24 April, 2008
Performance review
is hard act to beat
The Service Delivery and Performance Commission has completed a review of performance management across the QPS, finding room for significant improvement.
The Commission has made eight major recommendations.
According to its report Strengthening Performance Management in the Queensland Government, the SDPC believes it is time for a “second phase of development” to increase the Government’s capacity to plan, resource, implement, measure and evaluate performance at a whole-of-Government level.
“The Queensland public sector already has sound governance, planning and resource management systems in place,” the SDPC says.
“The report’s recommendations therefore focus on achieving change in critical areas.”
It says its aim is to make performance issues, risks and opportunities across all Agencies more visible to Government.
It identifies better outcomes for clients, better service delivery and extended capabilities for the Public Service as benefits to be gained from improved PS performance.
“Consultations with Directors-General and senior managers across the public sector found that while the (current) systems largely met the needs of individual Departments, public sector systems were less than effective when dealing with complex performance issues that cut across multiple Agencies.”
It said this led on to the need for better integration of planning, management and information; improved performance measurement and monitoring; and strengthening the quality of advice to Government.
It said by acting as a single entity, rather than a collection of separate Agencies, the Public Service would be strengthened and its usefulness to the Government enhanced.
“In this way, more coherent and connected policy, resource allocation and performance management analyses and recommendations for action can be advanced to the political arm of Government for decision making.”
Included in the report’s eight recommendations were calls for Agencies to be able to maintain their strategic plans for four years; for a high level performance measurement framework to be established; for the Department of Premier and Cabinet to monitor Agency performance against priority targets; and for regular reports to be produced for Cabinet detailing PS progress towards national and international benchmarks.
The SDPC noted that a number of recommendations had already been acted upon by Treasury prior to the report being tabled.
In separate reports, the SDPC found that performance management at the Department of Premier and Cabinet was “not yet well developed,” and the Office of the Public Service Commissioner was having difficulty demonstrating independence and leadership.
All the SDPC reports can be accessed at www.sdpc.qld.gov.au
24 April, 2008
Local summit is
good 2020 idea
Queensland is to stage its own form of 2020 Ideas Summit to build on the momentum created by the Federal Government initiative held in Canberra recently.
Premier, Anna Bligh has announced that Queensland 2020 would be held at Parliament House in about six weeks, when all the State’s representatives at the Canberra event would be called together again to continue to develop ideas and policies.
“We will keep the 2020 work alive,” Ms Bligh said.
She said the coming meeting would harness the positive energy that came from the Canberra Summit to ensure that Queensland continued to play a lead role in the national directions that came from it.
“I want people to be fully involved in charting our 2020 future together,” Ms Bligh said.
“It’s about generating a culture that ideas - and diversity of ideas - is a good thing.”
She said three of the 10 Summit sections were co-chaired by Queenslanders and other attendees from the State made significant contributions.
“Whether it’s building the economy, improving the lives of indigenous Queenslanders, growing regional and rural communities or other big challenges - I'm determined to make a difference and our 2020 delegates can help me in this task,” Ms Bligh said.
She said some of the major issues ahead included:
- David Solomon’s review of Freedom of Information which would put Queensland at the national forefront of promoting new standards of open and accountable government; and
- The challenge of ensuring that productivity gains in early childhood education brought about by her call for a nationally-consistent education curriculum, were returned to the education sector
“We have to work in an even more unified way to make sure our hospital and health care services meet future needs.”
She said climate change was another area that demanded creativity, particularly in support for green alternatives to provide other sources of power - like solar and geothermal power.
She said the Queensland weekend would further inform dialogue across Queensland as the State developed responses in the priority areas of planning the State’s future.
24 April, 2008
Treasury Handbook has cash in hand
Treasury has published a new Cash Management Handbook for Departments and Agencies.
The Handbook was produced to help Departments and Agencies apply effective cash management concepts and principles to their bank accounts in order to protect the Government’s money and ensure it had the maximum amount available to pay for its social and economic objectives.
In the Handbook, Treasury says the Government manages a “significant quantity” of taxpayers’ funds and PS employees had a responsibility to manage them properly.
“In the private sector, one of the objectives of financial management is to maximise wealth,” the Handbook says.
“In a public sector context, the objective is not so much to maximise wealth, but to maximise the funds available.”
It said the Handbook was published to raise awareness and create an appreciation of cash management concepts and principles so that they became an integral part of all Agencies’ financial operations.
“At a whole-of-Government level, effective cash management involves maximising available cash, minimising short-term borrowing costs and maximising earnings on surplus cash balances.”
The Handbook says that to maximise available cash, Agencies needed to understand their bank accounts’ cash inflows and outflows and where possible, manage them to achieve the optimal outcome for the Government.
“For example, this could involve making payments only on the due date and not as soon as an invoice is received,” it says.
The Handbook covers such topics as investments, overdrafts, forecasting, discounts, asset management and much more.
It is available to download at www.treasury.qld.gov.au and users’ comments would be welcomed. They could be made to Treasury’s Fiscal and Taxation Policy Branch.
- David Solomon’s review of Freedom of Information which would put Queensland at the national forefront of promoting new standards of open and accountable government; and
- The challenge of ensuring that productivity gains in early childhood education brought about by her call for a nationally-consistent education curriculum, were returned to the education sector
“We have to work in an even more unified way to make sure our hospital and health care services meet future needs.”
She said climate change was another area that demanded creativity, particularly in support for green alternatives to provide other sources of power - like solar and geothermal power.
She said the Queensland weekend would further inform dialogue across Queensland as the State developed responses in the priority areas of planning the State’s future.
24 April, 2008
Marching cleaners sweep to Parliament
The Queensland Public Sector Union has reported that up to 2000 school cleaners, maintenance workers and their PS and other supporters marched on Parliament House to protest against plans to outsource their jobs
The Union said the marchers sent a clear message to the Government: “our jobs are not out for tender.”
“The successful rally saw large numbers of school cleaners and maintenance workers join forces with other public sector workers, in a display of determination,” the Union said, “to fight the Government’s plan to contract out jobs in schools and elsewhere, under Public Private Partnership arrangements.”
The Union said the march was a joint rally between the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union which covered school cleaners and the QPSU whose members included janitor groundsmen.
QPSU General Secretary, Alex Scott said the march was part of a wider ‘positively public’ union campaign.
“The plan to contract out school cleaning and maintenance for new schools in South-East Queensland was a clear and present danger for Queensland’s public services,” Mr Scott said.
He said the State Government had broken its word by agreeing to contract out the jobs of schools workers and that similar arrangements in other States had led to “dirty, unsafe schools.”
He said the Government had been elected to deliver public services, not outsource them so private companies could make a profit.
Mr Scott said a delegation of protesters hoping to find out why the Government was committed to the plan, was met by a Parliamentary Secretary.
Schools officers taking part in the action received special “schools officers united” vests.
“All attendees at the rally were urged to maintain their energy until the PPP plans are reversed and the Government commits to retaining all current and future jobs under locally accountable public employment,” Mr Scott said.
24 April, 2008
Disaster Centre to strike round clock
The State Disaster Co-ordination Centre is to go 24/7 by monitoring disasters around the clock.
Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said the Government would upgrade its monitoring service to ensure Emergency Management Queensland could respond immediately to disaster situations.
"EMQ has an on-call system and on-call officers were tasked with activating the State Disaster Co-ordination Centre office within one hour of initial notification," Mr Roberts said.
"The on-call system has worked well. It worked well in the recent floods and monsoonal rains.
"However, the on-call system has placed additional pressure on staff who were already responding to extraordinary events."
Mr Roberts said EMQ expected the permanent watch office to start operating in July.
He said EMQ was working with local Councils, other Government Agencies and communities to provide effective communications about preparing for, responding to and recovering from natural disasters.
Speaking at the Natural Disaster Summit in Townsville recently, Mr Roberts said it provided n important opportunity to plan for the future and to work to strengthening the resilience of communities across the State.
24 April, 2008
Hotline heats up gas and electricity
Enquiries about electricity, gas and mining matters can now be made on a new, free, telephone hotline.
Mines and Energy Minister, Geoff Wilson announced the new service saying it had been operating for a week and had already received about 200 calls.
“A large volume of calls related to mining grants with callers wanting to know how to apply for them,” Mr Wilson said.
He said callers dialled 1800 657 567 to be connected to an operator who could help them with their inquiry.
“With just one phone call, callers will be able to get the right response from the right person without being transferred between Departments,” Mr Wilson said.
“It’s streamlined and it’s free.”
He said the new inquiry line complemented a range of existing services, particularly for energy customers.
“Customers making enquiries in relation to electricity and gas supplies should, in the first instance, try to get their problem resolved through their supplier.”
“If they can’t get a satisfactory response I would encourage them to contact the Energy Ombudsman Queensland.
Mr Wilson said the Government had set up the Office of the Energy Ombudsman to help protect the rights of consumers.
“It’s a free, dispute resolution service and it gives consumers somewhere to turn,” he said. He said the toll free number for the Energy Ombudsman was 1800 662 837.
24 April, 2008
Tradesmen urged to trade jobs and teach
Tradespeople in the plumbing, refrigeration and air-conditioning industries were being urged to consider a career change and become teachers.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Government would pay for teaching training for qualified tradespeople so they could share their skills with tomorrow’s tradespeople
“We currently face a shortage of teachers in the plumbing and refrigeration and air-conditioning trades,” Mr Welford said, “which means we cannot get our apprentices trained as quickly as we would want.”
He said SkillsTech Australia, which was the State’s leading TAFE institute in trade and technical training, had a waiting list of 255 wanting to be trained at refrigeration and air-conditioning apprentices. He said it was already training 760.
“This shows that Queenslanders are responding to the need for more skilled workers in crucial trades,” Mr Welford said.
But it also showed more teachers were needed to meet the demand.
He said SkillsTech Australia had taken on seven additional teachers to teach its plumbing apprentices.
“We would like experienced tradespeople to apply for trade teaching positions,” he said.
Mr Welford said Skills Tech Australia would help interested tradespeople make the career transition by funding their training in Certificate and Diploma level teaching studies.
“The institute is also keen to explore flexible working arrangements – part-time, seasonal, contract and full-time,” he said.
Mr Welford said there were many benefits for tradespeople who became trade teachers and it was a challenging and rewarding career shift.
He invited interested tradespeople to visit www.teachyourtrade.com.au or phone 1800 654 447 for more information.
24 April, 2008
Banana growers give inspectors the slip
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries inspectors have given banana growers in the Gold Coast area a clean bill of health following a “biosecurity blitz” on local banana plants.
Two inspectors from the Department’s pest police - Biosecurity Queensland - recently spent several days in the area, checking commercial plantations and backyards for banana pests and diseases.
Biosecurity Queensland regularly undertakes surveillance up and down the State to check for both exotic and endemic pests and diseases.
According to DPI&F District Inspector, Alison Shields, monitoring banana diseases in the South East region was one of her main biosecurity priorities.
"Biosecurity Queensland spends a lot of time checking plants for pests and diseases,” Ms Shields said.
“On the off chance that we do find something, being able to catch or contain it before it can impact on our plant industries is really important.”
She said the focus of her trip to the Gold Coast, along with fellow inspector Rebecca Byrnes, was to check for banana diseases like banana bunchy top virus and other problems such as pest banana species.
“Fortunately, despite looking high and low, our inspections came up clear,” she said.
Ms Shields said it was important for people to remember that it was illegal to move banana plants, or to plant and cultivate certain varieties of bananas, without a permit from DPI&F.
"Buying or selling banana plants at your local flea market, or getting a sucker from your neighbour might sound convenient, but it could threaten the State's banana industry, and leave you with a fine of up to $75,000,” Ms Shields said.
"You can also help protect Queensland by calling DPI&F on 13 25 23 immediately if you see anything unusual on your banana plants or in your garden."
She said anyone planning to grow bananas in their home garden or commercially should contact DPI&F to obtain information on their legal obligations.
24 April, 2008
Temperatures rise over nurse recruits
The Minister for Health, Stephen Robertson has responded to comments from the Queensland Nurses Union by saying the Government is continuing to implement strategies to recruit and retain nurses in Queensland’s public hospitals and had recognised that the nursing workforce was ageing.
“As nurses retire from the profession we need more nurses entering it,” Mr Robertson said.
He said the Government had employed record numbers of nurses since 2005 but the problem arose when the former Commonwealh Government failed to fund train enough training places.
“Since June 2005 we’ve employed 4,865 more nurses,” he said.
“That’s a total of 26,776 Queensland Health nurses now compared to 21,911 nurses in June 2005.
He said the Government had also invested in strategies to increase the “pipeline” of nurses into the future including a Graduate Nurse Online recruitment process.
“We continue to undertake national and international recruitment campaigns to attract nurses from the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the southern states,” he said.
“To date this campaign has attracted nearly 200 nurses.”
Mr Robertson said the Government was also ensuring clinical placement opportunities for student nurses.
“Queensland Health is working with TAFE Queensland to increase places for Enrolled Nurses and Assistants in Nursing,” he said.
“We are also about to launch an informed media campaign to improve the image of nursing as a career path of choice for school leavers, and to attract former nurses back into the workforce.
He said Indigenous nurses were being offered student nurse cadetships and funding to support three Indigenous student midwives and two refresher programs had been provided.
He said the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer was also established to drive state wide nursing strategy, policy and innovation.
“Queensland nurses are also among the highest paid in the country,” he said.
“Queensland can be nationally and internationally competitive when it comes to recruiting nurses.” Mr Robertson said.
24 April, 2008
Pilot for peanuts in allergy program
A Pilot program is to be launched in south-east Queensland to train teachers to protect schoolchildren from the threats of deadly peanuts and bee stings.
Premier Anna Bligh has welcomed the program which she said would improve education services for affected children and put the minds of parents at rest.
Ms Bligh said about 1700 Queensland students suffered from allergies severe enough for peanuts and bee stings to kill them.
She said the pilot program would show teachers and other State school staff techniques for the management and treatment of the allergies, and how to save lives.
“Like the rest of Australia, Queensland is seeing an increase in the number of students with this condition,” Ms Bligh said.
“These students have severe allergies to foods and other things, including bee stings, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, cow’s milk, insect stings or bites, latex or certain medications which can cause anaphylactic reactions.
She said a school in her own constituency had six students who were at risk and most of the teachers in the school had been trained to deal with them.
“We focused on improving services and we want to put the expertise in place to care for the safety of these children across the State,” Ms Bligh said.
Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford said more the 1500 teachers would be trained in the program.
“It will run until the end of June, targeting four of our education regions in the State’s south-east,” Mr Welford said. The four regions were greater Brisbane, Moreton, South Coast and Sunshine Coast.
“The pilot program will be assessed at the end of June, to determine opportunities to further expand the program to other areas of the State.”
He said the training would be provided by the Queensland Ambulance Service and include instruction on anaphylaxis management, including the administration of medication such as an EpiPen, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
“Our Government is taking this situation very seriously,” Mr Welford said.
“I also encourage schools to continue to communicate with parents and carers whose support is vital to the management of students’ health.”
24 April, 2008
Fillies now Mayors in Council make-up
Women candidates in the recent Local Government elections set new records for success, taking out more than a third of the available seats on Queensland Councils.
Local Government Minister, Warren Pitt described the increased representation of women on Councils as a “hallmark of the post-amalgamation era of Local Government.”
“Since last month's Local Government elections, all Councils have now held their first meetings,” Mr Pitt said, “(and) for the first time ever, about one-third of the people taking their seats in the 73 Council chambers at those meetings are women.”
He said women had a key role to play in planning for the future and their contribution was “vitally important” to Councils throughout the State.
“As a government, we are committed to working hard to increase the number of women involved in our Local Councils,” Mr Pitt said.
“Therefore, I am pleased to see that 177 female Mayors and Councillors have been elected to represent the people of Queensland for the next four years.”
He said the increase in Councillor positions held by women had increased by almost five percent since 2004 and was up from 28 per cent in 2000.
‘This is a very positive trend – one that we are determined to see continue.”
He said some of the State’s most high-profile Local Governments were now headed by women Mayors including Logan, Cairns, Redland City and Bundaberg.
He said on the Fraser Coast Council, seven of the 10 Councillors, or 70 per cent, were women.
“The results are similar in Cairns, where the mayor, Val Schier, has been joined by six female Councillors.
“Brisbane City’s poll was also positive, with 42 percent, or 11 out of 26 Councillors, being female,” Mr Pitt said.
24 April, 2008
Feds’ green projects are corps promises
The Federal Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, has announced 12 new Green Corps projects for Queensland.
Projects at Mackay, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Hervey Bay and Indooroopilly were on the list, all of which would be funded by the Commonwealth and give young people 17 to 20 the opportunity to take part in projects that conserved, preserved and restored Australia’s environment and cultural heritage.
Mr O’Connor said the Queensland projects included:
* Rehabilitation and management of Pioneer Catchment and coastal dunes and wetlands at Mackay;
* A Maroochydore and Caloundra riparian and revitalisation project;
* Green links at Tambourine Mountain;
* Revegetation of river areas at Hervey Bay and Urangan; and
* The Whipbird Gully rehabilitation project at Moore Park, Indooroopilly.
"The new round of Green Corps projects gives young people the chance to get involved with projects that restores and preserves our beautiful natural environment and heritage and acquire accredited training which will assist them in their future work or studies," Mr O’Connor said.
"Young people work in teams under the supervision of a qualified team leader, earn a weekly training allowance while at the same time receive training in recognised skills that are designed to lead to work in related fields.
He said Green Corps was a way for young people to work in a team environment, learn new skills and make a very positive, long standing contribution to their community.
Mr O’Connor said other Locations in Queensland which had had projects approved include Mareeba, Townsville, Mackay, Tambourine Mountain, Brisbane, Cooloola, Bluewater, Nambour, the Fraser Coast and Cairns.
He said the projects were among 65 new Green Corps projects Australia-wide.
For more information about Green Corps visit www.greencorps.gov.au
24 April, 2008
50,000th sale is one for the cards
The 50,000th Go Card has been sold, prompting the Minister for Transport, John Mickel to describe the cross-service ticketing scheme as off to a ‘good start.”
The purchaser of the milestone card won $250 in free travel.
Mr Mickel congratulated the purchaser, Catherine Raff and said he was thrilled the 50,000th card had been sold.
"Reaching 50,000 Go Cards is a wonderful achievement,” Mr Mickel said, “and I am very happy for Ms Raff who will now enjoy months of free travel on her card."
He said the public’s adoption of the Go Card was progressing satisfactorily with about 3000 new users signing up every week.
"There have been over 800,000 journeys on the card and almost $2.8 million has been loaded onto Go Cards across South East Queensland,” he said.
"For a system many predicted would never get off the ground this has been a great start.”
Ms Raff said she had bought the card on a friend’s recommendation because “I'm always running late and never have time to get a ticket.”
Ms Raff said she used the train to travel to the city a couple of times a week, and at that rate, the $250 prize could provide her with travel for more than five months.
Mr Mickel said he hoped the Go Card would become even more popular.
"We now look forward to making go card an even better option for public transport users in South East Queensland," he said.
24 April, 2008
New place name cornered in NSW
Queensland has been given a new geographically significant place name with a part of the border with NSW being named the Gregory and Greaves Corner.
Natural Resources Minister Craig Wallace said the new place name would join the State’s three other corners: Cameron Corner, Poeppel Corner and Haddon Corner where the State’s borders met NSW, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
He said the new name applied to a fourth corner on the Queensland map, where the NSW border intersected the Barwon River at latitude 29 degrees south.
“The corner is located near the township of Mungindi,” Mr Wallace said.
“It is the point where the Queensland-NSW border changes from a straight line to a squiggle.”
He said the site was the only “corner” on the State boundary yet to be named.
“The corners of our State have a special fascination for people,” Mr Wallace said.
“People like to say they have stood on the exact spot were two or three States and Territories meet.”
He said he hoped Gregory and Greaves corner would become a new tourist attraction.
“The name Gregory and Greaves Corner honours Sir Augustus Charles Gregory and William Albert Greaves, who surveyed and marked parts of the Queensland-New South Wales border in 1865,” he said.
“Sir Augustus Gregory was Queensland’s first surveyor-general, as well as an explorer.
“Mr Greaves was the NSW district surveyor for Armidale.”
Mr Wallace said the proposal to name the corner after Gregory and Greaves was first publicised in 2007 and public comment was invited.
“It received support from the community, from the Balonne Shire Council, and I’m pleased to advise the descendants of Sir Augustus Charles Gregory also fully support the proposal,” Mr Wallace said.
He said naming the corner was an historical day for Queensland. “A fourth special corner of our State is now officially named.”
24 April, 2008
New film deal is good Korea move
A new phase in the international collaboration between Queensland and the Republic of Korea has been entered with the Pacific Film and Television Commission signing a ground-breaking agreement with two Korean film agencies.
The Minister for trade, John Mickel, said the partnership placed Queensland at the forefront of a potential new force in the global film industry.
Mr Mickel said signing the Memorandum of Understanding was an element of a three-day Korean trade mission to Queensland.
“The MoU will provide a strong platform from which to launch new and innovative film projects,” Mr Mickel said.
“(It) will give rise to business opportunities and exchanges for our film industries and students.”
He said the MoU was a tribute to the closeness of the Queensland-Gyeonggi Province Sister State relationship which marked its 10th anniversary last year.
Deputy Chair of the Government-owned PFTC, Jim Soorley signed the MoU with the President of the Gyeonggi Digital Contents Agency and Gyeonggi Film Commission at a ceremony in Parliament House.
Arts Minister Rod Welford said the MoU was the first formal partnership under the creative industries component of the sister-state action plan.
“The film MoU will deliver cultural, education and potential economic benefits to Queensland through increased Korean-Australian co-productions, a free-flow of technical personnel, academic exchange and access to new Korean cinema for our film festival programmers,” Mr Welford said.
“Maintaining the success of Queensland’s screen industry requires ongoing commitment and marketing creativity to stave off international competition.
“Queensland can now tap into burgeoning Asian film markets and generate significant commercial benefits for local companies engaged on Korean productions.”
24 April, 2008
Homeless strategy finds new home
A new regional network is to be rolled out across Queensland to improve the coordination of services for the homeless.
Communities Minister, Lindy Nelson-Carr said funding of almost half a million dollars would be provided over three years to develop and implement the initiative which would lead to more than 220 frontline services operating across the State to find new and creative ways to address the homeless issue.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the initiative revolved around strengthening relationships with non-Government organisations and identifying opportunities for them to work together.
“These organisations already do a great job delivering crisis and emergency assistance to some of our most vulnerable people who have complex problems,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
She said working together more they would be able to deliver improved services to greater numbers of homeless Queenslanders.
She said the organisations worked under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) which was a joint Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments initiative but the new Queensland scheme had been developed by the Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS) in partnership with QShelter.
“QCOSS has been allocated $25,000 to get the new strategy off the ground and open up communication channels between non-Government service providers around the State.”
“Effective networking between SAAP-funded organisations will go a long way to improving the coordination of services and sharing best practice across the sector.”
Record recruitment
Five more officers recruited by the Queensland Ambulance Service will break the record recruitment level planned for this financial year.
The five come on top of the 250 additional ambulance officers budgeted for.
Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts said roster reform had allowed for that total to be increased to 255.
Mr Roberts said another 100 frontline positions would be filled following the appointment of the 255 additional officers, funded from savings identified in an audit.
Ports weather storm
The findings of a major review of Queensland's port system has been welcomed by mining companies, transport providers and port authorities.
The Review of Current Port Competition and Regulation in Queensland: Final Report, highlights the strength of the State's port system and broadly supported current arrangements
Transport Minister, John Mickel said the review found Government ownership of the port system had assisted economic growth of regions.
Train for Origin
Queensland Rail has announced that it has hundreds of tickets to State of Origin Rugby League matches.
QR said the tickets would be released as part of its an exclusive Traveltrain Holidays package for regional passengers from Gympie North through to Cairns.
The tickets would allow train travellers to watch the Maroons go into battle with the
NSW Blues at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday 11 June.
For more information call Traveltrain between 9 and 5, weekdays 1800 627 655.
Licensing sessions
Free information sessions on licensing and training changes coming into force in the security industry are being offered to the providers of security services and people wanting to join the industry.
The Attorney-General’s Department is putting the courses on before the changes take effect on 1 July.
The locations and dates of the events are Brisbane 6 May, Gold Coast 8 May, Toowoomba 9 May, Cairns 12 May, Townsville 13 May, Hervey Bay 15 May, Mackay 19 May,
Rockhampton 20 May and Sunshine Coast 22 May.
Warhol wows ‘em
The Andy Warhol exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art has been declared a huge success, with final attendance figures reaching 232,000.
Arts Minister Rod Welford said the exhibition, which ran for four months, had attracted visitors from around the State, Australia and overseas.
Director of the Queensland Art Gallery, Tony Ellwood said the response was a great incentive to offer more international and exclusive exhibitions.
“We are now intensively finalising preparations for Picasso and his collection which opens on 9 June,” Mr Ellwood said.
Science facility opened
A new research facility being used by more than 200 scientists has been officially opened.
The University of Queensland’s Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine at Princess Alexandra Hospital was opened by the Minister for Regional Development and Industry, Desley Boyle.
The new building would be part of the facility in which Professor Ian Frazer co-created the world’s first cervical cancer vaccine.
More Ambulance staff
Three additional ambulance officers are being recruited for Gympie, taking the number from 19 to 22
The new crewmembers, which include two paramedics, were expected to start work at the station next month.
The Queensland Ambulance Service was recruiting an additional 255 ambulance officers across the State this financial year.
Employment checks a screening success
The Office of the Public Service Commissioner has issued a directive setting out the rules and procedures for employment screening in the QPS.
Directive 4/08 details the circumstances in which employment screening is required and the processes by which it should be conducted. The Directive applies to all prospective employees of the QPS and some existing employees whose circumstances change.
It says screening may be required for employment in areas providing services to children or for other jobs for which a criminal history check is warranted.
According to the Directive, a prospective employee cannot be forced to reveal a criminal history but can be required to agree to a check.
“A person must not be asked by a selection panel (either before or during an interview to decide the recommended person) to disclose anything about their criminal history,” the Directive says.
“Employment screening may be conducted only on a recommended person …(and) … it can only occur with their written consent.”
It says the requirement for employment screening must be included in the role description for the job along with information on the screening process.
It says a recommended person has seven days to provide written consent and failure to do so may rule the applicant ineligible for the position.
The Directive says current employees may also be required to undergo screening checks if the circumstances surrounding their job, Department, or indeed, across the Government change.
“These changed circumstances can include:
* redeployment, secondment, transfer and appointment to a job;
* work performance or interchange arrangements;
* starting training as an apprentice or trainee; or
* incorporation of new tasks or responsibilities into a job.”
If the check results in the employee being unable to perform the duties of the new position, the Directive says he or she should be placed in another job at the same substantive classification level.
“A current employee must disclose any charges or convictions,” the Directive says. “Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.”
The Directive warns Public Servants not to disclose the results of a screening check, except for the purpose of assessing the person for the job.
It says that a criminal history did not automatically exclude an applicant from being appointed to a position as Agency Chief Executives needed to take into account the nature of the duties to be performed and the seriousness, age and relevance of the reported criminal activity.
Appeal rights existed for those who received an adverse decision following a check.
17 April, 2008
QFRS turns up heat
on firefighter study
A proposed national study into cancer among firefighters is to be actively supported by the Queensland Government.
Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts, said the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) was prepared to head up the study, initially proposed by Monash University.
“I will be writing to the relevant Ministers from other State Governments (and) asking for their support,” Mr Roberts said.
He said he would flag with them Queensland’s desire to lead the investigation.
He said the QFRS’s commitment to the study followed a Queensland Health report into five cases of cancer among firefighters from the Atherton Fire Station in the State’s far north.
“At our request, Queensland Health completed an epidemiological investigation,” Mr Roberts said.
“The Queensland Health study found that the incidence of brain cancer among Atherton firefighters does fit the definition of a cancer cluster.”
He said the study did not find any hazards at the station that could have caused brain cancer.
“Despite this finding, QFRS has initiated additional environmental testing at the station and this is expected to commence soon.”
He said the QFRS would act on the nine recommendations made by the Queensland Health study.
“A key recommendation is for the Fire Service to consider conducting further studies into the incidence of brain cancer among firefighters,” Mr Roberts said.
He said the national study would be designed to identify if any other stations had similar cancer rates to Atherton.
He said the Retired Firefighters Association had been approached to support the research through its database of former firefighters and QFRS would cross check its staff records with the Cancer Registry.
Mr Roberts said the proposed study recommended a broader inquiry into the incidence of cancer among firefighters generally.
17 April, 2008
Guidelines show way
to planning award
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning has won a special award for its social infrastructure guidelines.
The Department’s guidelines took out the Social and Community Planning category at the Planning Institute of Australia’s National Awards in Sydney.
The guidelines were developed for the South East corner of the State, and to help deliver social infrastructure more efficiently to ensure community needs were met.
Parliamentary Secretary to Minster for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe, said the winning guidelines were the first in Australia to attempt to provide principles for social infrastructure planning.
“Once again, Queensland has proven it is the Smart State,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Social infrastructure is an important planning area because it covers community facilities like hospitals schools and community Centres,” he said.
“These are important facilities that need to be planned so community needs are met.”
Mr Hinchliffe said the South East region’s population was expected to increase by a million people by 2026, and the guidelines were designed to help Government Agencies, community groups and developers plan for this.
“The award recognises how important it is to build strong communities through infrastructure such as schools, art galleries, kindergartens and Police Stations,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.
He said the guidelines helped ensure Queenslanders could continue to improve their quality of life and further develop their skills.
“Infrastructure is more than roads, water and sewerage - we also have to make sure social infrastructure and services are provided so communities can be strong and prosperous.”
“The guidelines apply to new communities and can also help existing communities to overhaul existing social infrastructure and address emerging needs.”
Mr Hinchliffe said further information on the guidelines could be viewed at www.dip.qld.gov.au.
17 April, 2008
PS ticked off in
workforce survey
A survey by an employment company has shown that Public Servants across Australia enjoy their working hours and conditions, are continuously on the lookout for another job but don’t particularly like their bosses.
The study, by internet placement agency SEEK, highlighted mixed feelings among Public Servants when it came to their jobs.
There was strong support for flexible working hours and family-friendly working hours but more than half the staff surveyed felt unappreciated at work and 28 per cent were unhappy with the quality of overall management.
SEEK surveyed 5159 jobseekers and found that despite the perceived difficulties in the profession, Public Servants were the workers most likely to plan another decade or more with the same employer. Flexible conditions were the highlights of the job, with one in five Government workers saying they loved that part of their deal.
The National Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union which has members in a number of States, Stephen Jones warned that the impact of cuts to the Public Service could result in a loss of talent from the Public Services.
SEEK sales director Joe Powell said while Government work might be the last bastion of the job-for-life, it had a downside for job placement agencies.
“The public sector has set the benchmark for flexible working conditions, however, there comes a point where conditions can become so comfortable that it is difficult for staff to move on,” he said.
17 April, 2008
Treasury plans are
money in the bank
The Treasury has issued a series of Guidelines to assist Departments and Agencies meet their planning obligations under the Financial Management Standard 1997.
A Planning Overview, Strategic Planning Guidelines and Operational Planning Guidelines have been published, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and requesting Agencies to offer suggestions for their ongoing improvement.
The Planning Overview explains why planning is required, what plans need to be prepared and outlines the issues for Departments and Agencies to consider.
“Planning is an integral part of the Queensland Financial Management Framework,” the Overview says.
“Planning is a cyclical process through which an Agency determines an appropriate desired future position in the light of environmental factors and identifies the means by which this is to be achieved.”
It says the planning process included deciding what would be delivered during the period of the plan, the resources required and how success would be measured.
It says the FMS required each accountable officer and statutory body to develop Strategic Plans (covering 4 years); Asset Strategic Plans (covering 4 years); ICT Resources Strategic Plans (4 years); and an Operational Plan (covering no more than a year).
“Each accountable officer and Statutory body must ensure that the Agency’s operational Plan, Asset Strategic Plan an ICT Resources Strategic Plan are consistent with, and support, the Agency’s Strategic Plan,” the Overview says.
It also says Agencies may be required to produce other plans, including Corporate Procurement Plans, Equal Employment Opportunity Management plans; Information Privacy Plans; Waste Management Plans and others.
More information on the Planning Overview and the Guidelines that have already been published, can be obtained from the Treasury website www.treasury.qld.gov.au
17 April, 2008
Leasehold review is
rental as anything
The Department of Natural Resources and Water has called for public comment on proposed changes to rents charged for the use of State leasehold land.
Minister, Craig Wallace, said the review was part of a larger review of the policy Land Regulation 1995.
Mr Wallace said the rents were being reviewed to reflect their uses better and to ensure the public received a fair return.
He released a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for the proposed Land Regulation 2008 saying it was an example of a commitment to an open and accountable Government.
“Through this RIS we are broadening the consultation to include all stakeholders and invite public feedback to the proposed regulation changes,” Mr Wallace said.
He said under the proposed changes, many community-based organisations could see their rents fall.
“The changes suggested will mean increased rents for some commercial operations but significant decreases for those lands used by community organisations for the public benefit.
“For instance, urban communications sites in South East Queensland will attract a rental of $15,000 per annum, reflecting their commercial value, while those sites leased for communications and providing a community benefit will see a significant reduction in their rent to $100.”
He said the Government would lose a substantial amount of revenue to allow the rent decrease for community and service organisations.
He said the RIS also addressed land use categories, equality of rentals for similar land uses and a simpler administration system.
Mr Wallace said the proposed changes included an increase in minimum rents for private benefit users, phased-in to $370 over a two-year period, which would reflect the cost of administering such leases.
Mr Wallace said in the future, minimum rents would be adjusted according to increases in the Consumer Price Index.
17 April, 2008
Premier says
GG is sure bet
Her Excellency, the Governor, Quentin Bryce has been congratulated by the Premier on her appointment as Australia’s next Governor-General.
Premier Bligh said Ms Bryce had been a Governor for all Queenslanders and she was certain to make an outstanding Governor-General.
“As I said in January when I announced an extension of her term as Queensland Governor, Her Excellency is an outstanding role model,” Ms Bligh said.
“She has been a passionate advocate for the rights of women and children.”
Ms Bligh said she understood and applauded the Prime Minister’s decision to make the appointment.
“I am also pleased that her in new role she will continue to play a major part in the lives of Queenslanders.”
“I hope she will be able to join as we celebrate 150 years of Statehood next year.” Ms Bligh said the Governor-General designate had served as Queensland Governor for almost five years and had only recently accepted an extension of her term to 2010.
She said Ms Bryce and her husband had been tireless ambassadors for the State, travelling to the UK, US and Japan promoting Queensland and its trade and cultural alliances.
“Since becoming Governor Her Excellency and Mr Michael Bryce have undertaken over 100 tours and visits to rural, remote, and regional Queensland,” she said.
The Premier said she would now begin considering the appointment of the State‘s 25th Governor, which would have to be approved by Her Majesty, the Queen.
17 April, 2008
Minister sees way
to better visas
A Queensland Minister has called on the Commonwealth to remove the age barrier from working holiday visas as a way of combating the workforce skills crisis.
Minister for Regional Development and Industry, Desley Boyle has written to the Federal Minister for Immigration, proposing the change, saying holiday visas were only available to 18 to 30 year olds who met certain criteria.
Ms Boyle said increasing the age barrier might provide a solution to the shortage of skilled labour in Queensland and prevent key industries from facing economic downturn.
"With Queensland industry sectors experiencing labour and skills shortages, having working holiday visas only for 18-30 year olds is self-defeating,” she said.
"Why discriminate against older generations when in fact many of these people have the skills and qualifications and experience to help Australia's key industries?”
Ms Boyle said increasing the age barrier to include baby boomers might help to cover labour shortages.
She said overseas baby boomers could view the idea of working in Australia for a year as an enjoyable working holiday.
"There may well be some thousands of baby boomers around the world who would jump at the chance," she said.
Ms Boyle said she had met industry representatives in major growth regions of Queensland who said the biggest challenge they faced was finding skilled workers.
“We need to ensure that our key industries are growing towards employing future generations of Queenslanders.”
She said international workers might be needed temporarily to take the pressure off industries.
"One way to support them may be through removing the age restrictions currently on holiday visas," Ms Boyle said.
She said the number of young Australians travelling overseas on working holidays had created holes in the workforce, and by removing the age barrier, the imbalance could be corrected.
Ms Boyle said labour shortages in Queensland were evident in Whitsunday resorts; rail and train construction companies; regional hospitals and abattoirs.
17 April, 2008
Green light for
climate change
A report on the condition of the environment in Queensland has identified climate change as the biggest challenge facing the environment.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the State of the Environment Queensland Report 2007 provided the most comprehensive information available on environmental performance.
“The report – presented by more than 100 experts across Government and academic institutions – identifies climate change as an issue of international significance and local consequences,” Mr McNamara said.
He said the potential impacts of climate change on Queensland’s natural environment raised challenges for the state’s lifestyle, economy and biodiversity.
He said despite the Government’s implementation of key policies since the previous State of the Environment Report in 2003, more action needed to be taken.
“Our environment is under increasing pressure from a rapidly growing population that is consuming more land, more energy and more water, generating more waste and impacting on the natural systems that support life,” Mr McNamara said.
He said it was up to organisations, individuals and communities to face the challenge of addressing the potential impacts of climate change to ensure the preservation of the environment and lifestyles.
“Our future depends on building resilience into our systems so that the environment, society and the economy are all in good condition and work in harmony together.”
Mr McNamara said the Government had introduced a number of initiatives to meet the challenge of helping the environment cope with human habitation. He said these were outlined in the Government’s response to the State of the Environment Report.
He said an important aspect of protection was to monitor the state of the environment to identify and rectify any deterioration.
Among the key findings from the Report were that the State’s average temperature increased by one degree Celsius between 1910 and 2006; nearly all of Queensland had received below average rainfall for the last five years; the air had become cleaner; and fresh water habitats were under increasing pressure from drought, floods, climate change and Queensland’s increasing population.
For more information on the findings, the report and the Government’s response were available at www.epa.qld.gov.au
17 April, 2008
Arrows point way
for train passengers
Large yellow arrows have been painted on platforms at Queensland’s busiest railway station to improve the flow of passengers getting on and off trains.
Minister for Transport, John Mickel said the new signage was being trialed at Central Station as part of Queensland Rail’s “6 Steps to a Better Journey” campaign.
He said in addition to improving the flow of passengers at busy stations, other steps to a better journey included buying a valid ticket before boarding, placing bags under seats, keeping feet off seats and turning down the volume on portable music players.
“Trains are busy, particularly during peak hour,” Mr Mickel said, “and people are generally in more of a rush now than ever before.
“This is an effort by QR to help passengers depart from and arrive at their destinations safely.”
Mr Mickel said passengers would notice sets of arrows along the platforms, positioned near the carriage doors of a train once it had arrived and stopped at the station.
In each set, one large arrow directs passengers to leave the train while two smaller arrows either side diagonally point in the opposite direction to the carriage door.
“You won’t miss them,” Mr Mickel said. “They are a vibrant yellow, making them easy to spot and compliant with disability standards.
“They will be on trial for three months and if they pass the test, you’ll see them on more platforms in the future.
He said the “6 Steps to a Better Journey” were featured in posters at stations and on trains.
17 April, 2008
State helps miners
in major battle
The State Government has stepped in to resolve a 13-year battle between mining companies over the rights to land in the Bowen Basin.
Mines and Energy Minister, Geoff Wilson said the Government had introduced legislation to sort out the matter which threatened the jobs of 1800 and tied up about 12 million tonnes of valuable coal that should be yielding returns to the people of Queensland.
"Queensland's mineral wealth belongs to the people of Queensland,” Mr Wilson said. “The Government's job is to be a good steward of these resources,"
He said as Minister for Mines and Energy, he had an obligation to safeguard Queensland’s reputation as one of the best and most reliable producers of coal in the world.
"We've come up with a solution that's in the best interests of Queensland," he said.
He said the two mining companies, BMA (BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance) and Cherwell Creek Coal had been at loggerheads over the rights to mine a parcel of land that overlapped Cherwell Creek’s interests.
"BMA wants to build a new billion-dollar mine to expand its Peak Downs mine,” Mr Wilson said.
"Cherwell Creek has had more than 13 years to develop a coal resource.”
He said the matter was an “historical anomaly” and the Government had to weigh up what was best for Queensland and the workers involved.
“These are exceptional circumstances,” Mr Wilson said. “It's an historic anomaly and we're going to fix it with fairness.”
He said the legislation confirmed BMA's tenure over the land but gave Cherwell Creek the right to claim compensation if it could establish its tenure had value.
"Last year, the Peak Downs mine yielded coal exports of more than $1.2 billion and more than $80 million in coal royalties to the state,” he said.
"These royalties help build our schools and hospitals, put Police on the beat and teachers in our classrooms.”
17 April, 2008
Transport inspectors
get new wheels
Transport Inspectors in Central Queensland have undergone refresher training on a mobile inspection trailer to equip them to provide vehicle inspection services throughout the region.
Transport Minister, John Mickel, who attended the training session in Rockhampton, said the $178,000 trailer would be used to inspect vehicles in country Centres and at roadside spot checks.
"This trailer is an important part of our road safety strategy in Central Queensland,” Mr Mickel said. “It enables spot checks on vehicles wherever they are in the region.
"It also provides convenience for people living outside Rockhampton who need to have their vehicles inspected - they can still have a similar level of service from transport inspectors.”
He said the inspection trailer could test the braking systems of all vehicles to determine efficiency and serviceability, with a printout of the test result available if repairs were required.
Mr Mickel said the inspection trailer also had a suspension play detector and jacking facilities to determine suspension faults and any wear in steering components.
He said the trailer could be managed by two inspectors.
"A team of two inspectors can have the mobile inspection station set up and fully operational within an hour," Mr Mickel said.
17 April, 2008
QUT scholarships
planted by DPI&F
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has awarded scholarships to two students of the Queensland University of Technology.
The $9,500 scholarships have been given to Science Faculty students Leisha Brown of Auchenflower and Mathew Warren of New Farm to help them further their studies in plant biotechnology and invasion ecology.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin, said the annual scholarship scheme, launched in 2007, was an investment in the future of the students, scientific research and the primary sector.
“The Department has recognised the need to grow and develop young scientists who will be the future of Queensland’s agriculture, aquaculture, food technology and horticulture,” Mr Mulherin said.
He congratulated Ms Brown and Mr Warren on receiving the scholarships and said they would also receive research project assistance, academic mentoring and work experience placements.
“Through this scheme we can provide Leisha and Mathew with the opportunity to further their studies and contribute to the future of the State’s primary industries.”
Mr Mulherin said the topics studied by the two students were closely related to those of interest to the DPI&F.
Ms Brown entered QUT’s Honours program this year with plans to study the banana streak virus (BSV).
“By surveying the genetic diversity of BSV in other countries, a reliable and robust DNA test can be developed to diagnose and quarantine the virus, which will contribute to the sustainability of the Queensland banana industry,” Ms Brown said.
Mr Warren said the scholarship he was awarded would enable him to study the area of Invasive pest and Plant Biosecurity.
Mr Mulherin said the scholarships were offered to QUT students enrolled full-time in the second or third year of the Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Mathematics course and who were completing a major in an area relevant to the work of the DPI&F.
For more information on the scholarship scheme, Mr Mulherin said students could contact the Faculty of Science, QUT on (07) 3138 2445.
17 April, 2008
Dept to flesh out
adult shop issue
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning has been asked to review regulations on how close to schools new adult shops should be located.
Acting Premier, Paul Lucas has asked the Department is to consult with the Local Government Association of Queensland over potential changes to planning and other regulations that may have an impact on the location of adult stores.
“We want to be sensible about this,” Mr Lucas said. “These are legitimate businesses but I do understand that some communities are concerned that stores may open up too close to schools.”
He said the review of regulations would be in conjunction with the Office of Fair Trading.
“The State Government will look at ways – whether through changing State policies or strengthening Council planning schemes – to regulate how close to schools adult stores could be established,” Mr Lucas said.
He said while any changes made were unlikely to impact on existing stores, it was possible one of the measures may include providing Councils with standard planning scheme provisions.
“I’m advised that already under the Integrated Planning Act, Councils have the power to amend their planning schemes to address legitimate issues relating to the location of stores,” Mr Lucas said.
He said there were good reasons to look at the issue on a State-wide basis.
“I’ve asked my Department to set up a working group with the Office of Fair Trading and the LGAQ to examine the issues. They will consult with other relevant State Government Agencies and industry representatives,” he said.
Mr Lucas said the Government was reviewing the Integrated Planning Act and was considering introducing the standardised planning scheme for Councils across Queensland.
“This would not mean all Councils would have the same planning schemes – just that they would work from a standard template,” he said.
“I have asked my Department to specifically look at including provisions in the standardised planning schemes regarding distances between adult stores and places such as schools.”
17 April, 2008
Dust monitors
up in the air
Four new air monitoring stations have been installed in Townsville.
Minister for Sustainability, Andrew McNamara, said the stations had been installed at Yarrawonga, North Ward, Townsville City and South Townsville to measure levels of dust in the city.
“The Townsville Dust Monitoring Program will investigate levels of dust and also dust composition to make sure everything is within safe levels,” Mr McNamara said.
He said the four stations were added to the existing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air monitoring network which included stations at Pimlico, Townsville Port and Stuart.
Mr McNamara said live data from the new station in Townsville City had been available on the EPA website since December last year, and that the other new stations had also begun collecting samples.
He said the Townsville network of air monitoring stations was in place to help the EPA respond to concerns about dust from the Townsville community.
“This network will provide detailed information on air quality in Townsville, which has experienced unprecedented urban and industrial growth in recent years,” Mr McNamara said.
“The EPA will continue to liaise with Queensland Health for advice on any human health-related issues as the program progresses.”
He said the EPA’s air scientists would produce quarterly reviews based on dust samples collected from the stations.
“These quarterly reviews will be made available to the public on the EPA website.”
He said the first round of dust sampling would be finished in June, with the remaining quarterly periods ending in September 2008, December 2008 and March 2009.
17 April, 2008
Coal train drivers
on the right track
Moves by Queensland Rail to boost its coal network capacity and recruit more train drivers are backed by the Government according to Transport Minister, John Mickel.
Mr Mickel officially welcomed the next generation of train drivers during his visit to Queensland Rail in Rockhampton.
“QR has new locomotives and wagons progressively coming on-line to help meet the growing demand to move coal,” Mr Mickel said, “and these trainee drivers will become part of the new generation who will support that boom.”
The three women and nine male recruits were chosen from the hundreds who responded to QR’s national recruitment campaign.
QR’s General Manager, Coal South, Geoff Featherstone, said QR was actively investing in new staff, trains and tracks to facilitate their commitment to the coal industry.
“This group of trainees will go through a 28 week program before being deployed to work throughout the Blackwater system,” Mr Featherstone said.
“They’ll be looking at everything from safety awareness to train handling, signaling, scheduling, loco equipment knowledge, route familarisation and shunting.”
He said QR was currently delivering more than 45 million tonnes of coal to port and domestic users.
“This is growing, so it’s vital we have the human resource capability to meet that,” Mr Featherstone said.
17 April, 2008
Motorists warned
The Minister for Transport, John Mickel, has issued a call for motorists to give L and P plate drivers a ‘fair go’.
Mr Mickel said motorists should avoid tailgating, weaving and speeding around novice drivers and he reminded young drivers to adhere to laws and restrictions because they had been put in place to prevent accidents.
Games subscription
The Queensland Office of Gaming Regulation is to launch a new on-line subscription service with their April edition of the Q Gaming Update.
Subscribers could register to receive an email link to newsletters when they are issued.
For more information visit www.qogr.qld.gov.au.
Agreement brings payrise
Public Servants in the Australian Capital Territory Government Service are to receive a 4% payrise this month as part of their three-year collective bargaining agreement.
About 10,000 staff of the ACTGS are covered by the agreement which saw them receive a similar rise in April last year.
Accountant loses money
A Port Macquarie accountant has been fined $3,000 for providing false and misleading financial information to the Queensland Building Services Authority.
The accountant allegedly completed a misleading review report that led BAS to renew a building licence for a company that did not meet the Authority’s requirements.
He has six months to pay the fine or faces four months imprisonment.
Mine grants closing
Mines and Energy Minister, Geoff Wilson, reminded the State’s junior mineral explorers that applications for $240,000 in grants closed on Friday 30 May.
Mr Wilson said junior explorers in Queensland could apply for grants of up to $40,000 to help cover their research costs and for more information he said to visit www.dme.qld.gov.au.
Unaipon Award open
Entries for the David Unaipon Award, one of Australia’s leading Indigenous literary awards, close on 23 May.
Indigenous Writers are encouraged to enter the award which offers unpublished Indigenous writers the chance to win $15,000, become published authors and to be mentored by a publishing house.
For more information visit www.literaryawards.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3405 5215.
New ambulances on coast
Gold Coast ambulance services have been boosted by the addition of two new Patient Transport Vehicles.
The vehicles are worth over $125,000 each and provide non-urgent medical transport. They will be used out of the Gold Coast Hospital and the Coolangatta Ambulance Station.
First responders coming
The Queensland Ambulance Service expects a ‘first responder’ group to be established next month at Bellbowrie in Brisbane’s west.
Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts said the group would consist of volunteers trained in advanced first aid techniques who responded to emergency calls and provided life-saving first aid treatment while an ambulance was on the way.
He said the volunteers were currently undergoing training.
Writers wanted
Writers have been encouraged by the Premier to enter her Literary Awards, which celebrate their 10th anniversary this year.
The Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards offer writers $225,000 in prize money across 14 categories and the opportunity to become better known in the literary world.
Entries close on 23 May and for more information visit www.literaryawards.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3405 5215
10 April, 2008
Department facelift
to face new LGAs
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation is facing a major reorganisation following implementation of the State’s new Local Government arrangements.
Premier, Anna Bligh announced the Departmental restructure, saying it was the biggest change ever to face the Department.
“We have changed the face of Local Government in this State,” Ms Bligh said.
“We have created a more powerful sector (with) Councils better equipped to meet the challenges facing Local Government over the next 20 years.”
She said revamping the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation was the Government’s way of sharing the burden of change.
“I have informed the mayors of Queensland that we will support changes to their Councils with changes of our own,” Ms Bligh said.
She said the Department would set up five regional areas across the State, through which it would provide services and support to Local Governments.
“In July we’ll begin moving about 150 positions from the Brisbane office out into new regional offices in the Far North, North, Central, South West and South East Queensland.
“I have asked the newly elected Mayors to give me their feedback on the best location for the regional offices.
She said the Department was very aware that the needs of western Councils differed from those of Councils in the far north or south east and the new structure would deliver localised support.
“We have delivered a new system of Local Government and we are backing that up with a reshaped Department of Local Government,” Ms Bligh said.
10 April, 2008
Trade Queensland to
compete at Olympics
Trade Queensland is to open a temporary office in the Chinese capital of Beijing in the lead up to the Olympic Games.
The office will open in May and close in August. The Olympics will be held from 8 to 24 August.
Premier, Anna Bligh, who was in China to announce the move, said it would allow Queensland businesses the chance to take advantage of trade opportunities associated with the Olympics and provide a strategic advantage for Smart State businesses.
She said the office would act as a convenient centre for Queensland business and Government visitors.
“It will be staffed by two officials, with supervision from our Trade Queensland office in Shanghai,” Ms Bligh said.
“It will also act as a business referral centre, responding to enquiries from the Chinese Government and local businesses”
She said Trade Queensland officers would provide support to Olympic-specific trade activities and work closely with the Australian Embassy in Beijing as well as other Australian Government agencies, to assist Queensland companies participating in Olympic Games projects.
“They will also be tasked with facilitating individual discussions between Queensland companies joining the ‘Business Club Australia – Beijing 2008' and their Chinese counterparts, as well as organising functions and joint promotional activities with Queensland businesses,” Ms Bligh said.
10 April, 2008
Drug Court research
shows high results
Research released by the Australian Institute of Criminology has shown that rehabilitation through the Queensland Drug Court works.
According to the AIC report, The Queensland Drug Court: A recidivism study of the first 100 graduates, offenders who had taken up the opportunity for rehabilitation through the Drug Court program showed positive outcomes
Director of the Institute, Dr Toni Makkai said the Queensland Drug Court was an innovative sentencing and treatment program that targeted drug use as the root cause of criminal offending, rather than simply sentencing offenders.
"There is a well-established evidence base that shows a high correlation between drug use and criminal activity,” Dr Makkai said, “and special 'drug courts' have developed across Australia as part of an integrated response to drug-related crime.”
She said in all jurisdictions where they currently operated, including Queensland, drug courts sat at the 'hard end' of the criminal justice continuum “offering support and treatment for serious, usually repeat, offenders whose criminal behaviour is the direct result of long-term drug dependency."
Dr Makkai said the research showed that among those who completed the Queensland Drug Court program, offending declined by 80 percent when compared with offending patterns in the 12 months prior to drug court participation.
And she said the pattern was sustained into the medium to long term.
She said offenders who did not complete the program also experienced large declines in offending - a 63 per cent reduction - but this pattern was generally no different from the re-offending rates of drug-dependent prisoners.
Dr Makkai said this indicated that although the Drug Court did not necessarily improve their reoffending outcomes, it had no negative effect in worsening them.
"The findings from the research confirm earlier evidence that those who graduate from the drug court program have significantly improved criminal justice outcomes when compared to those who terminate the program early and/or are otherwise imprisoned," Dr Makkai said.
The AIC report is the third in a series of papers published by the Institute examining the Drug Court program and the outcomes for offenders.
10 April, 2008
Feds bite ballot
on electoral reform
A green paper to explore potential reforms to Australia’s electoral system has been foreshadowed by the Commonwealth.
Federal Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner said his Government already planned to introduce legislation to fix problems with political donations but would also “kick-start” a green paper process that would include all the States and Territories.
Senator Faulkner said the project would reform and modernise electoral processes.
He said while reforms to the donation regime were a priority because they needed to be in place an operating by the start of the next financial year, the Electoral Reform Green Paper would be released in two parts.
The first part would look at disclosure, funding and expenditure issues and the second would examine a broader range of options aimed at strengthening other areas of the electoral law.
He expected Part One to be released for discussion in July 2008 and Part Two, in October 2008.
“The Prime Minister is writing to the Premiers and Chief Ministers to seek their cooperation in progressing electoral reforms and asking them to nominate a relevant Minister to work with the Commonwealth on the green paper process,” Senator Faulkner said.
“The Government will also ask the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters to consider the green paper, and expects to work closely with JSCEM as the process of electoral reform moves ahead.”
Senator Faulkner said the measures would lead to more transparency and openness in the electoral system and improve mechanisms to ensure voters could effectively enrol and vote.
10 April, 2008
Eco-Fund gets
green light
A new fund to pay for the expansion of national parks has been announced by the Premier, Anna Bligh.
She said “Eco Fund Queensland” was an Australian first which would be established to pay for massive expansion of the State’s national parks.
“Eco Fund Queensland will allow the Government, companies and in time even interstate and overseas entities to invest in it,” Ms Bligh said, “at the same time securing the benefit of adding to Queensland’s conservation areas.”
She said the fund would allow Queensland to expand its national parks by 50 per cent by 2020, reaching a target of 12 million hectares, which was the size of two Tasmanias or the size of North Korea.
“At the same time, the total area under conservation tenure will grow from 8.3 million hectares to 20 million hectares – that’s the size of Scotland and England combined.”
Ms Bligh said Eco Fund Queensland would take the ambitious Goss Government’s 5 per cent national park target another step further.
Minister for Sustainability, Andrew McNamara said the Fund would work in two ways. He said one way would be for developers whose projects impacted on the environment to make contributions towards offsets elsewhere after all other measures to avoid or mitigate impacts had been taken and, secondly, for Government, industry, and other entities to off-set their greenhouse gas emissions.
Premier Bligh said under these arrangements, the State would enjoy a double benefit.
“We cut emissions, and the jobs and economic activity associated with the off-set stay right here at home,” she said.
“New and expanded National Parks and alternative energy projects will result. It’s a win win.”
Ms Bligh said the Eco Fund would be set up and operating by 1 January 2009.
“We already have more area within National Parks than any other State and through this fund we will add even more.
She said Queensland had 282 national parks, covering almost 7.6 million hectares from desert to rainforest to reef.
“Future generations will thank us for our foresight and planning,” she said.
10 April, 2008
Land advice Council
brought to ground
A new Advisory Council has been established to advise and make recommendations on key issues involving the Departments of Primary Industries and Fisheries, and Natural Resources and Water.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin announced the Council and its members saying it would assist him with strategic advice on the management of invasive weeds and pest animals, and advise the Minister for Natural Resources and Water on managing the stock route network.
The new body would be known as the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Council.
“The members of the Council bring highly valued experience and qualifications from rural industries, Local and State Government, conservation and natural resource management,” Mr Mulherin said.
He said under the chairmanship of Murray Jones, the Council’s advice would help ensure that the best possible decisions were made in areas such as management programs for declared pests.
“The Council makes recommendations on topics including major control and management programs for weeds and pest animals, research into the management of pests, and management of the stock route network,’’ Mr Jones said.
“The detailed briefings provided at the first meeting will produce many benefits through enhancing the future advice and recommendations which the Council will be providing to the respective Ministers.”
He said among the issues he expected to cross the Council’s table would be collaboration across new Local Governments, natural resource management groups and Biosecurity Queensland as well as programs for species at an early stage of invasion.
As well as Mr Jones, Mr Mulherin said other members of the Council were Russell Stewart, Councillor Dougal Davidson, Councillor Margaret Portess, Francis McKerrow, Teresa Allen, John Agnew, Lawrence Bugeja, Alan Fredrickson, John Bishop, Tim Low, Michael Harris, Tony Rayner and Ron Glanville.
10 April, 2008
Southbank TAFE
learns easy lesson
The Southbank Institute of Technology has become a Statutory Institute, the first in the Queensland TAFE network.
The move will allow students across the TAFE system to access loans to pay part or all of their tuition fees.
Education Minister, Rod Welford said the Institute was the first public training provider to take advantage of reforms made to the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000 last November.
“Southbank’s move to a Statutory Institute represents a milestone in reforms to the vocational education and training sector,” Mr Welford said.
“Statutory TAFE Institutes will be better equipped to make timely commercial decisions, achieve greater commercial growth and develop their training capacity and capability.”
He said students would continue to receive the same quality vocational education and training, but with the added advantage of access to Commonwealth VET Fee-Help assistance if they were eligible
“Southbank Institute of Technology will act on behalf of all TAFE Queensland institutes to offer VET Fee-Help assistance to eligible students.”
He expected this to come into effect during the second half of 2008 and for those eligible for assistance to include full-fee-paying VET students undertaking diplomas and advanced diplomas, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates.
“The move to the Statutory Authority model will allow institutes to respond better to local industry and community needs through location-specific operational plans,” Mr Welford said.
“Statutory TAFE Institutes will have the autonomy and business acuity to meet local customer needs, be innovative, continually improve processes and deliver a financially sustainable organisation,” he said.
10 April, 2008
School report
wins top marks
The third annual Statewide report on the outcomes achieved by Queensland Year 12 students last year has been published.
Prepared by the Queensland Studies Authority, the Year 12 School Outcomes report presents the results of 2007’s graduating seniors across a range of measures and is arranged alphabetically by school.
The report was welcomed by Education Minister, Rod Welford who said it showed the diverse pathways being chosen by today’s students.
He said the information published in the major media around the State had shown students were leaving school well-prepared for the future.
“This information on student and school achievement gives parents a clearer picture of what is happening in Queensland schools,” Mr Welford said.
He said the best measure of a school’s success was its ability to help students fulfil their aspirations, whether that was to attend university, learn a trade, enter employment or earn a vocational qualification.
“Our State needs students who train to be tradespeople as much as we need those who study for the professions,” he said.
Mr Welford said the report showed a 26.7 per cent increase in the number of students awarded a Vocational Education and Training qualification in 2007 but they weren’t all going to students not planning any tertiary study.
“An increasing number of students are obtaining a VET qualification while at school to give them an edge in their chosen career,” he said.
Mr Wellford said a pleasing aspect of the data was that the number of students who were both OP-ineligible and received no VET qualification had decreased by 10.8%.
“That means we have more students leaving school with either a VET qualification and/or an OP score, which gives them more career and study options,” he said.
Mr Welford said that among the data for schools was information about the percentage of students with an OP 1-15, the number completing or continuing school-based apprenticeships or traineeships and the number of vocational qualifications awarded.
“Parents should use the information as a guide, remembering there are many factors that make a school suitable for a student,” he said.
He said release of the data was part of a move to give parents and the community meaningful information about student and school achievements.
The full report is available on the QSA website at www.qsa.qld.edu.au
10 April, 2008
Emergency meeting
avoids disasters
Emergency Management Services across Australia are to adopt common procedures and practices following a meeting of Police and Emergency Ministers in Canberra.
Meeting as the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management, the Ministers issued a communiqué which said they endorsed draft Australian Emergency Management Arrangements which would assist in creating more informed, safer and sustainable communities that were better able to withstand natural disasters.
Chaired by Commonwealth Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, the Ministerial Council comprises State and Territory Ministers for Emergency Services, and the Australian Local Government Association. At its latest meeting, the Council welcomed New Zealand as a new member, represented by NZ Minister for Civil Defence, Rick Barker.
The Ministers set up a working group to report to the Council of Australian Governments on the development and implementation of a nationally consistent emergency warning system in Australia.
All Ministers agreed such a system had the potential to save lives and all expressed a willingness to work to together to ensure better responses to emergencies.
The Council also agreed to work towards implementing the National Emergency Management Strategy for Remote Indigenous Communities which they saw as critical to prepare vulnerable and isolated Indigenous communities from serious disaster. The Council noted the potential for training, education and employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
It also recommended implementing a national standard for the introduction of reduced fire risk cigarettes by early 2009 and noted progress towards a single incident management system and enhancing urban search and rescue capacity including working closely with New Zealand.
The Council acknowledged the invaluable contribution of volunteers and requested a report from the Australian Emergency Management Committee on appropriate methods to recognise, recruit and retain volunteers.
It also asked the Australian Emergency Management Committee to advise on a new public information campaign to better prepare local communities for emergencies and make them more resilient when it came to responding to natural disasters.
10 April, 2008
Skill recognition is
new trades tool
Formal recognition of experience for skilled but unqualified trade workers is to become easier and faster under a new system introduced this month.
The Recognition of Prior Learning process that came into force on 1 April means skilled trade workers could earn nationally-recognised qualifications quicker and with less paperwork.
Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford said recognising the skills and knowledge of experienced but unqualified trade workers was a crucial component of addressing the skills shortage.
“As the labour market continues to tighten and labour shortages emerge, the skills of the existing workforce must be developed,” Mr Welford said.
“We have overhauled the way trade skills are recognised in Queensland to reflect the needs of the modern workforce.
He said Trade Recognition Certificates had been replaced by the more comprehensive Recognition of Prior Learning system that took greater account of skills and experience gained through education, training and life experience.
He said prior to the changes, eligible workers had to have at least six years full-time trade experience after the age of 21 before they could apply for a Certificate of Trade Recognition.
Under the new scheme, assessors will consider life experience and skills learned on the job, review trade competencies and organise for eligible workers to receive a qualification from the Australian Qualification Framework.
“Assessors also will help workers identify skills they may need to achieve a whole qualification and help them access gap training,” Mr Welford said.
More information about having experience recognised can be obtained by contacting a Registered Training Organisation or Skilling Solutions Queensland on 1300 654 687. The webiste http://trainandemploy.qld.gov.au could also be useful.
10 April, 2008
AGs lift bans on
suppression orders
Attorneys-General from around the nation have agreed to a call for greater harmonisation of suppression orders.
At the recent Standing Committee of Attorneys-General they asked their officers to look at the current use of suppression orders and how a national system could be developed to operate them, or at least to record which orders were active.
The call was led by Victorian Attorney-General, Rob Hulls who said a report commissioned by the media coalition, “Australia’s Right to Know”, last year noted a lack of uniformity and clear guidelines on access to court documents and information, including suppression orders. He said it found journalists reported different approaches to rules of access among different levels of Courts and between jurisdictions.
Mr Hulls said a national system for recording active suppression orders and for making them available to the media could reduce the risk of journalists breaching suppression orders unknowingly.
“Suppression orders are needed in certain cases and in Victoria have been crucial in relation to the gangland murder trials,” Mr Hulls said.
“But suppression orders and information about them can be hard to access, particularly for the national media and in an era when so much is published on the internet.
“That is why we need a one-stop shop where people can ascertain details of suppression orders.”
In 2005, the Press Council of Australia also recommended a uniform system for recording and accessing suppression orders.
In Victoria, the Supreme Court has published a guide for journalists covering news in the Courts to assist them with their work.
Mr Hulls said Federal Labor picked up the call in the lead-up to last year’s election. He said Federal Labor undertook to examine model proposals as a positive step in promoting a cooperative relationship between the media and the Courts.
“The use of suppression orders will always be a matter of judicial discretion and they are often imposed to ensure a fair trial,” Mr Hulls said.
“But a uniform approach to their dissemination will help the media report Court cases without the risk of an unintended breach.”
10 April, 2008
Climate agreement
warms up relations
Queensland’s relationship with China has taken a step forward with the signing in Beijing of a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on combatting the effects of climate change.
Premier, Anna Bligh, signed the MoU with the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology, Wan Gang during her visit there this week. Ms Bligh said the agreement was both historic and significant in the State’s relationship with its giant neighbour.
“Climate change is a global problem that requires global answers,” Ms Bligh said.
“By sharing information and technology we can bring together the best approaches and work together to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of global warming.”
She said the MoU focused on climate change sciences as well as other research and development fields such as energy, sustainability, human health and medical research.
She said the first initiative under the agreement would be a Queensland-China Climate Change Fellowship Program.
“Under the Fellowship Program Queensland and Chinese researchers as well as other professionals will be able to participate in a short-term reciprocal exchange programs,” Ms Bligh said.
She said the programs would support at least three applicants from Queensland and three from China for up to four weeks by offering funding grants of between $5,000 and $8000.
“Through our Climate Smart 2050 strategy we are committed to supporting research, development and implementation of technologies and policies that target the lowering of our greenhouse gas emissions,” Ms Bligh said.
“Exposure to new ideas and research from overseas will be invaluable in helping us achieve this goal.”
She said applications for the Fellowship Program would be available from the Queensland Centre for Climate Change Excellence website or by contacting the Centre on (07) 3896 9612.
10 April, 2008
Development Areas
open door for houses
The State’s first Urban Development Areas have been unveiled at Bowen Hills and Northshore Hamilton by the Premier, Anna Bligh.
Ms Bligh said the declarations would lead to more south-east Queensland housing coming on the market sooner.
She said following the passage of legislation last year, declaration of the first two Urban Land Development Areas was a significant step towards getting land and housing on the market quickly.
“Queensland’s toughest challenge in housing affordability is the lack of supply,” Ms Bligh said, “and these new areas will deliver housing for more than 30,000 Queenslanders.
She said the Urban Land Development Agency would plan, manage and deliver the strategic sites to the market, cutting red tape and reducing the cost to industry of delivering housing.
“We expect to see these savings passed on to home buyers who will now have greater housing choices close to employment and transport,” Ms Bligh said.
She said business would also benefit from the move.
“Early work undertaken at Bowen Hills indicates the potential for more than 300,000 square metres of commercial development.
“This additional office space will help ease the significant demands currently being experienced in inner-Brisbane.”
Development activity was expected to begin on the two sites within a year.
“This will change Queensland’s urban areas for the better and create world-class urban areas for future generations,” Ms Bligh said.
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said the ULDA would contact all major landholders in the Bowen Hills and Northshore Hamilton areas which included Queensland Newspapers, the Royal National Association, Queensland Rail and Brisbane City Council.
“These development areas will be congestion busters,” Mr Lucas said.
He said a busy railway station would also ensure the area was ideally positioned to capitalise on overflow from the CBD office market.
Ms Bligh announced that three more Urban Development Areas would be declared this year at Fitzgibbon, Mackay and Woolloongabba.
10 April, 2008
School reform is on
steep learning curve
The Federal Government’s education revolution has taken a step forward with the recent meeting of the Council of Australian Governments agreeing to develop a new schools reform plan for the 21st century.
Commonwealth Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Julia Gillard said the reforms would target disadvantaged school communities, improved teacher quality, greater accountabilities and boosting parental engagement.
She said it was a major plank in an historic COAG agreement “which outlines a productivity and participation agenda that spans early childhood to adulthood.
“The agenda will be outcomes-focused, transparent and reward improved performance. It will underpin the creation of a modern, productive and inclusive Australia,” Ms Gillard said.
She said, at the centre of the schools reform plan was a National Partnership payment from the Commonwealth to State and Territory Governments for the delivery of better education outcomes from disadvantaged school communities.
She said the Governments would work together to identify disadvantaged school communities which would receive well-targeted and integrated support.
New targets were to be written into the Specific Purpose Payments to be negotiated with State and Territory Governments this year. Ms Gillard said the NP payment would be based on the outcomes achieved from those disadvantaged schools.
In addition, COAG has agreed to at least halve the gap for Indigenous students in Year 12 or equivalent attainment rates by 2020.
“This is about giving every child the best possible chance in life and ensuring that we have a productive economy,” Ms Gillard said.
She said the COAG Working Group on the Productivity Agenda would work closely with the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs and the Catholic and Independent schools sectors to develop the next step in the Government’s Education Revolution.
10 April, 2008
Water savings come
out in the wash
The State Government has thanked the people of South East Queensland for their ongoing efforts to save water.
Deputy Premier Paul Lucas used the occasion of World Water Day on 22 March to say the community was leading the way out of extreme Level 6 water restrictions.
“Along with a better wet season, residents are the real champions behind our improved water situation,” he said.
He said South East Queenslanders had responded magnificently to the drought and made saving water part of their everyday lives.
“This is one of the main reasons why the Queensland Water Commission has judged it is safe to make the first relaxation of restrictions when our dams hit 40%,” the Deputy Premier said.
“Just having a 4 minute shower instead of 7 minutes can save up to 36 litres of water,” he said.
The Queensland Government continued to play its part, with work on the $9 billion Water Grid recently passing the halfway mark.
"Construction is forging ahead on the 450km-long Water Grid, which will provide unprecedented water security for South East Queensland,” Mr Lucas said.
“More than 247km of pipe has now been layed, that’s almost 55 per cent of the total.”
He said on the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project, more than 142km was in the ground, which represented more than 69 per cent of the 205km total.
10 April, 2008
Icon call attracts
stand-out plans
Three areas of Queensland have put their hands up to be declared ‘’iconic’’ under the new Iconic Queensland Places Legislation.
The Government has received their expressions of interest and will be assessing their claims in the coming weeks.
According to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Paul Lucas, the Livingstone Shire Council nominated 21 sites for consideration; the Isisford Shire Council proposed the entire shire be declared; and the Blackall Range Land Use Planning Association put forward the Blackall Ranges.
Mr Lucas said the former Douglas and Noosa Council areas were identified as iconic under the new Act, so the special character residents and visitors treasure so dearly would not be threatened by future development.
“Over the coming weeks, these new submissions will be assessed to decide if the nominated places meet the criteria for iconic status,” Mr Lucas said.
He said the criteria defined in the legislation included:
* the characteristics or qualities of the place’s natural or built environment reflected or contributed in a substantial way to Queensland’s character; and
* the place was under pressure from population growth and new development; and
* there was a demonstrated threat to the characteristics or qualities; and
* local planning instruments for the place contributed in a substantial way to the protection of the characteristics or qualities; and
* there was substantial support by the local community in the place for the making of the declaration.
“I want to make it very clear that this legislation will only protect the qualities and values already identified through existing planning schemes,” Mr Lucas said.
“It recognises the hard work of those communities and Local Governments who have identified what they value about their own place, and protected those qualities through local planning schemes.”
Under the legislation, the Minister has until June 30 to declare additional iconic places.
10 April, 2008
QPS Award amended
The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission has amended Schedule 3 of the Queensland Public Service Award – State 2003 after an extensive review which involved consultation with unions and Agencies.
The amendments apply from 20 March 2008 and details are available at www.psier.qld.gov.au
A new signing centre in the Cairns Central Shopping Centre is the 110th facility in the “JPs in the Community” program.
Attorney-General, Kerry Shine said the service would provide Cairns residents with even greater access to Justices of the Peace.
The new service would be available between 10am and 2pm every Tuesday and Saturday and would complement other signing sites at the Stocklands Shopping Centre, Smithfield Shopping Centre and the Cairns Magistrates Court.
Recreation Centres close
A report issued by the Service Delivery and Performance Commission has recommended that five unprofitable and poorly patronised Active Recreation Centres by closed down.
The Centres are at Fick's Crossing, Christmas Creek, Seaforth, Lake Julius and Storm King Dam.
A review of their financial statistics and occupancy rates led to the conclusion that they had been losing money for years with one already closed for 14 months.
The Department of Natural Resources and Water is to manage the divestment process and it was likely the Centres would be sold.
3-point park plan
A three-pronged campaign aimed at encouraging people to use Queensland’s national parks has been announced.
To be run by Tourism Queensland and the Environmental Protection Agency the campaign will cost $643,000 which will be shared between the two Agencies.
It is expected the campaign will promote the great natural adventures of the parks to New South Wales and Victorian tourists; produce a half-hour television documentary on 100 years of national parks and undertake an online campaign to encourage Queenslanders to enjoy their own national parks during Spring.
Burns scholarship
A scholarship commemorating the memory of former Queensland Deputy Premier, Tom Burns has been announced in Vietnam.
Minister for Trade, John Mickel said the scholarship had been named after Mr Burns in recognition of his well-known contribution to Queensland-Vietnam relations.
The one-off scholarship would offer two-years of tuition and accommodation fees for one Vietnamese student to study in Queensland starting in 2009.
It was valued at around $50,000 over the two years.
Women take lead
Up to 70 Indigenous women from Cape York communities are being offered the chance to take part in a workshop in May.
The event will be put on by the Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and will impart leadership skills such as values, vision and goal-setting as well as the ability to promote community development, work with stakeholders, influence others and lead within the family.
The workshop would also focus on the welfare reform trial which is to begin in the four communities of Hopevale, Aurukun, Coen and Mossman Gorge in July.
3 April, 2008
Department facelift
to face new LGAs
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation is facing a major reorganisation following implementation of the State’s new Local Government arrangements.
Premier, Anna Bligh announced the Departmental restructure, saying it was the biggest change ever to face the Department.
“We have changed the face of Local Government in this State,” Ms Bligh said.
“We have created a more powerful sector (with) Councils better equipped to meet the challenges facing Local Government over the next 20 years.”
She said revamping the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation was the Government’s way of sharing the burden of change.
“I have informed the mayors of Queensland that we will support changes to their Councils with changes of our own,” Ms Bligh said.
She said the Department would set up five regional areas across the State, through which it would provide services and support to Local Governments.
“In July we’ll begin moving about 150 positions from the Brisbane office out into new regional offices in the Far North, North, Central, South West and South East Queensland.
“I have asked the newly elected Mayors to give me their feedback on the best location for the regional offices.
She said the Department was very aware that the needs of western Councils differed from those of Councils in the far north or south east and the new structure would deliver localised support.
“We have delivered a new system of Local Government and we are backing that up with a reshaped Department of Local Government,” Ms Bligh said.
3 April, 2008
Trade Queensland to
compete at Olympics
Trade Queensland is to open a temporary office in the Chinese capital of Beijing in the lead up to the Olympic Games.
The office will open in May and close in August. The Olympics will be held from 8 to 24 August.
Premier, Anna Bligh, who was in China to announce the move, said it would allow Queensland businesses the chance to take advantage of trade opportunities associated with the Olympics and provide a strategic advantage for Smart State businesses.
She said the office would act as a convenient centre for Queensland business and Government visitors.
“It will be staffed by two officials, with supervision from our Trade Queensland office in Shanghai,” Ms Bligh said.
“It will also act as a business referral centre, responding to enquiries from the Chinese Government and local businesses”
She said Trade Queensland officers would provide support to Olympic-specific trade activities and work closely with the Australian Embassy in Beijing as well as other Australian Government agencies, to assist Queensland companies participating in Olympic Games projects.
“They will also be tasked with facilitating individual discussions between Queensland companies joining the ‘Business Club Australia – Beijing 2008' and their Chinese counterparts, as well as organising functions and joint promotional activities with Queensland businesses,” Ms Bligh said.
3 April, 2008
Drug Court research
shows high results
Research released by the Australian Institute of Criminology has shown that rehabilitation through the Queensland Drug Court works.
According to the AIC report, The Queensland Drug Court: A recidivism study of the first 100 graduates, offenders who had taken up the opportunity for rehabilitation through the Drug Court program showed positive outcomes
Director of the Institute, Dr Toni Makkai said the Queensland Drug Court was an innovative sentencing and treatment program that targeted drug use as the root cause of criminal offending, rather than simply sentencing offenders.
"There is a well-established evidence base that shows a high correlation between drug use and criminal activity,” Dr Makkai said, “and special 'drug courts' have developed across Australia as part of an integrated response to drug-related crime.”
She said in all jurisdictions where they currently operated, including Queensland, drug courts sat at the 'hard end' of the criminal justice continuum “offering support and treatment for serious, usually repeat, offenders whose criminal behaviour is the direct result of long-term drug dependency."
Dr Makkai said the research showed that among those who completed the Queensland Drug Court program, offending declined by 80 percent when compared with offending patterns in the 12 months prior to drug court participation.
And she said the pattern was sustained into the medium to long term.
She said offenders who did not complete the program also experienced large declines in offending - a 63 per cent reduction - but this pattern was generally no different from the re-offending rates of drug-dependent prisoners.
Dr Makkai said this indicated that although the Drug Court did not necessarily improve their reoffending outcomes, it had no negative effect in worsening them.
"The findings from the research confirm earlier evidence that those who graduate from the drug court program have significantly improved criminal justice outcomes when compared to those who terminate the program early and/or are otherwise imprisoned," Dr Makkai said.
The AIC report is the third in a series of papers published by the Institute examining the Drug Court program and the outcomes for offenders.
3 April, 2008
Feds bite ballot
on electoral reform
A green paper to explore potential reforms to Australia’s electoral system has been foreshadowed by the Commonwealth.
Federal Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner said his Government already planned to introduce legislation to fix problems with political donations but would also “kick-start” a green paper process that would include all the States and Territories.
Senator Faulkner said the project would reform and modernise electoral processes.
He said while reforms to the donation regime were a priority because they needed to be in place an operating by the start of the next financial year, the Electoral Reform Green Paper would be released in two parts.
The first part would look at disclosure, funding and expenditure issues and the second would examine a broader range of options aimed at strengthening other areas of the electoral law.
He expected Part One to be released for discussion in July 2008 and Part Two, in October 2008.
“The Prime Minister is writing to the Premiers and Chief Ministers to seek their cooperation in progressing electoral reforms and asking them to nominate a relevant Minister to work with the Commonwealth on the green paper process,” Senator Faulkner said.
“The Government will also ask the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters to consider the green paper, and expects to work closely with JSCEM as the process of electoral reform moves ahead.”
Senator Faulkner said the measures would lead to more transparency and openness in the electoral system and improve mechanisms to ensure voters could effectively enrol and vote.
3 April, 2008
Eco-Fund gets
green light
A new fund to pay for the expansion of national parks has been announced by the Premier, Anna Bligh.
She said “Eco Fund Queensland” was an Australian first which would be established to pay for massive expansion of the State’s national parks.
“Eco Fund Queensland will allow the Government, companies and in time even interstate and overseas entities to invest in it,” Ms Bligh said, “at the same time securing the benefit of adding to Queensland’s conservation areas.”
She said the fund would allow Queensland to expand its national parks by 50 per cent by 2020, reaching a target of 12 million hectares, which was the size of two Tasmanias or the size of North Korea.
“At the same time, the total area under conservation tenure will grow from 8.3 million hectares to 20 million hectares – that’s the size of Scotland and England combined.”
Ms Bligh said Eco Fund Queensland would take the ambitious Goss Government’s 5 per cent national park target another step further.
Minister for Sustainability, Andrew McNamara said the Fund would work in two ways. He said one way would be for developers whose projects impacted on the environment to make contributions towards offsets elsewhere after all other measures to avoid or mitigate impacts had been taken and, secondly, for Government, industry, and other entities to off-set their greenhouse gas emissions.
Premier Bligh said under these arrangements, the State would enjoy a double benefit.
“We cut emissions, and the jobs and economic activity associated with the off-set stay right here at home,” she said.
“New and expanded National Parks and alternative energy projects will result. It’s a win win.”
Ms Bligh said the Eco Fund would be set up and operating by 1 January 2009.
“We already have more area within National Parks than any other State and through this fund we will add even more.
She said Queensland had 282 national parks, covering almost 7.6 million hectares from desert to rainforest to reef.
“Future generations will thank us for our foresight and planning,” she said.
3 April, 2008
Land advice Council
brought to ground
A new Advisory Council has been established to advise and make recommendations on key issues involving the Departments of Primary Industries and Fisheries, and Natural Resources and Water.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin announced the Council and its members saying it would assist him with strategic advice on the management of invasive weeds and pest animals, and advise the Minister for Natural Resources and Water on managing the stock route network.
The new body would be known as the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Council.
“The members of the Council bring highly valued experience and qualifications from rural industries, Local and State Government, conservation and natural resource management,” Mr Mulherin said.
He said under the chairmanship of Murray Jones, the Council’s advice would help ensure that the best possible decisions were made in areas such as management programs for declared pests.
“The Council makes recommendations on topics including major control and management programs for weeds and pest animals, research into the management of pests, and management of the stock route network,’’ Mr Jones said.
“The detailed briefings provided at the first meeting will produce many benefits through enhancing the future advice and recommendations which the Council will be providing to the respective Ministers.”
He said among the issues he expected to cross the Council’s table would be collaboration across new Local Governments, natural resource management groups and Biosecurity Queensland as well as programs for species at an early stage of invasion.
As well as Mr Jones, Mr Mulherin said other members of the Council were Russell Stewart, Councillor Dougal Davidson, Councillor Margaret Portess, Francis McKerrow, Teresa Allen, John Agnew, Lawrence Bugeja, Alan Fredrickson, John Bishop, Tim Low, Michael Harris, Tony Rayner and Ron Glanville.
3 April, 2008
Southbank TAFE
learns easy lesson
The Southbank Institute of Technology has become a Statutory Institute, the first in the Queensland TAFE network.
The move will allow students across the TAFE system to access loans to pay part or all of their tuition fees.
Education Minister, Rod Welford said the Institute was the first public training provider to take advantage of reforms made to the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000 last November.
“Southbank’s move to a Statutory Institute represents a milestone in reforms to the vocational education and training sector,” Mr Welford said.
“Statutory TAFE Institutes will be better equipped to make timely commercial decisions, achieve greater commercial growth and develop their training capacity and capability.”
He said students would continue to receive the same quality vocational education and training, but with the added advantage of access to Commonwealth VET Fee-Help assistance if they were eligible
“Southbank Institute of Technology will act on behalf of all TAFE Queensland institutes to offer VET Fee-Help assistance to eligible students.”
He expected this to come into effect during the second half of 2008 and for those eligible for assistance to include full-fee-paying VET students undertaking diplomas and advanced diplomas, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates.
“The move to the Statutory Authority model will allow institutes to respond better to local industry and community needs through location-specific operational plans,” Mr Welford said.
“Statutory TAFE Institutes will have the autonomy and business acuity to meet local customer needs, be innovative, continually improve processes and deliver a financially sustainable organisation,” he said.
3 April, 2008
School report
wins top marks
The third annual Statewide report on the outcomes achieved by Queensland Year 12 students last year has been published.
Prepared by the Queensland Studies Authority, the Year 12 School Outcomes report presents the results of 2007’s graduating seniors across a range of measures and is arranged alphabetically by school.
The report was welcomed by Education Minister, Rod Welford who said it showed the diverse pathways being chosen by today’s students.
He said the information published in the major media around the State had shown students were leaving school well-prepared for the future.
“This information on student and school achievement gives parents a clearer picture of what is happening in Queensland schools,” Mr Welford said.
He said the best measure of a school’s success was its ability to help students fulfil their aspirations, whether that was to attend university, learn a trade, enter employment or earn a vocational qualification.
“Our State needs students who train to be tradespeople as much as we need those who study for the professions,” he said.
Mr Welford said the report showed a 26.7 per cent increase in the number of students awarded a Vocational Education and Training qualification in 2007 but they weren’t all going to students not planning any tertiary study.
“An increasing number of students are obtaining a VET qualification while at school to give them an edge in their chosen career,” he said.
Mr Wellford said a pleasing aspect of the data was that the number of students who were both OP-ineligible and received no VET qualification had decreased by 10.8%.
“That means we have more students leaving school with either a VET qualification and/or an OP score, which gives them more career and study options,” he said.
Mr Welford said that among the data for schools was information about the percentage of students with an OP 1-15, the number completing or continuing school-based apprenticeships or traineeships and the number of vocational qualifications awarded.
“Parents should use the information as a guide, remembering there are many factors that make a school suitable for a student,” he said.
He said release of the data was part of a move to give parents and the community meaningful information about student and school achievements.
The full report is available on the QSA website at www.qsa.qld.edu.au
3 April, 2008
Emergency meeting
avoids disasters
Emergency Management Services across Australia are to adopt common procedures and practices following a meeting of Police and Emergency Ministers in Canberra.
Meeting as the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management, the Ministers issued a communiqué which said they endorsed draft Australian Emergency Management Arrangements which would assist in creating more informed, safer and sustainable communities that were better able to withstand natural disasters.
Chaired by Commonwealth Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, the Ministerial Council comprises State and Territory Ministers for Emergency Services, and the Australian Local Government Association. At its latest meeting, the Council welcomed New Zealand as a new member, represented by NZ Minister for Civil Defence, Rick Barker.
The Ministers set up a working group to report to the Council of Australian Governments on the development and implementation of a nationally consistent emergency warning system in Australia.
All Ministers agreed such a system had the potential to save lives and all expressed a willingness to work to together to ensure better responses to emergencies.
The Council also agreed to work towards implementing the National Emergency Management Strategy for Remote Indigenous Communities which they saw as critical to prepare vulnerable and isolated Indigenous communities from serious disaster. The Council noted the potential for training, education and employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
It also recommended implementing a national standard for the introduction of reduced fire risk cigarettes by early 2009 and noted progress towards a single incident management system and enhancing urban search and rescue capacity including working closely with New Zealand.
The Council acknowledged the invaluable contribution of volunteers and requested a report from the Australian Emergency Management Committee on appropriate methods to recognise, recruit and retain volunteers.
It also asked the Australian Emergency Management Committee to advise on a new public information campaign to better prepare local communities for emergencies and make them more resilient when it came to responding to natural disasters.
3 April, 2008
Skill recognition is
new trades tool
Formal recognition of experience for skilled but unqualified trade workers is to become easier and faster under a new system introduced this month.
The Recognition of Prior Learning process that came into force on 1 April means skilled trade workers could earn nationally-recognised qualifications quicker and with less paperwork.
Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford said recognising the skills and knowledge of experienced but unqualified trade workers was a crucial component of addressing the skills shortage.
“As the labour market continues to tighten and labour shortages emerge, the skills of the existing workforce must be developed,” Mr Welford said.
“We have overhauled the way trade skills are recognised in Queensland to reflect the needs of the modern workforce.
He said Trade Recognition Certificates had been replaced by the more comprehensive Recognition of Prior Learning system that took greater account of skills and experience gained through education, training and life experience.
He said prior to the changes, eligible workers had to have at least six years full-time trade experience after the age of 21 before they could apply for a Certificate of Trade Recognition.
Under the new scheme, assessors will consider life experience and skills learned on the job, review trade competencies and organise for eligible workers to receive a qualification from the Australian Qualification Framework.
“Assessors also will help workers identify skills they may need to achieve a whole qualification and help them access gap training,” Mr Welford said.
More information about having experience recognised can be obtained by contacting a Registered Training Organisation or Skilling Solutions Queensland on 1300 654 687. The webiste http://trainandemploy.qld.gov.au could also be useful.
3 April, 2008
AGs lift bans on
suppression orders
Attorneys-General from around the nation have agreed to a call for greater harmonisation of suppression orders.
At the recent Standing Committee of Attorneys-General they asked their officers to look at the current use of suppression orders and how a national system could be developed to operate them, or at least to record which orders were active.
The call was led by Victorian Attorney-General, Rob Hulls who said a report commissioned by the media coalition, “Australia’s Right to Know”, last year noted a lack of uniformity and clear guidelines on access to court documents and information, including suppression orders. He said it found journalists reported different approaches to rules of access among different levels of Courts and between jurisdictions.
Mr Hulls said a national system for recording active suppression orders and for making them available to the media could reduce the risk of journalists breaching suppression orders unknowingly.
“Suppression orders are needed in certain cases and in Victoria have been crucial in relation to the gangland murder trials,” Mr Hulls said.
“But suppression orders and information about them can be hard to access, particularly for the national media and in an era when so much is published on the internet.
“That is why we need a one-stop shop where people can ascertain details of suppression orders.”
In 2005, the Press Council of Australia also recommended a uniform system for recording and accessing suppression orders.
In Victoria, the Supreme Court has published a guide for journalists covering news in the Courts to assist them with their work.
Mr Hulls said Federal Labor picked up the call in the lead-up to last year’s election. He said Federal Labor undertook to examine model proposals as a positive step in promoting a cooperative relationship between the media and the Courts.
“The use of suppression orders will always be a matter of judicial discretion and they are often imposed to ensure a fair trial,” Mr Hulls said.
“But a uniform approach to their dissemination will help the media report Court cases without the risk of an unintended breach.”
3 April, 2008
Climate agreement
warms up relations
Queensland’s relationship with China has taken a step forward with the signing in Beijing of a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on combatting the effects of climate change.
Premier, Anna Bligh, signed the MoU with the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology, Wan Gang during her visit there this week. Ms Bligh said the agreement was both historic and significant in the State’s relationship with its giant neighbour.
“Climate change is a global problem that requires global answers,” Ms Bligh said.
“By sharing information and technology we can bring together the best approaches and work together to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of global warming.”
She said the MoU focused on climate change sciences as well as other research and development fields such as energy, sustainability, human health and medical research.
She said the first initiative under the agreement would be a Queensland-China Climate Change Fellowship Program.
“Under the Fellowship Program Queensland and Chinese researchers as well as other professionals will be able to participate in a short-term reciprocal exchange programs,” Ms Bligh said.
She said the programs would support at least three applicants from Queensland and three from China for up to four weeks by offering funding grants of between $5,000 and $8000.
“Through our Climate Smart 2050 strategy we are committed to supporting research, development and implementation of technologies and policies that target the lowering of our greenhouse gas emissions,” Ms Bligh said.
“Exposure to new ideas and research from overseas will be invaluable in helping us achieve this goal.”
She said applications for the Fellowship Program would be available from the Queensland Centre for Climate Change Excellence website or by contacting the Centre on (07) 3896 9612.
3 April, 2008
Development Areas
open door for houses
The State’s first Urban Development Areas have been unveiled at Bowen Hills and Northshore Hamilton by the Premier, Anna Bligh.
Ms Bligh said the declarations would lead to more south-east Queensland housing coming on the market sooner.
She said following the passage of legislation last year, declaration of the first two Urban Land Development Areas was a significant step towards getting land and housing on the market quickly.
“Queensland’s toughest challenge in housing affordability is the lack of supply,” Ms Bligh said, “and these new areas will deliver housing for more than 30,000 Queenslanders.
She said the Urban Land Development Agency would plan, manage and deliver the strategic sites to the market, cutting red tape and reducing the cost to industry of delivering housing.
“We expect to see these savings passed on to home buyers who will now have greater housing choices close to employment and transport,” Ms Bligh said.
She said business would also benefit from the move.
“Early work undertaken at Bowen Hills indicates the potential for more than 300,000 square metres of commercial development.
“This additional office space will help ease the significant demands currently being experienced in inner-Brisbane.”
Development activity was expected to begin on the two sites within a year.
“This will change Queensland’s urban areas for the better and create world-class urban areas for future generations,” Ms Bligh said.
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said the ULDA would contact all major landholders in the Bowen Hills and Northshore Hamilton areas which included Queensland Newspapers, the Royal National Association, Queensland Rail and Brisbane City Council.
“These development areas will be congestion busters,” Mr Lucas said.
He said a busy railway station would also ensure the area was ideally positioned to capitalise on overflow from the CBD office market.
Ms Bligh announced that three more Urban Development Areas would be declared this year at Fitzgibbon, Mackay and Woolloongabba.
3 April, 2008
School reform is on
steep learning curve
The Federal Government’s education revolution has taken a step forward with the recent meeting of the Council of Australian Governments agreeing to develop a new schools reform plan for the 21st century.
Commonwealth Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Julia Gillard said the reforms would target disadvantaged school communities, improved teacher quality, greater accountabilities and boosting parental engagement.
She said it was a major plank in an historic COAG agreement “which outlines a productivity and participation agenda that spans early childhood to adulthood.
“The agenda will be outcomes-focused, transparent and reward improved performance. It will underpin the creation of a modern, productive and inclusive Australia,” Ms Gillard said.
She said, at the centre of the schools reform plan was a National Partnership payment from the Commonwealth to State and Territory Governments for the delivery of better education outcomes from disadvantaged school communities.
She said the Governments would work together to identify disadvantaged school communities which would receive well-targeted and integrated support.
New targets were to be written into the Specific Purpose Payments to be negotiated with State and Territory Governments this year. Ms Gillard said the NP payment would be based on the outcomes achieved from those disadvantaged schools.
In addition, COAG has agreed to at least halve the gap for Indigenous students in Year 12 or equivalent attainment rates by 2020.
“This is about giving every child the best possible chance in life and ensuring that we have a productive economy,” Ms Gillard said.
She said the COAG Working Group on the Productivity Agenda would work closely with the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs and the Catholic and Independent schools sectors to develop the next step in the Government’s Education Revolution.
3 April, 2008
Water savings come
out in the wash
The State Government has thanked the people of South East Queensland for their ongoing efforts to save water.
Deputy Premier Paul Lucas used the occasion of World Water Day on 22 March to say the community was leading the way out of extreme Level 6 water restrictions.
“Along with a better wet season, residents are the real champions behind our improved water situation,” he said.
He said South East Queenslanders had responded magnificently to the drought and made saving water part of their everyday lives.
“This is one of the main reasons why the Queensland Water Commission has judged it is safe to make the first relaxation of restrictions when our dams hit 40%,” the Deputy Premier said.
“Just having a 4 minute shower instead of 7 minutes can save up to 36 litres of water,” he said.
The Queensland Government continued to play its part, with work on the $9 billion Water Grid recently passing the halfway mark.
"Construction is forging ahead on the 450km-long Water Grid, which will provide unprecedented water security for South East Queensland,” Mr Lucas said.
“More than 247km of pipe has now been layed, that’s almost 55 per cent of the total.”
He said on the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project, more than 142km was in the ground, which represented more than 69 per cent of the 205km total.
3 April, 2008
Icon call attracts
stand-out plans
Three areas of Queensland have put their hands up to be declared ‘’iconic’’ under the new Iconic Queensland Places Legislation.
The Government has received their expressions of interest and will be assessing their claims in the coming weeks.
According to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Paul Lucas, the Livingstone Shire Council nominated 21 sites for consideration; the Isisford Shire Council proposed the entire shire be declared; and the Blackall Range Land Use Planning Association put forward the Blackall Ranges.
Mr Lucas said the former Douglas and Noosa Council areas were identified as iconic under the new Act, so the special character residents and visitors treasure so dearly would not be threatened by future development.
“Over the coming weeks, these new submissions will be assessed to decide if the nominated places meet the criteria for iconic status,” Mr Lucas said.
He said the criteria defined in the legislation included:
* the characteristics or qualities of the place’s natural or built environment reflected or contributed in a substantial way to Queensland’s character; and
* the place was under pressure from population growth and new development; and
* there was a demonstrated threat to the characteristics or qualities; and
* local planning instruments for the place contributed in a substantial way to the protection of the characteristics or qualities; and
* there was substantial support by the local community in the place for the making of the declaration.
“I want to make it very clear that this legislation will only protect the qualities and values already identified through existing planning schemes,” Mr Lucas said.
“It recognises the hard work of those communities and Local Governments who have identified what they value about their own place, and protected those qualities through local planning schemes.”
Under the legislation, the Minister has until June 30 to declare additional iconic places.
3 April, 2008
QPS Award amended
The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission has amended Schedule 3 of the Queensland Public Service Award – State 2003 after an extensive review which involved consultation with unions and Agencies.
The amendments apply from 20 March 2008 and details are available at www.psier.qld.gov.au
A new signing centre in the Cairns Central Shopping Centre is the 110th facility in the “JPs in the Community” program.
Attorney-General, Kerry Shine said the service would provide Cairns residents with even greater access to Justices of the Peace.
The new service would be available between 10am and 2pm every Tuesday and Saturday and would complement other signing sites at the Stocklands Shopping Centre, Smithfield Shopping Centre and the Cairns Magistrates Court.
Recreation Centres close
A report issued by the Service Delivery and Performance Commission has recommended that five unprofitable and poorly patronised Active Recreation Centres by closed down.
The Centres are at Fick's Crossing, Christmas Creek, Seaforth, Lake Julius and Storm King Dam.
A review of their financial statistics and occupancy rates led to the conclusion that they had been losing money for years with one already closed for 14 months.
The Department of Natural Resources and Water is to manage the divestment process and it was likely the Centres would be sold.
3-point park plan
A three-pronged campaign aimed at encouraging people to use Queensland’s national parks has been announced.
To be run by Tourism Queensland and the Environmental Protection Agency the campaign will cost $643,000 which will be shared between the two Agencies.
It is expected the campaign will promote the great natural adventures of the parks to New South Wales and Victorian tourists; produce a half-hour television documentary on 100 years of national parks and undertake an online campaign to encourage Queenslanders to enjoy their own national parks during Spring.
Burns scholarship
A scholarship commemorating the memory of former Queensland Deputy Premier, Tom Burns has been announced in Vietnam.
Minister for Trade, John Mickel said the scholarship had been named after Mr Burns in recognition of his well-known contribution to Queensland-Vietnam relations.
The one-off scholarship would offer two-years of tuition and accommodation fees for one Vietnamese student to study in Queensland starting in 2009.
It was valued at around $50,000 over the two years.
Women take lead
Up to 70 Indigenous women from Cape York communities are being offered the chance to take part in a workshop in May.
The event will be put on by the Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and will impart leadership skills such as values, vision and goal-setting as well as the ability to promote community development, work with stakeholders, influence others and lead within the family.
The workshop would also focus on the welfare reform trial which is to begin in the four communities of Hopevale, Aurukun, Coen and Mossman Gorge in July.