Union campaigns for State election

Students study PS careers

Global downturn sends costs up

Planning report to peg hold-ups

PS stays on in flood wash-up

Health Officer plugs dysentery rumours

Floods wash away certificate fees

Builders urged to nail contracts

Traffic linemarking gets wake-up call

• D'aguilar Highway and Cunningham Highway in southern Queensland
• Bruce Highway and Flinders Highway in northern Queensland
• Rockhampton–Yeppoon Road in central Queensland
• Capricorn Highway on the Central Highlands
• Roma–Mitchell Road in the south-west and
• Burnett Highway in the Wide Bay region.


26 February, 2009


Boundary writers put edge on election

A process to redistribute electoral boundaries in New South Wales and Queensland has been announced by the Federal Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn.
   Commissioner Killesteyn and other members of the Australian Electoral Commission will direct the redistribution processes to redraw divisional boundaries in the two States.
   “Redistribution Committees in Queensland and New South Wales will be formed to begin the task of creating electoral boundaries which contain a similar number of electors in their States,” Commissioner Killesteyn said.
   “The Committees will undertake an extensive process of consultation and provide opportunities for individuals and organisations to make suggestions and comments on matters affecting the drawing of Federal Electoral boundaries and the naming of divisions.”
   He said electoral boundaries would be redrawn to ensure each State and Territory gained representation in the House of Representatives in proportion to their populations.
   The AEC would be placing advertisements in newspapers in Queensland and New South Wales to invite suggestions and comments about the redistributions.
   Commissioner Killesteyn said the Electoral Commission had determined the enrolment projection times for the purposes of the redistributions would be 16 July 2012 for New South Wales and 9 July 2012 for Queensland.
   He said the redistributions had been triggered by his determination of the number of Federal members of the House of Representatives that each State and Territory would be entitled to at the next Federal Election.
   “Based on population changes, it was determined that Queensland would gain one seat and so would be entitled to 30 House of Representatives seats at the next Federal Election,” Commissioner Killesteyn said.
   “At the same time it was determined that New South Wales would lose a seat, reducing their entitlement to 48.”
   He said the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 required the Redistribution Committee for each State to comprise the Electoral Commissioner, the Australian Electoral Officer for the State and the State’s Surveyor-General and Auditor-General.
   Commissioner Killesteyn said redistribution processes usually took a number of months, and new boundaries for New South Wales and Queensland were not expected to be finalised until late 2009.
   Further information was available from the Electoral Commission website www.aec.gov.au


26 February, 2009


Top State icons to be set in stone

Voting on Queensland’s top 150 ‘icons’ starts next week with Premier Anna Bligh claiming voters have a once in 150-year chance to define who and what Queensland is.
   Ms Bligh said from 2 March, Queenslanders would be able to place their vote as part of the State’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
   “This is a great time for us to define who we are and what says Queensland to us,” Ms Bligh said.
   “As expected, Q150 icons have sparked plenty of interest and healthy debate and getting the list down to the top 150 will be no easy feat.”
   Ms Bligh said the current list held 300 potential icons, with 700 initially submitted.   “We started this process in October last year inviting the public to put forward their nominations to their local member for icons across 10 categories from state shapers and sports legends to what people think is typically Queensland,” she said.
   “It is up to Queenslanders to make the final choice.”
   Ms Bligh said the 10 categories included defining moments that highlighted the State’s triumphs and hardships, events and festivals, influential artists, innovations and inventions, planned locations such as parks and towns, naturally formed geographic locations, sports legends, ‘State-shapers’ that helped influence Queensland, structures and engineering feats and Queensland traditions or behaviours that defined its residents.
   “Each Q150 icon category aligns with the Q150 theme of our people, our places and our stories,” she said.
   Ms Bligh said Queenslanders could choose to immortalise a range of things from the Great Barrier Reef and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to the mud crab, afternoon storms in summer and Bundaberg Rum.
   She said the top 150 would be announced during Queensland Week in June.
   “Public voting on the Q150 website www.q150.qld.gov.au begins on 2 March and closes on 30 April,” Ms Bligh said.
   She said the list of 300 proposed icons was also available from the Q150 website.


26 February, 2009


V8 precinct moves into top gear

The Commonwealth Government has agreed to put $10 million into a new V8 Super Car Precinct in Townsville.
   Making the announcement in Townsville, Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Development, Anthony Albanese said the entire project would cost $29 million supporting jobs and the local economy generally.
   The works include a multi-use pit facility in Reid Park; a motor racing circuit, landscaping and other civil works, a new bridge over Ross Creek, three temporary pedestrian bridges and fencing and other temporary race infrastructure.
   Townsville City Council and the Queensland State Government are providing the balance of the funding.
   Mr Albanese said the project would boost Townsville’s reputation as a premier destination for competitive sport in Australia and support the local tourist industry.
   He said ticket sales and demand for accommodation already showed overwhelming interest for this year’s Townsville 400 event, due to be held between 10 and 12 July.
   Queensland Government data indicates the V8 Supercar Precinct will deliver $10 million a year in economic benefits for the Townsville region, with 230 full-time equivalent jobs created during construction.
   In addition, the annual three-day event is expected to support 180 full-time equivalent jobs each year.
   Mr Albanese said the project is a great example of the three levels of Government – Federal, State and Local – working in partnership to deliver benefits for the Townsville community.


26 February, 2009


Tree clearing ban shows way ahead

The wisdom of banning tree-clearing has been affirmed with recently-obtained figures showing a 37 per cent fall in clearing rates since the ban was introduced.
   Premier, Anna Bligh, said the figures vindicated the Government’s decision to impose the ban in December 2006.
   Ms Bligh said the reduction had been achieved in just six months.
   “The improvements show our laws are working and I expect that we will see another drop in 2007-08 - which will be the first full year of satellite monitoring since the ban,” she said.
   Ms Bligh said the figures were the first available since the Government banned broadscale tree clearing in 2006/07 with the ban only applying for the second half of the year.
   She said the Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) data showed overall clearing was down from 375,000 hectares in 2005/06 to 235,000 hectares in 2006/07.
   Ms Bligh said greenhouse emissions were also down from 41.24 megatonnes to 31.55 megatonnes, putting Queensland on track to meet its 2008 reduction targets.
   “Data shows over 100,000 hectares of regrowth was cleared in the year with twice as much of this occurring on freehold as is occurring on leasehold,” she said.
   “The worrying factor in today’s data is these regrowth-clearing figures.”
   Ms Bligh said while the clearing was legal, the types of vegetation being cleared for a second time were of concern.
   “I want Government to consult rural producers, scientists and environmentalists on ways to make the clearing laws even better,” she said.
   Ms Bligh said the report also showed the Murray Darling Basin Queensland component had the highest clearing rate at 119,000ha, a 44 per cent decrease on the previous year, and that clearing rates in reef catchments were about 69,000 hectares, a 29 per cent decrease.
   She said around two thirds of remnant vegetation that was cleared was covered by permits, with the remaining area of remnant vegetation clearing (about 40,000 hectares) made up of small clearing events (fire breaks, mining areas, house sites, etc) which did not require permits.
   “However, some portion of this 40,000 hectares is illegal clearing – estimates are it is of the order of 5,000 hectares - with the Department of Natural Resources cross-checking records to precisely identify where this illegality has occurred,” Ms Bligh said.
   “Once identified, the Department of Natural Resources will be proceeding against these offenders and they will face the full force of our tree clearing laws.”
   “The laws are clear and three years after the ban came into effect no one can claim ignorance of their existence or content,” Ms Bligh said.
   She said DNR had commenced 16 new prosecutions for vegetation clearing offences since January 2007, eight of which had been finalised.


26 February, 2009


Design plan has designs on excellence

An 11-year plan to establish Queensland as the Asia-Pacific’s centre for design excellence has been launched by Arts Minister, Rod Welford.
   According to Mr Welford, the State’s design and architecture sector already generated more than $600 million in output each year and the Queensland Design Strategy 2020 would build on that success.
   He listed fashion architecture, furniture design and industrial design as areas where Queensland designers and design firms had achieved national prominence and international recognition.
   “The Queensland Design Strategy 2020 builds on their successes and strives to make design-led thinking mainstream in the wider business community and public sector,” Mr Welford said.
   “Design’s capacity to increase the global competitiveness of business, reduce environmental effects and improve quality of life is well documented.”
   Mr Welford said the strategy would provide a whole-of-Government framework to integrate good design into the Queensland way of life.
   “During the next 11 years, the strategy will build our design sector through a series of classroom, boardroom and community initiatives, high-profile events and international exchanges,” he said.
   Not only would it help to establish Queensland as a leading centre for design innovation in the Asia-Pacific region by 2020 – a title it is already well on the way to achieving – it would strengthen the State’s economy and create jobs for local designers and architects by facilitating export opportunities.
   Mr Welford said the strategy would include a Queensland Design Council appointed from leaders of the design, business and research sectors that would provide strategic independent advice to the Government.
   To download a copy of the Queensland Design Strategy 2020 visit www.arts.qld.gov.au


26 February, 2009


Feather grass plants have brush with law

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is still on the lookout for the potentially damaging Mexican feather grass plants.
   Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin called on Queenslanders across the State to keep looking for the plants saying community support was vital in tracking down the remainder of the plants that were sold last year.
   While community support and work by Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) officers had resulted in the location and destruction of many of the plants, there were still some unaccounted for, he said.
   These included one each in Ipswich and Rochedale, seven in Aspley and 12 in Kenmore.
   Mr Mulherin said Mexican feather grass was discovered in Brisbane late last year. It seemed a number of the plants were brought in from Victoria and unknowingly sold as Stipa capriccio – a similar looking plant.
   “Mexican feather grass has the potential to cause severe environmental damage to native grasslands,” he said. “It is a low fibrous grass which has no grazing potential and would make pasture lands virtually worthless.
   “The plant is mainly bought as a grass feature plant and I’m asking landscapers and gardeners to check if they have in fact purchased Mexican feather grass.”
   The plant is a wiry green tussock grass up to 70cm in height with pale coloured feather seed heads that are visible during its flowering period from September to November.
   The Minister cautioned anyone who thinks they have found it not to not to remove it. Instead they should contact DPI&F immediately on 13 25 23 and advise of the location.
   “Initial research indicates that one plant can produce thousands of seeds which can penetrate clothing and hang on making it easy for animals and people to pick it up and carry it further,” Mr Mulherin said.
   “Our Biosecurity officers have special procedures in place to make sure this doesn’t happen so it is best to leave it up to the experts.”
   For more information and photographs of Mexican feather grass, go to the DPI&F website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call the DPI&F on 13 25 23.


26 February, 2009


Tough super rules are pensioned off

The rules governing access to superannuation funds have been relaxed in the face of the global economic downturn.
   Federal Treasurer, Wayne Swan and the Commonwealth’s Minister for Superannuation, Senator Nick Sherry, announced jointly that the minimum account-based pension draw-down requirements would be reduced by 50 per cent for the second half of 2008-09.
   The Ministers said it was currently a requirement that minimum payments be made from a superannuation account-based pension, determined by age and the value of the account balance as at 1 July each year.
   The minimum payment rule was designed to ensure that retirees drew down on their superannuation capital over their retirement, thereby recognising that superannuation was designed as a retirement savings vehicle with substantial tax concessions.
   The announcement responded to concerns that meeting the minimum draw-down amount in 2008‑09 would mean retirees would have to sell investment assets at a loss due to a depressed market.
   Mr Swan said the Government recognised the downturn in global financial markets had had a negative effect on retirees' superannuation capital in account-based pensions.
   Senator Sherry said these were legitimate concerns and the Government would suspend the minimum drawdown requirement for account-based pensions for the second half of 2008-09.
   The temporary relief has also met concerns that the minimum draw-down requirement was set based on asset values as at 1 July 2008, when equity values were higher.
   Mr Swan said people who had already taken half of the current minimum draw-down would not have to make another draw-down until the end of the 2009-10 year.
   “The Government will continue to closely monitor market conditions and examine options for a longer term solution to this issue following the Australia's Future Tax System Review,” he said.
   Mr Swan said the temporary suspension of the minimum payment requirement would apply to account‑based annuities and pensions (payable since 1 July, 2007); allocated annuities and pensions (pre-dating the Better Super changes); account-based and allocated pensions payable from Retirement Savings Accounts; and market-linked (term allocated) annuities and pensions.


26 February, 2009
Call for Greats to be named
Queenslanders are being urged to nominate remarkable people or groups that have contributed significantly to the development of the State.
   Premier, Anna Bligh said The Queensland Greats Awards honour individuals and institutions whose long term or lifetime achievements have played a significant role in the history of Queensland.
   Since the awards began in 2001, a total of 40 Queenslanders and three Queensland institutions have been named Queensland Greats. Each has been recognised with a commemorative plaque.

Power upgrade a turn-on
A major electricity upgrade is to deliver more reliable and secure power to 20,000 homes and businesses in Southern Brisbane.
   Mines and Energy Minister, Geoff Wilson said the project would also deliver jobs and job security for power workers in South East Queensland.
   Mr Wilson said ENERGEX had completed work on a $14 million upgrade of the Energex network which included the construction of a new substation at Holland Park East, upgrades to ENERGEX’s Mount Gravatt substation and the installation of more than three kilometres of new underground cables and overhead power lines.
   Suburbs benefitting from the upgrades include Mt Gravatt, Mt Gravatt East, Holland Park, Macgregor, Mansfield, Nathan, Tarragindi, Upper Mt Gravatt, Wishart, Coopers Plains, Eight Miles Plains, Robertson, Salisbury and Sunnybank.

Lytton is desal favourite
Lytton is the most likely site for a future desalination plant, with South Stradbroke Island and Kawana ruled out.
   Deputy Premier, Paul Lucas said a preliminary assessment by the Queensland Water Commission would also confirm either Marcoola or Bribie Island as the second priority site by mid-year.
   “The Queensland Water Commission has again indicated it does not expect there will be a need for any new water supplies in the South East beyond the currently planned Water Grid for at least 20 years,” Mr Lucas said.
   “Even with population growth and allowances for climate change, two new desalination plants would provide more water than we expect to need in 2056.”

Transport upgrade on track
The Queensland Government’s major package of bus and rail service enhancements across the TransLink network is now in operation.
   Transport Minister, John Mickel said the package would provide much needed capacity on some of the most popular public transport routes with the ability to carry an extra 79,000 passengers a week – 64,000 on buses and 15,000 on trains.
   “The $6.8 million bus service enhancement package is TransLink’s single biggest investment in bus services, with 26 new buses to service new and improved routes, he said.
   “The Queensland Government is investing millions of dollars in new trains to deliver extra rail services. A total of 102 three-carriage trains are scheduled to be rolled out by 2016 to boost the total urban rail fleet by 70 per cent.”

Seniors to move fast
Organisations planning community events during Seniors Week need to get their funding applications in by March 2.
   Communities Minister, Lindy Nelson-Carr said the 24th annual Seniors Week would be celebrated from August 15 to 23.
    “Older people deserve to be recognised for their hard work, experience, knowledge and contribution, all of which have helped build the foundations of our State,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
   “A total of $125,000 is available to support events or projects that celebrate ageing, inform people of services and concessions available to them and promote awareness of the contributions and achievements of our seniors.”

Imported paramedics land
A total of 18 interstate and overseas paramedics have joined the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS)
   Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts said the paramedics, all qualified in Advanced Care, include eight from the United Kingdom, four from New Zealand, two from South Africa, and four from other states in Australia.
   “These paramedics have proven and highly sought-after ability to deliver quality ambulance services for emergency care, non-emergency care and the transportation of patients,” Mr Roberts said.
   The paramedics will undertake a three-week induction program to familiarise themselves with QAS procedures.

Tourism strategist appointed
Tourism Queensland has reappointed the Mitchell Communication Group to assist with strategic media services for the next three years.
   Forty-five agencies tendered for the contracts which Tourism Queensland Chief Executive Tony Hayes said will lead to a fully integrated online and offline strategic planning platform.

Ingenious new stamps
Australia Post’s new Inventive Australia stamp issue has celebrated the ingenuity of Australians with eight Australian inventions being featured on five stamps.
   The inventions: the Esky, the wine cask, the Hills Hoist, Speedos, zinc cream, the Ute, the B&D roll-a-door and the Victa rotary lawnmower were selected as they had stood the test of time.
   Australian illustrator Stuart McLachlan depicted the inventions in a typical Aussie backyard of the 1980s.

Literary awards open
The 2009 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, the nation’s richest literary prizes, are now open.
   Federal Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett, said Australian authors, publishers and literary agents were invited to submit fiction and non-fiction works published in 2008.
   The judges will recommend fiction and non-fiction shortlists and winners to the Prime Minister with winners receiving a tax-free prize of $100,000.
   Entries close at 5pm, 20 March, with more information available from www.arts.gov.au  

New office for Centrelink
Centrelink eServices has opened an updated facility in Gladstone after a major refurbishment of the local Customer Service Centre.
   Minister for Human Services, Queensland Senator Joe Ludwig, performed the reopening ceremony with the MP for Flynn, Chris Trevor, saying the new look centre, in Goondoon Street, would provide Gladstone with better access to Centrelink services and support.
   He said it offered the full range of Centrelink services for families, seniors, young people, students, jobseekers, people with a disability and carers, including access to the new eService arrangements.
   “eServices are a quick and convenient way for Centrelink customers to report, update or simply view their details, potentially skipping long waiting lines,” Senator Ludwig said.


19 February, 2009


Departing checklist gets tick of approval

The Public Service Commission has issued a new Directive setting out the procedures to be followed in the event of an officer leaving the employment of the Queensland Public Service.
   Under the Directive which came into effect on 13 February, all Public Service Departments and offices are to introduce the procedures and follow them in every case in which employee leaves the QPS.
   The Directive says that all Chief Executives, senior executives or their equivalents who leave the Service will be required to sign a declaration that they understand the obligations associated with their separation and complete a checklist to ensure they return all property of the Crown on their last working day.
   “Completed checklists and signed declarations of understanding where applicable are to be filed on the former employee’s record,” the Directive says.
   In the case of officers below SES level, the new procedures are to include a risk assessment for each position relating to the sign-off and return obligations.
   When applied to lower level positions, the necessary certifications will become the task of a responsible officer.
   A proforma checklist has been prepared for use by Finance, Administration and Human Resources sections to ensure that all potential requirements are met.
   More information about the Directive and its demands can be obtained from the Public Service Commission website www.psc.qld.gov.au


19 February, 2009


Fires fire up parks review

Fire practices in the State’s national parks are to be reviewed in light of the Victoria’s recent bushfire disaster.
   Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change, Andrew McNamara, requested the review saying the Government would spend almost $5.5 million to improve fire management in parks and forests.
   “Planned maintenance is regularly carried out in our parks, but recent events have highlighted the importance of this work,” Mr McNamara said.
   He said the Environmental Protection Agency would ensure best practice in fire management was maintained and would review its fire management operations.
   The EPA would also monitor submissions made to the coronial inquiries and the Royal Commission into the fires in Victoria.
   “Our first priority is public safety, so it’s extremely important that we learn everything we can from this tragedy,” Mr McNamara said.
   “I have asked the EPA to report back to me with recommendations at the conclusion of the Victorian fire inquiries.
   “In the meantime, we will continue to work hard on fire maintenance on our estate.”
   He said in the past three years the EPA had carried out almost 800 planned burns over around 1.3 million hectares of land.
   “Many of the EPA’s burns are scheduled during winter months to address protection issues at parks and forests located close to urban communities,” Mr McNamara said.
   “The EPA has a Good Neighbour Policy and consults with adjoining land owners, local communities and traditional land owners before carrying out planned burning and fireline maintenance.”


19 February, 2009


Warm response for bushfire fighters

Queensland Police and canine search and rescue teams have been praised by Victorian Premier, John Brumby for helping Victoria recover from the recent bushfires that ravaged parts of the State.
   Mr Brumby thanked Queenslanders for their support and assistance.
   “The Queensland police force has sent two police dogs and two dogs trained to detect human bodies as well as two officers to relieve police media personnel at the request of Victorian police,” Mr Brumby said.
   “I would also like to thank the Queensland Government for its $1 million contribution to the Bushfire Fire Appeal fund.”
   He said the support from Queensland had been supplemented by help from other Commonwealth, State and local organisations.
   “It’s also important to thank the thousands of people from the Australian Defence Force, Police, SES, councils, charities and other community organisations who have pitched in,” Mr Brumby said.
   “Firefighters are doing everything from aviation to tall forest firefighting, burnt area recovery and bulldozer management.”
   He said teams of assistants from the United States and Canada had arrived during the past couple of days.
   Mr Brumby said the fires still were difficult to obtain access to and required the specialist support provided by external organisations.


19 February, 2009


Red tape cuts get green light

The Queensland Government has committed to cutting red tape, reducing charges and providing tax breaks to business in its efforts to stave off the worst impacts of the global economic crisis.
   Premier, Anna Bligh, said the cost-saving measures would help save and create jobs.
   Ms Bligh said Queensland businesses stood to save hundreds of thousands of dollars under the initiative.
   “As stand-alone measures, these initiatives will save business money - combined, they represent significant reductions in both costs and red tape so that businesses can keep their heads above water,” she said.
   “These are the first instalments for business in our on-going battle against unemployment.”
   Ms Bligh said the package included a freeze on land tax valuations in 17 key Local Government areas, a reduction in compliance reporting time-frames for the Water Efficiency Management Plan and an amnesty on payroll tax penalty payments.
   She said it was important to help businesses stave off the effects of the economic crisis and sustain and create jobs.
   “That’s the Government’s number one priority – to save jobs – during this time of unprecedented global economic hardship,” Ms Bligh said.
   “We are working closely with the Job Squad … to take on board ideas they are developing.”
   She said the Job Squad indicated the most immediate thing Government could do was give business a break from regulatory burdens where possible.
   Ms Bligh said a freeze on land valuations would encourage Councils to limit rate increases.
   Treasurer, Andrew Fraser, said relaxation of the Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) would cut administrative costs for business.
   “WEMPs were introduced in response to the drought as a measure to ensure larger water users were reviewing their water usage on an ongoing basis,” Mr Fraser said.
   “The vast majority of businesses have drastically reduced their water consumption and although the drought’s not over, they’ve proven they have processes in place to save water.”
   He said businesses would report on water savings annually rather than quarterly to cut down on expenses.
   Mr Fraser said the penalty amnesty for employers who hadn’t paid the right amount of pay-roll tax to contractors would be managed by the Office of State Revenue.
   “Under the amnesty, employers will not be liable for penalty tax and most importantly the amnesty will now only apply for the last year, not for last three years as was originally proposed,” he said.


19 February, 2009


Council plan is jobs for the girls

The plan to attract more women into top Local Government jobs is to get a push along in the next two months with a series of networking workshops held around the State.
   Minister for Local Government, Warren Pitt, said the Women in Local Government networking workshops would bring together the collective knowledge and expertise of women from Local, State and Federal Government.
   “By harnessing their ideas, we can use their experiences to develop policies that will remove the barriers for women participating in every role at all levels of Government,” Mr Pitt said.
   He said the value of women in Government had been recognised and initiatives had been undertaken to make Local Government participation more attractive to women.
   Mr Pitt said a Women in Local Government Strategy Group had been established to support and promote women in those roles.
   “The strategy group aims to increase the representation of women in Local Government, so that Councils more accurately reflect their communities,” he said.
   “To do so, we need to target every aspect of the employment process and develop strategies to attract and retain women in Local Government – particularly in decision-making and Councillor positions.”
   Mr Pitt said it had been 80 years since the first woman was elected to Queensland’s Parliament, and that there was “no better time for women in Government.”
   “Queensland is being led by our first female Premier, Anna Bligh, and Australia also has its first woman Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard,” he said.
   “In some Councils, such as the Fraser Coast Regional Council and the Cairns Regional Council, the elections have resulted in female Councillors being the majority.”
   Mr Pitt said at the 2008 Local Government elections in March, the proportion of female Councillors increased from 30 to 34 per cent, with 14 per cent of mayoral positions also held by women.
   “But it’s important to note, these women are achieving these positions not because they are women, but because they are the best people for the job,” he said.
   The workshops are to be held at Ipswich, the Sunshine Coast, Logan, Roma, Warwick, Emerald, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Townsville, Mount Isa, Cairns, Atherton and Thursday Island.
   Further information was available from www.dlgsr.qld.gov.au  


19 February, 2009


Flooded savings launch super idea

Flood victims have been reminded that they may be eligible for early access to their superannuation if they find themselves facing hardship.
   Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry, said depending on their circumstances, fund members could also be able to claim on the death or Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) insurance often included in superannuation schemes.
   “I would like to express my condolences to all those who have suffered,” Senator Sherry said.
   “I have spoken with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), and asked it to communicate with super funds and their insurers about prioritising bushfire (and flood) -related life insurance and TPD claims.”
   He said usually superannuation savings could not be accessed before an individual was at least 55, but that under limited circumstances the law allowed early access.
   Senator Sherry said this included applications under “severe financial hardship” provisions, which had be made directly to super funds and must meet strict conditions.
   “APRA separately administers applications for early release of superannuation on prescribed 'compassionate grounds',” he said.
   “These grounds include mortgage assistance in the case of threat of foreclosure, certain medical expenses, modifications to a home or vehicle in the case of severe disability, and expenses associated with a dependent's death or funeral.”
   Senator Sherry said he had asked APRA to prioritise any access requests arising from areas where the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery arrangements applied.
   “This will include Victorian bushfire-related and Queensland flood-related applications for early access to superannuation on specified compassionate grounds,” he said.
   Affected members or their families should contact their Superannuation Scheme for help with proof of identity, processing claims and more information.
   In most cases personnel would be available to help with death benefit claims, invalidity and other superannuation related claims.
   Senator Sherry said more information about entitlements was available from Centrelink on 131021 or www.centrelink.gov.au, or by visiting www.apra.gov.au


19 February, 2009


Corruption talks on straight and narrow

The 2009 Australian Public Sector Anti-corruption Conference is to be held in Brisbane in July.
   Billed as the country’s leading anti-corruption conference, APSACC is a joint initiative of Queensland’s Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC), NSW’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and WA’s Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) and has the support of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, the Police Integrity Commission (NSW) and the Office of Police Integrity (Victoria).
   According to the Chair of the CMC, Robert Needham the conference will provide the latest information on how to enhance integrity in the public sector and fight the risk of complacency about corruption.
   He said it would improve delegates’ ability to identify, prevent and manage corruption in the public sector by learning from major anti-corruption bodies and other experts.
   “It will help delegates realise they don’t have to battle corruption alone,” Mr Needham said.
   “We have an unprecedented line-up of high profile speakers and presenters and the conference will provide a unique opportunity to network and share experiences with peers.”
   He said included in the line-up of speakers were the Chair of the Commission for Public Complaints Against the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Paul Kennedy; the Chief Justice of Queensland, Paul De Jersey; Queensland Integrity Commissioner Gary Crooke; former ICAC Commissioner Barry O’Keefe; and prominent journalists Chris Masters, Kerry O’Brien, Quentin Dempster and comedian Bryan Dawe.
   The first APSAC Conference was held in Sydney in 2007 and attracted more than 500 delegates with organisers hoping for even more delegates this year. They expect interest not only from the host states with anti-corruption Commissions, but also from Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory.
   Mr Needham said the 2009 conference would be of particular interest to health administrators, tertiary institutions and Agencies providing services in remote locations.
   He said potential delegates could find out more about the conference, and register, by visiting www.APSACC.com.au


19 February, 2009


Repairers’ audit is no band-aid solution

The Building Services Authority is to audit the work of contractors repairing storm damaged homes in Brisbane to make sure they are doing the right thing.
   Minister for Public Works and Housing, Robert Schwarten, said the audits were part of the Government’s storm recovery operations and would be conducted in Ashgrove, The Gap and Keperra.
   Mr Schwarten said after a natural disaster where homes were damaged, consumers were often approached by people offering building services.
   “Some of these people are unlicensed and dealing with such people may not only expose homeowners to poor workmanship but also deny them protection afforded under BSA’s Home Warranty Scheme,” he said.
   “Homeowners can easily check whether or not a contractor is licensed by accessing the BSA website.”
   Mr Schwarten said the audits would ensure unlicensed contractors were not taking work from their licensed counterparts.
   He said as well as checking contractors had appropriate licences, the BSA would also ensure licensed contractors had taken out appropriate insurance under its Home Warranty Scheme, obtained necessary building approvals and had a written contract in place with the homeowner.
   “I urge any contractors uncertain of their responsibilities to contact BSA for information,” Mr Schwarten said.
   He said often homeowners were tempted to try to save costs by completing some repair work themselves.
   “In our experience this can lead to further costs if you have to get a contractor to rectify your attempted repairs.
   “Any homeowners performing work on their own property must have a BSA-issued Owner Builder Permit, if the work is valued over $11,000 (including the market value of materials, labour and GST).
   “Any homeowners working without a permit must contact BSA within 24 hours and arrange a permit.”
   He said if the BSA found contractors or homeowners had skirted their obligations they would shut down the building site.
   “Homeowners in these areas have already been through a terrible ordeal and we are doing our best to prevent them going through another one,” Mr Schwarten said.
   All building work valued in excess of $1,100 must be carried out by a BSA-licensed contractor.   Further information was available from www.bsa.qld.gov.au or by phoning 1300 272 272.


19 February, 2009


GPS pinpointed for Ambulance upgrade

Queensland’s emergency ambulance vehicles are to be fitted with GPS navigation systems by July under a $1 million program announced by Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts.
   Mr Roberts said up to 800 GPSs would be added to the Ambulance Service’s fleet, which already had around 100 vehicles fitted with navigation units.
   “This funding will see the technology extended to every operational ambulance vehicle in the fleet,” he said.
   “This will ensure front-line paramedics have access to the latest satellite navigation technology to respond to life threatening incidents.”
   Mr Roberts said a feature of the Service’s computer-aided dispatch system was automated vehicle location technology, which monitored the location of ambulances.
   “This technology not only assists in locating ambulance vehicles in relation to emergencies but it also enhances the safety and security of our ambulances as they can be tracked,” he said.
   Mr Roberts said the installation of the navigation units would help the Queensland Ambulance Service further enhance its response times, which are among the best in Australia.
   He said the QSA had outperformed all States by responding to 50% of all life threatening Triple Zero calls within 8.3 minutes.
   “That’s more than a minute better than the national average of 9.55 minutes and 1.5 minutes better than New South Wales’ time of 9.9 minutes,” Mr Roberts said.
   “Last year the QAS responded to more than 860,000 calls for help from Queenslanders, an average of one every 35 seconds.”
   He said in 90 per cent of Code One cases, a QAS ambulance was on scene within 16.7 minutes, below the national average of 18.75 minutes.
   Mr Roberts said he was “determined” to ensure officers got the equipment they needed to support the community more effectively and efficiently.


19 February, 2009


Archives branches into family trees

The National Archives of Australia is to throw open its Queensland vaults for a day to allow visitors to ‘Shake Your Family Tree’ and explore their family history.
   On Wednesday, 25 February from 10am to 4pm all will be welcome to visit the Brisbane office of the National Archives of Australia at 16 Corporate Drive, Cannon Hill, to learn about grandparents, parents and other relatives, and possibly unearth personal treasures.
    The ‘Shake Your Family Tree’ Day is a free event being coordinated at National Archives offices around the nation.
   According to the Director-General of the National Archives, Ross Gibbs, some of the treasures visitors could find would include letters, photographs and other documents in service records, immigration and citizenship applications, employment records, copyright registrations and other Government records.
   “Highlights of the Brisbane program include behind-the-scenes tours of the repository and seminars on preserving precious family history documents and photographs,” Mr Gibbs said.
   Bookings are essential.
   He said visitors would be able to view documents from the Archives’ collection, talk to reference staff about family history research, and learn how to use the online database.
   They will also be able to pick up a Shake Your Family Tree showbag.
   “This annual open day is a great opportunity for new or experienced family researchers to learn about family history,” Mr Gibbs said.
   “People are often amazed to discover what we hold and that we’ve probably got something on most families in Australia.”
   “If members of your family migrated here in the 20th century, served in the Defence forces, or worked for, or had any other dealings with, the Commonwealth Government, we’re likely to have something to interest you.”
   For more information on Archives or the ‘Shake Your Family Tree’ Day, visit www.naa.gov.au


19 February, 2009


Medical check for Queensland doctors

Queensland Health is to crack down on unqualified doctors by double-checking their medical credentials before paying them for their services.
   Health Minister, Stephen Robertson, has ordered the Department to ensure that a new payroll system coming online mid-year only pays doctors whose credentials have been verified.
   “No credentials, no pay,” Mr Robertson said. “It’s that simple.”
   “This type of system was successfully implemented to ensure all new doctors were registered,” Mr Robertson said.
   “I want to make it very clear that if a hospital hasn't credentialled a doctor, that doctor should not be working in the hospital.”
   He said checking credentials would ensure the right person was providing the right clinical care within a particular facility and the checks were in addition to registration.
   Mr Robertson said Queensland Health had implemented a number of credentialling checks and balances since 2005.
   “Unfortunately, there have been a number of credentialling anomalies detected since then,” he said.
   “The important thing is that the audit system picked up these errors.”
   Mr Robertson raised concerns regarding people who refused to comply with the processes.
   “These individuals should be under no illusions – if you aren’t credentialled, you won’t be paid to work in Queensland Health hospitals,” he said.


19 February, 2009


New Land Act is hot property

Landowners facing the compulsory acquisition of their land are to find the process more straight-forward and transparent following the passage of new laws through the Queensland Parliament.
   Minister for Natural Resources and Water, Craig Wallace, said the Acquisition of Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 modernised the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 which had remained unchanged for 41 years.
   Mr Wallace said Queensland was experiencing a “great infrastructure boom” and to ensure important projects could go ahead as soon as possible, it was essential land was acquired efficiently and fairly.
   “By making the acquisition process fairer and more equitable, this Bill will now reduce the likelihood of disputes about compensation for resumptions, allowing Government to get on with the job of building the infrastructure Queenslanders need,” Mr Wallace said.
   He said the amendments provided a clearer framework for determining who was entitled to lodge a claim for compensation when land was acquired or resumed by State or Local Governments.
   “These amendments follow a recent Court decision which determined compensation was due to a party that did not own land acquired by the State, but still had an interest over it,” he said.
   “Prior to the Sorrento decision, the Act had been interpreted to mean that a person was only entitled to compensation in respect of resumed land if that person had a freehold or a leasehold estate, or an incorporeal interest such as an easement.”
   Mr Wallace said the decision to award compensation to a company who had a contractual licence for car parks over land claimed by the State and no ownership rights had made the definition of ‘interest in land’ uncertain.
   He said the term had been defined in a broader sense, extending it to include people who had a personal right existing in the land but did not have proprietary rights.
   “The Bill now clearly defines those who are entitled to compensation and extends it to include businesses and people who have a valuable contractual licence over the land,” Mr Wallace said.
   He said several changes to the Act would simplify the resumption process, making it more accessible for those affected.
   “These amendments make the laws relating to claims for removal costs, electricity and telephone reconnections, mail redirection and valuation, and legal fees as a result of an acquisition, clearer and more transparent.
   “Owners of investment properties are also now included in the class of claimants entitled to be paid costs, such as stamp duty and legal fees incurred in the replacement of an investment property.”
   He said a three-year limitation period for claims had been set, with a safeguard for those outside the statutory period, bringing the legislation in line with other States.


19 February, 2009


Innovative approach to Year of Creativity

The Minister for Education and Training has declared 2009 the “Year of Creativity” which will see the State’s schoolteachers put innovation at the ‘top of mind’ in all aspects of education throughout the year.
   The Minister, Rod Welford, said creative thinking was the key to unlocking students’ entrepreneurial skills and readying them for the workforce.
   He said teachers would help students develop their creative skills in all areas of their learning including science, maths, technology, humanities and the arts.
   “By exploring new ways of doing things and moving away from conventional thinking, students may one day help to solve social and economic challenges,” he said.
   “They may come up with solutions for climate change, disease and famine, and improve public transport and skills shortages.”
   Mr Welford said a group of role models would act as Ambassadors for the Year of Creativity.
   He said the group included actors Leah Purcell and Paul Bishop, writer Rebecca Sparrow, TV chef Alastair McLeod, presenters of The Shak Curio and Picasso and neurosurgeon and Paralympian Dr William Tan.
   Mr Welford said creativity was “a way of life” for the ambassadors.
   “International research shows thinking creatively improves academic results and problem-solving techniques, and drives innovation and productivity,” he said.
   “Creativity is linked with competency, character and citizenship which are critical to students’ education and success in life.”
   Mr Welford said a series of programs and activities had been designed to help the students expand their horizons.
   “These initiatives include the Our State, Your Stories writing competition, which is also being held to mark Queensland’s 150th birthday,” he said.
   “Students will also be able to share their creative messages, artwork and designs through Launch Your Ideas postcards which are postage paid thanks to Australia Post.”
   Mr Welford said further information was available from www.yearofcreativity.deta.qld.gov.au  
   The list of ambassadors includes: Paul Bishop, Curio and Picasso, Melissa Downes, Timothy Hill, Phillip Johnson, Michael Lavery, John Lee, Alastair McLeod, Leah Purcell, Rebecca Sparrow, Dr William Tan, Dan and Matt Tobin, Elleni Toumpas, Sam Wagan and Owen Wareham.


19 February, 2009


Road safety campaign at the crossroads

A far-reaching campaign to improve safety at railway level crossings has been announced by the Minister for Transport, John Mickel.
   Mr Mickel said the $65 million program would reduce crashes, create jobs and include a public awareness campaign.
   He said $42 million from the Federal Government would be spent on installing boom gates and other active controls at level crossings throughout the State over the next two years.
   “A further $13 million is available in an existing long-term program to improve safety at level crossings, along with $10 million allocated through the Queensland Rail Taskforce which has focused on rail crossings in North Queensland,” Mr Mickel said.
   “Works to be undertaken at level crossing sites may include, boom gates and flashing lights, active advanced warning lights and signs, rumble strips, flashing strobe lights and additional signage and road markings.”
   He said all regions of Queensland would benefit from the safety upgrades.
   The $1 million community education campaign has been launched by QR and Queensland Transport to improve level crossing safety.
   The campaign followed two recent fatal collisions and ongoing concerns about motorist behaviour.
   The Statewide ‘Some things are worth waiting for’ campaign is to include TV, radio and newspaper advertising, outdoor billboards and an education package featuring a DVD and online tools.
   Mr Mickel said education was a key part of the Government’s plan to reduce accidents at level crossings.
   “Level crossing safety is a complex problem and education, enforcement and engineering improvements must go together if we are to halt the alarming increase in accidents,” he said.
   “This campaign will boost efforts to educate drivers about how to behave safely at level crossings.”
   Mr Mickel warned motorists that trains could not stop quickly or swerve to miss vehicles.
   “Motorists must be prepared to stop at level crossings, even if it costs them a few minutes, because otherwise if could cost them their lives or those of others,” he said.
   Mr Mickel said although the number of collisions at level crossings had decreased by almost 50 per cent in the past ten years, the proportion of collisions involving heavy vehicles had risen.
   “As part of this campaign we will be advertising at places such as truck stops and petrol stations that are gathering points for drivers,” he said.


19 February, 2009


Legal grants program lays down the law

Community-based legal initiatives that improve public access to justice are to share in a grant program worth $1.5 million.
   Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Kerry Shine, said the money would come from interest received on trust accounts held by legal practitioners and would support a range of projects such as community legal services, education programs, training and community resources.
   Mr Shine urged organisations and individuals providing legal services to the community to apply for the grants.
   “This year projects that benefit the socially, economically or geographically disadvantaged in our community are also especially encouraged to apply,” he said.
   “The Government is particularly focused this year on increasing dispute resolution services, improving justice services for victims of crime and assisting people with mental health issues as well as justice services for Indigenous people.”
   Mr Shine said grant program was designed to provide short-term funding for initiatives to advance the law, improve communication and education in the law, or improve the community’s access to legal services.
   He said last year’s grants had supported groups from Innisfail, Cairns, Townsville, Ingham and Toowomba as well as Brisbane-based organisations.
   “Those grants funded programs assisted some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” he said.
   Interested parties must submit applications by 27 March and additional information was available from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General on (07) 3239 0452 or www.justice.qld.gov.au


19 February, 2009


Neighbourhood kits to stop streetfights

A new kit to help resolve neighbourhood conflicts has been launched by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Kerry Shine.
   Mr Shine said the Neighbourhood Mediation Kit included advice on how to approach a neighbour to discuss a concern and tips on how to set up mediation.
   He said the kit, which was available at Queensland libraries, recommended individuals address issues as soon as they arose rather than allowing them to fester.
   “Approach your neighbour in person rather than leaving a note or sending a letter,” Mr Shine said.
   “Set a time to speak to your neighbour, express your concerns in a respectful, non-blaming manner and listen to your neighbour’s concerns.”
   He said the kit would help the Dispute Resolution Branch with conflict resolution.
   Mr Shine said the Branch had noticed an increase in demand for its services over the past few months following the State’s storms and flooding.
   “People living in areas affected by recent bad weather are under a lot of stress and this can be made worse if there are disagreements over the clean-up,” he said.
   “This new kit and the Government’s specialist mediators offer a free service to help neighbours try to settle these disputes.”
   Mr Shine said the Dispute Resolution Branch had reported disagreements about storm damage, including clearing fallen trees and repairing damage to fences.
   He said the disputes were particularly difficult if one person did not have insurance or could not afford to repair the damage.
   The kit was available at www.justice.qld.gov.au  


19 February, 2009
Bargaining meetings
The Queensland Public Sector Union has invited members to attend meetings to discuss collective bargaining issues for 2009.
   The Union said members who did not have meetings organised with their workplace could attend two large meetings in Brisbane on 19 or 23 February.
   For further information or to RSVP, contact www.qpsu.org.au  

Apprentices join Qbuild
One hundred new apprentices have begun their careers with Qbuild, working across trades including carpentry, electrical mechanics and glazing.
   Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten, congratulated the new apprentices, saying they had been selected from over 3,200 applicants.
   Mr Schwarten said the apprentices and trainees would have the chance to work on different sites such as schools, police stations, prisons and residences.

Minister to step down
Minister for Main Roads, Warren Pitt, has announced he will not contest the next State Election, choosing to retire from politics to spend more time with family and friends.
   Mr Pitt said although he was now in full remission, he wanted to repay his family for the years of support they gave him while he battled cancer by spending more time with them.
   Premier, Anna Bligh thanked Mr Pitt for his “outstanding service”, saying he had been Minister for over five years.

Briefings in doubt
Official Treasury briefings for Opposition members may be banned by the Australian Capital Territory Government following attacks on the briefings made in the Territory’s Legislative Assembly.
   ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope threatened to withdraw the briefings after the Opposition ridiculed the information it received during question time recently.
   Mr Stanhope said the tactics were ‘cowardly and unfair” and politicised the Public Servants involved.

Roads HQ opened
Main Roads’ new Logan headquarters has been opened by the Minister, Warren Pitt.
   Mr Pitt said 25 staff would work out of the new premises in Loganholme, five of which had been newly recruited to fill additional roles.
   He said Main Roads was committed to decentralising its services and ensuring decisions were made at a local level by those “who know best.”

Hospital to be named
Residents of Yeppoon have been invited to submit names for the new wing at the Capricorn Coast Hospital and Health Service.
   Premier, Anna Bligh, said names for the wing had to follow the theme ‘community heroes’ and could include anyone from a local school teacher, someone who had made an “overwhelming contribution” to health care in the region, or a surf lifesaver.
   Entries close 17 April and should be emailed to keppel@parliament.qld.gov.au

Search for researchers
The Australia Council for the Arts is seeking expressions of interest from tertiary researchers looking to build industry partnerships to support applications for Australian Research Council funded research projects.
   Parties should submit expressions of interest outlining the proposed project and the nature of the partnership by Friday 20 March 2009.
   Further information was available by contacting (02) 9215 9369.

Science Saturdays start again
The CSIRO has launched the fifth annual Science on Saturday program to encourage children across the state to learn about science.
   The program would be available for children aged seven to 14 and include hands-on activities and experiments about how science affects everyday life and future career possibilities.
   Science on Saturday includes two sessions every Saturday for six weeks – one at 10am to 11:30am for students aged seven to 10, and the other at 12:30pm to 2pm for children aged 11 to 14. Further information was available from www.csiro.au/sos  

Buses replaced
Old school buses in regional centres are to be replaced with newer models ahead of schedule after the State Government’s program received a $35 million funding injection.
   Minister for Transport, John Mickel, said the replacement buses would be safer, with all including rollover protection and some including seatbelts.
   Mr Mickel said around 500 older buses would be replaced.

Malaria under microscope
Australia is to host the launch of a new regional network established to increase efforts to fight malaria in the Asia Pacific region.
   The Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network has met for the first time in Brisbane and would give countries the opportunity to share their experiences and progress towards malaria elimination.
   Representatives aim to prevent over 4 million deaths due to malaria by 2015.

Plant design paper
The Australian Safety and Compensation Council is seeking public comment on a discussion paper proposing strategies to address issues associated with the design and manufacture of industrial plant.
   The ASCC is seeking comment on whether the proposed approaches to improve the safety and regulation of plant design are appropriate.
   Further information was available from www.ascc.gov.au, with the public comment period open until 15 May
.

12 February, 2009


Service namechange cops a serve

A proposal to drop the name “Service” from the “Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service” has angered unionists in the Environmental Protection Agency who have called for the plan to be scrapped.
   Queensland Public Sector Union delegates in the EPA, the Queensland Rangers Association (QRA) and delegates from the Australian Workers Union are fighting the decision to axe the QPWS as a corporate identity.
   An article in the QPSU magazine, EPA WorkVoices, said the QPWS identity would need to be progressively replaced on signage and staff uniforms, with staff no longer allowed to answer phones with “Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.”
   In the article, the QRA suggested three issues regarding the name change needed to be addressed.
   The Association said the name change would be extremely costly, timely and confusing for the public.
   “There are millions of dollars of signage assets on Fraser Island alone,” the QRA said.
   “The proposition that signage can be progressively replaced is preposterous, since this would take decades, during which dual signage would cause great public confusion.”
   The Association said the decision had also caused “significant morale problems” in the QPWS as most of its staff were proud of its identity
   “Having another factor detrimentally affecting morale is particularly concerning at a time when staff recruitment and retention in the EPA is becoming a significant problem,” the QRA said.
   The final issue to be addressed, according to the QRA was whether the decision was legal.
   “The establishment of the QPWS as a Government entity was approved by Executive Council,” it said
   “Therefore, is the axing decision legal?”
   Many QPSW staff offered their support to the QRA if it decided to take the matter up with the Premier and Treasurer, saying the decision was particularly devastating as it was the centenary year of national parks in Queensland.
   The Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service was formed in 1975, with the word “national” dropped in 1998.


12 February, 2009


Visitors inundate water website

The Department of Natural Resources and Water’s website has attracted more than 50,000 visitors in the past month, checking river heights and water flow information across the State.
   Minister, Craig Wallace, said the Department monitored rivers throughout the State, providing information to the Bureau of Meteorology for flood warning purposes.
   Mr Wallace said the NRW also made the information available online so Queensland residents could monitor stream flow levels around their properties at all times.
   “As floodwaters continue to drench much of North Queensland, this information is certainly of interest to residents and water users,” he said.
   “The NRW website has been refreshed this week so the information is now available direct from the homepage.”
   Mr Wallace said NRW operated a State-wide monitoring network comprising of around 400 monitoring stations.
   “The stations collect, manage and deliver data on the quantity and quality of freshwater in Queensland’s streams and aquifers,” he said.
   “For example, residents can access the latest data from the Burdekin River at the Burdekin Falls Dam – which shows that by midnight last night (5 February) the river had reached a daily volume of 1.2 million megalitres.
   Mr Wallace said the system provided interesting but critical information to enable locals to make important decisions such as whether to move their stock.
   “Users can search by region, catchment, stream or water resource plan. Rainfall and water quality is also available at selected sites,” he said.
   The website could be visited at www.nrw.qld.gov.au  


12 February, 2009


Productivity call for more polished policy

A call to improve the quality and professionalism of policy making in the Public Sector has been made by the Chairman of the Productivity Commission, Gary Banks.
   Speaking to the Australian and New Zealand School of Government earlier this month, Mr Banks said that with the range of challenges facing the nation and the world, the importance of a rigorous and professional approach to policy making could not be underestimated.
   He called, in particular for all Public Sector policy decisions to be based on evidence, and rational analysis rather than “intuition, ideology or conventional wisdom.”
   According to Mr Banks, the Productivity Commission has been proposing policy on the basis of evidence for over 30 years but not every branch of Government has been so committed.
   In that time, he said, the Commission had uncovered many examples of public policy gone astray, from immigration and birth rate policies aimed at countering the ageing of the community which achieved nothing; to rail and road pricing policies based on presumptions that were factually incorrect; to zero waste policies that proved to be economically costly and environmentally unsound; and industry bidding wars between States that produced no benefits whatsoever for the winning State.
   “Without evidence, policy makers must fall back on intuition, ideology or conventional wisdom - or at best, theory alone,” Mr Banks said.
   “Among other things, policies that haven’t been informed by good evidence and analysis fall more easily prey to the ‘Law of Unintended Consequences’ - in popular parlance, Murphy’s Law – which can lead to costly mistakes.”
   He said as the Council of Australian Governments rolled out its National Reform Agenda, basing policy decisions on evidence had become even more important.
   “This has ‘upped the ante’ on having good analysis and good processes to help avoid making mistakes on a national scale,” he said.
   Mr Banks identified seven essential ingredients to obtaining, evaluating and acting on the evidence required to inform policy decisions.
   He said the evidence needed to be collected with the appropriate methodology; be based on reliable data; be open to scrutiny; allowed enough time to collect and prepare; be evaluated by capable people; be independent of vested interests; and be welcomed by the policymakers.
   “It is actually very demanding,” he said.
   Mr Banks called on the public sector to move more towards evidence-based policymaking by recruiting more graduates in the social and economic sciences; steering away from the big ‘jack-of-all-trades’ consultancies and go direct to experts; building in more time for the policy making process; and moving to improve political understanding of the importance of the evidence based approach.
   Mr Banks’s comments were welcomed by the leading unionists with the National Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union, Stephen Jones saying Public Servants were eager to help tackle the big policy issues but felt constrained by budget cuts, efficiency dividends and other restrictions.
   “We also share Mr Banks’s concerns about the excessive use of external consultants on policy work,” Mr Jones said.


12 February, 2009


All go for go card

The 250,000th go cardhas been issued by TransLink, just one week after the first anniversary of its introduction.
   The achievement has been hailed as a significant milestone.
   Minister for Transport, John Mickel, said over 18 million trips had been taken on the TransLink network using go cards since they were introduced in January last year.
   Mr Mickel said almost $50 million had been loaded onto the card, with the strong numbers of users boosted by recent education and awareness campaigns.
   “Remarkably, in December 2008 the go card had already surpassed its June 2009 sales target,” he said.
   “Last week, almost 8,000 go cards were sold – an average of about 1,370 go cards a day between Monday and Friday – with 1,928 cards being sold on Monday alone.”
   Mr Mickel said since the go card was introduced there had been a substantial fall in enquiries and complaints across the TransLink network.
   He said TransLink closely monitored feedback from its customers, which it used to continually enhance the go card system.
   He said the card made using public transport quicker and easier, with passengers no longer needing to carry change or waste time queuing for tickets.
   “Go card users have been saving between 20 and 35 per cent, compared to single paper tickets, whenever they travel on TransLink bus, train and ferry services and a further 50 per cent if they use their card more than 10 times per week,” he said.
   Mr Mickel said TransLink was the second Australian public transport system to successfully roll out “convenient, smart card technology.”
   He said the South East Queensland network was the largest in the world.
   “The go card was initially rolled out to Caboolture, Redcliffe and Sunshine Coast commuters on 29 January 2008, the greater Brisbane area and the Gold Coast (rail) in February 2008, and on Airtrain and Surfside bus services in June 2008,” Mr Mickel said.
   "It has been a fantastic achievement for TransLink to reach this milestone for the go card so far ahead of predicted targets, and it will continue to go from strength to strength.”


12 February, 2009


Police take straight line to Victoria

Queensland Police have been quick to respond to calls for help from their colleagues in bushfire-ravaged Victoria, sending two teams of forensic specialists to assist local authorities identify the victims of the tragedy.
   Premier, Anna Bligh, said the eight officers sent to Victoria were the same ones sent to help following the Bali bombings in 2002.
   Ms Bligh said while much of Queensland’s resources were occupied by the State’s floods, they could offer resources such as the forensic specialists, fire engines, firefighters and medical assistance to Victoria if it was needed.
   “The extraordinary disaster unfolding in regional Victoria has shocked the nation,” Ms Bligh said.
   “Queensland stands at the ready to provide any assistance and support we can and have dispatched the forensic teams immediately upon receiving the request from Victorian Police.”
   Minister for Police, Judy Spence, said the forensic teams were renowned as some of Australia’s best.
   “Each team includes three police forensic specialists and a police photographer,” she said.
   “Their expertise in forensics is unquestioned.”
   Ms Bligh offered her condolences to the victims of the Bushfires, saying she had spoken to Health Minister, Stephen Robertson, Police Minister, Judy Spence, and Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts about how the State could offer further assistance.
   “These fires have taken a terrible toll and come at a time when much of Queensland is experiencing devastating floods,” she said.
   “But the terrible loss of life and property in Victoria has shocked us all and we stand ready to do all that we can to assist the fight against these fires.  


12 February, 2009


Committee lays down law on Constitution

All Queenslanders have been invited to have their say on what should be included in a preamble to the Constitution of Queensland 2001.
The Legal, Constitutional and Administrative Review Committee of the Legislative Assembly is preparing to draft the proposed text of the preamble and according to Committee Chair, Dianne Reilly, wants to know what Queenslanders think it should say.
   Mrs Reilly said the preamble would contain an inspirational statement on the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Queensland as a State and a statement recognising Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
   “Essentially a preamble is the introduction to an Act,” she said.
   “With the Constitution it is an introduction to Queensland, who we are, what makes Queensland and Queenslanders exceptional, and how far we, as a State, have come.
   “It is the introduction to the building blocks of our State.”
   Mrs Reilly said the Committee wanted to ensure the statement was culturally appropriate and acceptable to the State’s Indigenous community.
   “To this end the Committee will consult with the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council and wants to hear from Indigenous Queenslanders,” she said.
   “We also want to hear from all interested Queenslanders on what should be included in the preamble.”
   In an issues paper released by the Committee, topics such as cultural diversity, equality and the environment were also raised as possible suggestions.
   Ms Reilly said submissions closed on 13 March 2009.
   The Committee is to provide a report to Parliament, including a draft preamble, on Tuesday, 21 April 2009.
   Ms Reilly said the Committee would hold a public meeting in Townsville on 20 February to discuss the preamble.
   To obtain an issues paper, or for further information visit www.parliament.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3406 7307.


12 February, 2009


Opposition cashes in on finance unit

The LNP Opposition has promised to create a new finance unit within Queensland Treasury to draw on private sector skills and advice in costing Government projects.
   LNP Leader, Lawrence Springborg, said the move would rein in Government debt and assist Treasury in the management of major projects.
   Mr Springborg said the proposed finance unit would tap into the financial advice and management skills of the private sector, helping to secure inter-state and international investor confidence in Budget costings and forecasts.
   “Under this specialised office the LNP will responsibly manage the delivery of major infrastructure, create a pool of talented, skilled individuals, including from the private sector, to ensure that projects are delivered on time and on budget,” he said.
   Mr Springborg also released a new policy document setting out the LNP’s Public Sector management plans.
   However, General Secretary of the Queensland Public Sector Union, Alex Scott, said the document failed to outline a clear Public Sector jobs policy and actually suggested 12,000 PS jobs would be cut.
   “Public sector jobs are crucial because they protect our communities from the worst effects of recession,” Mr Scott said.
   “It’s deeply concerning that Mr Springborg could even contemplate cutting jobs at this time.”
   He said the policy document did not consider the effects the downsizing could have on Agencies such as the Department of Child Safety, Disability Services Queensland, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
   “Our State’s population is growing, and Queenslanders need more child protection jobs, more disability support jobs, more environmental protection jobs, not fewer,” Mr Scott said.
   “Every job that is cut from the public Sector in Queensland means another person who won’t find work.”


12 February, 2009


Hi-tech traffic signs show way ahead

New traffic signs that display differing messages depending on road conditions and other factors have been introduced on the Bruce Highway for assessment.
   Minister for Main Roads, Warren Pitt, and Federal Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese, announced the project, saying it aimed to improve safety on the Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Gympie.
   Mr Pitt said the project used the latest intelligent transport systems (ITS) and variable message signs (VMS) and included a research and development component to assess the influence of automatic messages on driver behaviour and safety.
   “The installation of the six VMS should be finished by mid 2009, weather permitting,” Mr Pitt said.
   “In the initial stages, the VMS will be used to display routine driver safety messages while the necessary hardware and software is developed to add intelligence to the system.”
   Mr Albanese said when it was fully functional, the ITS would be able to automatically choose and display messages targeting drivers doing the wrong thing, such as speeding.
   “The VMS can identify different styles of driving and then target motorists who are behaving dangerously,” he said.
   “This technology will also allow Main Roads to provide advance warning to motorists about congestion, crash sites, wet road conditions and other potential hazards.”
   Mr Albanese said Jay-1 Enterprises had been awarded the $1.5 million contract to design, supply and install the six new VMS.
   He said the project would improve safety on the AusLink highway, with the VMS being installed at Black Mountain, Federal, Coles Creek, Tuchekoi, Traveston and Kybong.
   The project is expected to cost $2.7 million, with $1.5 million in funding received from the Federal Government and the remaining $1.2 million from the State Government.


12 February, 2009


War veterans urged to enlist help

War veterans affected by damaging floods around the State are being urged to contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to make the most of a range of support services available.
   Deputy Commissioner for DVA in Queensland, Alison Stanley, said the Department was ready and available to assist veterans and their families affected by the disaster.
   Ms Stanley said the floods had caused damage to much of Queensland and had affected the lives of veterans and their families.
   “Many in the veteran community rely on DVA for advice and for those in need there is immediate support available,” she said.
   “People receiving DVA payments and concerned about those payments should call the Department to discuss their circumstances.”
   Ms Stanley said regional callers could phone 1800 555 254 for the price of a local call. 
   She encouraged veterans who had their property insured with Defence Service Homes Insurance and whose property was affected by the floods to contact their local customer service officer on 1300 552 662.
   “Many policy holders, particularly in the Ingham area, are yet to return to their properties and customer service officers expect to receive calls after the flood waters finally recede,” Ms Stanley said.
   She said the DVA had a Veterans’ Affairs Network office in Townsville which could be contacted on 1300 55 1918.
   “Alternatively, DVA has an agency arrangement with Centrelink in Cairns,” Ms Stanley said.
   “Their number is 4048 8930.”
   She said the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) was available to help veterans and their families in crisis situations and provided supportive, confidential counselling.
   Ms Stanley said the VVCS could be contacted on 1800 011 046, 24 hours a day.
   The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment for people affected by the North Queensland Floods is being administered by Centrelink.
   She said DVA pensioners could phone 180 2222 or visit their nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre or Centrelink Agent for further information.


12 February, 2009


More students add up to more teachers

The enrolment of an extra 5,400 students in the State’s primary and secondary schools has led to the creation of 150 new jobs for teachers.
   Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, said the greatest increases in student numbers had been seen in primary schools.
   Mr Welford said growth in prep enrolments was particularly significant with an increase of almost 1,900 on 2008 figures.
   “It seems parents of children just starting school are choosing to send them into the State system,” he said.
   Mr Welford said an additional 750 students had enrolled in Year 11 and over 1,000 extra in Year 12.
   “This growth underlines the importance of having a strong public education system that can respond to such spikes in demand,” he said.
   “All these new students create a need for more teachers so that we can continue to meet our class size targets, which are among the lowest in the country.”
   Mr Welford said most of the new appointments would be permanent positions.
   “This jobs boost is great news in the current economic climate.”
   He said there were a number of vacancies for Manual Arts, Maths and Science teachers.
   “These are roles which have been traditionally difficult to fill because their skills were so much in demand outside teaching,’ he said.
   “Now with demand slowing in other sectors we are hoping to see more of these skilled workers moving back into teaching where the jobs are available, secure and stable.”
   Mr Welford said the public school system was well equipped to cater for an increase in students.
   “Our Government plans for the future, continually monitoring regions with high population growth to ensure there are local state school options for all Queenslanders,” he said.
   “That’s why we opened three new schools on the northern Gold Coast this year, to cater for population increases in one the state’s fastest growing regions.”


12 February, 2009


Bridge contest to span 150th birthday

The Queensland public has been invited to suggest names for 11 new bridges across Brisbane as part of the State’s 150th birthday celebrations.
   Minister for Main Roads, Warren Pitt, said the bridge naming festivities would highlight the important role roads and bridges played in building the State’s prosperity and connecting Queenslanders.
   “The State’s 150th birthday is an important milestone for all Queenslanders and we want to involve the community in the celebrations,” Mr Pitt said.
   “We have a list of 11 bridges around Brisbane and Ipswich that need names and the community is invited to provide suggestions to Main Roads for consideration.”
   Mr Pitt said he was looking for names that represented the community, such as fauna or flora species, people’s names or historical events.
   “All suggestions must have a unique tie to the local area and a significant meaning to the whole community,” he said.
   “Examples of suggestions could be Indigenous names, local historical events or traditions, plants, animals or other significant features such as geographical landmarks.”
   The project has been advertised in local papers, posters, flyers and the Queensland Government’s ‘get involved’ website.
   “A name will be recommended following the review of public submissions by a decision-making panel which includes community representatives.
   Mr Pitt said five of the bridges to be named were part of the Centenary Highway Extension and included Woogaroo Creek, Deebing Creek, Bundamba Creek, Little Bundamba Creek and Six Mile Creek/School Road.
   He said two bridges from the Ipswich/Logan Interchange project - Woogaroo Creek at Gailes/Goodna and Old Logan Road and Wilruna Street - also needed names as did the Park Ridge Road Overpass (Mount Lindesay Highway upgrade), Nundah tunnel, Acacia Ridge rail crossing overpass and Houghton Highway duplicate bridge.
   Submissions close 30 March, 2009, with more information available from www.mainroads.qld.gov.au or by emailing Q150bridges@mainroads.qld.gov.au
   Mr Pitt said the anniversary celebration of Queensland’s separation from NSW would run all year and express the vision reflect on our past, imagine our future.


12 February, 2009


Football campaign aims to kick goals

A campaign to encourage a more positive culture in junior football across the South East of the State has been launched by Sport Minister, Judy Spence.
   The Positive or It’s Pointless program is a partnership between the Government and the major junior football codes in the area and is aimed at building a positive culture on the junior sporting field.
   Ms Spence said it represented a step in the right direction for junior sport.
   “The Positive or It’s Pointless campaign is a big step towards facilitating a change of culture in junior football codes to eliminate poor and unacceptable player and spectator behaviour,” she said.
   “Anyone who is involved in sport and recreation, regardless of their age or abilities, deserves to play in a fun, safe and fair environment that is free of harassment or discrimination.”
   Ms Spence said collaboration with the Government’s True Sport Lives Here program allowed the new campaign to inspire grass roots athletes to embrace the principles of integrity, respect, fun, responsibility and excellence.
   She said the partnership was taking a proactive approach by promoting the message of fair play both on and off the field.
   “Sport plays such an important role in our community and by encouraging children to play sport, we are making a major investment in their future, and setting them on the path to an active and healthy life,” Ms Spence said.
   “While most players, coaches, umpires and spectators are doing the right thing, there have still been inappropriate instances at junior sporting games in recent times, including violence, racism, verbal abuse towards referees and players, win-at-all-costs mentalities from coaches and overbearing pressure from parents.”
   Ms Spence said bad behaviour on the field could affect other areas of a child’s life, making it “essential we look at all ways to prevent such negative attitudes.”
   She said the success of the campaign would be largely due to the involvement of the Rugby League, Australian Football League, Rugby Union and soccer spreading the message through their networks at local club level.


12 February, 2009


Legal profession to be brought to book

Regulation of Australia’s fragmented legal profession is to be reformed following an agreement by all States, Territories and the Commonwealth to cooperate.
   The Federal Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner, said the Commonwealth believed there were significant efficiencies and cost savings to be gained through the reform.
   “Compliance costs would be significantly reduced for the profession and consumers of legal services, especially those operating across borders, and Australia’s international competitiveness would be strengthened,” Mr Tanner said.  
   He said regulation of the legal profession had been the subject of many changes in recent years.
   “However, the regulation remains overly complex and inconsistent and each jurisdiction maintains its own regulatory structure,” Mr Tanner said.
   Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland said he would work closely with the States and Territories, the legal profession and other stakeholders on the initiative.
   “It is likely that the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General will be called on to assist with the reform process,” Mr McClelland said.
   A spokesman for the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) said that the current diversity of regulators added unnecessary costs and red tape for lawyers and consumers.
   “The legal services are a critical part of Australia’s economy and require clear and efficient national regulation,” the spokesperson said.
   The initiative was an important step towards strengthening the economy in the face of the global financial crisis and delivering a “seamless national economy.”
   The spokesperson said papers for discussion were to be prepared for the next COAG meeting.


12 February, 2009


Adoption reforms to be adopted

Child adoption practices in Queensland are to become fairer and less restrictive under new laws being considered by the State Parliament.
   Minister for Child Safety, Margaret Keech, said the Adoption Bill 2009, would overhaul the Adoption of Children Act 1964 to deliver “contemporary, fair adoption laws.”
   “No longer will we have the most restrictive adoption laws in the country,” Mrs Keech said.
   “Queenslanders have clearly told us the current adoption laws are not fair, we have listened, and we are responding with significant reform.”
   She said for the first time, adoption laws in Queensland would provide for an open or closed adoption, allowing a child’s birth and adoptive families to choose whether they would keep in contact.
   Mrs Keech said open adoption practices would make it easier for the Department of Child Safety to support adoption as an option for children in care when reunification to parents was not safe.
   “In these cases, children and young people need stability and permanency that can sometimes be best provided for through adoption,” she said.
   Mrs Keech said adoption had significant legal consequences as it changed a child’s legal identity and legal relationship with their birth parents, but that Queensland was the only Australian State where adoption orders were made administratively rather than in Court.
   She said eligibility to adopt would be extended from married couples to include de facto couples who had been in a relationship for at least two years.
   Mrs Keech said under the new laws, birth parents and the adopted family would choose the level of involvement with each other.
   “Research clearly shows open adoption supports more positive outcomes for adopted children, as they develop a positive image of who they are with the knowledge of both their birth and adoptive parents,” she said.
   Mrs Keech said current laws restricted adopted people and birth parents who were involved in an adoption before 1991 from accessing information if one of them had objected to the release.
   “Currently more than 1,100 people adopted before June 1991 cannot access their own family history,” she said.
   Mrs Keech said the Government had engaged in community consultation when developing the reforms.
   “It is clear from the consultation that for many people not knowing these facts can lead to a great deal of pain and suffering,” she said.
   “It was also clear that some people do not want their information released and are worried about unwelcome intrusion into their lives.”
   Mrs Keech said as a result of the feedback, the laws would be reformed to ensure equal access to information by birth parents and adopted people, even if they were adopted before 1991.
   “We will be maintaining the right for people to state their preference for no-contact which, for these pre-1991 adoptions, will be legally enforceable,” she said.
   “The reforms balance people’s right to information about their history, yet maintain the rights of others to privacy.”
   Mrs Keech said if the laws were passed, they would be implemented by 1 October 2009.


12 February, 2009


Cash bonus tourism is just the ticket

A campaign to encourage interstate recipients of the Federal Government’s cash bonus payment to use their windfall to visit Queensland is to be launched by Tourism Queensland at the end of February.
   Premier, Anna Bligh, said a $1.3 million Bonus Breaks campaign would target southern tourists, offering them bargain holidays in time for the first cash bonuses to be delivered in March.
   Ms Bligh said the campaign aimed to ensure the tourism industry was able to ride out the economic downturn.
   “If we encourage and succeed in getting both locals and southerners to take advantage of the deals which will be on offer, we shore up those existing jobs and create new ones in the sector,” she said.
   “At its core, this is about keeping your mates and your fellow Queenslanders in a job.”
   Ms Bligh said Tourism Queensland had anticipated a second stimulus package and had been working on the campaign to ensure it was ready on time.
   She said the new campaign featured print, online, radio and billboard ads and was expected to generate an additional 22,000 extra bed nights and $13 million in visitor expenditure.
   Minister for Tourism, Desley Boyle, said for under $1,000 visitors could enjoy up to five nights, including airfares and accommodation, in prime destinations such as Cairns, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Hervey Bay and Townsville.
   Ms Boyle said the Government had joined forces with Flight Centre and Virgin Blue to stage the deals which will come on-line in early March.
   “I’m delighted to have the support of Flight Centre and Virgin Blue and am equally delighted that more than 140 tourism businesses have already signed on to support this campaign,” she said.
   “With the combination of the Federal Government’s $950 cash bonus and the savings families will get with the reduction in mortgage rates announced, I encourage everyone to consider taking a bonus break.”
   Ms Bligh said the tourism industry directly employed 119,000 Queenslanders, with 75 per cent of those being small businesses.
   “The industry is feeling the effects of the global economic downturn and there’s no option but to act quickly and decisively to ensure jobs – from hotel staff to tour guides to theme park workers to airport staff – are safe,” she said.


12 February, 2009


Police phone powers to tap into success

New laws have been introduced into Parliament to give Queensland Police the power to use phone taps in their efforts to combat criminal activity.
   Premier, Anna Bligh, said the Telecommunications Interception Bill would allow police to use the taps to infiltrate serious criminal gangs, while providing safeguards designed to test the validity of applications from law enforcement officers.
   Ms Bligh said the Bill represented a significant addition to the crime fighting capabilities of Queensland’s law enforcement agencies.
   “It will enable the Queensland Police Service and the Crime and Misconduct Commission to apply for telecommunications interception warrants for the investigation of serious offences,” she said.
   “That’s a highly effective tool for detecting and prosecuting serious criminal activity - particularly drug trafficking, organised crime, predatory paedophilia networks and corruption and premeditated violent crimes.
   “This method of policing can reduce threats safety officers can face if they are otherwise involved in surveillance or undercover work.”
   Ms Bligh said the Bill ensured Agencies had the power they needed to fight crime, but at the same time provided a “high standard of checks and balances.”
   She said as phone tapping was intrusive on an individual’s privacy, the Bill included a Public Interest Monitor (PIM) to test the validity of applications.
    “Queensland will be the only state to have the safeguard of a PIM to ensure that applications for phone tapping powers take into account the broader public interest,” Ms Bligh said.
   She said in August last year, the Federal Government had agreed to amend its Act to allow Queensland law enforcement agencies to apply for interception warrants in a manner that provided for the involvement of the PIM in the process.
   “Queensland and Federal officials have worked together to ensure the State and supporting Commonwealth Bills align constitutionally and are otherwise mutually acceptable,” Ms Bligh said.
   The Federal Telecommunications Interception Legislation Amendment Bill - giving effect to the Prime Minister’s agreement to full PIM involvement – is due to for Senate consideration which will lead to the Queensland Bill taking full effect.


12 February, 2009
Recordkeepers to meet
The Queensland State Archives is to host a Recordkeepers’ Forum to allow Public Authority Representatives to discuss issues relating to the management of public records and to meet with key QSA staff.
   The forum will be held on 18 February, and will look at managing public records through change, effective record keeping, government priorities, and Machinery of Government changes or organisational restructures.
   Further information is available from www.archives.qld.gov.au

False start in Union ballot
The Queensland Public Sector Union has alerted members that the ballot papers issued to members in Queensland Police contained an error.
   The Union said the Electoral Commission of Queensland which was administering the election informed it the last name of candidate Trevor Baker had been spelt incorrectly.
   The Commission said it would issue new papers and that all members who had already completed the ballot would need to resubmit their vote.

Website survey at Housing
The Department of Housing is conducting a survey to help understand the needs of people who visit its website.
   The Department is encouraging visitors to participate in the survey, which takes around 2 minutes to complete.
   The survey could be accessed at www.housing.qld.gov.au/website-survey.htm

Green timber required
Suppliers of timber to the Government’s construction and building maintenance provider, QBuild, will have to prove their ‘green credentials’ before they can win contracts for the supply of timber and timber products to the Agency.
   In line with the State’s commitment to sustainable procurement, timber merchants will have to provide recycled timber or show they have accreditation with an internationally recognised forest certificate scheme to secure a deal.

Flood appeal launched
An appeal for donations for residents affected by the State’s floods has been launched by the Premier, Anna Bligh.
   Ms Bligh said the Government had contributed $500,000 to help cover damages, estimated to be worth around $142 million.
   Donations could be made to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Fund at the Commonwealth, Westpac, NAB, ANZ, Suncorp Metway and the Bank of Queensland, or by calling the Smart Services Queensland Call Centre on 1800 173 349 with credit card details.
   The appeal will be open for approximately three months.

Hospital under scrutiny
An investigation into whistleblower complaints about the quality of health services at Bundaberg Base Hospital is being undertaken by the Health Quality and Complaints Commission.
   The independent health watchdog says it is working with the Crime and Misconduct Commission, Medical Board of Queensland, Queensland Nursing Council and Queensland Health to finalise the investigation as quickly as possible.

New park on Jabiru Is.
A new community park on Jabiru Island has been announced after a sand mine site was registered with the Government as a reserve.
   The 1.3 hectare site will provide more open space for the local community and complement the existing 18 hectare Phil Hill Environment Park.
   Grass and turf are to be replanted at the site and what was previously off-limits and unusable land for visitors will be transformed into a recreational area.

Events get extension
Event organisers in flood affected areas of Queensland have been granted an extra two weeks to submit their applications for funding under the Queensland Events Regional Development Program.
   Applications were due to close on 13 February, with the new deadline extended to 27 February.
   Event organisers that were not affected by flooding were still required to submit their full application by 13 February.

Power recruits
More than 100 new recruits have embarked on careers in Queensland’s power industry.
   Mines and Energy Minister, Geoff Wilson, said Government-owned energy companies were taking on 113 new apprentices and a number of new trainees.
   Mr Wilson said 46 apprentices would embark on new jobs with Ergon Energy in regional Queensland and 40 would join Energex in its first intake for 2009, with more recruits expected to join the power provider later in the year.

Mines fast-tracked
Key mining projects are to be fast-tracked to create over 1,500 construction jobs in regional Queensland.
   The Department of Mines and Energy is to work with the Department of Natural Resources and Water, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, and other Government Agencies to identify areas where red tape could be cut to get around a dozen mining projects up and running.
   Displaced miners could contact the Government’s Rapid Response Team helpline on 1800 035 749 for support.


5 February, 2009


Prisons win praise for good behaviour

A national report on Government services across the nation has identified the Queensland correctional system as one of the best in the country.
   Minister for Corrective Services, Judy Spence, welcomed the report saying Queensland Corrective Services continued to perform well compared to its interstate counterparts.
   Ms Spence said the Report on Government Services 2009, prepared for the Council of Australian Governments, compared the performance of all the country’s correctional systems during 2007/08.
   The report found Queensland had the lowest prisoner and offender return rates in three of the four recidivism measures it reviewed, and had not had an escape from secure custody since 1998.
   “The major investment the State Government has made in prison security and rehabilitation is showing results,” Ms Spence said.
   “There has not been an escape from secure custody and there’s less chance of an offender returning to prison than in other States.
   “Queensland continues to lead the way for the fourth year in a row.”
   She said the report also showed Queensland was below the Australian average on prisoner costs, costing $180.30 per prisoner per day compared to the average of $206.80.
   “Queensland had the lowest recurrent cost per offender in Probation and Parole costing $9.50 a day compared with the Australian average of $13.10,” Ms Spence said.
   She said Queensland’s lowest number of prisoners returning to corrective services was 42 per cent compared to the average of 44 per cent.
   Ms Spence said the trend carried over to offenders returning to community corrections with Queensland showing 12.1 per cent compared to the Australian average of 17.5 per cent.
   “Queensland was the second lowest in prisoners returning to prison at 33.6 percent compared with the Australian average of 38.2 per cent,” she said.
   “These recidivism rates are calculated for all States and are based on the number of prisoners who re-offend within two years of their release.”
   Ms Spence said the figures for those reoffending highlighted “the success of our practical evidence-based offender programs, education and training options and post release support.”


5 February, 2009


No skirting the issue on Women’s Day

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day has been announced as Our Women, our State.
   Minister for Women, Margaret Keech unveiled the theme for the Day which will be celebrated on 8 March.
   Mrs Keech said as Queensland was also celebrating its 150th Birthday in 2009, the theme would tie in with the contributions women had made to the State over the past 150 years.
   “This year Queensland is celebrating Q150 – its 150th anniversary of independence from New South Wales as a colony,” Mrs Keech said.
   “It’s time to reflect on the struggles and achievements of past Queensland women as inspiration to shape tomorrow’s Queensland.”
   She said the 2009 International Women’s Day was the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to the many women from across Queensland and from all walks of life who had played an integral role in shaping the Queensland of today.
   “Many of the rights Queensland women may take for granted in today’s society are directly attributed to the efforts and contributions of those who came before us,” she said
   “From the early struggles of the women of the labour movement to the foundation of equal opportunities for women, International Women’s Day in 2009 is a timely opportunity for all Queensland girls and women to consider how they will contribute to Queensland’s future.”
   Mrs Keech said that while International Women’s Day would be officially celebrated worldwide on 8 March, the Office for Women will be embarking on a range of initiatives to celebrate Q150 and International Women’s Day throughout 2009.
   “I strongly encourage all women to get involved and reflect on how they will help define Q2 in the same way our foremothers have shaped the Queensland we all enjoy today,” Mrs Keech said.
   She said the challenges Queensland women have overcome during the past 150 years could be a significant source of inspiration for today’s girls and young women.
   More information about International Women’s Day is available at www.women.qld.gov.au or the Women’s Infolink on 1800 177 577.


5 February, 2009


Cybersafety course to untangle web

A national program to train teachers in ‘Cybersafety’ is being rolled out by the national media watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
   Chairman of ACMA, Chris Chapman, said the program included information and awareness-raising campaigns, activities and programs for developing cybersafety education materials for use in schools and homes and researching current trends in cybersafety.
   “This interactive and cutting edge program is aimed at equipping educators to teach their students about cybersafety,” Mr Chapman said.
   “It forms part of the Australian Government’s commitment to cybersafety education and is free to participants.”
He said Cybersafety Outreach – Professional Development for Educators was designed for primary and secondary level educators and had been developed through extensive consultation with key stakeholders and was based on research from Australia and overseas.
   He said the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations would work with ACMA to promote the program through the Australian Government Quality Teaching Program network.
   Mr Chapman said the program was trialled during a two-day pilot attended by over 50 practising teachers and industry stakeholders.
   “There has been incredible interest in this very targeted program with the pilot oversubscribed, booking requests for workshops and presentations flooding in and additional trainers engaged to meet the demand,” he said.
   He said over the next two years the national outreach program would offer professional development for school teachers and educators; a national program for trainee teachers; presentations to parents, students, library staff and other stakeholders; education products for school aged children; guides for libraries; a cybersafety website and contactcentre; a complaints hotline; internet safety publications on social networking, mobile phone use and safe use of the internet; and research into young people’s use of online media.
   The contact centre could be contacted on 1800 880 176, with the website available at www.acma.gov.au/hotline


5 February, 2009


Relocation Direction is moving document

A new Public Service Directive has been issued amending the arrangements for relocation expenses for retiring staff.
   Entitled Relocation Expenses for Officers Retiring from the Service the Directive replaces a 2004 Directive of the same name and took effect on 2 February.
   According to the Public Sector Industrial and Employee Relations unit in the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations, the new Directive updates references to the Public Service Act 2008 and deletes dollar amounts relating to other Directives in favour of the more general references to the relevant allowances.
   PSIER said the deleted dollar amounts related to allowance per kilometre for private vehicle usage; allowances for overnight stays with relatives or friends; meal allowances;
allowance for packing own furniture; and allowance for transport of pets and/or plants.
   “The size and weight limits for transport of furniture have been increased to align with the Transfer and Appointment Expenses Directive,” it said.
   The full text of the new Directive can be accessed at the PSIER site www.psier.qld.gov.au


5 February, 2009


Councils signed up for climate change

Local Government Councils are to be given assistance to prepare their communities for the likely impacts of climate change.
   Federal Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said the Councils were “crucial” to the task of helping communities tackle climate change and the Local Adaptation Pathways Program had been set up to help them do it.
   Senator Wong said that as an example, the Brisbane City Council was helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging sustainable transport options, generating renewable energy, and using water and energy more efficiently.
   “The Council is doing this with the assistance of the Australian Government’s Cities for Climate Protection Program – demonstrating the great practical results that are generated when different levels of Government work together,” she said.
   However, Senator Wong said more action was needed to help Local Governments around Australia support their communities as they adapted to the effects of climate change that were already being noticed.
   “Councils may apply for a share in $500,000 of funding to help them develop the information and skills required to identify climate change risks and develop strategies to manage those risk,” she said.
   She said potential risks included increased severe weather events such as cyclones, flooding and storm surges, along with changed rainfall patterns and the negative effects on residents’ health.
   “Local Governments play a key role in how we manage the climate change risks to our communities,” she said.
   “They have a wide range of responsibilities for the communities they serve, including planning and development, natural resource management, property and infrastructure, and for health and recreational facilities.”
   Senator Wong encouraged Local Government areas to work together to apply for the funding, with a focus on remote and regional councils in this funding round.
   Up to $75,000 will be available for a single Council, $120,000 for two Councils and $140,000 for three or more Councils.
   Expressions of interest for grants under the Local Adaptation Pathways Program are due by 25 February 2009.
   Further information was available from www.climatechange.gov.au


5 February, 2009


School computer scheme has byte

The landmark 25,000th laptop in the Government’s Computers for Teachers program has been delivered to a teacher at Pimlico State High School.
   Year 8 teacher, Christy Guinea, was presented with the computer by the Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, who was in Townsville for the Community Cabinet meeting. Pimlico is a suburb of Townsville.
   Mr Welford said the presentation marked a significant milestone in the Government’s $70 million Computers for Teachers program.     “We’ve been delivering this program since 2007 and now 25,000 state school teachers have received their own personal computers,” he said.
   “By the end of 2011, every permanent State school teacher, who works at least two days a week will have access to their own laptop – that’s roughly 39,000 teachers in our State school system.”
   Mr Welford said teachers from around 900 State schools had received laptops through the program, with Pimlico State High receiving 108 laptops worth over $95,000, which included $7,000 for professional development.
   “In this digital age, computers have replaced blackboards and chalk as the tool of the trade for our teachers,” he said.
   “We want to equip our teachers with the most up-to-date technology so that they can teach our students in relevant and meaningful ways.”
   Mr Welford also encouraged teachers to participate in the Smart Classrooms Professional Development Framework to upgrade their skills and earn their ICT Pedagogical Licence.
   Member for Mundingburra, Lindy Nelson-Carr, welcomed the delivery of laptops to local schools.
   “As part of the digital generation most of today’s students use computers and other technology as their primary means of communicating with friends and family,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
   “These laptops, and the associated professional development, will ensure local teachers are well-equipped to teach our students.”


5 February, 2009


Mozzies get spray from Premier

Free supplies of mosquito repellent are to be made available to schools in Cairns and Townsville to counter the threat of dengue fever.
   Premier, Anna Bligh, announced the measure, saying it would benefit 90 schools in areas where the fever outbreak had already affected over 250 people.
   Ms Bligh said school staff would ensure students were protected with repellant throughout the day as the dengue mosquito preferred to bite humans during daylight hours.
   She said Queensland Health and Education Queensland had worked together to find a repellent appropriate for use by children.
   Ms Bligh said parents would be provided with information on the initiative, and would be given the option to opt out of the program.
   “I want to assure Queenslanders we’re doing all we can to contain the current outbreaks,” she said.
   “That’s why we’re rolling out a new TV ad blitz in Cairns and Townsville, in addition to the radio ads already being run in North Queensland.”
   Ms Bligh said the ad campaign highlighted the seriousness of dengue fever and reminded people what they could do to protect themselves.
   She said the television ads used a series of yellow warning signs featuring dangerous animals to enforce the fact that mosquitoes were also dangerous.
   “These ads remind all Queenslanders, whether they are young or old, that prevention is the best defence against dengue fever,” Ms Bligh said.
   Minister for Health, Stephen Robertson, said in addition to the ad campaign dengue prevention checklists would be distributed to North Queensland residents, and a dengue display would be on show at Townsville’s main shopping centre.
   “The display will provide giveaways including fridge magnets, checklists and workplace posters, with staff on hand to engage shoppers about mozzie prevention and dengue,” Mr Robertson said.
   He said community support in the fight against the fever outbreak was paramount for its success.
   “Recent spot checks of North Queensland households showed mosquito breeding sites were still common, particularly in suburban backyards,” Mr Robertson said.
   “This is a really worrying situation and we’re calling on Townsville and Cairns residents to rally together and help us to get on top of this outbreak and stop any further spread of dengue.
   He said no one could afford to be complacent.
   Ms Bligh said Public Servants would undertake additional inspections of potential household mosquito breeding grounds.
   “These workers are doing the hard yards at the frontline to protect Queenslanders from the damaging effects of dengue fever,” she said.
   Further information was available from www.health.qld.gov.au  


5 February, 2009


Spence goes into bat for junior sport

Queensland’s sports industry has been invited to a summit in March to come up with ways of making junior sport more affordable.
   Minster for Sport, Judy Spence, called the summit, saying tough economic times were making it difficult for parents to pay dues to local sporting clubs as well as buy uniforms and equipment for their children.
   Ms Spence said the summit would explore practical ideas and opportunities for the industry to lower costs for junior athletes.
   “This is about working together and working smarter so that our children can keep playing and enjoying their sport,” she said.
   “I know that some families are making hard choices about whether they can afford to keep their kids in sport – and the Queensland Government wants to assure these Mums and Dads that our commitment and support for junior sport remains as strong as ever.”
   Ms Spence said sport advisors from the Department of Sport and Recreation would also be available to work with clubs in their local area to help them reduce their costs.
   She said the summit would look at allowing more affordable footwear and uniforms such as sneakers instead of specialised boots and polo shirts instead of special jerseys.
   Ms Spence said sharing facilities and resources with other clubs, seeking team sponsorship, offering discounts for parent volunteers and providing lower fees for families enrolling more than one child would also be discussed.
   She also called on local sports clubs to apply for the Government’s Q2 Healthy Communities competition which would give them the opportunity to gain $1 million worth of infrastructure for their local club.
   “This is an opportunity for a club to showcase the good work they are already doing and possibly be rewarded with up to $1 million to build a new clubhouse or another new facility,” Ms Spence said.
   She said the Government recognised participating in sport and recreation was essential to building vibrant, livable communities.
   “In particular, it is an important part of growing up for our children and young people and this is why we place a very high priority on supporting junior sport,” Ms Spence said.
   “For our children, sport teaches important values and life skills including self confidence, teamwork, communication, inclusion, discipline, respect and fair play.”
   Further information on the summit, which will be held at the QEII Stadium at Nathan, was available from www.sportrec.qld.gov.au


5 February, 2009


Recycled woodwork saved from the chop

The Department of Main Roads is to use recycled timber from a bridge-replacement program for the maintenance of other bridges.
   The Department’s Southern Queensland Accelerated Road Rehabilitation Project (SQARRP) will see the timber from 31 older bridges saved and used for maintenance projects when the bridges are replaced with new concrete structures.
   Minister for Main Roads, Warren Pitt, said the Department’s construction arm, RoadTek, was carefully dismantling the timber bridges and making sure the materials would be available for use again.
   “Through salvaging the excess timber, RoadTek has been able to use it to repair and rehabilitate other timber bridges on the State-controlled road network,” Mr Pitt said.
   “In the past, timber bridges have been reconstructed or repaired using scarce and valuable new hardwood resources.”
   He said while the salvaged timber was initially only used on a number of small projects, the Department would be looking for more opportunities to recycle in the future.
   “For example, Main Roads will soon be doing a full rehabilitation of the Redbank 3 timber bridge on the Esk-Hampton Road near Esk using material retrieved from some of the SQARRP bridges,” Mr Pitt said.
   “Through accelerating the bridge program, we are looking at saving time and resources.”
   He said 18 of the 31 bridges identified under SQARRP had already been replaced.
   Mr Pitt said the program was progressing well in upgrading bridges and approaches to improve flood immunity, load capacity and safety.
   “Delivered through an alliance, SQARRP packages a number of what would usually be individual projects into one bulked-up program that pools materials, labour and specialist expertise,” he said.
   “Replacing 31 bridges under a regular schedule could have taken about 14 to 15 years. Under SQARRP, the project will be completed in mid-2009 – only two years since the construction phase of the project first began.”


5 February, 2009


Medical strategy just what doctor ordered

A $25 million Medical Research Strategy has been unveiled in what Health Minister Stephen Robertson has called another boost for local innovation in the Smart State
   Mr Robertson said the Research for a Healthier Future: 2020 Health and Medical Research and Development Strategy was part of the Government’s vision of a smarter, healthier and more prosperous Queensland.
   “This strategy will send out a very clear message that Queensland is at the forefront of medical research and development,” Mr Robertson said.
   “It will help to attract the best and brightest researchers to Queensland, enhancing local medical research capabilities.”
   He said an improved medical research and development capacity would mean better diagnosis, better treatments and better health outcomes for Queenslanders.
   He said the strategy included $20 million for Queensland’s Senior Clinical Research Fellowships – Australia’s most generous health research fellowships.
   “These fellowships will attract clinical researchers with international reputations, helping to establish strong leadership within Queensland’s health and medical research community.”
   Mr Robertson said an important initiative under the new strategy was the establishment of the Office of Health and Medical Research within Queensland Health.
   “This office has been established to provide leadership and direction across the health and medical research sector, and I’m pleased to announce Professor Robin Mortimer has been appointed its Senior Director.”
   “It will promote Queensland’s research capability and opportunities, supporting health professionals to undertake research, and facilitating collaborations between clinicians, academia and industry.”


5 February, 2009


Applause floods in for cyclone work

Maritime Safety Queensland has been commended for its prompt response to the threat to shipping posed by Tropical Cyclone Ellie last weekend.
   Minister for Transport, John Mickel, congratulated MSQ, saying it had a well-established response to cyclone threats in place.
   Mr Mickel said Maritime Safety Queensland had responded to the Bureau of Meteorology’s cyclone condition yellow warning by commencing its cyclone contingency plan.
   He said operations in the Port of Townsville were expected to return to normal after the vessels waiting off the coast since the alert was issued began to make their way to the port.
   “One vessel, a bulk cement carrier, was advised to sail from the port as a precaution as the storm approached,” Mr Mickel said.
   “The alert was lifted after Tropical Cyclone Ellie weakened into a rain depression after crossing the Queensland coast between Cardwell and Mission Beach.”
   General Manager of Maritime Safety Queensland, Captain John Watkinson, said the Port of Townsville would remain on condition Yellow with shipping operations being conducted on a case-by-case assessment.
   Captain Watkinson said the Magnetic Island barge and ferry services had been suspended for one night but that reduced services had resumed on Monday morning.
   No major damage had been reported within the region but heavy rain had caused widespread minor flooding.
   The Bureau of Meteorology forecast the storm would move back out to sea to reform.


5 February, 2009


Cancers stats show cuts being made

Queensland Health has reported an encouraging increase in survival rates for cancer, citing increased prevention, early detection and advances in treatment as the main reasons.
   In a message for World Cancer Day (4 February), Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young, said the five-year survival rate for all diagnosed cancers in Queensland had increased from 50.9 per cent in 1982 to 63.5 per cent in 2002.
   “The good news is that about one third of cancer is preventable and the impact of a further third can be reduced by early detection through population screening and effective treatment,” Dr Young said.
   She said while the average five-year survival rate was over 60 per cent, there was a huge gap between the 94.1 per cent rate for melanoma and the 12.9 per cent rate for lung cancer.
   “There is a message there for smokers – most lung cancer is caused by tobacco smoking, and it also can be a cause of other cancers such as mouth, oesophageal and kidney cancers,” Dr Young said.
   She said while the chance of surviving cancer had improved, the risk of cancer was still high and remained a major cause of premature death in Queensland.
   Dr Young said cancer survival rates could be improved further by enhanced screening for breast, bowel and cervical cancer and by cutting tobacco smoking.
   “Survival rates can also be improved through addressing risk factors such as increasing physical activity and reducing overweight and obesity, poor diet, alcohol misuse and poor sun safe behaviours,” she said.
   Dr Young said males were more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and to die from it than females.
   “The most common cancers in men are prostate, colorectal, melanoma and lung and in females are breast, colorectal, melanoma and lung,” she said.
   Dr Young encouraged women to be screened for breast cancer every two years, saying if 70 per cent of women between 50 and 60 did so, 25 to 30 per cent of deaths from the disease could be prevented.
   “Currently, less than 60 per cent of women in the target age groups are regularly screened for breast cancer or have regular Pap smears,” she said.
   “Both men and women need to take advantage of our free screening programs for breast cancer, bowel cancer and cervical cancer – for their own sake and for their families’ sakes.”
   For more information about Queensland Health’s breast, bowel or cervical cancer screening programs visit www.health.qld.gov.au  


5 February, 2009


Stop sign scheme still going at 25

The School Crossing Supervisor Scheme has turned 25 and is celebrating a quarter of a century of protecting school children from death and injury on the roads.
   Premier Anna Bligh said the scheme had saved many thousands of children from possible injury since it was introduced in 1984 noting there had not been a single death on a supervised crossing in the program’s 25 years of operation.
   “That is largely due to the dedication of our wonderful school crossing supervisors,” Ms Bligh said.
   “The commitment supervisors have to protecting children is quite remarkable – there are 21 of the original supervisors still turning out every school day after 25 years of service.”
   Ms Bligh said the 21 original supervisors would receive Certificates of Appreciation and a 25 year anniversary pin from the Government.
   “All our crossing supervisors are protecting the lives of children all over the State every school day, and I know Queenslanders are very grateful to all of them,” she said.
   Minister for Transport, John Mickel said when the scheme started there were only 353 supervised crossings at 255 schools.
   He said there were now 1,162 crossings at 638 schools staffed by 1,811 supervisors.
   “Every school day, at least 30,000 students use supervised crossings across Queensland, and at least 176,500 vehicles pass through those crossings,” he said.
   “The provision of supervised school crossings is a partnership between the Queensland Government, Local Councils, and most importantly, the school community.”
   Mr Mickel urged all residents to make an effort to protect children by driving carefully around schools and educating children about road safety.
   “Responsibility to protect the safety of our children doesn’t only rest with Government and school crossing supervisors - everyone has a role to play,” he said.
   Ms Bligh said Townsville School Crossing Supervisor, Rhonda Devene, was the first of the 21 supervisors to be honoured for protecting students.
   Mrs Devene has been a crossing supervisor at Heatley State School since the program started.
   “What a wonderful thing to look back on – a quarter century of protecting children and teaching them road safety. It’s a great contribution to the community and she deserves to be honoured for it,” Ms Bligh said.


5 February, 2009


Cat campaign to lick bad owners

A campaign to educate cat owners of their responsibilities has been launched by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation.
   Aimed at reducing high rates of euthanasia for cats and kittens, the campaign follows a declaration by the Government eight months ago that it would put an end to the “senseless destruction” of Queensland’s domestic pets.
   Minister for Local Government, Warren Pitt, said the Government was sending a new message to all cat owners in Queensland – tag, desex, keep safe.
   Mr Pitt said the Cat Smart education campaign highlighted the need for owners to take responsibility for their cats.
   “More than 13,000 cats and kittens are euthanised each year in Queensland, and many of these are unclaimed and surrendered pets,” he said.
   “This is very sad to see – it is a complex issue, but reducing these horrendous numbers of unnecessary deaths can be achieved if everyone plays their part.”
   Mr Pitt said the campaign would be rolled out this month and would include radio advertisements and posters and stickers for pet stores, RSCPA centres, Local Councils and animal welfare groups.
   He urged all cat owners to get their pets desexed and microchipped and to keep them indoors or restricted to the backyard with a cat-safe fence.
   “Cats can breed up to three times a year, so desexing is really important and is easy to organise with your local vet or Council,” Mr Pitt said.
   “Keeping your cat safe not only prevents accidents but also fights with dogs, wild cats and snakes, and protects our native wildlife.”
   Mr Pitt said the Cat Smart campaign was the final part of the Government’s four-pronged approach to tackling the rising number of unwanted cats and dogs in Queensland.
   He said the campaign had been complemented by the passage of The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act in Parliament last year, the new Code of Practice for pet shops and a two-year pilot program for Councils to trial voluntary options aimed at increasing the number of desexed cats and dogs.
   He reminded pet owners that the mandatory registration would take effect in the south-east from 1 July 2009.  
   “Cats and dogs will need to have a permanent identification device implanted, such as a microchip, before they reach 12 weeks of age, or for older animals, when they are transferred from one owner to another,” Mr Pitt said.


5 February, 2009


Life stories to drive road safety campaign

A new road safety awareness campaign has been launched using online social networks to focus on the human side of the road toll.
   Unveiled by Transport Minister, John Mickel, Share My Story lets people whose lives have been affected by a road crash tell of their experiences and share their stories with visitors to the site.
   Mr Mickel said the new campaign’s message was simple and encouraged people to think not only of themselves, but of their loved ones as well.
   “It is estimated that close to 300 lives are impacted for every death – family members, friends and relatives, work colleagues and other people who in some way knew or had contact with the person who lost their life,” he said.
   “If not for yourself, then for your loved ones, go online, share your story and help send the message of safe driving to all Queensland road users. Everyone can do their bit to help prevent more lives being needlessly lost on our roads.”
   Mr Mickel said the campaign dealt with the impact of the road toll on people and families and relied on influencing the attitudes and driving behaviours of motorists by sharing experiences online.
   “I see this new campaign as the online equivalent of the white crosses on the roadside to mark the location of fatal road accidents and the loss of loved ones in those accidents,” he said.
   “Last year 327 people lost their lives on Queensland roads. That is close to 10,000 people who were impacted by the death of someone they knew, and for those closest to the road crash victim, someone they loved and cared for.”
   Mr Mickel said every motorist had to take responsibility for their behaviour on the road.
   “We can be trapped into thinking of the road toll as just a statistic, something impersonal and removed from our own lives,” he said.
   “It is anything but impersonal. Road deaths have a shocking effect on those left behind and those left to pick up the pieces.”
   Under the campaign television, print and on-line advertising and the networking site will communicate the personal impacts of risky and dangerous driving.
   “The Share My Story campaign will take the approach of demonstrating the long-term and widespread effects of road trauma on family, friends, medical professionals and the entire Queensland public,” Mr Mickel said.
   People can share their story at www.sharemystory.qld.gov.au  


5 February, 2009


Performance report is hard act to follow

The 14th report into Government services has been released by the Council of Australian Governments covering the performance of Governments across a range of services.
   Published for COAG by a Steering Committee of senior officials from the State, federal and Territory Governments, the Report on Government Services 2009 covers such issues as health services, education, community safety and housing and is designed to promote open and informed debate about Government performance.
   The Steering Committee was chaired by the Chairman of the Productivity Commission, Gary Banks, who said it was an important document for all Australians.
   “Everyone relies on Government services at different stages of their life,” Mr Banks said, “And services are particularly important for the more disadvantaged members of society.”  
   “Governments spent over $132 billion on the services covered in this year's Report,” he said, “More than 70 per cent of their recurrent expenditure, equivalent to around 13 per cent of Australia's gross domestic product.”
   Mr Banks said this year’s report included a number of improvements, including a revised ambulance indicator framework - with reporting against four new indicators - and it reported for the first time on hospital readmissions and community follow up after an episode of mental illness; maintenance of individual functioning from the Transition Care Program for aged care; response times for child protection services; and school attendance data for students in years 1 to 10.
   He said reporting on services to Indigenous Australians remained a priority and this year’s report included school learning outcomes for Indigenous students by remoteness area for each State and Territory and information on Indigenous preschool attendance.
   “There has also been further improvement in the reporting of Indigenous hospitalisations data.”
   Mr Banks said that during 2008, COAG emphasised the importance of performance reporting in its reform of Specific Purpose Payments.
   He said it set out agreed objectives, outputs, outcomes and performance indicators for new National Agreements that would be monitored by the COAG Reform Council.
   “The Steering Committee will provide relevant performance information to the Council,” he said.
   “COAG has initiated a review to ensure this Report is appropriately aligned with the National Agreements, and to examine improvements to the Report's scope and processes.”
   Information on what the Steering Committee found in its studies is summarised in the Fact Sheets attached to the report and the whole publication can be accessed at www.pc.gov.au  


5 February, 2009
9000 apply for best job
Tourism Queensland has received over 9,000 applications from 162 countries for the ‘Best Job in the World’, despite the position being announced less than a month ago.
   The successful candidate would spend six months exploring the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef and reporting back on their experiences.
   Over 2.3 million people have visited the www.islandreefjob.com website from countries ranging from France to Mongolia and Kazakhstan to Chile.
   Applications close 22 February.

Union to amend rules
The Queensland Branch of the State Public Service Federation has sought to amend its rules to allow 5 per cent of the membership to call a general meeting to receive a full financial report for that year.
   There is currently no such provision allowing members to do so.
   The Branch lodged the application with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, which is to consider the application.

Crab pots to change
New fishing rules regarding the size of crab pot openings are to be reviewed following concerns raised by commercial and recreational fishers.
   The new rules, stating the opening size of a crab pot had to be a maximum of 45cm were to be introduced this March to reduce the likelihood of turtles becoming entangled.
   However, fishers said they were concerned the smaller openings would reduce the catch of larger mud crabs.

Disaster relief expands
The Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts, has announced that disaster relief would be extended to include 31 shires, after monsoonal rain in north-west Queensland.
   Mr Roberts said the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements had been activated for Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council.
   He said the shire had suffered significant road and infrastructure damage, bringing the estimated damage costs for the 31 shires to $63.5 million.

Counsellors help with affairs
Lifeline North Queensland is to receive two new financial counsellors in March to help support Townsville residents affected by the economic crisis.
   Lifeline’s counsellors will help individuals and families better manage their financial affairs, such as developing a budget or helping to negotiate with creditors
   Counsellors will also be employed in Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast.
   The Financial First Aid Hotline could be contacted on 13 11 51.

Art boost
Indigenous Art has received a boost after the Minister for Arts, Rod Welford, announced over $1 million of funding had been allocated to local arts projects and artists.
   Mr Welford said the recipients of the latest round of grants from the Backing Indigenous Arts program included nine arts centres and three arts hubs.
   He said the projects included a dance production inspired by Native Title Campaigner, Eddie Mabo and the revitalisation of a cultural museum in the rainforest.

Builders’ seminars
The Queensland Building Services Authority is hosting free financial seminars to help building contractors navigate the economic downturn.
   Financial experts will help contractors identify any necessary changes to their businesses and give practical advice for surviving the difficult time.
   Seminars will run from 16 February to 5 March in a number of locations across the State – for further information on locations contact the BSA on 1300 272 272.

Picture winner
Tourism Queensland has received over 6,000 photographs in response to the competition it ran for holiday makers last year.
   The four-month-long Eye on Q competition encouraged visitors to the State to submit the best photos they had taken while on holidays for the chance to win $10,000 worth of Queensland holiday vouchers.
   Colin McCloud, a Cairns and gold coast resident, won the competition with his photo ‘Surfers’ Delight’.