said teachers admitted to having limited skills and a lack of understanding of the program supplied to analyse NAPLAN, despite training being available on the OneSchool system.
“Release Two of the OneSchool system facility to store and analyse school-based assessment data was not yet being used at any of the schools visited by audit,” Mr Poole said.
He said improvements to monitoring curriculum plans and assessment policies were also needed to ensure their implementation met DET standards and that teachers would benefit from increased feedback on their curriculum plans.
The Auditor-General said schools received support from their regional DET office to use the test results and their own data to develop strategies for their annual operational plans which aim to meet the needs of the community and DET targets.
Mr Poole said DET had a well established planning, reporting and review framework for schools but that improvements could be made in curriculum planning and feedback.
“Areas for improvement include clearer planning, monitoring and reporting requirements for delivery of services by regional offices,” he said.
The Auditor-General made eight recommendations including that it provide additional training for teachers, strengthen guidelines on how to use data, improve curriculum monitoring and review school processes to ensure regular feedback is provided.
The full audit report is available from www.qao.qld.gov.au
27 May, 2010
Magistrates given
longer sentences
The retirement age for magistrates is to be raised from 65 to 70 to bring them into line with Supreme and District Court judges. Making the announcement at the annual Queensland Magistrates Conference in Brisbane, Attorney-General, Cameron Dick said raising the retirement age reflected the professional standing and capacity of the magistracy.
Mr Dick said the change would result in consistency across the judicial system in Queensland.
“It also more closely aligns Queensland magistrates with those in other States such as Victoria, where the retirement age is 70 years, and New South Wales and Tasmania, where retirement is compulsory at 72,” Mr Dick said.
“The decision to lift the retirement age in Queensland is a mark of confidence in the professionalism and capacity of the modern magistracy.”
He said the legislative changes required to lift the retirement age were expected to be introduced into Parliament later this year, and would take effect once the laws were passed.
“While magistrates were once lay justices and Public Servants who lacked complete independence, they are now true independent judicial officers with substantial legal training and experience,” Mr Dick said.
“These changes recognise the quality and professionalism of their appointments and their work.”
He said Queensland currently had 86 magistrates and the Magistrates Court handled almost 300,000 matters in 2008-09.
27 May, 2010
Advisory body to
give pests the flick
A new Council has been established to advise the Government on biosecurity issues affecting QueenslandThe Biosecurity Queensland Ministerial Advisory Council (BQMAC) is made up of representatives from Local Government, industry, resource management and animal welfare bodies.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said BQMAC provided a forum for exchanging information and views on biosecurity policies, programs and services.
“The Ministerial Advisory Council will provide independent advice on the direction, priorities and balance of effort for biosecurity in Queensland,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The members of the Council are from a diverse range of bodies which will provide valuable advice on Biosecurity issues facing the State.”
He said advice from the Council would be essential to develop future policy around biosecurity threats such as fire ants and the Hendra virus.
“Importantly, this is an opportunity for Biosecurity Queensland to build relationships and communicate issues with industry, Local Governments, stakeholders, and the community,” Mr Mulherin said.
Former president of AgForce, Peter Kenny has been appointed Chair of the Council.
Other members include Brendan McNamara (Local Government Association Queensland); John Bishop (Growcom); Andrew Drysdale (Regional Natural Resource Management Groups Collective); Stephen Murphy (Queensland Seafood Industry Association); John Cotter (AgForce); Al Mucci (Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria - Queensland); Tim Low (Queensland Conservation Council); Trevor Robinson (Queensland Indigenous Working Group); Gary Sansom (Queensland Farmers’ Federation); Mandy Symons (RSPCA); and experts in biosecurity - Diane Sheehan, Peter Milne, Margaret Britz, Peter Allsopp and Kareena Arthy.
The first meeting of the Ministerial Advisory Council is to be held on 18 June in Brisbane.
27 May, 2010
Principal program
sets good principle
The Principals for a Day program is being held to mark State Education Week this week (24 to 28 May).Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson said the Principals for a Day program saw successful people head back to school to act as a ‘principal for a day.’
Mr Wilson said State Librarian, Lea Giles-Peters; a number of Councillors, Mayors and Members of Parliament; and famous personalities including chef, David Pugh and Captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, Jodie Fields participated in the program.
Mr Wilson said he visited Samford State School as Principal for a Day on Tuesday (25 May).
He said the annual program enabled schools, teachers, students, parents and carers to establish and maintain important partnerships with high-profile members of the business community and wider public.
“Duties of the temporary principal might include running a school assembly or being on playground duty,’’ Mr Wilson said.
“Principal for a Day gives participants a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes in running a school, including administration and interaction with students and parents.”
He said it was a fun way of demonstrating how the education system worked.
“Business and community leaders shadow the job and walk in the shoes of a principal during a regular school day, gaining an insight into the daily operations of State schools and allowing school communities to interact with important role models,” Mr Wilson said.
“That insight will contribute to the discussion between Government, educators and the public begun in the community-consultation initiative, A Flying Start for Queensland Children, which is all about the future of education in Queensland.’’
More information on the initiative and the program was available from www.education.qld.gov.au
27 May, 2010
Parliament puts money
on new racing body
A single racing control body has been approved by Parliament to help create a sustainable and healthy financial future for the industryThe new body, Racing Queensland Ltd, is the result of the amalgamation of Queensland Racing, Harness Racing Queensland and Greyhounds Queensland and has opened the way for more than $80 million in Government funding for capital investment.
Minister Responsible for Racing, Peter Lawlor said the Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme had been developed to provide an injection of funds to renew the industry’s rundown facilities.
“This massive investment is all about the future of racing across Queensland,” Mr Lawlor said.
“We want to ensure racing remains popular and has a sustainable future – it’s part of our State’s heritage and we’re making sure it’s part of our future too.”
He said the Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme would be funded by a racing industry levy of 50 per cent of the net tax collected from wagering taxation over the four years to 2013-14.
“The amalgamation of the three existing control bodies will ensure that this money is spent in the most efficient and effective manner in the long-term interests of the racing industry,” Mr Lawlor said.
“Racing Queensland will now provide its capital works priorities to Government to scrutinise before it can access any funding.”
The Minister said the new legislation transferred the employees, assets, liabilities and responsibilities of existing racing control bodies to Racing Queensland Limited and ensured the continuity of entitlements for staff.
The legislation takes effect from 1 July.
27 May, 2010
Staff training is
a whale of a time
Staff from the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol and Seaworld have participated in whale rescue training in the lead up to the annual migration of whales along the Queensland coast.Members of the Gold Coast’s Marine Animal Release Teams (MART) practised cutting a simulated whale tail free from netting in preparation for the 13,000 whales expected to make the journey.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said the training was particularly important for the Gold Coast.
Mr Mulherin said all of six of the whales caught in nets last season were successfully released.
“With the whale population travelling along Queensland’s coastline ever-increasing, it is inevitable that some animals may become entangled in shark control equipment,” Mr Mulherin said.
“While we have a range of measures in place to ensure whale entanglements are infrequent, those animals which are caught have the best possible chance of being freed quickly and unharmed thanks to our highly skilled Marine Animal Release Teams.”
Shark Control Program Manager at Fisheries Queensland, Tony Ham said the simulated whale tail allowed officers to practice release techniques in a more realistic situation on the water.
“We can easily tow the whale tail behind a boat to give officers a feel for cutting a moving animal free,” Mr Ham said.
“MART members use specialised knives designed to cut the thick shark net ropes without harming the animal.”
Since 2000, 22 whales have successfully been freed from shark control equipment on the Gold Coast.
27 May, 2010
Heart disease register
is hard to beat
A register for rheumatic heart disease has been launched in Cairns as part of a national and international push for better management and prevention of the disease and its symptoms. Minister for Health, Paul Lucas said rheumatic heart disease (RHD) began with a common throat infection, strep throat, but could develop into acute rheumatic fever (ARF) if left untreated.
Mr Lucas said this could go on to damage the valves of the heart and cause death.
He said the Commonwealth-funded register was designed to help prevent RHD and promote better management of ARF.
“The RHD Register will feed information into a national database, allowing RHD Australia to know what is occurring across the country,” Mr Lucas said.
“RHD Australia can then feed that information back to the States and Territories to help them identify problem areas.
“RHD Australia can also feed that information to Governments, to ensure resources are being put where they are needed.”
RHD Project Manager for Queensland Health, Masoud Ali-Akbari said ARF and RHD could be prevented if the right screening, management, notification and follow-up processes were in place, which was where the register was expected to help.
MP for Cairns, Desley Boyle said RHD was uncommon in non-Indigenous Australians but remained one of the major killers of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are up to eight times more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to be hospitalised for ARF and RHD, and 20 times as likely to die from it,” Ms Boyle said.
27 May, 2010
SEQ water services
go with the flow
Wastewater services will be provided to Queenslanders living in the State’s south east by three Council-owned distributor-retailers in the region from 1 July.New laws passed in Parliament allow the distributor-retailers to take over the water and wastewater assets and functions from 10 Councils.
The newly established Queensland Urban Utilities will service Brisbane, Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Lockyer Valley; Allconnex Water will service the Gold Coast, Logan and Redlands; and Unitywater will look after the Sunshine Coast and Moreton.
Minister for Natural Resources, Stephen Robertson said the three entities formed an important part of wider structural water reforms aimed at improving water security and creating a more efficient streamlined delivery system.
“We have now consolidated the most fragmented industry structure of any major metropolitan region in Australia,” Mr Robertson said.
“We have reduced 21 entities down to just six businesses and the SEQ Water Grid Manager.
“As a result we have better regulation, transparency of costs and service performance and an enhanced ability to manage storages at regional level.”
The Minister said Queensland now had specialist entities in the supply, treatment, bulk transport, distribution and retailing of water,
He said the legislation made the distributor-retailers water service providers under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008, and would ensure they delivered against four key roles: providing high-quality customer service; planning in accordance with SEQ Regional Plan and local Council planning; assessing water and wastewater aspects of development applications; and asset management.
Mr Robertson said Councils owned the entities and will retain ownership of local distribution.
He said distributor-retailer bills could be expected from the retailers from the middle of the year.
27 May, 2010
3D trials add new
dimension to TV
The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) and the Nine Television Network have been granted limited licences to trial 3D television in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle and Wollongong. The Australian Communications and Media Authority said the licences would allow the trial operators to test new radiocommunications technologies between 19 May and 19 July this year by broadcasting 3D high definition television to viewers with access to 3D-enabled digital television receivers.
Chair of ACMA, Chris Chapman said the trials would include live telecasts of the three State of Origin rugby league matches.
“ACMA supports the development and demonstration of new broadcasting technologies and is pleased to be able to assist with the trialling of 3D TV,” Mr Chapman said.
Mr Chapman said retailers would be using the trials to showcase the first generation of 3D television receivers, but it was important people understood that the trials had only been approved for a two-month period.
The trials will be broadcast in digital mode on ultra high frequency channels, with viewers able to access the trial through logical channel number 40 on a 3D-enabled digital television set.
As part of the licence conditions, SBS and Nine will manage telephone hotlines to assist with viewer and community enquiries about the operation of the trial.
ACMA said the approval of the 3D TV trials was not an indication that the future permanent allocation of these UHF channels would be for broadcasting purposes, and that this was a matter for consideration by the Government.
27 May, 2010
Public Works goes
public on ICT works
The Department of Public Works has released the first edition of its online Information and Communication Technology newsletter.Associate Director-General of Queensland Government ICT, a Division of DPW, Natalie MacDonald said ICT in focus would be released quarterly to keep the ICT industry updated on the Division’s initiatives.
Ms MacDonald said it was important for the ICT industry to play a role in achieving the Government’s ICT targets and priorities.
“This newsletter will help explain the Government’s direction, highlight our achievements and seek your input into relevant ICT matters for Queensland Government,” Ms MacDonald said.
“In this newsletter we will let you know you about upcoming industry/Government events and areas for joint policy development.”
She said the newsletter would help enhance communication and foster relationships with industry contacts.
The first edition includes an article on the progress of a whole-of-Government email platform, information on the licensing of Government information and an update on the Government’s ICT Consolidation program.
It also announces a joint initiative between the Department of Public Works and Queensland Police to open a Joint Contact Centre which will house over 200 contact centre workstations.
Ms MacDonald said the Department of Public Works was leading the State in the pursuit of whole-of-Government information management and ICT.
The newsletter, ICT in focus, could be accessed at www.publicworks.qld.gov.au
27 May, 2010
Commission peddles
recycling program
The National Water Commission has joined with the Water Services Association of Australia to release three new software tools to help water managers implement recycling schemes safely.Chief Executive of the National Water Commission, Ken Matthews and the Executive Director of the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), Ross Young said the tools would encourage re-use and recycling by practitioners.
Mr Matthews said the tools were developed to help managers implement the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling.
He said the tools comprise three software components: Requality - a self assessment and improvement tool for urban water recyclers; AquaSafe – an exposure and treatment technology performance database; and Web based user friendly guide – which explains how to use the software tools to help implement the Guidelines.
“Water recycling is an important option in building a more reliable and diversified water supply portfolio for Australian cities and to meet the pressures of drought, climate variability and population growth,” Mr Matthews said.
“Uptake of the tools will help improve certainty in planning recycled water systems, provide clarity on the scientific evidence used to support recycling decisions and promote national consistency for both industry and regulators in managing critical water quality issues.”
Mr Young said there had been a rapid increase in the volume of recycled water produced across Australia.
“These tools will assist planners, operators and regulators in improving and robustly managing potential water quality risks,” he said.
“These tools will provide additional support to recycled water supply organisations ranging from smaller scale systems such as golf courses and Council operated systems watering parks and ovals through to large utility-managed dual reticulation schemes,” Mr Young said.
The tools were developed with funding from the National Water Commission’s Raising National Water Standards Program.
Further information on the tools was available from www.nwc.gov.au or www.wsaa.asn.au
27 May, 2010
Compo increases
at a premium
New laws aimed at ensuring Queensland’s workers’ compensation scheme remains the strongest in Australia have been introduced into ParliamentAttorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick said the laws aimed to offset the impacts of the global financial crisis and rising costs associated with common law claims and health and medical bills.
“There will be no restrictions on workers’ access to common law compensation claims, while employers will still have the lowest average premium of any Australian State or Territory,” Mr Dick said.
“This suite of changes is fair to both employers and employees.”
Mr Dick said WorkCover Queensland would increase average premiums for employers from $1.15 per $100 in wages to $1.30 for 2010-11.
He said this compared favourably with Victoria which had the next lowest employer premium costs of $1.34 per $100 of wages.
Mr Dick said the changes to the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 would align with the Civil Liability Act 2003 to harmonise liability and contributory negligence provisions and cap general damages at $300,000.
He said damages for economic loss would be capped at three times Queensland Ordinary Time Earnings, or $176,607 a year.
“Workers will still have unchanged access to their benefits under the statutory scheme,” Mr Dick said.
“However, claims in the Courts will be subject to the new cap, as well as liability provisions.
“In addition, a Court will be able to award costs against a worker where a claim is not successful.”
The Minister said the changes had been developed following consultation with unions, legal professionals and employer groups.
27 May, 2010
Drink drive paper
sets new limits
Over 1,000 Queenslanders have logged online to have their say on how to curb drink driving.Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan said she was pleased with the community response to a discussion paper on the issue.
“We also received 65 written responses and had the opportunity to discuss issues face-to-face with the public at two community forums held in Townsville and Brisbane,” Ms Nolan said.
She said the consultation period closed last week.
Ms Nolan said the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q) would conduct further research into preventing drink driving and would collate the entire body of work.
“Road accidents are a major public health risk and one in which good evidence-based policy can make a real difference,” she said.
“In the coming months, representatives from CARRS-Q will conduct focus group sessions and one-on-one interviews with drink driving offenders to understand their views on the potential drink driving initiatives.”
Ms Nolan said the findings from the interviews would be combined with CARRS-Q’s independent analysis of community feedback before a final report was released later this year.
The discussion paper outlined an alcohol ignition lock scheme for high-risk drink drivers and proposed improvements to random breath testing; compulsory blood testing for all drivers who attend hospital due to a motor vehicle crash; reviewing the general alcohol limit; examining restricted or ‘work’ licences; and tougher vehicle impoundment measures.
Ms Nolan said the Government would consider the CARRS-Q final report when developing future initiatives to tackle the problem.
27 May, 2010
Investment program
is capital idea
An Australian-first venture capital fund has been set up to drive ideas and innovation in Queensland’s biotechnology industry.Premier, Anna Bligh said the fund was between the State Government, global biopharmaceutical leader Eli Lilly and Company, and other US partners and would create an investment fund of up to $302 million to back the expansion and development of the biotechnology industry.
Ms Bligh said the Government would invest $25 million in the venture capital fund, Lilly would contribute up to 20 per cent of total funding and other investors would also participate.
“This is a huge opportunity to drive investment in ideas that will create businesses – and jobs - in regional economies, such as in Queensland’s tropical north,” Ms Bligh said.
“We are making a strategic investment of $25 million in this venture capital fund because it goes to the heart of our vision of having a strong Queensland economy powered by bright ideas.”
The Premier said Queensland’s financial contribution would be sourced from the Future Growth Fund.
Ms Bligh said the Government wanted to make Queensland’s biotechnology industry worth $20 billion with 16,000 people employed in it by 2025.
“This fund, which will have its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Brisbane, makes Queensland a key biotechnology hub in the Asia Pacific region,” she said.
“It will be run out of Brisbane but will also invest throughout Queensland, Australia and South East Asia.”
27 May, 2010
Plain sailing for
new Police vessels
Queensland Water Police’s fleet has been increased by two vessels which have been officially commissioned and named in Cairns. Minister for Police, Neil Roberts and Assistant Commissioner, Andy Henderson said the vehicles would enhance the Cairns Water Police’s ability to respond to incidents in the Far North.
Mr Roberts and Assistant Commissioner Henderson commissioned the nine-metre Ivan ‘Magpie’ Brodie rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) and the 22-metre catamaran W Conroy.
“The Ivan ‘Magpie’ Brodie is the newest addition to the fleet in Cairns and is the second RHIB to bear the name of Ivan Brodie,” Mr Roberts said.
“It has a multi-purpose role of marine law enforcement and search and rescue operations.”
He said W Conroy was one of three 22-metre command and patrol catamarans now being used by the Queensland Police Service.
“The catamaran, worth around $3.75 million, is specifically designed and equipped to conduct police operations and patrols in Queensland’s coastal waters,” Mr Roberts said.
Assistant Commissioner Henderson said the vessels were fitting tributes to Senior Constable William Conroy, one of 137 Queensland police officers to be killed in the line of duty, and Senior Sergeant Ivan Brodie.
“Senior Constable William Conroy was tragically killed on 2 July, 1895 after responding to a domestic disturbance on Thursday Island,” he said.
The Assistant Commissioner said Senior Sergeant Brodie was the first full-time Officer in Charge of the Special Emergency Response Team in Far North Queensland and had a strong passion for police special operations.
“Ivan was awarded the National Medal in 1984, the clasp in 1995, the Queensland Police Service Medal in 2000 and the 25 year clasp in 2000,” he said.
“He passed away in Brisbane in February 2001 after a short illness.”
27 May, 2010
New wave of fines
for marine pollution
New laws increasing fines for organisations that cause marine pollution have been passed by Parliament.Under the new penalties, shipping industry polluters face fines of up to $10 million.
Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan said serious incidents of marine pollution like the recent Pacific Adventurer oil spill and concern over the grounding of the Shen Neng 1 made it clear that tough new penalties were needed.
“These penalties are equal to the toughest in Australia and send a clear warning to those who flout shipping laws that pollution will not be tolerated,” Ms Nolan said.
She said amendments to the Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act also tightened up requirements for vessels and crews by removing shipping companies’ rights to withhold documentation in the event of a spill.
The amendments also allow Maritime Safety to detain vessels that are likely pollution risks to ensure any faults are rectified.
“Shipping companies cannot be allowed to withhold important documents when the health of Queensland’s oceans and wildlife are at risk,” Ms Nolan said.
“In the event of a spill, our Maritime Safety Queensland officials need access to as much information as possible, including records held by the shipping company about things like the vessel’s maintenance and seaworthiness.”
She said the new requirements meant shipping companies would no longer be able to refuse to provide documents on the basis that they could be incriminating.
27 May, 2010
School zones teach
drivers a lesson
The Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan has urged Queenslanders to remain vigilant when driving through school zones after new figures found only a small reduction in the speeding infringements over the past year.Ms Nolan said the figures showed the number of infringement notices for drivers travelling more than 60km/h in a 40km/h school zone had fallen by just 149, from 2,011 in 2007-08 to 1,862 in 2008-09.
“In 2008/09, 10,949 infringements were issued for speeding in school zones, including 23 people who were driving more than 40km/h above the speed limit,” she said.
Ms Nolan said her Department would continue to work with Local Councils and Police to establish the most appropriate road safety measures for each individual school.
“Working with Local Councils, police and the school community is the best way to ensure we’re using the most suitable and effective speed reducing method in each area,” she said.
The Minister said a range of initiatives had been introduced to teach children about road safety and to reduce speeds on Queensland roads and school zones.
Ms Nolan said a 12-month trial was currently underway to test the effectiveness of school zones on multi-lane roads and the performance of speed limit signs.
She encouraged parents and carers to prepare their children for safe travel to and from school by teaching them to look for vehicles in driveways and discouraging them from playing with toys or balls while walking to school.
Ms Nolan said children needed to know the safest route to and from school and that parents should accompany children on the way to school until they were old enough to understand road safety.
She said schools, parents and carers could access resources to help them raise awareness of road safety issues in the school community at www.transport.qld.gov.au
27 May, 2010
Reef to draw Americans
Two new campaigns targeting American travellers will feature the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland’s islands.
For the first time the islands of the Great Barrier Reef will be promoted as a single destination in two separate Tourism Queensland campaigns.
The campaigns will use online and travel agent booking channels to offer travellers five nights accommodation for the cost of four at a range of Great Barrier Reef islands including Hamilton, Hayman, Daydream, Bedarra, Dunk, Lizard, Heron and Orpheus.
Police open Mareeba Station
The new $7.1 million Mareeba Police Station and watchhouse have been officially opened.
The facilities are expected to significantly enhance policing resources in the area and will accommodate an officer-in-charge, 28 general duties officers, two police liaison officers, three administrative staff and officers from the Mareeba District Prosecutions Corps.
Light rail on track
The final shortlist of companies in contention to build the Gold Coast’s light rail system has been announced.
The $949 million project is the first of its kind in any regional Australian city and has attracted three major contenders - GC Connect, GoldlinQ and Move GC.
Between now and the end of the year, the three contenders will participate in a Request for Proposal process before one is awarded the contract.
New Centre for Townsville
The newest Vessel Traffic Service centre, a state-of-the-art facility to help provide safer shipping operations throughout the Great Barrier Reef, has been officially opened in Townsville.
The centre is operated by Maritime Safety Queensland in conjunction with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and will be staffed around the clock.
The new facility is expected to play an important costal navigation role and provide a traffic management service for Townsville’s regional ports.
The Federal Government recently announced it would look at extending the coverage of Vessel Traffic Service centres to include the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef.
Photo competition a snap
Members of the public have been invited to enter the 2010 Premier’s Multicultural Photographic awards.
The awards are worth $13,800 in prize money and are looking for work that highlights Queensland’s cultural diversity.
Awards are open to amateur and professional photographers. Entries close 23 July, with further information available from www.multicultural.qld.gov.au
Tourism impacts explored
A new survey inviting Whitsunday residents to have their say about tourism has been launched by Tourism Queensland.
Residents will be asked to complete the 10-minute online survey to help Tourism Queensland understand more about the impact tourism has on individuals and the local community.
The findings of the survey will be available in July and will be shared with local industry and Whitsunday Regional Council. The survey was available at www.tq.com.au/yourcommunity until 4 June.
Marine precinct underway
Construction of the $110 million Townsville Marine Precinct Project has commenced.
The facility is expected to boost Townsville’s future as one of Australia’s leading centres for marine industry development and is a strategic investment by the State Government in the city’s economic future.
The project’s Environmental Impact Assessment received draft approval by the Commonwealth last week, which gave the go-ahead for work to begin.
20 May, 2010
Agencies to act on
performance review
The Auditor-General has released a report identifying best practice principles to help Departments improve their performance review systems.Auditor-General, Glenn Poole urged all Departments to implement a performance review system that allowed performance information to be analysed; facilitated discussion on how to improve performance; and led to action.
Mr Poole said an audit of the performance review systems within the Department of Communities, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Force found the three Agencies had introduced performance review systems that were at varying levels of maturity.
“They all have strong foundational elements, including a clear purpose and focus, active executive involvement and clearly assigned responsibility and accountability,” the Auditor-General said.
“Based on audit findings, observations and research undertaken, seven key principles were identified that underpin an effective performance review process.”
In his audit report, Performance Reviews – Using performance information to improve service delivery, Mr Poole recommended all Departments consider using the seven principles to adopt or enhance their performance review processes.
He recommended Agencies first establish the foundations of their system by implementing his first three principles: creating clear purpose and focus; having active executive involvement; and assigning responsibility and accountability to appropriate staff.
He suggested Departments then ‘enable the process’ by addressing the fourth and fifth best practice principles: creating relevant and robust performance information and establishing a team to coordinate, document and communicate the process.
He then said Agencies needed to review the system’s performance through the sixth principle, formal discussion sessions, before implementing the seventh which included action plans and follow-up processes.
“The audit confirmed that each Agency has followed similar principles, in line with the better practice principles above, but adapted them to suit their needs,” the Auditor-General said.
He said the quality of review discussions was “perhaps the most important feature” of a successful performance review system and it was essential for executive management to create an environment that supported open discussion.
He said he was pleased with the three Agencies and his audit had raised no “adverse issues of significance”.
“However, a number of suggestions for improvement have been communicated to the individual Agencies.”
The audit report includes more detailed information on the seven principles and was available from www.qao.qld.gov.au
20 May, 2010
Ombudsmen complain
over name game
The peak body for Ombudsmen in Australia and New Zealand is calling for stronger controls on the use of the term ‘Ombudsman’. The Australian and New Zealand Ombudsman Association (ANZOA) has released a policy statement setting out six essential criteria it believes members of the public should be entitled to expect of any office described as an Ombudsman.
In its statement, Essential Criteria, ANZOA said an ‘Ombudsman’ should have: independence, jurisdiction, powers, accessibility, procedural fairness and accountability.
Chair of ANZOA, Fiona McLeod said when problems arose in an industry or an area of Government services, the call for an Ombudsman often followed.
“ANZOA’s concern lies with the increasing inappropriate use of the term ‘Ombudsman’ to describe bodies that do not conform to, or show an understanding of, the accepted Ombudsman model and its 200-year history,” Ms McLeod said.
“The term ‘Ombudsman’ is understood by the public as signifying an independent office, which primarily has a complaint handling and investigation function.”
She said that using the term to describe an office with regulatory, disciplinary and/or prosecutorial functions confused the role of Ombudsman with that of a regulatory body.
“This criticism applies to the Fair Work Ombudsman, the recently proposed Supermarket Ombudsman, and the proposed National Legal Services Ombudsman,” she said.
“The concept of Ombudsman is being stretched and the confidence of the Australian public in the role and independence of the Ombudsman institution is at risk of being undermined and diminished.”
“An ‘Ombudsman’ office under the direction or control of an industry or a Government Minister is not independent.”
Ms McLeod said no Australian organisation should misuse the term and urged anyone considering an ‘Ombudsman’ proposal to consult ANZOA early in the process, to ensure the proposed office meets the necessary criteria for use of the term.
20 May, 2010
Forestry plantations
cut down to size
Forestry Plantations Queensland has been sold by the State Government for $603 million, a figure the Treasurer said was above expectations.The Treasurer, Andrew Fraser, said the deal was great news for Queenslanders and involved the sale of a 99 year licence for Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ), which manages State-owned timber plantations.
“This is the first of the five commercial businesses to be sold, licensed or leased to the private sector,” Mr Fraser said, “as the Government reforms the State balance sheet and builds a stronger Queensland economy.”
He said three-year job guarantees for award staff had been secured and 92 per cent of workers in a ballot had recently approved a new enterprise bargaining agreement.
“Our priority was to ensure the workers’ jobs and entitlements were secured, and by working constructively with the relevant unions, we’ve achieved that,” Mr Fraser said.
The Treasurer said Hancock Queensland Plantations, a company managed by Hancock Timber Resource Group, had won the right to grow and harvest the trees.
The Crown plantation land on which the majority of the business sits will remain in Government ownership.
Mr Fraser said the sale included around 35,000 hectares of freehold land, which constitutes about 10 per cent of the total estate.
“As promised, we have secured the same access rights for the public as they currently enjoy now – which means walking, cycling, horse riding, motorcycling, car rallies, photography and other similar pursuits in State Plantation Forests will continue,” he said.
The other four commercial businesses to be sold are Queensland Rail National, Port of Brisbane, Abbot Point Coal Terminal and Queensland Motorways Limited.
20 May, 2010
New planning rules
give koalas a leg up
New Planning Instruments banning developers from clearing bushland habitat in the Koala Coast and Pine Rivers areas have been released to safeguard koala habitat. Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said under the Instruments, clearing mapped habitat in other koala areas must be avoided, minimised and offset and Councils would be required to report on their koala conservation efforts.
Ms Jones and the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe launched the final koala Planning Instruments at Capalaba West while unveiling the first protected area under the Government’s koala habitat acquisition program.
“For the very first time, South East Queensland has a powerful planning instrument that bans developers from clearing bushland koala habitat in priority koala habitat areas,” Ms Jones said.
“The new State Planning Regulatory Provisions, or SPRP, will deal with irresponsible planning which has occurred in some places in the past and override existing planning schemes so that koala habitat must be taken into account.”
Mr Hinchliffe said the new State Planning Policy would place primary responsibility for conserving local koala populations on Councils through their local planning schemes.
“The State Government made this decision in response to overwhelming feedback from Councils that they were best placed to tailor localised solutions if given appropriate direction,” he said.
“We’re giving Councils that direction through the new State Planning Policy which requires them to implement koala habitat retention practices into their local plan.
“The main objective is that planning schemes must incorporate provisions to ensure development in koala areas delivers a net increase in koala habitat by 2020.”
Mr Hinchliffe said the Government would develop a compulsory reporting framework for Councils to report on their progress in meeting the 2020 goal.
Ms Jones said the Government considered 279 public submissions during the consultation period.
The koala conservation planning policy and planning regulatory provisions will take effect from 31 May and were available for download from www.derm.qld.gov.au
20 May, 2010
Salary directive
on the money
A Directive outlining how to manage salary changes when transferring staff across streams and classification systems has been released by the Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick.Directive No. 7/10, Transfer within and between Classification Levels and Systems, applies to QPS staff whose salaries are determined by awards and agreements and therefore excludes Chief Executives, Senior Executives, Senior Officers and award free, contracted and casual employees.
The Directive applies when a staff member transferred within or across Departments and changed from one stream to another or from one classification and remuneration system to another.
It says a Public Servant could only be transferred if their current pay level was within the minimum and maximum salary range of the position they were being transferred to, regardless of the system or stream.
“Where parity of pay level exists within or between systems, movement shall be to an equal pay level,” the Directive said.
“Where no equivalent pay level exists, the transferred officer is to be moved to the next highest paypoint in the classification stream or system to which he or she has been transferred.
“Where an officer applies for a lower classification within or across Departments they are to be paid at that lower classification level and the paypoint is to be negotiated between the officer and the employer.”
The Directive says that when being transferred, Public Servants “shall not be disadvantaged.”
“The remuneration to these officers will be that which applied to their substantive position prior to the transfer.”
It says remuneration would include salary increases under the Public Servant’s new agreement.
“An officer may maintain the increment date of their previous position if they would be financially disadvantaged by the transfer,” it says.
“Otherwise, where applicable, after 12 months, a transferred officer shall advance to the next highest increment in the classification stream or system to which he or she has been transferred.”
The Directive came into effect on 19 April and supersedes Directive 24/99, Transfer Within and Between Classification Systems.
It is available to download from www.justice.qld.gov.au
20 May, 2010
Open day throws light
on Parliament/Court
Parliament House is to be open to the public this Saturday to mark 150 years since the first sitting of the Queensland Parliament on 22 May 1860.The Open Day will feature free ‘behind the scenes’ tours of the historic building including several areas that have rarely been open to the public.
Rooms that will be specially displayed for the open day include the Strangers’ Dining Room, the Lucinda Bar and the O’Donovan Library.
Also on display will be a hidden stone spiral staircase, originally designed to keep Parliamentary staff separated from the Members of Queensland’s former Upper House, the Legislative Council. This feature has never been on public display.
Brisbane Magistrates Court will also be holding an Open Day on Saturday as part of 2010 Law Week.
The Office of the Public Trustee, Legal Aid Queensland, Queensland Corrective Services, Queensland Law Society, Bar Association of Queensland, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and Caxton Legal Centre will have representatives present at the Open Day.
A mock trial will be held on the day, with Little Red Riding Hood facing the Brisbane Magistrates Court to give evidence in support of her father, who is being charged with murdering the Big Bad Wolf.
During Law Week Queenslanders are invited to learn more about the State’s justice system.
Acting Director-General of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, Phil Clarke said visitors to the Court’s Open Day could watch fairytale mock trials, learn about the work of the Courts and take home a range of information.
“Law Week will provide a great opportunity for Queenslanders to get a glimpse inside our Court facilities and speak to people at the front-line of our justice system,” Mr Clarke said.
20 May, 2010
Ready, set, go for
green website
Schools will be able to measure, monitor and reduce their use of resources with the help of a new website.Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson said the Sustainable Schools website would initially benefit 300 Earth Smart Science schools before being rolled out to 1,000 schools over three years.
Mr Wilson said the website was developed in partnership with the Federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts through the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative.
“We have designated 2010 as the Year of Environmental Sustainability, with themes of energy efficiency, waste minimisation, biodiversity improvement and water conservation,” Mr Wilson said.
He said the website aimed to help schools reduce their environmental footprint and increase the environmental awareness of students.
Mr Wilson launched the website at Bulimba State School, whose principal, Michael Zeuschner has been named the Year of Environmental Sustainability Principal Champion on behalf of the Department.
He said Mr Zeuschner would visit Queensland regions promoting the sustainable schools message and the Queensland Government’s Toward Q2 target of a ‘green’ State.
“The Earth Smart Science program for State primary schools aims to reduce schools’ ecological footprints through the development and implementation of school environmental management plans,” Mr Wilson said.
“The implementation and monitoring of these plans encourages a whole-of-school approach to wisely managing school resources and focuses on waste minimisation, water conservation, energy efficiency and biodiversity improvements.”
The Queensland Sustainable Schools website could be accessed at www.sustainableschools.qld.edu.au
20 May, 2010
State does job
on job numbers
The Premier has welcomed figures showing Queensland was the biggest jobs generator in Australia last month, creating more than one third of new jobs across the country.Premier, Anna Bligh said the figures showed jobs had been created for Queenslanders for nine consecutive months.
Ms Bligh said of the 6,500 jobs created in Queensland in April, 4,500 were full-time.
“We remain 100 per cent committed to meeting our target of 100,000 jobs in three years – after today our new target is 66,100,” Ms Bligh said.
“Our economic strategy to drive and create jobs is critical and we will continue to focus on delivering jobs for Queenslanders, but challenges such as big population growth mean that we can’t be complacent – and we won’t be.”
Treasurer, Andrew Fraser said while unemployment continued to be a significant challenge, Queensland’s trend unemployment rate remained steady at 5.5 per cent.
“We have in place the measures to create jobs – through things like our massive building program, tax breaks for employers of apprentices and trainees and first home buyers, the lowest payroll tax in the nation and unemployment programs like the Green Army,” Mr Fraser said.
“The fact that we generated more jobs in April than any other State shows that our jobs plan is working.”
20 May, 2010
New driver licence
to drive security
A new plastic driver licence with an embedded smart chip is to be introduced onto Queensland roads to replace the old-style laminated versions which the Government believes have passed their use-by date.According to Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan the new credit-card sized licences would incorporate state-of-the-art facial recognition technology and be the most secure in Australia.
Ms Nolan said staff from the Department of Transport and Main Roads would take part in an initial trial of the licence in August.
“That’s good news for licence holders given Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that more than 800,000 Australians lost a combined $977 million through personal fraud in 2007, including 87,000 victims of personal identity fraud in Queensland alone,” Ms Nolan said.
She said security features on the new licence included: biometric imaging instead of a Polaroid photo, a hologram, special inks, a watermark, shadowing, a computer chip to store personal information and a security PIN.
Ms Nolan said the current laminate driver licences had been in use for almost 25-years and were in drastic need of an overhaul.
“Providing the most secure licensing system in the country comes at a cost but the price of a Queensland licence will still compare favourably to other major Australian States,” she said
“When Queenslanders apply for their new licence a digital photograph will be taken and stored centrally. Each time they renew their licence, facial image recognition technology will ensure they are who they claim to be.”
Ms Nolan said having online, on-the-spot access to photos would also help in the fight against criminals trying to steal identities and obtain multiple cards under different names.
The new licences are expected to be rolled out to transport customer service centres, police stations and Queensland Government Agent Program offices throughout 2011.
20 May, 2010
DET course reacts
to student allergies
An online course to help teachers, school staff and child care workers manage and respond to life-threatening allergic reactions has been launched.Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson said the online course would help schools manage the risks around anaphylaxis and that every State school would receive funding to purchase adrenaline auto-injectors which help counter the allergic reaction.
“The online Anaphylaxis Awareness and Management course focuses on the management and treatment of students medically diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis,” Mr Wilson said.
“Participants will learn about anaphylaxis and its causes, which can include common allergens like peanuts, shellfish, egg, insect stings and certain medications.”
The Minister said the course was on the Department of Education and Training’s Learning Place website.
Mr Wilson said practical training would be delivered by Department of Education and Training Registered Nurses and first aid organisations such as the Red Cross and the Queensland Ambulance Service.
“The course requires participants to complete a theoretical certification first, before completing a practical certification locally, on how to use an adrenaline auto-injector device,” he said.
Mr Wilson said the program also addressed how schools could manage activities like camps, excursions and sports carnivals that were held outside school grounds and could pose a greater risk for students.
He said the Department had revised its anaphylaxis guidelines for Queensland State schools so they were aligned with the online training course.
“The new Anaphylaxis Guidelines for Queensland State Schools will ensure all schools have appropriate anaphylaxis management plans in place,” Mr Wilson said.
The course was available at www.det.qld.gov.au
20 May, 2010
Education forum to
be learning experience
An on-line forum on the future of the State’s education system is to be held on Thursday 25 May and everyone is encouraged to log on.Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson said participants would be able to submit questions and comments via email before the forum and during the one-hour online session.
“To date, more than 1,600 Queenslanders have had their say at more than 60 forums that began in Townsville on 18 February and have been held in centres ranging from Weipa to Warwick,” Mr Wilson said.
“Participants have been eager to voice their opinions on the education Green Paper A Flying Start for Queensland Children.”
The Minister said the plan to move Year 7 to secondary school by 2014 remained a hotly debated topic, with discussions focused around providing adequate resources for such a proposal.
“Forum participants have clearly valued the opportunity to have their say and it is encouraging to receive so many suggestions from community members on ways to help families prepare their children for school,” he said.
“The forums have proven a very valuable way of gathering meaningful feedback and significant contributions have been made by school students as well as parents, teachers and the general community.”
Mr Wilson said the Green Paper outlined the challenges facing education in Queensland and put forward proposals to improve young children’s readiness for school and to ensure high performance standards for all Queensland schools.
Further information about the forum was available from www.qld.gov.au or by phoning 1800 452 056.
20 May, 2010
Police officers get
just rewards
Awards have been presented to 31 former and serving Queensland Police Service members to recognise their outstanding service to the community. Minister for Police, Neil Roberts said the awards were an opportunity to publicly thank dedicated police officers and staff for the enormous contribution they had made to public safety.
Awards presented included the Commissioner’s Certificate of Notable Action, the Commissioner’s Certificate (Operational), the Queensland Police Service Medal and additional clasps for long-serving members in recognition of diligent and ethical service.
“These officers and staff members showcase the diverse range of talents, skills and attributes displayed daily by the people of the QPS,” Mr Roberts said.
“The awards are a chance to honour the stellar men and women who play such an important role in protecting our community.”
Commissioner of Police, Bob Atkinson said the awards ceremony recognised the diligence, ethical conduct and commitment of officers and staff of the Queensland Police Service.
Senior Sergeant Paul Appleyard of the Water Police was awarded the Commissioner’s Certificate of Notable Action for assisting in a search and rescue operation when he was off duty.
Detective Sergeant Matthew Stock, Detective Senior Constable Daniel Purdie and former Detective Senior Constable Brendan Read were awarded the Commissioner’s Certificate (Operational) for intelligence, dedication to duty and resourcefulness far exceeding what might be reasonably expected.
A total of 27 other officers and staff members received Queensland Police Service Medals for 10 years service or Clasps to the Medal for every five additional years.
According to the Queensland Police Service the other award winners included:
Queensland Police Service Medal
Sergeant Brett Schnitzerling
Acting Inspector Peter Stacey
Sergeant Todd Best
Sergeant Katherine Pausina
Sergeant Robert Reid
Acting Sergeant Kenneth Duthie
Senior Constable Luke Asmar
Detective Senior Constable Grant Boorman
Detective Senior Constable Peter Hocken
Senior Constable Tin Huynh
Detective Senior Constable Richard Libke
Senior Constable Nicole Linton
Detective Senior Constable Kerry Lofdahl
Detective Senior Constable Emma Macindoe
Detective Senior Constable Bradley McMeniman
Senior Constable Ross Pugliese
Anthony Bowring
Vicki Christiansen
Jayne Rice
Joanne Tazey
Clasps
Graham Warmington (35 Year Clasp to the QPSM)
Inspector Mark Menary (30 Year Clasp to the QPSM)
Alexandra Harding (30 Year Clasp to the QPSM)
Acting Senior Sergeant Nigel Smith (25 Year Clasp to the QPSM)
20 May, 2010
Neighbourhood laws
push fence-mending
Community feedback has been invited on new laws designed to make it easier for neighbours to resolve disputes over trees and fences. Attorney-General, Cameron Dick said the Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Bill would modernise and simplify the way neighbours handled these disputes.
“The fact is that Queensland’s population is growing and we are living in closer proximity to each other, so our laws need to reflect this,” Mr Dick said.
“An online survey conducted as part of the State Government’s earlier consultation on these issues found that almost 80 per cent of respondents had had a dispute with their neighbour.”
Mr Dick said almost 60 per cent of respondents reported disputes with their neighbours over a dividing fence and 56 per cent had disputes over dangerous or intrusive trees.
He said key changes proposed in the draft Bill included: clearer definitions of the term ‘sufficient dividing fence’ and the types of trees covered; a framework for resolving disputes; clarification of responsibilities; and the use of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal to adjudicate disputes.
Under the Bill, tree owners would be required to prune branches overhanging onto their neighbour’s land if the neighbour gives notice to them.
Mr Dick said the draft Bill was the result of extensive research and broad consultation examining the most common causes of neighbourhood disputes and how they might be resolved.
“While the proposed new laws will not resolve each and every neighbourhood dispute about fences and trees, the Government expects that they will go some way to make our suburbs more friendly and neighbourly places,” he said.
Feedback on the proposed Bill closes on 9 July and the draft was available from www.justice.qld.gov.au
20 May, 2010
Principal power get
in-principle boost
Proposed new laws would give school principals the power to expel students without obtaining approval from the Department of Education. Premier, Anna Bligh said amendments to the Education and Training Legislation would allow primary and high school principals to expel children for a certain period or permanently.
Ms Bligh said the change was designed to offer Queensland students the safest possible school yards.
“It’s imperative both our students and our teachers are able to learn and work in a safe environment,” Ms Bligh said.
“This is about giving our principals the authority to make those tough and important decisions in regard to discipline in their schools to make that a reality.”
The Premier said principals would be able to exclude a student for disobedience, misconduct or when their behaviour was harmful to the school and so serious that suspension was inadequate.
“The principal will become the primary decision maker,” she said.
“In the past they could only make a recommendation to their supervisor.”
Ms Bligh said the Bill would help create a balance between a principal’s authority to manage students and the need to keep staff and students safe and free from disruption.
Minister for Education, Geoff Wilson said expulsion was a last resort to be used after other school support and intervention strategies had proven ineffective.
“Departmental case managers will ensure students who are excluded are enrolled in another school, an alternative education program, TAFE or other training or work placement,” Mr Wilson said.
“The Bill also proposes amendments to allow child care services to record and disclose personal information about individual children in the program and staff members to the Department of Education and Training.”
He said the amendments would enable Queensland to meet its obligations under the National Information Agreement on Early Childhood Education and Care.
20 May, 2010
Firefighters sweat
on ride for charity
Thirty-seven firefighters have completed an 815 kilometre bike ride over eight days to raise funds for burns patients at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services, Betty Kiernan said the fourth annual Bike for Burns charity ride started in Bundaberg and saw riders travel through Jandowae, Millmerran, Dalby and Clifton before heading to Brisbane.
“Since its inception in 2007, the Bike for Burns charity ride has raised more than $89,000 for the hospital’s burns unit,” Ms Kiernan said.
“In their role as firefighters, many of the riders have seen first-hand the devastating effects burns injuries can have on people.”
Commissioner of Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Lee Johnson said the riders had the full support of their colleagues.
“It is great to see the firefighters undertaking this initiative in their own time and the QFRS Wellness program which encourages all staff to be fit and healthy, has thrown its full support behind this event,” Commissioner Johnson said.
“This event really highlights the community support for some of our most vulnerable citizens and upholds the true spirit of firefighters in Queensland.”
Chief Executive of the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, Karenlee Spillane, extended her gratitude to the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) for their continuing support.
“The researchers here in Brisbane at the Royal Children’s Hospital Burns Research Group are world class, and the support we receive from our firefighters enables us to provide much-needed funding to this group,” Ms Spillane said.
“Burns injuries are one of the most traumatic conditions we see here at the hospital – both for the child and their family.
“Thanks to the fantastic support of QFRS and the Queensland community, we will be able to truly work wonders for these sick kids.”
20 May, 2010
Audits put heat
on gas producers
Queensland’s coal seam gas producers have been ordered to fully audit their operations to ensure their gas wells and equipment meet appropriate health and safety standards. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Stephen Robertson instructed the industry to participate in a well-head safety program aimed at ensuring all Coal Seam Gas (CSG) companies demonstrate best practice in their operations.
Mr Robertson said CSG producers would be required to do a complete inspection and risk assessment of all existing well-heads and provide a report to Government.
“This program aims to provide a clear picture of current operations at all CSG sites in Queensland,” Mr Robertson said.
“The companies will be required to report the results of their findings and remediation work they undertake to the Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate on a weekly basis.”
He said inspectors would undertake random field inspections and testing to ensure the companies met their legislative obligations.
The program follows a series of inspections on well-heads operated by the Queensland Gas Company Ltd in the Tara district.
Officers from the Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate, Safety and Health conducted inspections and monitoring on the site over two months, following complaints from a member of the community about leaking well-heads.
The Mine and Gas Safety Commissioner said compliance orders had been issued to the company to fix a number of wells and to inspect all others to ensure they met health and safety regulations.
The Commissioner is expected to provide quarterly reports which will be made available to the public on the Department’s website, www.dme.qld.gov.au
20 May, 2010
Winter put on ice in
tourism campaign
A tourism marketing campaign to urge Australians in the southern States to take a winter holiday in Queensland’s north has been launched.Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor said the $200,000 campaign was the latest initiative in a series of aggressive marketing activities coordinated by Tourism Queensland to tempt more Aussie holidaymakers to the State’s north.
Mr Lawlor said the Book a Tropical Escape and Put Winter on Ice campaign would feature print, online and radio advertising.
“During the past 18 months Tourism Queensland’s focus has been on hard-hitting tactical campaigns aimed at driving bookings for tourism operators,” Mr Lawlor said.
“This approach has proved to be particularly successful for the region with more than 1.5 million Aussies visiting Tropical North Queensland in 2009, increasing spending by $1.7 billion, 23 per cent more than during the year before.”
He said the new campaign aimed to continue the positive momentum and lure holidaymakers to the region for the winter months.
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Steve Wettenhall said the campaign incorporated more than 33 operators.
“Residents in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will be bombarded with images of warm tropical beaches and the laid back Tropical North Queensland lifestyle and can expect to receive some great savings,” Mr Wettenhall said.
“Funding for the campaign has been made available as part of the Tourism Action Plan to 2012 which will guide Queensland’s tourism strategy, help drive more visitors from around the world to holiday in Queensland and support Queensland jobs.”
Public Servants are not being targeted in the campaign.
Further information is available from www.tropicalholidays.com.au
20 May, 2010
Union report out
The Queensland Public Sector Union has released its 2009 Annual Report.
The 56-page Report includes a message from the President, Vivienne Doogan, membership figures, a list of Council Delegates, summaries of QPSU Council meetings and minutes from the Annual General Meeting held in May last year.
The full report was available from www.qpsu.org.au
Ambulance investigates
The Queensland Ambulance Service has promised a full and thorough investigation into the death of a 44-year-old man in an incident in Mackay.
The Ambulance Service’s ethical standards unit is conducting the investigation.
The matter has also been referred to the Coroner, the Criminal Justice Committee and the Health Quality and Complaints Commission.
Hospital admissions on the rise
Figures from the March 2010 Quarterly Public Hospitals Performance report have shown Queensland’s public hospitals continue to treat more patients than in previous quarters.
The report shows nearly 385,000 Queenslanders attended public emergency Departments, in the March 2010 quarter - a 3.1 per cent increase on the March 2009 quarter.
Nearly 226,000 patients were admitted to hospital in the quarter– a 3.8 per cent increase on the same period last year.
Transport centre receives makeover
The Department of Transport and Main Road’s Bowen Customer Service Centre is to reopen for business on Monday (24 May) after undergoing renovations.
The temporary Customer Service office at the Bowen Boat Harbour on Santa Barbara Parade will close on Friday 21 May.
The Department of Public Works treated the centre, which is housed in a heritage-listed building, with a makeover including a fresh coat of paint and new carpet.
Station communication improved
Roma Street Station in Brisbane has received 110 new passenger information display screens in a bid to improve passenger communications.
The large LCD screens display real time train information and will communicate details of special events, track works and other essential information.
Roma St Station currently services 25,000 passengers a day during peak hours.
Queensland Week unveiled
The annual Queensland Week celebrations have been unveiled by the Premier, Anna Bligh to mark Queensland’s anniversary of Statehood.
The Week will run from 29 May to 6 June and include barbeques, comedy shows, award celebrations, film, food, citizenship ceremonies and lamington demonstrations.”
The week’s activities will lead up to the official Queensland Day on 6 June.
The full program was available from www.queenslandweek.qld.gov.au
Lake consultation extended
Public consultation on the preservation of the Wild River values of the Lake Eyre Basin has been extended for two weeks to 28 May.
The extension was provided after flooding hampered the consultation process.
The Department of Environment and Resource Management will hold further consultations across the region and submissions on the Lake Eyre Basin Wild Rivers Policy Consultation Paper could be made by visiting www.derm.qld.gov.au
Sex offender supervision
Laws relating to dangerous sex offenders are to be strengthened according to the Attorney-General, Cameron Dick.
Mr Dick said declared dangerous sex offenders would soon be subject to a mandatory supervision period of at least five years after being released from prison.
Currently, no minimum time limits are specified.
Landholder rights protected
New laws to improve landholders’ rights when their land is accessed for coal seam gas exploration have been introduced into the Queensland Parliament.
The amendments to the existing land access framework are expected to provide certainty to stakeholders, especially in areas not previously covered by the mining industry and create a balance between supporting the industry and protecting farmland, ground water supplies and the environment.
The Department of Environment and Resource Management is also undertaking a Coal Seam Gas Water Feasibility Study to identify risks to ground and surface water associated with mining activities.
Youths move out of aged care
Designated supported accommodation has been made available to over 100 younger Queenslanders with a disability.
The accommodation will mean the youths will no longer have to be housed in aged care facilities.
Minister for Disability Services, Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland was leading the way in providing supported accommodation to help younger people live independently in the community.
Ranger moves in
A new Central Highlands ranger and his family have been provided with affordable accommodation in house renovated to eco-friendly standards.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service spent $335,000 on the four-bedroom house in an effort to attract rangers to the area to work.
The house was built in 1989 to accommodate staff for coal mining operations and now includes solar-powered hot water and energy efficient air conditioning.
13 May, 2010
Archives program puts
records in the groove
Public comment is being sought by Queensland State Archives on a long-term approach to managing and preserving digital records.The State Archives released a Discussion Paper on digital record management, saying it was important to overcome continuous technological advances that often saw technology become obsolete and useless.
The discussion paper Informing an approach to the long-term management and preservation of Government digital records, looks at how to ensure digital records created today will remain accessible to future generations without the technology used to store them becoming obsolete.
It “seeks views from Public Authorities on appropriate plans, principles and elements to inform a coordinated whole-of-Government research and development program.”
“The program will seek to define and establish how Queensland Government electronic records can be preserved over time, including the development of a future Queensland Government Digital Archive.”
Queensland State Archives is encouraging Chief Executives and Senior Management Teams, in consultation with Information Steering Committees and Chief Information Officers, to consider and provide feedback on the issue.
A survey of Public Authorities is expected to follow the discussion paper later this year to help ascertain the specific digital archiving methods currently in use across Government.
The Archives announced it would also host a consultation forum tomorrow (14 May) from 2pm to 4pm in Brisbane.
This forum is expected to facilitate informal discussion and will give participants the opportunity to ask Queensland State Archives staff questions
Submissions close on 15 June and the discussion paper is available from www.archives.qld.gov.au
13 May, 2010
Health recovering
from sick payroll
A preliminary report on issues affecting the Queensland Health payroll has found the Department has made good progress in implementing reforms but more still needs to be done to bring the system into line.The report, Status report on the Queensland Health payroll implementation review, was conducted by consultant KPMG which was engaged to review the payroll system and its implementation.
Premier, Anna Bligh and the Minister for Health, Paul Lucas released the report, with Ms Bligh saying it made a number of recommendations to Queensland Health, all of which had been adopted by the Department.
“The report found Queensland Health acted quickly on KPMG’s recommendations to improve the payroll system, and effective work structures are in place for the improvements to continue,” Ms Bligh said.
“It also recognised Queensland Health’s development of a safety net for staff affected by the payroll issues.”
The Premier said that among the recommendations that had been taken up were the establishment a dedicated payroll hotline (07) 3636 0737; providing immediate cash or cheque payments; and locating payroll kiosks at hospitals across the State.
Mr Lucas said the report found Queensland Health had undertaken regular and constructive engagement with unions representing Health staff.
He said KPMG commended the appointment of the Deputy Director-General of Queensland Health’s planning division, Michael Walsh, to oversee the payroll issues.
“KPMG will now work towards delivering a more forensic examination of the payroll system development and its implementation,” Mr Lucas said.
Ms Bligh said if any further reports from KPMG indicated action needed to be taken against any individual or company, she would not hesitate to do so.
She promised the next report would also be made public.
The Auditor General is undertaking a review of payroll implementation issues which originally arose when tens of thousands of staff were underpaid, overpaid or not paid at all.
The consultant’s report was available from www.premiers.qld.gov.au
13 May, 2010
New privacy guide
lifts lid on impacts
A new guide has been published for public and private sector organisations to conduct Privacy Impact Assessments when developing new policies, services, projects or systems.Releasing the guide, the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis said in many cases, privacy measures were an afterthought.
“All too often, organisations try to tack on privacy measures after having already designed their projects or systems,” Ms Curtis said.
“This could lead to inadequate protection of customers’ personal information, as well as leading to privacy breaches.
“At the outset, organisations should consider the privacy implications of a proposed project or system by conducting a comprehensive Privacy Impact Assessment.”
Ms Curtis said the Privacy Impact Assessments guide would help take organisations through the considerations and steps they should employ.
She said the guide, written in plain English, was modelled on a previous version developed for Government, and could be applied to both the public and private sectors.
“It is important to note that, even if a PIA identifies aspects of a project or system that may have negative privacy impacts, this does not necessarily mean compromising your organisation’s goals,” Ms Curtis said.
“It is likely that you will find options that will make a significant difference to the privacy impact, while still allowing you to achieve your overall objectives.”
More information is available from www.privacy.gov.au
13 May, 2010
Roadside cameras
focus on safety
The number of roadside traffic cameras on State controlled roads in South East Queensland is to be doubled.Minister for Police, Neil Roberts said over 50 new web cameras would be rolled out over the next few months in a bid to reduce congestion.
Mr Roberts said the cameras would stream live vision to the 13 19 40 traffic website, alerting motorists to potential hazards, accidents and delays on the road.
“It’s great for people who lead busy lives,” Mr Roberts said.
“It’ll save time and inconvenience. They can plan their journey before heading out in the car.”
He said the $900,000 investment was “money well-spent.”
Mr Roberts said the new cameras would be installed in busy roadside locations on the Sunshine Coast, in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.
“Some of the hot-spots include the corner of Arrow Street and the Pacific Motorway in Brisbane, exit 60 on the M1 on the Gold Coast, and the Anzac Avenue/Bruce Highway interchange on the Sunshine Coast,” he said
“The sites were carefully chosen. They’re places that are prone to congestion and traffic build-up for motorists and the freight industry.”
Mr Roberts urged motorists to log on to the 13 19 40 website to help them plan their journey and any alternate routes.
The Traffic Management Centre’s website was available at www.131940.qld.gov.au
13 May, 2010
Feds deliver on
midwife insurance
A new insurance scheme to protect midwives from professional indemnity has been announced by the Federal Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon.Making the announcement on International Midwives Day, Ms Roxon said it was the first ever professional indemnity insurance for midwives supported by the Commonwealth Government, and the first time since 2002 that midwives could purchase insurance.
She said privately practising midwives would be able to purchase their own insurance from 1 July this year, which will be provided by Medical Insurance Group Australia.
“This is an important step for Australia’s midwives,” Ms Roxon said.
“It is also an important step for Australian women and their families.
“This insurance arrangement will help midwives who wish to provide high quality midwifery services to Australian women as part of a collaborative team with doctors and other health professionals.”
Ms Roxon said the deal was part of the Federal Government’s maternity reform measures to improve choice and support for Australian mothers, building on legislation passed in March this year to give midwives access to the Medicare Benefits Schedule and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
“It also helps underscore the importance of midwives in providing high-quality, safe maternity care in Australia,” she said.
She said the Commonwealth-supported insurance would not cover services provided during home births.
She said Medical Insurance Group Australia was selected through a tender process and had been providing insurance to doctors and other health care professionals in Australia for many years.
13 May, 2010
UQ Business school in
business with Harvard
The University of Queensland Business School and Harvard Business Publishing have formed a partnership to give Queensland students the opportunity to experience Harvard’s renowned case teaching method.The partnership is also expected to provide academics with a wide range of teaching materials for use in classes.
Director of UQ Business School Commercial, Rob Douglas said the agreement was great news for staff and students.
“The teaching materials produced by Harvard are widely acknowledged to be among the best in the world,” Mr Douglas said.
“With relevant materials for undergraduates, postgraduates, MBA students, research students, and corporate education clients, all our stakeholders stand to benefit from the partnership.”
Mr Douglas said Harvard Business Publishing (HBP) also distributed materials from other quality business schools including IMD (Switzerland), IESE (Spain), INSEAD (France) and Hong Kong University.
Regional Sales Manager at HBP, David Klinkienst said UQ Business School was the first in Australia to sign such an agreement.
“UQ Business School now has access to all our materials and we hope the relationship will become reciprocal with UQ Business School generating materials for Harvard Business Publishing,” Mr Klinkienst said.
HBP produces materials for accounting and control, business and government, competitive strategy, entrepreneurship, finance, general management, human resource management, management information systems, marketing, negotiation, operations management, organisational behaviour and leadership, service management and social enterprise and ethics.
13 May, 2010
Traffic inspectors
shift into top gear
Inspectors from the Department of Transport have been awarded new powers allowing them to fine motorists who drive illegally in transit and bus lanes in the State’s south east.Acting Minister for Transport, Craig Wallace said inspectors would test the powers under a six-month trial covering the corner of Waterworks Road and Gresham Street in Ashgrove and the transit lane on the Pacific Highway near Mains Road.
“My message to motorists is simple: do the right thing by the T2 and T3 lanes and it’ll be smooth sailing,” Mr Wallace said, “but if you jump the queue and you’re caught, you’ll be hit with a $100 fine.
“It’s high time to get tough on transit lane cheats and I reckon responsible motorists who do the right thing will agree.”
The Minister said transit and bus lanes were vital to the transport system.
“They’re all about tackling congestion and getting people out of their cars and on to public transport,” he said.
Mr Wallace said having transport inspectors keep an eye on transit and bus lanes would free police officers up to focus on speeding and drink driving offenders.
He said it was an offence under sections 154 and 156 of the Queensland Road Rules for a car to drive in bus or transit lane without the specified minimum number of people in the vehicle.
13 May, 2010
New brochure to
beat cyber bullies
A new cyber safety brochure has been released by the Department of Education and Training to help parents protect their children from online bullying.Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson said the practical guide showed parents where to get more information on improving the safety of children who use mobile phones and the internet.
“Cyber bullying can cause serious long-term consequences for young people involved, including depression, so it is so important we address this complex issue,” Mr Wilson said.
“Traditionally, young people were safe from bullying outside of school hours, but modern technology means children can be subjected to abuse 24 hours a day and seven days a week.”
The cyber safety pamphlet provides parents with a list of the new technologies used by children as well as links to more information including the Queensland Police Service’s resource, Who’s Chatting To Your Kids?
In partnership with the Queensland Schools Alliance Against Violence, the Government has engaged psychologist, Michael Carr-Gregg to conduct an education series titled Action Against Bullying at 10 locations across the State.
The free sessions are to be held between May and August and will cover traditional bullying as well as cyber safety.
The brochure is expected to be available from www.education.qld.gov.au shortly.
13 May, 2010
Northern communities feeling climate heat
A new report has found that Indigenous communities in the tropical north are amongst the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.The report, Risks from climate change to Indigenous communities in the tropical north of Australia, found climate change would have a significant impact on Indigenous communities despite the fact they have been able to adapt to natural climate changes in the past.
Federal Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Penny Wong said the report was the first of its kind in Australia and examined likely impacts on the health, environment, infrastructure, education and employment of Indigenous people.
Senator Wong said Indigenous communities faced particular challenges because of their isolation and socioeconomic situation.
“They often have limited access to services and live in regions that are susceptible to extreme climate events,” Senator Wong said.
“Helping these communities to adapt to unavoidable climate change must be a priority, as for many Torres Strait residents relocation is simply not an option.’’
She said the report found the spread of diseases and reduction in bush food would impact on Indigenous health and that a new curricula for the education system was needed to enhance the capacity of communities to adapt and build resilience to climate change impacts.
Senator Wong said climate change was also forecast to disrupt wetlands, rivers and streams which would have a negative effect on marine ecosystems, rainforests and mangroves.
The report was available for download from www.climatechange.gov.au
13 May, 2010
Grants open door to
affordable housing
Moreton Bay Regional Council is to commence work on 1,300 new homes in the suburb of Morayfield after a $10.5 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Housing Affordability Fund.Fifty of the new houses are to be reserved for Public Service workers such as police, nurses and teachers.
Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and the Federal Labor MP for Longman, Jon Sullivan said the grant would be used to construct critical infrastructure such as vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle friendly bridges.
Mr Sullivan said the grant would also go towards implementing the RiskSMART planning reform tool which aims to speed up development assessments to reduce the costs to builders that come from holding land that would usually be passed on to homebuyers.
He said the investment would save 100 home buyers $15,000 on the purchase of a new home.
Mr Sullivan and Mr Rudd announced the grant during a visit to the Riverbank Estate with the Mayor of Moreton Bay, Allan Sutherland and project developer PEET Caboolture Syndicate.
Mr Sullivan said Riverbank Estate was close to services, commercial and community facilities.
“I’m delighted our Government is providing funding for this project through the Housing Affordability Fund,” he said.
“It targets two of the greatest needs in our local area – housing and employment.
“The preliminary bridge work and subsequent housing construction will provide much needed employment for local workers.”
Moreton Bay Regional Council area is the third largest municipality in Australia with population growth occurring at double the national average.
13 May, 2010
Eco-tourism trial
ends with green light
The first State-wide sustainable tourism project ever implemented in Australia has been recognised as a “resounding success” by the Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor.Mr Lawlor said the pilot Sustainable Regions Project aimed to reduce the environmental impacts of tourism and encourage visitors to view the State as a sustainable tourism destination.
Mr Lawlor said the Sustainable Regions Project worked with regional operators across the State to transform North Stradbroke Island, and ultimately Queensland, into a sustainable tourism destination.
“We want holidaymakers to feel comfortable that their visit to Queensland will be an environmentally ‘guilt-free’ experience,” Mr Lawlor said.
He said tourism operators had produced measurable outcomes as a result of the initiative, with many having clear plans for the future.
Mr Lawlor said the success of the campaign meant other initiatives such as the Caring for Straddie eco-campaign would be revitalised on North Stradbroke Island to further develop sustainable tourism options.
“Working with the Redland City Council the Caring for Straddie campaign will aim to reinforce the values of the island community and create visitor awareness of waste and wildlife protection through initiatives such as educational materials and local engagement,” he said.
Mr Lawlor recognised 14 North Stradbroke tourism operators for their ongoing success in the project.
The Sustainable Regions Project was also piloted at Airlie Beach, Winton, Magnetic Island and Pioneer Valley/Cape Hillsborough.
13 May, 2010
DET opens window
on training portals
Nine online training portals to help Queenslanders build networks in their field of professional interest have been announced by the Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson.Mr Wilson said the portals aimed to give workers, employers, graduates, educators and trainers access to networking opportunities and information around the clock.
He said portals had been established for the childcare, business, sustainability, trades, health, retail, creative, port and tourism industries.
“Through news, blogs, forums, a jobs board and a business listings directory, people from these industries can connect and share knowledge, seek employees, look for work and generally find support and encouragement from other Queenslanders with a similar professional interest,” Mr Wilson said.
He said a key function of the portals would be to promote high-level qualifications in associated professions and trades.
“Lifting the skills of workers is vital for these industry sectors to ensure they remain responsive and relevant to emerging industry needs and to the economy,” he said.
“By investing in training and developing their workers, industries can help to ensure they have a skilled and sustainable workforce which is ready for future challenges.”
Mr Wilson said the launch of the portals was the start of a new era in lifelong training support for Queensland.
“These two-way communication channels will provide everybody working or hoping to work in these industry sectors with an avenue to support, inform and encourage each other,” he said.
The training industry portals could be accessed at:
- www.businesssupport.org.au
- www.creativesupport.org.au
- www.childcaresupport.org.au
- www.healthsupport.org.au
- www.retailsupport.org.au
- www.sportsupport.org.au
- www.sustainabilitysupport.org.au
- www.tourismsupport.org.au
- www.tradesupport.org.au
13 May, 2010
Gambling fund backs
solar conversions
The Gambling Community Benefit Fund has been asked to prioritise applications for solar energy units from sporting and community organisations.Premier, Anna Bligh said switching to solar would allow sporting and community groups to save on their electricity bills while helping reduce the State’s carbon emissions.
Ms Bligh said eligible sporting and community organisations could apply for grants to help them buy and install 1.5 kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and/or solar hot water systems.
“These not-for-profit community and sporting groups range from local footy clubs and scout troops to local counselling services like Lifeline and church-run halls,” she said.
Grants for solar PV and hot water systems are being made available through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund via a competitive application process.
Ms Bligh said there were at least 1,000 not-for-profit sporting and community groups operating multiple facilities across Queensland.
She said up to $3.3 million a year was expected to be directed to community solar projects over the next three years.
The Premier estimated switching to solar would save community organisations up to $245,000 each year in electricity costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 1,300 tonnes per annum.
“By installing solar PV panels or solar hot water systems, community groups will save money on electricity bills, allowing more funds to go to the services and facilities they provide,” Ms Bligh said.
13 May, 2010
Wallabies on track
for a comeback
Tests by rangers and scientists from the Department of Environment and Resource Management have confirmed a colony of endangered Proserpine rock wallabies is thriving on Hayman Island.Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said staff had been studying the wallabies after they first established the Island colony in 1998 in a bid to help secure the future of the species.
Ms Jones said the Department had commissioned testing by a genetic expert on Australian kangaroos and wallabies, Mark Eldridge.
“The study was to look at the genetic variation of the introduced population to Hayman Island in comparison to the remaining colonies in the wild,” Ms Jones said.
“Tests show this population is the most genetically diverse in existence – this is good news because it gives them a greater chance of survival.”
She said rangers initially released 27 captive bred wallabies onto the island, which had bred to create a colony of over 60.
“If required sometime in the future, wallabies from the island could be reintroduced to colonies on the mainland as they share similar genetic features,” Mr Jones said.
She said DERM rangers had worked closely with Hayman Island Resort authorities to ensure the wallabies and their environment were protected while still allowing tourists to visit the island.
“Resort staff were also integral in assisting with the eradication of feral goats that competed with the wallabies for food.”
Ms Jones said DERM rangers would continue to monitor the wallabies on Hayman Island and on the mainland to ensure their continued survival.
13 May, 2010
Readers booked
for literacy plan
The Premier’s Reading Ambassadors Program has been launched, with five football stars signing on to help promote reading.Premier, Anna Bligh said the Ambassador program aimed to help improve the literacy levels of Queensland children.
Ms Bligh congratulated all the Reading Ambassadors on their commitment to help give Queensland children a flying start in life through the written word.
Footballers Jared Brennan from the Brisbane Lions, Peter Wallace (Brisbane Broncos), Matt Mundy (Brisbane Roar), Nathan Friend (Gold Coast Titans) and Ty Williams (North Queensland Cowboys) have all signed up as ambassadors for the program.
“I am very pleased that five Queensland footballers have agreed to become Reading Ambassadors,” Ms Bligh said.
“We often see Jared Brennan flying through the air but now we will also see the Brisbane Lions’ star player working to make sure Queensland kids get a flying start in life.”
She said just 61 per cent of Queensland kids were regularly read to or encouraged to read at home compared with the Australian average of 70 per cent.
The Premier said the program was part of the Government’s reading awareness campaign which was launched in February as an element of the A Flying Start for Queensland Children discussion paper.
Ms Bligh said the footballers would feature in State-wide newspaper ads and community service announcements promoting reading to kids.
She said the announcements would be played during major Queensland football games.
13 May, 2010
School art disaster
is lesson for life
The new art gallery at Narangba Valley State High School has received its first piece of artwork since fire destroyed the building earlier this year.Minister for Education and Training, Geoff Wilson presented the school with the piece, which was previously selected in the Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Art.
Mr Wilson said the gallery was created during the refurbishment of the school’s art rooms after fire destroyed half the building on New Year’s Eve 2010.
He said art teachers lost 30 years of teaching resources and their own artworks in the fire.
“However, the school community did not allow this to hold them back with planning immediately beginning on redesigning and rebuilding the art department, with the art gallery added in the redesign,” Mr Wilson said.
The Minister said the new art rooms looked “fantastic.”
Each art room has a data projector and the latest ICT technology, which allows film and TV subjects to be taught,” he said.
“This refurbished facility will be a major boost to the education of the several hundred students who study art at Narangba Valley.
“Congratulations to the school community for turning a negative experience into a positive facility for the school and I’m sure there will be many student art shows held here.”
Mr Wilson said the piece of art he donated was an oil painting in the cubist style, called Manual, created by Joshua Head who was a student at Barcaldine State School.
13 May, 2010
Coordinator-General
fires up coal project
A coal export terminal to be built on Balaclava Island has been declared a significant project by the Coordinator-General, Colin Jensen.Mr Jensen said declaring the project as significant did not indicate approval or support for the project.
“The declaration of a significant project signals the beginning of a rigorous assessment of the project’s impacts on the natural, social, economic, built and cultural environment,” Mr Jensen said.
“The first step in the process is to prepare draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the environmental impact statement, which will be distributed to stakeholders and advertised for public comment in the coming months.’’
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe said Xstrata Coal Queensland’s proposal to create the $1 billion Balaclava Island Coal Export Terminal would be subjected to a robust assessment process and environmental impact statement.
“Balaclava Island is located 40 kilometres north of Gladstone and could serve as an alternative port site to Gladstone and Rockhampton for coal exports,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“If approved, the project could export up to 35 million tonnes of coal per annum from the Bowen and Surat Basins.
“If approved, around 800 jobs could be created during construction with 100 full-time jobs planned once the site is fully operational.”
The Minister said the proposal involved the construction of a 13.5 kilometre rail spur from the North Coast Line, just north of the township of Raglan, to the proposed coal stockpiles.
He said a new overland conveyor would also need to be built to transport coal from stockpiles to a new ship loading facility.
Further details on the project were available from www.dip.qld.gov.au
13 May, 2010
Helipad has liftoff
Princess Alexandra Hospital’s new retrievals helipad has been officially opened.
Located on the roof of the hospital building, the helipad is more than 50 metres above ground level and incorporates a high-speed lift that will travel directly into emergency department resuscitation rooms.
The helipad is part of the $134 million expansion of the hospital’s emergency Department.
Consultation on greenspace
Public consultation is being sought on a proposal to create 4,590 hectares of greenspace on Curtis Island for public recreation.
Consultation on the planned Environmental Management Precinct (EMP), which will make up 10 per cent of the island, is expected to help determine planning and land use.
Submissions close on 28 May, with further information and a feedback form available from www.dip.qld.gov.au
National crime approach
The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General has agreed on a coordinated national approach to combating cybercrime.
Under the agreement, a National Cybercrime Working Group will review Australian arrangements for fighting cybercrime and cyberbullying; coordination between Federal, State and Territory law enforcement Agencies is to be enhanced; and greater reporting of online offences is to be encouraged.
Adults to go wild on Gold Coast
A joint initiative between Tourism Queensland, Gold Coast Tourism and the tourism industry is encouraging adults to unleash their inner child by splashing out on Gold Coast holiday attractions at children’s prices.
The campaign will feature national television, print and online advertising valued at $580,000.
The Gold Coast Grown Up Deals was designed to entice more people to re-explore the region and will run to 28 May.
The Public Service is not included in the campaign.
Airport upgrades take off
A million-dollar upgrade of facilities at Bedourie and Birdsville airports is set to commence.
The upgrades are expected to bring economic and social benefits to the region and include modernised facilities for passengers and 24-hour all-weather access for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Tenders are expected to be awarded later this month and work is due to begin in early July.
Legal consultations open
Consultations on the National Legal Profession Reform Project will commence on 14 May 2010.
Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said the project aimed to create a single national market for legal services, as well as simplify and increase the effectiveness of the legal profession’s regulation.
He said stakeholder meetings would be held in Brisbane on 1 June and consumer representatives will also be invited to a one day workshop on the proposed reforms.
Submissions could be made until 13 August.
More information is available from www.ag.gov.au/legalprofession
Industry takes action
Queensland’s sustainable energy sector is to benefit from an increased skilled workforce under a new Queensland Energy Efficiency Industry Leaders Group Industry Action Plan.
The Industry Action Plan is expected to tackle labour issues involved in developing a sustainable built environment.
Energy Skills Queensland has partnered with the Government and representatives from the sustainable energy industry to form the Leaders Group, whose mandate is to address workforce planning issues, advocate on behalf of industry and build a viable workforce.
6 May, 2010
Offer of honour in
PS excellence awards
Nominations for the IPAA Queensland Public Sector Excellence Awards program have opened online.The individual and team awards offer seven categories across Local, State and Federal Government and recognise best practice and excellence in the public sector that has benefited Queensland.
Chief Executive of IPAA Queensland, Peter Rumph said the awards were a “refreshing initiative” for the public sector and aimed to promote cross-government relations between the three levels of Government.
“The opportunities available to recognise and reward public sector professionals for their day to day work are very few and far between and we wanted to create a platform to showcase these exceptional projects and initiatives,” Mr Rumph said.
He said the 2010 program offered categories for everyone working across all tiers of Government, including Government Owned Corporations and Statutory Authorities.
The categories are:
- Patron’s Award for Excellence in the Public Sector;
- Young Leader of the Year;
- Public Sector Professional of the Year;
- Regional Queensland Leader of the Year;
- Best Practice in Local Government;
- Best Practice in State Government; and
- Best Practice in Federal Government.
Nominations can be made online and close on 24 June.
To make a nomination or to find out more about the awards, visit www.qld.ipaa.org.au
6 May, 2010
Planners have designs
on overseas exchange
A staff exchange program between the Department of Infrastructure and Planning and the Canadian city of Vancouver is likely following a visit to Canada by the State Premier, Anna Bligh.Ms Bligh and the Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson agreed to work towards exchanging senior planning staff to grow expertise in growth management, urban planning and mass transit.
Speaking from Canada, Ms Bligh said the planning challenges facing Vancouver were similar to those faced by Queensland, particularly in the South East corner.
She said South East Queensland was expected to grow from 2.8 million people to 4.4 million by 2031.
“Over the same period, the greater Vancouver region is expected to grow from 2.2 million to 3.1 million,” Ms Bligh said.
“This is a massive issue for both of our Governments and we have everything to gain from sharing knowledge and expertise with Vancouver.”
The Premier said Vancouver had been consistently ranked as the world’s most livable city over the past 10 years.
“With more than 2,100 extra people calling Queensland home each and every week we have to stay ahead of the game on this issue,” she said.
“This is about learning from the best planning minds in the world and using that to our advantage locally.”
The Premier also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell which focuses on exchanging ideas on growth management between the two administrations.
Ms Bligh said the talks built on last month’s Growth Management Summit that was held in Brisbane.
6 May, 2010
Super changes super
for employees
The Commonwealth Minister for Superannuation, Chris Bowen has announced reforms to superannuation processes that will require employers to make larger super contributions to their employees.Mr Bowen said the reforms were part of the Federal Government’s Stronger, Fairer, Simpler: Tax Plan for our future, and included a 12 per cent Superannuation Guarantee (SG).
He said the increased SG would commence with a 0.25 per cent increase in 2013-14 and 2014-15, followed by 0.5 per cent increments until it reaches 12 per cent in 2019-20.
“The three year lead time recognises that employers and employees need to factor this into future wage negotiations,” Mr Bowen said.
He said the increase was the biggest to superannuation since the introduction of compulsory superannuation in 1992 and would deliver an “historic boost to retirement savings”.
He said it would deliver substantial improvements in retirement savings and a fairer distribution of superannuation tax concessions, ensuring more Australians could enjoy a comfortable retirement.
Mr Bowen said other reforms to the nation’s superannuation system included a concessional contribution cap for those nearing retirement from 1 July 2012.
“Workers aged 50 and over with superannuation balances below $500,000 will be able to make up to $50,000 in annual, concessional superannuation contributions,” he said.
Mr Bowen said the Government’s contribution of up to $500 annually would also apply from 1 July 2012 for workers on adjusted taxable incomes of no more than $37,000.
“This will provide a reward for savings for low income earners by ensuring no tax is paid on SG contributions,” he said.
“The Government will also retain the co-contribution scheme.”
Mr Bowen said the SG age limit would be raised from 70 to 75 from 1 July 2013, meaning workers aged 70 to 74 would be eligible to have SG contributions made on their behalf for the first time.
More details of the Stronger, Fairer, Simpler: A tax plan for our future was available from www.futuretax.gov.au
6 May, 2010
Council accounts
unaccountable
Ongoing concerns with the quality of Local Government financial statements and the timeliness of Councils’ financial reporting have been raised by the Auditor-General in his 2008-09 financial audit report.Auditor-General, Glenn Poole said his report, Auditor-General Report to Parliament No. 4 for 2010, was the first to look at the audits of Local Governments and Aboriginal Shire Councils since the reduction of 157 Councils to just 73 in 2008.
“This is the first report to Parliament in which the results of the audits of merged Local Governments have been reported,” Mr Poole said.
He said while a “concerted and resource intensive effort” had been made by Local Governments to merge accounting systems and records, further work was still needed.
“For some Local Governments, the poor quality of financial statements being provided to audit is an ongoing issue,” Mr Poole said.
“Eleven per cent (or seven of the 60 Councils where auditors’ opinions have been issued) provided audit with a poor standard of financial statements, resulting in between four and eight versions of financial statements being provided.”
The Auditor-General said the extended process resulted in inefficiencies and increased audit costs.
According to his report, 87 per cent of Local Government records were certified by management and audit within six months from 30 June 2009.
“While this is a reasonable result, my auditors will be working with Councils to help improve the timeliness of financial reporting,” Mr Poole said.
He said there was a “significant improvement” in the timeliness of reporting from Aboriginal Shire Councils for the 2008-09 period, with the Department of Infrastructure and Planning monitoring the progress of their financial statement production.
“The Department and Councils are to be congratulated for their improvement efforts to date,” Mr Poole said.
“However there is still some way to go in terms of the quality of some of these Councils’ financial statements.
“There is no doubt that inadequate financial management continued to be an issue in 2008-09 for these Councils.”
The Auditor-General said Aboriginal Shire Councils averaged 11 moderate to high risk audit issues per Council compared to an average of three for Local Government entities in general.
He said 2009-10 audits would focus on risk management practices; asset management and valuation; discretionary funds; Audit Committee involvement; and quality financial statements.
As of 31 March 2010, auditors’ opinions had been issued on the 2008-09 financial statements for 143 of 156 Local Government Entities. He said 11 were modified and 132 were unmodified.
6 May, 2010
Beach safety
is shored up
A renewed effort to educate tourists and visitors about beach safety has been agreed to by the national Tourism Ministers’ Council.Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Steve Wettenhall said the Tourism Ministers’ Council (TMC) had agreed to a number of actions, including developing and distributing marketing materials on beach safety in eight languages.
“Distribution to Northern Australian regions will commence in May, with wider roll-out occurring around September,” Mr Wettenhall said.
He said the Government was taking urgent action after three people drowned in un-patrolled areas of the Gold Coast in January.
“Those tragic incidents demonstrated that the message either isn’t getting out there, or is simply being ignored,” Mr Wettenhall said.
“The Queensland Government has been in discussions with key tourism and beach safety stakeholders since January to discuss possible actions to prevent further drownings, and one of those actions was to get the issue raised at a national level through the TMC.”
The TMC meets twice yearly to discuss issues facing the tourism industry and is attended by Federal and State Tourism Ministers.
Mr Wettenhall said Queensland Minister for Tourism, Peter Lawlor wrote to his Federal counterpart, Martin Ferguson in January to request the matter be brought to the TMC table.
He said the State had also made “significant headway” in gaining support from other organisations through extensive involvement with Surf Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Queensland.
Mr Wettenhall said the State had committed $100,000 to education and awareness activities to target multicultural communities and visitors deemed to be most at-risk.
“We’re confident that a more coordinated national approach will help significantly reduce the number of deaths on our beaches,” he said.
6 May, 2010
Go card just
keeps going
It has taken less than two years but go card has been used over 100 million times since its introduction was completed in mid-2008.Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan said that in July 2008 there were less than 200,000 go card trips a week compared to over 2.27 million trips now being taken each week across the TransLink network.
“The latest data shows the go card is now used on more than 60 per cent of all public transport trips in South East Queensland,” Ms Nolan said.
“That’s a saving of 3,300 hours a week in bus boarding times compared to the all-paper ticket system which operated prior to 2008, leading to a more efficient network.”
The Minister said go card usage in the three months to December 2009 was 33.1 per cent of all travel and had been steadily rising during January, February and March.
“Front-line staff on buses, at train stations and on board ferries have been working with customers to continue to make the transition to go card as smooth as possible,” she said.
Ms Nolan said over 200 go card information sessions for seniors had been held and 10,000 go cards provided to seniors during the Go Ready campaign which started in February.
She said she expected the level of go card use to continue to rise as go card sales remained strong.
“TransLink is still issuing more than 10,000 go cards a week through more than 400 retail outlets,” Ms Nolan said.
“They can also be obtained by calling 13 12 30 or via www.translink.com.au.”
6 May, 2010
Main Roads trainees
making headway
Trainees and apprentices employed by Main Roads have been congratulated by their Minister, Craig Wallace, for choosing a career in road building.Mr Wallace said over 80 trainees and apprentices were currently employed by the Department in Queensland.
“We’ve got trainee and apprentice fitters, electricians and construction workers on road building sites right across the State,” Mr Wallace said.
“They’re playing an important role in helping to connect Queensland communities.”
In addition, the Minister said Main Roads had provided on-the-job training for around 70 Indigenous trainees in Cape York and Torres Strait last year.
“They’ve used those skills to work on infrastructure projects in their own communities, including sealing almost 40 kilometres of road,” he said.
“In South East Queensland, we’ve got ‘Constructive Mob’ which is delivering opportunities for Indigenous workers in the construction industry.”
Mr Wallace said the State was rolling out an $18 billion road building program across the Queensland that was “a win” for the roads and a win for workers.
“It comes at a time when jobs and job security are more important than ever before,” he said.
The road building program is expected to translate into around 30,000 jobs for Queensland workers.
“The Government will continue to reach out and give people a helping hand to get the skills and education they need to secure a job and get ahead in life,” Mr Wallace said.
6 May, 2010
Violence website
bound to be a hit
A new website highlighting the consequences of violence has been launched by the Minister for Police, Neil Roberts and Police Commissioner, Bob Atkinson.The website is the next phase in the One Punch Can Kill anti-violence campaign and will run in conjunction with a State-wide competition that will form the basis of a new advertising campaign.
Mr Roberts said the website’s revamp and the competition were part of the Government’s continuing efforts to educate the community, particularly young people, about the consequences of violence.
“Young Queenslanders will be able to submit a short film, music file, image or simply an idea on what they think the One Punch Can Kill campaign advertising should look like through the new website,” Mr Roberts said.
He said the winning entry would form the basis of State-wide cinema, radio and bus advertisements later this year.
One Punch Can Kill was first launched in December 2007 and Commissioner Atkinson said an independent evaluation undertaken at the end of the 18-month campaign found its message was having an impact on the target audience.
Commissioner Atkinson said the evaluation report found there was a high rate of comprehension and retention of the key anti-violence message but that the message could be strengthened.
“It found that the campaign made people think about the repercussions of violence, which is what we set out to do,” he said.
“Armed with the findings of the evaluation and additional feedback from the Ministerial Advisory Council on Youth Violence and the Homicide Victims Support Group, the Queensland Police Service has revamped the One Punch Can Kill marketing collateral to ensure it remains relevant to its intended audience.”
Additional funding of $700,000 was announced late last year for a third instalment of the campaign, including a major advertising campaign.
The competition opens on 21 May and runs to 31 July. Entries could be submitted at www.onepunchcankill.qld.gov.au
6 May, 2010
Scientists get sniff
of artificial nose
The world’s first artificial nose is being developed in Queensland as a way of settling disputes about intrusive odours.The electronic nose will act as a ‘sniffer umpire’ on odours coming from livestock facilities such as chicken factories.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said the electronic nose, or portable Artificial Olfaction System (AOS), would mimic human smell.
“It is important to be able to measure livestock odours due to their potential impacts on neighbours,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Odours from livestock production facilities fluctuate and the impact depends on the location and the weather, but complaints are more likely where urban populations or industrial developments encroach on rural areas.”
Senior Environmental Scientist at the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Jae Ho Sohn said odours from intensive livestock facilities were currently measured using a technique called olfactometry.
“This technique requires odour samples to be collected and analysed in a lab using an odour dilution instrument called an olfactometer, and a human panel of trained ‘sniffers’, but the process is costly, and the human element can be subjective,” Dr Sohn said.
“The advanced portable AOS will objectively measure these odours on-site, at the odour source, continuously and cost-effectively.”
Dr Sohn said the technology had unlimited potential as it could be applied to any field that required odour discrimination and quantification.
“It will be developed to a commercial prototype standard over three years in collaboration with University of New South Wales and University of Pisa,” he said.
Current funding is being contributed by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and the Australian Poultry Cooperative Research Centre.
6 May, 2010
Post Office delivers
on 5-year plan
Australia Post has launched a five year program it says will lay the foundations to create a more customer-focused and sustainable organisation.Managing Director and CEO of Australia Post, Ahmed Fahour said the program, Future Ready would allow the organisation to do everything it does in the physical world in the digital world.
“As the world has moved on from the horse and buggy and has shifted from the telegraph to the telephone, Australia Post must embrace the digital world,” Mr Fahour said.
He said the program mapped a strong growth platform based on a growth in parcels, retail and business-to-business express delivery, that would offset the decline in letters being sent.
He said Australia Post would be restructured into four strategic business units with individual profit and loss accountability: Postal Services, Retail Services, Express Distribution Services, and e-Services.
Mr Fahour said Postal Services would be responsible for providing both letters and parcels, enabling Australia Post to offset the decline in letters with the growth in parcels, while Retail Services would handle the services offered in its 4,433 retail stores.
"We are in every major town across Australia and play a vital role at the centre of each community,” he said.
“We want to be the community hub for important trusted services like passports, identity verification, payments and more.”
Mr Fahour said Express Distribution Services would oversee Australia Post's courier and logistics business, as well as joint ventures such as Australian Air Express, Star Track Express and Sai Cheng Logistics, focusing on the business-to-business market, particularly in Australia and Asia.
He said e-Services would be a dedicated new business incubator focusing on opportunities such as secure, identity-verified, digital communications, e-commerce initiatives and other services that can be offered electronically, to complement Australia Post’s physical network.
Mr Fahour said under Future Ready, a new structure would be established in 2010/11, while the “rebuilding and growing” phase would occur from 2012.
He said the restructure would be based on a customer-focused approach, and building a collaborative culture with strong accountability and transparency.
“The new organisation structure is designed to unlock the depth of talent within Australia Post which will be developed and rewarded for sustainable outcomes,” Mr Fahour said.
6 May, 2010
Network in drive for
extra bus services
A $3.1 million injection into the Brisbane bus network is to lead to 18,270 extra seats each week from 10 May.Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan said the package would see an additional 360 bus services a week across Brisbane’s southern and northern suburbs.
“We’ve listened to customers in the southern suburbs of Brisbane and added a new feeder bus route (Route 126 Sunnybank to Acacia Ridge) linking the busy Acacia Ridge Trade and Technicians Skills Institute to Sunnybank Plaza and Coopers Plains train station,” Ms Nolan said.
“This area has the potential to become an important hub for customers and I’m pleased that we are able to continue to expand the network to provide a viable public transport option in this region.”
She said the package would also help customers travelling from the Griffith University, Garden City and the QEII hospital precinct with 27 additional services on routes P119 (QEII Hospital-Brisbane City) and 120 (Garden City-Brisbane City) providing a 10-minute frequency in the morning peak period.
Ms Nolan said the changes included more services for the Handford Road corridor in Zillmere and Taigum.
“Twenty-eight additional drivers have been employed to drive these extra services and the package also includes another 13 new low-floor, air-conditioned, environmentally-friendly buses added to the fleet,” she said.
“We’re committed to adding 301,000 new seats to the TransLink network this year and we’re well on our way to achieving this.”
She said more details about the changes were available from www.translink.com.au
6 May, 2010
Coast is clear for
reef protection
New rules requiring development approval for high impact earthworks that damage wetlands near the Great Barrier Reef have been introduced in an ongoing program of protecting the Reef.Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones said the Temporary State Planning Policy would be effective immediately.
Ms Jones said affected activities included draining, filling, levelling and constructing channels and diversion banks in the wetlands from Bundaberg to the Wet Tropics.
“Today’s State Planning Policy is another piece in the puzzle to protect our treasured Great Barrier Reef,” Ms Jones said.
“This is not about creating new laws but developing a consistent approach across Local Government to ensure that activities in Reef wetlands do not adversely impact on a wetland’s natural flow, or on its ecological health as a wildlife habitat.”
The Minister said the next stage of the plan was to seek feedback from the public so a permanent State Planning Policy could be developed.
She said much of the wetlands area was already protected through national park or conservation park declarations but 46 per cent of the area was freehold.
“The catchments of the Great Barrier Reef alone contain over 4,500 wetlands – while they make up less than one per cent of the land area, the Reef relies on all of them to help filter its water so it has a fighting chance to survive in the long term,” she said.
“This is an opportunity for all land users – landholders, developers, tourism operators and conservation groups – to have a chance to express their views on how to apply greater protection to these highly valuable ecosystems.”
The Queensland Wetlands Program was established in 2003 to support projects or activities that result in long-term benefits to the sustainable management, use and protection of wetlands in Queensland, particularly the Great Barrier Reef catchment.
Ms Jones invited public feedback until 30 June and said further information was available from www.derm.qld.gov.au
6 May, 2010
Emergency sponsorship
gets to live again
A successful partnership between the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) and outdoor equipment retailer Boating Camping Fishing (BCF) is to be extended for another year.Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts has signed a new agreement with BCF Manager, Ben McConnell which he said would continue to benefit SES volunteers in the field.
“The Department of Community Safety is delighted to work with an organisation like BCF that understands the importance of volunteering and community safety,” Mr Roberts said.
“Over the past year, BCF has actively supported the SES through educating and informing the public about how they can be better prepared for events such as floods and storms.”
The Minister said BCF’s ‘Round Up for SES’ initiative also involved giving its customers the opportunity to make donations by rounding up their payment on purchases.
Mr Roberts said the initiative had raised more than $100,000 since March 2009.
He said the generous response by customers illustrated Queenslanders’ high level of community spirit and their appreciation of SES volunteers.
“This community partnership with BCF has enabled the SES to purchase more than 200 advanced flood/storm deployment backpacks that will be distributed to teams across Queensland,” the Minister said.
“SES volunteers readily put themselves on the front-line for the well-being of others.”
Mr McConnell said BCF had been working closely with the SES to help provide it with funding and to attract more volunteers.
“Our customers at the BCF Cannon Hill and Gladstone stores have led the way by contributing significantly to the overall donations, highlighting their strong community commitment and proving that every donation helps,” he said.
6 May, 2010
Human rights to
right human wrongs
A new range of interactive human rights education resources have been released for schools by the Australian Human Rights Commission.President of the Commission, Cathy Branson, said complimentary DVDs would be sent to each school in Australia in an effort to educate students about human rights and responsibilities.
“The importance of human rights education should not be underestimated in our efforts to create a more respectful human rights culture in Australia,” Ms Branson said.
“Human rights education is critical if we are to make real inroads in our efforts towards true social inclusion.”
Ms Branson said the rightsED resource was guided by a clear set of education principles and learning outcomes, and included interactive education activities for teachers and students which would introduce human rights concepts in an engaging and relevant way.
She said there were nine resources, each of which focussed on different human rights issues: understanding human rights, commemorating Human Rights Day, child rights, bringing them home, face the facts, voices of Australia, disability rights – what about Doug’s rights?, young people in the workplace, and tackling sexual harassment.
“rightsED comprises more than 400 pages of worksheets, resources and activities and is the culmination of over a year’s work,” Ms Branson said.
“The resource fits in well with the emphasis on human rights education announced by the Attorney-General.”
Ms Branson said the Commission would be taking a strong focus on education over the coming year and she urged teachers to take advantage of the resources available to them.
She said more information was available at www.humanrights.gov.au/education, on phone 1300 369711 or by emailing education@humanrights.gov.au
6 May, 2010
Premier books kids
for reading challenge
Every young school student in the State has been invited to take part in this year’s Premier’s Reading Challenge.Minister for Education, Geoff Wilson officially launched the fifth annual challenge, saying it was open to all students in State and non-State schools from Prep to Year 7.
“I hope all Queensland children take part in the challenge to discover the pleasure and power of reading, to enrich educational experiences and unlock the wonderful world of their imagination,” Mr Wilson said.
He said the Reading Challenge aimed to help lift literacy standards which was a major focus of the recently-released education discussion paper - A Flying Start for Queensland Children.
Mr Wilson said more than 60,000 students read over 1.2 million books last year and he wanted to see that record broken.
“Schools play an important role in the challenge by coordinating student involvement and this year, schools with a 100 per cent student participation rate will go into a draw for numerous prizes,” he said.
Schools taking part in the Premier’s Reading Challenge will celebrate their students’ achievements from 19 to 29 October with successful students receiving a certificate signed by the Premier, Anna Bligh.
As the challenge coincides with the annual MS Readathon, books read by students for the Readathon can also be counted towards the Premier’s Reading Challenge.
Further information on the Challenge was available from www.education.qld.gov.au
6 May, 2010
New drug factory
is high priority
A new drug manufacturing facility is to be built on the Princess Alexandria Hospital site in Brisbane under a partnership arrangement between the State-owned BioPharmaceuticals Australia and international drug company DSM Biologics.The contract was announced by the Premier, Anna Bligh and Federal Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr when they attended a biotechnology conference in Chicago, USA.
Senator Carr said the facility would fill a “huge gap” in Australia’s biotechnology infrastructure while Ms Bligh described it as a turning point in the development of Queensland’s biotechnology industry.
“We have a plan to make this industry worth $20 billion and employ 16,000 people by 2025,” Ms Bligh said.
“This is about supporting Queensland research, innovation and jobs into the future, and this major contract is a great step forward.”
The Premier said the facility, to be located with the Translational Research Institute, would allow local companies to make the small quantities of biopharmaceuticals needed for early-stage clinical trials.
She said Biopharmaceuticals were produced in live cells from plants and animals, especially mammals which most resemble humans.
“An estimated $60 million goes offshore every year to manufacturers of small-scale drug and therapeutic compounds because we can’t do this kind of work in Australia,” Ms Bligh said
“The partnership with DSM Biologics is about to change all that.”
The Premier said the State had provided $7 million in seed funding for the facility under its 10-year Biotechnology Strategic Plan.
The Commonwealth is to invest $10 million as part of its push to win high-tech, high-value jobs and industries for Australia.
The remaining $45 million required to build the $62 million facility will come from the Translational Research Institute funding pool and contributions from philanthropic and institutional partners.
6 May, 2010
Mining study to dig
into region’s future
The economic and social impacts of mining activity in the Galilee Basin are to be studied in a joint project between the State Government and local authorities.Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries, Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said the study aimed to help the region prepare for and manage the impact of a number of mining projects.
Mr Mulherin said Local Authorities and communities needed to prepare for growth and that the Galilee Basin Economic and Social Impact Study would help address the issue.
“Several projects, potentially worth billions of dollars, have recently been announced and are expected to drive rapid development in the Barcaldine Regional Council (BRC) area and the wider region,” he said.
“The study is aimed at managing regional growth for the economic and social benefit of the Barcaldine area.”
Mr Mulherin said the Galilee Basin was the last remaining major coal province yet to be developed in Queensland.
“Take the Alpha Coal Project as one example which is proposed to have a mine life of more than 30 years,” he said.
“It is situated 40 kilometres north-west of Alpha, a town with a current population of 413.
“Other projects nearby include Kevin’s Corner Coal Mine, the Waratah Galilee Coal project and the Galilee Basin Power Station.”
Mr Mulherin said that as a result of all this activity, Alpha’s population was expected to grow to over 2,000 people.
"What we want to avoid is the town then experiencing unplanned growth, impacting on quality of life,” he said.
“The message was clear from the Queensland Growth Summit; more people will be attracted to live in regional Queensland if the infrastructure is in place to support them.”
The Minister said the BRC, Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) and the Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) had appointed a Brisbane-based consultant to conduct the $75,000 study.
“It will provide a demographic profile of individual towns, identify economic links between them, analyse the available skills base, consider flow-on impacts to neighbouring regions, and provide data on current business and industry in the area,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The study will be used by Local Councils and organisations, as well as the State Government, for future planning.”
6 May, 2010
Cyber plan with Canada
The Premier, Anna Bligh has signed a deal to hold a “virtual Cabinet” with the Provincial Government of British Columbia in Canada.
In Vancouver on a trade mission, Ms Bligh and the province’s Premier signed up for what is believed to be a world-first cyber project.
The project will enable Queensland and British Colombia to share expertise in areas such as growth management, clean energy and climate change through video conferencing.
ABS reveals casual stats
New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that in November 2009, one in five, or 20 per cent of Australian workers were casual employees, with no paid holiday or sick leave entitlements.
The ABS said this represented over two million people, with women more likely than men to have no paid leave entitlements.
Over half (58 per cent) of all employed people in the accommodation and food services industry did not have paid leave entitlements.
Innovation festival on
The Australian Innovation Festival, which started on 26 April and runs until the end of May, is expected to attract 400,000 participants to over 650 events across the country.
The Festival will show businesses how to use ideas to prosper during the economic recovery.
Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr urged businesses to get involved in what was the biggest festival of its kind in Australia.
Transport route named
The preferred transport corridor for a rail, road and bus link between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast has been announced.
Depending on environmental approval, the link will be built along the original route for the corridor, across the Mooloolah River.
The transport corridor was set aside many years ago and has remained the first choice after several rounds of community consultation.
Researchers in the money
Queensland’s leading researchers have been allocated $13 million in funding grants for their respective projects.
The University of Queensland is to receive $1.95 million to continue work on eradicating dengue fever; over $1.8 million will go to the Australia-Canada-India Chlamydia Research Alliance; and over a million will go towards better early detection of certain diseases.
Other projects to be funded include a sustainable aviation fuel initiative; production of green algae for biofuels; a portable MRI scanner; and research into pain killers with reduced side effects.
Air safety changes
New procedures for aircraft operations at Mount Isa airport are expected to improve flight safety.
Local pilots have been urged to attend a workshop on the procedures that will be run by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority on 7 May.
The procedures are to apply to all airports without an operating air traffic control tower from 3 June, when all aircraft will be required to carry and use an aviation radio.
Townsville forum
Top-level talks on Townsville’s potential to become the State’s second capital city have taken place at a regional forum.
Minister for Main Roads and Member for Thuringowa, Craig Wallace said with over 2,000 people settling in Queensland each week and most going to the south east it was time for Townsville to shine.
Mr Wallace said Townsville’s Defence base, university, TAFE complex, strong Government presence, international marine research facilities and port were significant attractions.
EOI for ecotourism
Expressions of interest from private investors to develop and operate low-impact ecotourism accommodation at Ninney Rise in Mission Beach have opened.
The site will be the first of seven to be investigated as part of the Tourism Action Plan to 2012.
Pending further investigation, the other six sites will be released later in the year. Applications for Ninney Rise close on 11 June with further information available from www.tourism.industry.qld.gov.au
Cooktown for rehab
A new residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation service near Cooktown is to be established at a cost of $13 million.
The Federally-funded project will feature 15 family-sized rooms and be custom designed to accommodate up to 45 people.
The project is expected to create 20 jobs for staff who will provide clients with intensive treatments including work readiness programs, support, counselling and relapse prevention programs.
Google improves ABS data
Regional information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics will now be easier to find with the implementation of a new Google Maps interface.
The National Regional Profiles now use Google Maps to make it easier to find information on Local Government Areas and other types of regions.
There are more than 2,000 Regional Profiles, each offering a range of current social and economic indicators over a five year period.
Emergency graduates
Twenty graduates from the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy in Brisbane have joined the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service after completing one of the most highly regarded firefighter courses in the world.
The graduates come from a range of backgrounds including the shipping and building trades, the Defence Force, professional sport and the business world.
They will begin their new careers at postings including Beenleigh, Bowen, Brisbane, Charters Towers, the Gold Coast and Mackay.
Kids connect
In a first for Queensland, a Townsville-based Child Connect Officer is delivering outreach services to local children with a disability and their families as part of a two-year pilot.
The officer, Sue Eldred is visiting child care centres and private homes, connecting local children to doctors, therapists and other important services.
Child Connect is aimed at children aged zero to six and aims to link them to early intervention services, health services and parenting support programs.
