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SearchArchives for January 2011
27 January, 2011
New Authority for
flood recovery
A new Reconstruction Authority has been established to get the State back on its feet following the death and destruction of the recent floods crisis.
Premier, Anna Bligh said the new Queensland Reconstruction Authority would be a statutory authority with the “enormous task” of rebuilding and repairing infrastructure in more than 60 flood-affected communities.
She said it would assess and coordinate the total rebuilding program.
Ms Bligh said the floods had been catastrophic and needed a dedicated body to prioritise the work.
“Our volunteers, SES workers, emergency services workers, police and Defence Force have done a phenomenal job of helping communities clean up,” Ms Bligh said.
She said the Authority would be responsible for developing and implementing a State-wide plan for rebuilding and reconnecting communities.
Its governing Board would be chaired by Major General Mick Slater.
“Its role will be to work closely with Local Governments and communities to ensure the unique characteristics of each community are factored into the rebuilding process,” the Premier said.
“It will also coordinate Government and non-Government organisations to deliver the necessary services to assist individual communities in the rebuilding process.”
Ms Bligh said Coordinator General, Graeme Newton had been appointed Chief Executive of the Authority, which would be provided with the necessary powers to implement all recommendations of the Board.
“We have a massive task ahead of us and we are going to all need to work together to get Queensland back on its feet,” the Premier said.
“But if we have learned anything over the last few weeks it is that Queenslanders are up to the challenge.”
27 January, 2011
PS chimes in
for gongs
Public Servants across the Queensland PS have been recognised in the Australia Day Honours List, receiving special awards for their excellence, commitment and dedication to duty.
Governor-General, Quentin Bryce announced the following recipients of Public Service Medals, Australian Police medals, Ambulance Service Medals and Emergency Services Medals.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)
Dr Patrick Joseph BLACKALL PSM
Yeronga
For outstanding public service to Queensland's primary industries and science through innovative research into the bacterial diseases of poultry, pigs and cattle.
Dr Blackall has been in public service for 37 years and is a specialist in the bacterial diseases of poultry, pigs and cattle.
Dr Blackall's research has contributed significantly to improved productivity within these industries nationally and internationally.
Peter Matthew DREW PSM
For outstanding public service as Queensland Parliamentary Counsel.
Mr Drew has been the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel for 12 years.
He has a commitment to excellence in legislative drafting and has overseen the introduction of free internet access to Queensland legislation and information.
Professor David Wayne JOHNSON PSM
For outstanding public service to Queensland Health, particularly to research into the early detection and management of chronic kidney disease.
Professor Johnson’s work with the Division of Medicine at the Princess Alexandra Hospital has helped revolutionise the early detection and timely management of chronic kidney disease, increasing early referrals by 40 per cent.
Professor Johnson has also played major roles in State and national policy development relating to kidney disease.
Barry John NUTTER PSM
Banyo
For outstanding public service to education and training in Queensland, particularly as Chair of the Training and Employment Recognition Council.
Mr Nutter is a leader in the regulation of the Vocational Education and Training System in Queensland.
He has been a strong supporter of industry leadership in VET and has established formal industry linkages to strengthen such collaborations.
Dr John Gregory WAKEFIELD PSM
For outstanding public service to Queensland Health, particularly in the areas of patient safety and high quality service delivery.
Dr Wakefield is an advocate for patient safety and service delivery in health systems.
He developed a comprehensive Clinical Incident Management Standard based on identifying system vulnerabilities and uses Human Factors Engineering principles in system re-design. He has trained and supports a network of 38 Patient Safety Officers across Queensland.
Gordon Forrest WEBLEY PSM
Monto
For outstanding public service in local government, particularly to the communities of the Isaac region of Queensland.
Mr Webley has been making a contribution to local government for over 45 years.
He played a role in funding the Dysart Indoor Multipurpose Complex, scheduled to be completed in 2011 and was a participant in the pre-amalgamation regional strategic planning partnership - WHaMBROC (Whitsunday, Hinterland and Mackay Bowen Regional Organisation of Councils).
AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL (APM)
Sergeant Cheryl Frances BODLEY APM
Sergeant Bodley has dedicated herself to community policing, general duties policing and training recruits at the Police Academy.
She was a first response officer at many crimes and disturbances and is renowned for her ability to resolve complex social issues at family disputes.
Sergeant Geoffrey William BODLEY APM
Details not available at the request of Sergeant Bodley.
Inspector Graham Leslie COLEMAN APM
Inspector Coleman has a dedication and commitment to regional and remote policing as the District Officer in command of the Gladstone Police District.
He has also served at Cairns, Kowanyama, Thursday Island, Yarrabah, Aurukun, Mossman and Rockhampton.
Superintendent Garth Stuart PITMAN APM
Superintendent Pitman is recognised for excellence in the education of staff as well as organisational improvement and innovation in policing practices.
He has served in a range of policing appointments with a significant portion of his career devoted to the education and development of junior Police Officers.
Superintendent Patrick John RYAN APM
Superintendent Ryan has served the Queensland Police Service for over 40 years, many in remote and country areas such as Bolion, Mungindi, Goomeri, Murgon and Mount Isa.
He is currently Redcliffe District Officer.
Detective Sergeant Graham WALKER APM
Detective Sergeant Walker has excelled in the field of investigations, in particular protracted homicide investigations.
He has achieved significant outcomes in some of the most high profile investigations undertaken by Queensland Police Service, often under intense public and media scrutiny.
He is a highly dedicated officer with excellent interrogation ability.
AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL (AFSM)
Kevin Hilton ANDERSON AFSM
Mr Anderson has served in fire and rescue, particularly the specialised aspect of Technical Rescue.
Neil Ronald GALLANT AFSM
Norman Gardens
Mr Gallant is has shown leadership in the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, particularly in the Central Region.
James Richard RUNHAM SC OAM AFSM
Flinders View
Mr Runham has been instrumental in the establishment and support of the Ripley Valley Rural Fire Brigade.
He has been Chairman, firefighter, officer and Fire Warden.
AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL (ASM)
Rodney Samuel SHEATHER ASM
Bentley Park
Mr Sheather commenced service with the (then) Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade as an Honorary Ambulance Officer in 1975.
He is currently Regional Director Operations in the Queensland Ambulance Service Central Region and has a long involvement with the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals.
Deanne Maree TAYLOR-DUTTON ASM
Brassall
Ms Taylor-Dutton began her service as a Student Ambulance Officer with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) in 1995 serving in Toowoomba and the communities of the South Western Region.
She played a major role in development the Services equipment and vehicle fleet as the Senior Project Officer supporting the QAS State-wide Vehicle and Equipment Committee.
Peter John WARRENER ASM
North Rockhampton
Mr Warrener is Assistant Commissioner of the Queensland Ambulance Service and has held appointments as Officer-in-Charge, Area Manager, Area Director, and Regional Director Operations.
He was appointed to his current position in November 2009.
EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL (ESM)
Ronald William TYLER MBE ESM
Gympie
Mr Tyler is a member of the National Training Committee of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association.
He was involved in the development a data base which has now been adopted by all AVCGA units in Australia and remains its Data Base Administrator.
Michael Anthony VOSTI ESM
Wellington Point
Mr Vosti is State Chairman of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, responsible for 23 Coast Guard Flotillas from the New South Wales border to the Torres Straits.
In this position he oversees major project work, the Government Liaison program and ensures the professional training program is on track.
27 January, 2011
New entitlements for
retrenched temps
A new Directive on the Retrenchment of Temporary Employees has been issued by the Minister for Industrial Relations.
Directive 3/11 The Retrenchment of Temporary Employees Engaged on a Full Time or Part Time Basis incorporates four major changes to the superseded Directive of 2005 with the same name and has effect from 28 January 2011.
According to PSIER, the new Directive aligns continuity of service with the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1999 and clarifies the entitlement to two weeks pay per year of service with the same employer, paid at the employee’s substantive level.
It also sets a limit on the amount an employee must repay if he or she is re-engaged for 20 days or more during the period applying to the severance benefit.
In addition, the new arrangements entitle a re-engaged employee who is not re-engaged by the same employer, to retain their severance benefit.
The new Directive also offers examples to show how the new entitlements work and has been generally edited to update terminology and references to legislation.
The Directive can be downloaded from this PS News link and PSIER has invited feedback to psier@justice.qld.gov.au
27 January, 2011
Red tape shrinks
from flood fixes
Flood-affected residents able to repair their homes have been urged to get on with it without fear of being held back by Government Authorities.
Those in flood areas with homes which were able to undergo repairs – such as rewiring or re-sheeting – have been assured they will face no intervention in getting on with the job.
However, owners of houses that sustained structural damage and needed to be rebuilt would need to work with their Local Council to obtain the necessary approvals before re-building could begin.
Premier, Anna Bligh urged people to start immediately on the path of returning to normality.
“This is about getting on with the job of getting Queenslanders back on track once the mud and the rubbish have cleared,” she said.
“Structural damage is a different matter and if your home has sustained significant structural damage that will require significant rebuilding, you will need to approach your Local Council to go through the approval processes.
She said the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, headed by Major General Mick Slater, would not be interfering with people who wanted to replace their damaged floorboards or walls or fix the balustrades on their balconies, so they could re-occupy their homes.
“The Authority is about the medium to long-term – those properties and infrastructure that as a result of flooding will need to be rebuilt,” the Premier said.
27 January, 2011
Hotline help for
flood workers
A flood clean-up safety hotline has been set up by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) to assist workers and employers to stay safe during the flood recovery process.
The hotline offers advice about general workplace health and safety matters as well as specific information relating to the impacts of the flooding.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick said WHSQ staff had been providing the community with a range of safety tips in relation to the flood clean-up, including information about dealing with asbestos, working in muddy and wet areas, electrical safety and disease threats.
“The new hotline service, which will operate seven days a week, complements the work that WHSQ staff have already been doing,” Mr Dick said.
“It easier for employers to get information that will help them get their business back up and running sooner.
He said a WHSQ Flood Recovery Response Team has also been established to operate in areas recovering from floods.
“In particular, the team will have access to resources of the Electrical Safety Office and experts with experience in hazardous industries, chemicals, rural and construction industries and asbestos,” Mr Dick said.
He said teams of field staff were currently being deployed to flooded areas.
“Industrial areas and workplaces will be the focus of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland’s attention,” he said.
“However, advice and information is also available to the general public where required.”
27 January, 2011
Flooded QSuper
shipshape again
QSuper has announced it is back in business following the floods and is working to catch up with a backlog of paperwork, transactions and payments.
The QSuper offices, in Brisbane’s central Business district were open again after more than a week during which the fund had been operating from an alternative site.
A statement said it was working as quickly as it could to restore all services.
“The Contact Centre and the website are fully restored and are operating now,” the statement said.
“While it may take some time to get through the backlog of transactions, we are working to complete these as quickly as possible.
“Superannuation accounts continue to be administered as per QSuper’s systems and processes and QSuper investment assets continue to be managed and valued as normal.”
It said investment strategies remained focused on delivering long-term investment objectives and had not been altered as a result of the flood situation.
It said people wanting to make an investment switch at this time would probably experience a slight delay in processing but personal contributions could be made via the normal methods and contributions from employers were also being accepted as normal.
QSuper assured members receiving pensions that payments were being made as they fell due.
“However, to ensure that we could continue making payments to our members receiving pensions, we have based payments on the last pension payment received,” it said.
“We will be reconciling all payments in coming weeks as we bring all of our operations on line,” the statement said.
The fund said that while it was up to the Australian Government to decide whether it was possible for flood victims facing financial distress to gain access to their superannuation, it might be possible for this to happen in some cases, based on the grounds of their hardship.
27 January, 2011
Department homes
in on housing needs
The Department of Communities is establishing Dedicated Housing Recovery Units in its offices in flood-affected areas in an effort to address the housing needs of displaced people.
The units are being created as part of a wider Department of Communities Housing Taskforce.
The Department said that early estimates suggested 28,000 properties had been impacted by flooding to some degree with 1,780 homes inundated.
Minister for Housing, Karen Struthers said the Housing Recovery Units would work closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to help people displaced by the floods find suitable housing.
“They’ll be identifying and assessing housing needs and supply options and matching people with appropriate accommodation,” Ms Struthers said.
“What we’re seeing now are people who normally wouldn’t come to us for help finding they need a hand.
“There shouldn’t be a stigma about that and I encourage anybody who needs help to ask for it.”
The Minister said there had been a high rate of re-housing from evacuation centres.
She said other initiatives included RentConnect officers being deployed to recovery centres to help people into private accommodation; brokerage to non-Government organisations to provide short-term accommodation; and pre-fabricated housing in some communities.
“The key message is that each community, each family and each person will have a response tailored to their needs,” Ms Struthers said.
“This is a big job and we’re not ruling anything in or out.”
27 January, 2011
Online resource to
link all flood advice
A website aimed at helping small businesses affected by flooding get back on their feet has been launched.
The ‘on-line tool kit’ is a one-stop shop for information, contacts and links to websites that will provide advice and support.
Minister for Employment and Economic Development, Andrew Fraser said the faster small businesses could open for business, the faster they could get back to making an income for themselves, their staff, and providing goods and services to the community.
He said the kit contained comprehensive information about State and Federal Government assistance and grants available to help primary producers and other businesses.
It also offered information on potential workplace health, safety and security issues, clean-up tips, rebuilding and repair tips including electricity and gas issues, mobile offices and workshops offering flood advice and information, help with insurance and tax assistance among other things.
Mr Fraser said small businesses represented more than 95 per cent of all Queensland businesses.
“Small businesses continue to be the solid foundation of our economy, and the Queensland Government recognises the vital role small businesses play in generating economic activity and employment across the state,” he said.
“The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) is here to help businesses return to full capacity as soon as possible.”
Mr Fraser said DEEDI officers had been visiting recovery centres, holding workshops and going door-to-door in affected regional centres to inform small businesses about assistance available to them during the recovery process.
The website can be found at this PS News link.
27 January, 2011
Post Office gives
stamp of support
Australia’s first Charity Stamps to raise funds for those affected by the Queensland floods have been released.
Featuring five images from the floods, the 60c stamps will be available in a sheet of 10 that will be sold for $8, with $2 from the sale of each sheet donated to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.
Australia Post has printed an initial run of 250,000 sheets but will print as many as required to meet demand.
Premier, Anna Bligh said while the immediate crisis was over, Queenslanders had a long road ahead as the recovery task got underway.
“People from Queensland, other parts of Australia, and all over the world have dug deep and so far donated over $140 million to give Queenslanders in need a helping hand,” Ms Bligh said.
“Australia Post’s Charity Stamps are a great way of enabling Australians to contribute to the fundraising efforts.”
Managing Director of Australia Post, Ahmed Fahour said like Australians everywhere, he was shocked by the scenes of devastation and the many tragic stories that emerged from the Queensland floods.
“Our business was directly impacted by the disaster, with more than 70 Post Offices forced to close, flood-damaged facilities, and many of our own people suffering loss and damage to their homes,” Mr Fahour said.
“Over the coming months the images on these Charity Stamps should serve as a stark reminder that the recovery process will be long and hard.
“Hopefully, these stamps will also remind all Australians of the on-going need to help out Queenslanders as they rebuild their flood-affected communities.”
Mr Fahour said Australia Post was also developing a scheme in which postal managers in flood-affected areas would work with local community representatives to provide grants for reinstating damaged community facilities.
27 January, 2011
Procurement weighs
in with flood advice
The Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office has published a briefing document for Government buyers coping with the flood disaster.
Entitled Flood Disaster – How Procurement Can Help Support the Recovery of Queensland’s Economy, the document says a major priority of the State Procurement Policy was sustaining future economic growth.
“The State Procurement Policy facilitates this priority by ensuring that local and regional suppliers have full, fair and reasonable access to Queensland Government procurement opportunities,” a statement accompanying the document says.
“There are a number of options for Government buyers which can have an immediate positive impact on the recovery of local and regional suppliers and the economy in general.”
“The key message for routine (low value and low business risk) procurement is that if the product can be sourced from a local supplier in the immediate geographic area, then it should be,” the statement says.
“This excludes procurement for which a mandated supply arrangement is in place.”
It says agencies should immediately review procurement procedures to ensure that as much as possible of the budget and decision-making for routine procurement is devolved to regional offices.
In seeking quotes, buyers should go only as far geographically as needed to ensure competitive supply. Unnecessary public invitations should be avoided.
Buyers should also ensure that the total cost for goods and services are considered, taking into account freight and all other relevant charges.
With significant procurement, which is high value and/or high business risk, agencies are required to provide full, fair and reasonable opportunities for local and regional suppliers to offer for Government business, the statement said.
“These provisions are about ensuring that Agencies ensure that competitive local suppliers have a genuine opportunity to offer supply.”
The briefing document can be accessed at this PS News link.
27 January, 2011
Mobile office rolled
out to assist
The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) has pressed its mobile office into the flood recovery effort, visiting affected areas and offering businesses support and advice.
Today (Thursday) the mobile office will be in West End and on Friday it will visit Bulimba.
Locations for the mobile office for the weekend and beyond have still to be announced.
Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development, Andrew Fraser said the mobile office was staffed with DEEDI officers who were providing support, including assistance with queries and information about flood recovery grants and other help available to businesses under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement.
“DEEDI staff are also matching businesses with suppliers to enable them to locate the materials they need to continue operations,” Mr Fraser said.
He said the DEEDI officers were also door-knocking businesses, running recovery workshops, handing out information packs and visiting recovery centres.
“It is critical business owners know that the Queensland Government is there for them in their time of need,” he said.
“Those who are unable to visit a mobile office can contact their nearest DEEDI Centre.”
For further information, including access to a first-aid kit for flood affected businesses could visit this PS News link or call 13 25 23.
27 January, 2011
Flood heroes week
to honour efforts
Queensland Week 2011 is to become ‘Heroes Week’ with Premier, Anna Bligh announcing it will be dedicated to the heroes of the 2011 floods.
Ms Bligh said a commemorative medal would be struck for the heroes who would be recognised in their communities for the contributions they made.
She said a series of events would be held in flood communities across the State and communities would be asked to nominate their own heroes.
“We will recognise everyone who played a role during this crisis and who is playing a role during the recovery,” Ms Bligh said.
“The story of the floods is about much more than devastation. It’s a story of great courage and heroism.
“In 2011 we learned that heroes live among us.”
Ms Bligh said there were heroes like helicopter pilot Mark Kempton, who plucked victims from raging flood waters surrounding Grantham as his own family home flooded.
“Everyday heroes, like the 55 people from Barcaldine who reported for duty at the tiny community of Jericho less than 24 hours after the call went out for help,” she said.
“And have-a-go heroes, like the tugboat skippers, Doug Hislop and Peter Fenton, whose 40-year-old tug Mavis became the little tug that could.”
The Premier announced that Queensland Week 2011 would be held from 4 to 13 June.
She said the Government would now work with local Councils in flood-affected areas to establish a system of nominations.
27 January, 2011
Floodgates open
on dam data
The Minister for Natural Resources has ordered that the Operations Manual for managing water levels in the Wivenhoe and Somerset dams be made available to the public in the interest of transparency.
The Minister, Stephen Robertson, said the Manual of Operational Procedures for Flood Mitigation at Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam was now on the Department of Environment and Resource Management’s website this PS News link.
“We want to know that our dams worked as they were supposed to and were operated as best as they technically could be,’’ Mr Robertson said.
He said the Operations Manual set out clear priorities for the strategies to manage water supplies in the dams as well as listing the structural safety of the dam as the highest priority.
In extreme weather events there was the threat of the dam over-topping which could lead to a collapse.
Mr Robertson said with the structural safety of the dam secure, the next priorities were to protect communities from inundation, minimise disruption to rural life in the valley of the Brisbane and Stanley Rivers, provide full water supply storage after the flood, and minimise impacts to riparian flora and fauna during the drain-down phase of the flood event.
He said the procedures outlined in the Operations Manual had been developed and progressively refined over many years, and had been reviewed by Australia’s leading water experts.
The manual in its current form was developed in 1992 and has had six revisions since then, with the latest review taking place in 2009 and finalised in January 2010.
Mr Robertson said that at the request of Seqwater, some sections of the published version of the Operations Manual had been blacked out for security reasons relating to strategically important infrastructure.
“I acknowledged their concerns to ensure the security of the dams is not compromised,” Mr Robertson said.
“However, I also expect that the Commission of Inquiry may also consider the full release of this material during the course of proceedings.”
27 January, 2011
Computer donations
get business online
Donations of spare PCs, printers and other computer equipment to help flood-affected Queensland small businesses and other organisations can be registered on a new website.
Members of the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) are working in partnership with the Queensland IT Flood Relief Program to coordinate the donations.
Minister for Employment and Economic Development, Andrew Fraser said many small and medium-sized businesses had lost valuable equipment in the floods and it was vitally important they could get back online as soon as possible.
“The Queensland IT Flood Relief team is a group of volunteers that is collecting spare PCs, printers and servers from companies across Australia,” Mr Fraser said.
“They will service and rebuild them and supply to needy business people throughout Queensland.”
Businesses, sole traders, schools or organisations that had lost IT equipment in the floods could also register on the website.
Chair of AIIA Queensland, Simon Williams said members such as Cisco, Telstra, Microsoft, Optus and Data#3 were working with Nova 106.9 FM to set up fully serviced temporary offices in Brisbane and Ipswich to enable small businesses to get back to work.
“In this way we’re helping small businesses and the economy to rebuild,” Mr Williams said.
Mr Fraser said AIIA members had been working with the Queensland Government throughout the flood crisis, and this was another example of their support.
“I urge all businesses and anyone at all who can donate any computer equipment to get behind this initiative,” he said.
The website can be found at this PS News link.
27 January, 2011
Free legal advice
for flood victims
Lawyers from all parts of the State will be providing free legal advice to flood-affected people who are trying to get their lives back on track.
The legal profession and key community groups have come together to establish Flood Legal Help, making solicitors available on a pro bono basis to help people affected by the floods.
Attorney-General, Cameron Dick said legal practitioners would be available for free consultations for flood victims in communities including Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Chinchilla and Emerald.
He said anyone who had been affected by floods could contact Flood Legal Help on 1300 65 11 88 for legal advice over the phone or to arrange a face-to-face consultation.
Alternatively, consultations could be arranged at any of the Government’s numerous community recovery centres.
“It is important for people affected to obtain legal advice and information on issues that affect them such as insurance claims, tenancy agreements, employment, credit, debt, fencing and family law,” Mr Dick said.
Flood Legal Help involved the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, Legal Aid Queensland, the Queensland Law Society, the Bar Association of Queensland, the Queensland Association of Independent Legal Services, the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service.
Mr Dick said it would build on the pro bono services already provided in recent weeks by key legal groups.
He said he was pleased the Queensland legal community had banded together to provide a much-needed and essential service during such emotional and hard times.
27 January, 2011
Fair Trading enters
virtual world
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has created a social media presences by setting up pages on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor said it was important for Government Agencies to embrace technology to better communicate with stakeholders.
“Queenslanders will now be able to receive instant updates from the OFT by logging on to Facebook and Twitter accounts,” Mr Lawlor said.
“From consumer alerts to changes in legislation, Facebook and Twitter allow the OFT to provide ways to communicate that are instant, accessible for Queenslanders and provide transparency in Government communications.”
He said the importance of this form of communication had been highlighted by the recent flood crisis.
“By utilising social media like Facebook and Twitter we’ll be able to provide information through mobile phones if other communication channels aren’t available.
“I encourage industry and anyone interested in keeping up to date with the latest news from the OFT to join us on the net.”
Mr Lawlor said OFT had also established a dedicated YouTube page which would allow people to access videos and webinars from their home, work or mobile device.
The following links enable the Office of Fair Trading to be followed on Twitter on Facebook, and on YouTube.
For more information, contact Fair Trading by visiting the website this PS News link.
27 January, 2011
Liquor shake-up puts
licences online
Applications for one-off community liquor permits can now be made online.
The decision to introduce the initiative State-wide follows a successful trial involving community groups in Brisbane.
The online process is expected to cut paperwork for low-risk events and make it easier for community group officials to conduct successful events and raise revenue.
Minister Responsible for Liquor Regulation, Peter Lawlor said the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation received more than 6,000 community liquor permit applications a year.
“By using the online application process, community groups wanting licensed sausage sizzles and sporting organisations wanting a beer with their burger at the grand final match will be able to apply for their permit with ease,” Mr Lawlor said.
“Applicants will still be subject to the same licensing requirements as before, but the paperwork, postage and time commitment will be lessened.”
He said the Brisbane trial, which began in April 2010, paved the way for the Queensland roll-out.
“The Brisbane trial was a big hit, with one in three applicants applying online,” Mr Lawlor said.
“We’re hoping to build on the success of this trial by extending the online application process to the rest of the State.”
In 2010 the Government made a range of changes to the licensing process, broadening its online application payment capability by introducing Bpay together with increased limits for credit card payments.
27 January, 2011
Fire ant rules eased
Biosecurity Queensland is making special provisions for the disposal of flood waste that could contain fire ants.
Landowners can now move flood waste containing fire ant-restricted material without the need for completing a declaration or requesting a property inspection. All that is required is disposal through an approved waste disposal system.
South East Queensland Council tips are lifting restrictions on the disposal of restricted items that could carry fire ants until 10 February.
Fast track for tradespeople
New flexible arrangements to allow interstate plumbers and drainers to assist with flood recovery work have been introduced.
The licensing process had been streamlined so that visiting tradespeople can start work as soon as possible.
The move follows calls from interstate plumbers and drainers offering to come to Queensland to help handle the huge volume of work that needs to be carried out in the coming days and weeks.
Building forum stalled
Next month’s Building Revival Forum has been postponed because of the flood crisis.
The Forum, due to be held on the 8 February, has been delayed for six to eight weeks at the request of industry groups, to allow the State’s construction industry to focus on Queensland’s recovery.
It was proposed by the Government as a means of hearing ideas to kick-start the construction industry which has been in the doldrums since the Global Financial Crisis.
20 January, 2011
Agencies urged to keep
records of advice
The Crime and Misconduct Commission has recommended that Government Departments and Agencies document their decision-making processes when advice to their Minister is not followed.
The recommendation stems from an investigation into a former Ministerial adviser who played a role in awarding a $4.2 million grant to the Queensland Rugby Union in 2008.
According to the CMC, Departmental advice given to the Minister at the time was “neither impartial nor conformed to existing policy and guidelines” and was the result of senior and experienced public servants being unduly influenced by a ministerial adviser.
Assistant Commissioner, Misconduct, at the CMC, Warren Strange said the actions of the public servants in the then Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation, were “concerning”.
“While no criminal or disciplinary action will be taken as a result of the investigation, the inquiry highlighted broader public policy issues concerning the role of ministerial advisers and the relationship between ministerial staff and Public Servants,” Mr Strange said.
“The CMC was of the view that there was nothing intrinsically wrong with the Department’s assessment and approval process of grants.
“However, there were problems in how the process was undertaken in the grants examined by the CMC as the Department’s advice reflected the Minister’s views, rather than its own independent assessment.”
Mr Strange said that following the investigation, comprehensive provisions had been put in place to prevent inappropriate interactions between ministerial staff and Public Servants.
“However, the CMC has recommended further protocols be developed to ensure that it is clear to ministerial staffers and Public Servants that there is a right and appropriate way of doing business.”
He said a lack of transparency in the decision making process at the time exposed the Minister and the PS staff to the perception that awarding public funds was politically motivated.
“Transparency is crucial to the public’s trust in the integrity of the systems of government,” Mr Strange said.
“Where a Department’s processes or advice are not followed or are overridden, the public must be informed about the fact that this has happened, why and an explanation of why this was considered in the public interest.”
The CMC Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
20 January, 2011
Commission to probe
State flood disaster
An independent Commission of Inquiry into the State’s flood disaster has been announced by Premier Anna Bligh.
Ms Bligh said the Commission would be headed by Justice Cate Holmes with Deputy Commissioners former Queensland Police Commissioner Jim O’Sullivan, and dam expert Phil Cummins.
It is to deliver an interim report in August and a final report by January 2012.
The inquiry would have the powers of a Royal Commission, would take public submissions from across Queensland and make recommendations in its interim report for future wet seasons.
“The last three weeks have been truly shocking for all Queenslanders and now is the time to forensically examine the devastating chain of events and the aftermath,” Ms Bligh said.
“Our Government has appointed three highly respected people to undertake that task and I want to honour those people who have lost their lives through this disaster by ensuring all possible lessons are learned.”
She said the floods affected about70 per cent of the Sate and around 60 per cent of the population, but the response of the emergency services had been magnificent.
“I believe our police, our defence forces, our SES volunteers and the army of civilians who cleaned mud from our homes are to be commended,” she said.
While it was unusual for a sitting Supreme Court Judge to be appointed to head a Commission, she had discussed Justice Holmes’ appointment with Chief Justice, Paul De Jersey, who had advised her of his support for the appointment.
Justice Holmes has vast legal experience, including terms on the Queensland Court of Appeal, the Mental Health Court as well as the Supreme and District Courts and was Counsel Assisting the Forde Commission of Inquiry into Child Abuse.
Mr O’Sullivan was the Queensland Police Commissioner from 1992 to 2000 and served for 41 years in the Queensland Police Service in rural and regional Queensland. Mr Cummins is an international authority on dams and is current Chair of the International Commission on Large Dams.
20 January, 2011
Union advises on
PS entitlements
The Queensland Public Sector Union has issued a “quick guide” to assist staff caught up in the flood crisis to understand their entitlements.
Included as a flood update on its website, the union estimated that thousands of its members were directly affected by the flood and many others were working to help the community recover.
The union advised PS staff unable to access their workplace of the following requirements:
* Staff who could not access their usual place of work should report to another Government office for duty;
* Staff who felt that attending work at their normal or another Government worksite would put their safety at risk should report in absent;
* If a staff member’s home or personal safety was at risk, he or she could return home earlier than normal under the Special Leave Directive;
* If a staff member believed he or she would not be able to get transport home they could also leave early under the same Directive; and
* Special leave on full pay was available for staff who could not get to another Government office.
The union said special leave on full pay ensured public sector employees were not financially disadvantaged due to their inability to attend their workplaces to perform normal duties.
In exceptional and deserving cases, Directors General had the discretion to grant more than five days’ special leave. Three days’ emergency or compassionate special leave was also available.
The union urged its members to keep a daily written record of the hours worked at the floods, especially if they did not have access to their normal time sheet.
Further details can be found at this PS News link.
20 January, 2011
Safety warning for
clean-up workers
Workers have been urged to put their health and safety first while clearing away debris left behind by the floods.
Minister for Industrial Relations Cameron Dick said that with so much to do, the last thing communities needed was for people to get injured while helping to clean up a workplace.
“Hazardous machinery, including chainsaws, can be dangerous. All chainsaw operators should be properly trained and less experienced operators should be closely supervised,” Mr Dick said.
“Many people do not realise that cleaning up after a major flood has its own risks, especially in the bush. Rural workers face an increased risk from snakes and spiders, and having cuts and abrasions infected with water or flood debris and soil which may have had contaminants soaked into them.”
Mr Dick said people involved in the clean-up should have access to an appropriate first-aid kit, including compression bandages for the management of snake and insect bites.
“Workers also need good communications while working in remote locations, including UHF radios. Management needs to be aware of staff working alone,” he said.
Mr Dick said a ready supply of drinkable water, insect repellent and sun protection, including appropriate clothing, was also needed.
“Eye and hand protection needs to be worn if working with fencing wire and all workers need training in plant and machinery used in clean-ups,” he said.
“Plant and machinery needs to be checked to ensure that it is in safe working condition, with all guards or safety devices in place on high risk plant such as chainsaws, post hole diggers and post drivers.”
20 January, 2011
Police warn on
flood-fraud link
Queensland Police have warned flood victims and those looking to support them to be wary of fraudsters setting up scams to take advantage of people in their time of need.
While the police do not want people to stop being generous, they urge them to take a moment and check who they are donating to.
They expect the delivery of emails and creation of websites that claim they will facilitate the donation of funds to charities that have been established to support the flood relief and victims.
“International fraudsters prey on the goodwill of people during a crisis such as the Queensland floods and are experts in quickly establishing authentic websites and delivering believable emails that contain 99 per cent fact in their content,” the police statement said.
“These fraudulent devices are designed to illicit identity, financial and credit card details from unsuspecting members of the public who are simply looking to support flood victims.”
Member of the Fraud and Corporate Crime Group, Detective Superintendent Brian Hay said the public must also be aware of any phone calls they receive from businesses purporting to be associated with the Government’s flood relief efforts.
Reports had been received of scammers who claimed to be from a business which, for a fee of $200, would lodge and fast track all Government relief applications.
“These organisations do not exist and no payment will be required to process authentic Government relief fund applications. Any person who has responded to an email like this needs to contact their financial institutions to cancel their bank and credit card account and should considering registering with a credit rating organisation to have their credit status monitored,” Detective Superintendent Hay said.
Any person looking to engage tradesmen or cleaning services to assist in the recovery of their premises needed to be wary of unscrupulous people offering their services for a discounted rate that required cash up-front.
“These fraudsters will put the cash in their pocket never to be seen again or will commence work and provide an incomplete or shoddy service,” he said.
20 January, 2011
Leave Directives
update conditions
The Minister for Industrial Relations has issued two new revised Directives on Recreation Leave and Long Service Leave.
Directives 1/11 and 2/11 replace earlier Directives on the same subjects and took effect from 17 January 2011.
With respect to Recreation Leave, the new Directive has been substantially reworked and now includes reference to the annual leave central scheme and makes clear that recreation leave taken on half pay does not affect the increment date for either a full-time or part-time employee,
The new Directive also aligns the payment of accrued recreation leave at the time of an employee’s death with the provisions of the Directive on Long Service Leave, and allows for public holidays during a period of half-pay leave to be paid at the employee’s normal full-time or part-time rate, not the half-pay rate.
It also makes clear that the accrual of recreation leave will include a leave loading when an employee is transferred to a new Department.
For Long Service Leave, the new Directive also makes allowance for public holidays during periods of half-pay being paid at the normal full-time or part-time rate, and ensures that half-pay Long Service Leave doesn’t affect increment dates.
Both Directives can be accessed at the PSIER website or at this PS News link.
20 January, 2011
Women needed to
dress up gallery
The public has been urged to nominate female “quiet achievers” to appear in an online gallery.
The move is part of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
Minister for Women Karen Struthers said Queenslanders could nominate women and girls aged 12 or older who were making a difference in all walks of life by uploading their picture to the Everyday Women, Extraordinary Lives gallery.
“People can nominate their mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, grandmothers and friends to appear in the gallery,” Ms Struthers said.
“Not only will they receive public recognition for their actions, 10 women will be chosen to join the Premier at a special International Women’s Day function at Parliament House in March.
The gallery would also help acknowledge the quiet achievers who were shaping Queensland by making a difference in the lives of the people they knew and the communities they lived in.
Ms Struthers said the International Women’s Day campaign resources would also outline key milestones for Queensland women in advancing equality.
“These milestones range from lifting the ban on married women working as Public Servants to gaining the right to vote and drink in public bars and allowing women inspectors into the Queensland Police,” she said.
“A range of campaign resources are being prepared for the IWD centenary celebrations and will be available early in 2011 including a commemorative poster, stickers, postcards and pins.”
20 January, 2011
Procurement panels
buy into telecoms
Four new telecommunications panels have been established for the purchase of data, voice, mobile and special (dark fibre) products and services by Government Agencies.
The Telecommunications, Broadband and Digital Economy Coordination Office recently concluded negotiations with eight service providers to set up the panels which will apply to all Queensland Government Agencies.
The five-year arrangements are also available in many cases to Local Government and other eligible bodies, such as non-State schools and universities.
Executive Director, Telecommunications, Broadband and Digital Economy Coordination Office, Dallas Stower said by working together with industry, the Government could achieve considerable savings and better outcomes for Queensland.
“We appreciate the suppliers have made a strong commitment to the Government, offering Agencies extended coverage, a wide choice of services and set prices with improved volume discounts,” Mr Stower said.
“I recommend all eligible organisations to look at their current telecommunications spending and future needs and make the most of their investments in this area.”
The carriers would introduce a more comprehensive level of reporting to help the Queensland Government have greater visibility of the products and services being procured.
The Telecommunications Contracts and Panels goes to Voice Products and Services (PW-ICT-067); Data Products and Services (PW-ICT-068); Mobile Products and Services (PW-ICT-069); and Special Services (PW-ICT-070).
20 January, 2011
New Directive updates
critical incident pay
A new Directive on the entitlements and conditions applying to Public Service employees required to work in critical incidents has been issued by the Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick.
Directive 24/10 Critical Incident Entitlements and Conditions replaces a Directive of the same name issued in 2008.
Like the old Directive, the new one sets out entitlements for overtime, TOIL, travelling and relieving expenses as well as hardship allowances.
Under the new Directive, the length of time the conditions can be applied is increased from 28 days to 45 with provisions to extend them beyond that time in particular circumstances.
The requirement that Departments and Agencies stop applying the Directive as early as possible remains.
The new Directive adds activations by Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) to its triggers and includes a definition of such an activation.
The Directive took effect on 20 December 2010 and applies to all Public Service Employees as defined in the Public Service Act 2008 and covered by a range of industrial awards.
The Directive can be accessed at the PSIER website or at this PS News link.
20 January, 2011
Fees and charges
to tread water
A range of Government charges and fees are to be waived or reduced for flood victims as a way of making their recovery less stressful.
Attorney-General Cameron Dick and Minister for Transport Rachel Nolan have announced concessions to victims needing to replace important documents or who miss renewing driver’s licences and other transport-related requirements on time.
“While the loss of a birth, death, marriage or change-of-name certificate is minor compared to personal injury or the loss of property, I hope that waiving the usual replacement fees will make it easier for people recovering from the floods,” Mr Dick said.
“We are also allowing flood victims who have outstanding fines with the State Penalties Enforcement Registry to have the enforcement action suspended.”
Mr Dick said the offers applied to residents in declared disaster zones including the Banana Shire Council and the Southern Downs, Western Downs, Central Highlands, Mackay, Bundaberg, Barcaldine, Lockyer Valley and North Burnett Regional Council areas.
The fee-waiver arrangement for replacement certificates and the deferral of SPER fine payments will be in place initially until the end of March, the possibility of extensions depending on future weather events.
The Government has also instituted a package of relief from transport-related fees and charges for people and businesses in declared flood disaster areas.
Minister for Transport Rachel Nolan said that from today, flood-damaged licences would be replaced for free, a three-month option would be available for vehicle registration, fees would be waived for overdue registration payments and extensions of time granted for other relevant transport-related activities.
“These special provisions apply to people who reside in, or have vehicles garaged at an address in a declared disaster area, while that area remains declared under the State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements for the grant of personal hardship assistance,” Ms Nolan said.
20 January, 2011
Floods make case for
free legal advice
Legal Aid Queensland is working with the Queensland Law Society (QLS) and other legal organisations to provide free legal information and some legal advice to disadvantaged people affected by the floods.
Attorney-General Cameron Dick said previous natural disasters such as Cyclone Larry, the Ingham floods and last year’s flooding in south-west Queensland, had shown that many people experienced a range of legal issues while trying to get back on their feet.
“These problems generally tend to include issues relating to insurance claims, accommodation, rental properties, employment, debt and even family law problems,” Mr Dick said.
“The availability of free legal information and advice to those most in need will help people get back to some form of normality after these devastating floods as quickly as possible.”
He said his Department would be working with the Queensland Flood Recovery Taskforce and local disaster management committees to provide advisory services, initially through places such as local recovery and evacuation centres.
“Information booths should be established at these centres shortly, once volunteer lawyers and Legal Aid staff can be arranged and coordinated,” he said.
President of QLS, Bruce Doyle said the legal profession was keen to contribute to flood recovery efforts.
“We have many members living in flood-affected areas so this initiative is a small gesture from the profession to help these communities recover,” he said.
Chief Executive of Legal Aid Queensland, Anthony Reilly said until information services were established at recovery and evacuation centres, people could contact Legal Aid Queensland on 1300 65 11 88 for the cost of a local call to get free legal information.
20 January, 2011
Tourism the ticket
for recovery help
Travellers and tourists around Australia have been urged to support the flood recovery by choosing to holiday in Queensland and thereby help boost the local economy.
Minister for Tourism Peter Lawlor said it was important that the State’s tourism industry be kept running.
“It has been comforting to hear of the support coming from interstate and internationally from people asking how they can assist,” Mr Lawlor said.
“One way interstate and international people can help is to keep holidaying in our State, keep planning trips here, and support local businesses and tourism operators who have been hit hard by the floods.”
Mr Lawlor said the floods had had a direct impact on some businesses and tourism operators with flooding to their premises and disruption to normal business.
“The floods have also had an indirect affect on business and tourism in other non-flood affected areas with travellers cancelling or postponing their trips because of concerns about the flooding,” he said.
“I want to assure travellers that Queensland’s tourism destinations unaffected by flooding still have the red carpet rolled out to welcome interstate and international visitors and are very much operating.”
Areas such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, Whitsundays, Townsville region and Tropical North Queensland were functioning normally and he wanted to see these businesses thrive rather than just survive the floods.
20 January, 2011
New rail station open
ahead of timetable
The opening of the new rail station at Richlands and the rail link at Darra have been brought forward.
Premier Anna Bligh said Ipswich and the western suburbs were some of the worst hit by flooding and the early opening would be another step towards recovery.
“The station is finished and the drivers have been trained. As flood waters begin to subside, our focus turns to the mammoth task of rebuilding and recovery,” Ms Bligh said.
“Many residents in this area of Brisbane have lost everything and our public transport network is vital in getting them back on their feet again.”
She said the Ipswich line was the only rail link still not operating fully, with Goodna and Gailes stations badly flooded. The early opening of Richlands Station would provide another option for local residents to access the central business district.
The project, which includes 4.5 kilometres of new rail line between Darra and Richlands plus the new Richlands Station and an upgrade to the Centenary Highway, has been built at a cost of $800 million.
Minister for Transport Rachel Nolan said the new station included a bus interchange for up to four buses at a time, a park ‘n’ ride with 650 car parks, secure storage for 88 bicycles and 32 bike racks, 15 kiss ‘n’ ride bays and three taxi zones.
“This link is part of a vital new rail corridor to service one of Brisbane’s fastest growing regions and ultimately extend to Springfield by 2013,” Ms Nolan said.
20 January, 2011
CMC blows whistle
on police discipline
A package of recommendations designed to strengthen the Queensland Police Service’s (QPS) discipline system has been announced by the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC).
The measures include providing the Police Commissioner with more power to transfer or dismiss police officers whose conduct is not up to standard.
The CMC report, Setting the Standard: A Review of Current Processes for the Management of Police Discipline and Misconduct Matters, contains 11 recommendations and follows a request from the Attorney-General to examine the system.
Assistant Commissioner, Misconduct at CMC, Warren Strange said a State Government discussion paper, Integrity and Accountability in Queensland, attracted a significant number of written submissions from the public expressing concerns about the current police discipline processes.
“On top of these public concerns, several CMC investigations into allegations of inappropriate police conduct revealed some notable deficiencies,” Assistant Commissioner Strange said.
“In many instances the discipline system works well; however, some limitations and failings of the system make it vulnerable, at times leading to perverse outcomes.”
He said this undermined the objectives of the disciplinary process and confidence in the QPS and its senior officers.
Among the CMC’s recommendations was for the QPS to elevate complaints management to core business and, in doing so, ensure that its Ethical Standards Command, responsible for dealing with complaints against the police, was adequately resourced.
It also recommended amendments to the Police Service Administration Act 1990 to allow for a “Commissioner’s loss of confidence” provision. This would enable the Police Commissioner to dismiss an officer in whom the Commissioner had lost confidence, without engaging in a protracted disciplinary process. The use of the power would be subject to review by the affected officer.
A further recommendation is for the power to suspend disciplinary sanctions to be removed.
“The use of suspended sanctions in the QPS discipline system is problematic as it removes the deterrent effect of the sanction and undermines public confidence in the system and the QPS,” Mr Strange said.
20 January, 2011
Ferry top-ups put
more go in go card
Twenty-six new top-up machines have been installed on every CityCat and CityFerry in Brisbane to allow passengers to top-up their go card on the water.
Acting Minister for Transport, Paul Lucas said this was an extension of the go card network across South East Queensland to make travel easier, simpler and more convenient for passengers.
“A simple cash transaction on board can add between $5 and $20 of travel credit to your go card,” Mr Lucas said.
“Furthermore, as an added convenience, the ferry customer service centre located adjacent to the Riverside CityCat terminal also now sells $20 pre-loaded go cards so passengers can pick one up before jumping on board.”
Mr Lucas said the additional 26 new go card top-up machines on CityCats and CityFerrys would help cater to the growing number of go card users.
“In the past 12 months, go card trips have doubled with two-thirds of all trips made now using go card,” he said.
“There are more than 60,000 go card trips made on CityCat and CityFerry services each week.”
Over the past year, more than 300 go card outlets had been added in South East Queensland, taking it to more than 520 across the network.
For more information on public transport, visit this PS News link.
20 January, 2011
Commission moves
on move-on powers
The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) believes police move-on powers should be retained, but the threshold for moving people on in public spaces raised.
Introducing a review of the law, Deputy Director, Research, for CMC, Rebecca Denning said the current legislation was broad and, coupled with the highly discretionary nature of the powers, might lead to confusion and uncertainty when applying the law.
“This has the potential to adversely affect those who use public spaces, particularly marginalised groups such as young people, the homeless, and Indigenous people,’ Dr Denning said.
“We have made 11 recommendations, including restricting the use of move-on powers to behaviour. This means that the powers can no longer be used against a person for merely being present in a public space.”
The review also called for increased focus on providing police with more guidance and decision-making tools to reduce the possibility that the powers would unfairly affect marginalised groups.
Other recommendations included the appointment of a Public Order Advisory Panel, reporting to the Police Minister on use and impact of public order policing; improved data collection methods in the police’s use of their powers and the requirement that a person issued with a move-on direction be required to provide their name and address to police.
The CMC review also showed a steady increase in the use of move-on powers, but this was likely to be associated with the geographical expansion of the power across Queensland rather than overzealous policing, it said.
20 January, 2011
Help rolling in
The Federal Government’s quick response in bringing forward payment of important funding for Councils affected by the flood crisis has been praised by the State Government.
The Office of Local Government will now work to get the money to the Councils as soon as possible.
More information on how the Queensland Government will help the State’s Councils rebuild can be found at this PS News link.
Workers pitch in
A total of 200 Public Servants employed by the Department of Public Works volunteered to assist with the Channel Nine Flood Relief Appeal earlier this month.
The Public Servants were from Public Works’ Smart Service Queensland and CITEC Agencies, and staffed call centres in Zillmere and Mt Gravatt.
The call centres have been praised as the best in the country.
Plane grounded
The Government-owned King Air, hit by lightning while returning from a tour of the flood-ravaged town of Theodore, will be out of operation for some time.
The King Air has been used during the floods to transport personnel and supplies to flood-affected towns.
A replacement King Air has been sourced to assist with flood operations.
Fishery talks extended
Future management arrangements for the Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery, which includes snapper, has been extended and meeting dates postponed because of the flood crisis.
The consultation period for the Regulatory Impact Statement will now be extended by nearly six weeks until 8 April.
Port meetings which were due to start in two weeks are now expected to begin in mid-March.
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