22 September, 2011

Crackdown on
new Regulations

A framework requiring that all new laws in Queensland be checked to ensure they don’t create any unnecessary burdens for business is to be enshrined in legislation.
   Minister for Finance, Rachel Nolan said that Regulatory Assessment Statements (RAS) would soon become legal requirements for proposed new laws, strengthening the current arrangement which has been in place since last year.
   Ms Nolan said the move showed the Government was serious about cutting red tape.
   “Today’s announcement shows that we are dedicated to making it easier to do business in Queensland,” Ms Nolan said.
   She said the move would mean that all new legislation was specifically scrutinised to prevent the development of unnecessary regulations.
   “The Business Council of Australia has endorsed the Queensland Government’s performance cutting red tape,” Ms Nolan said.
   “Last year they gave our State the second highest overall achievement rating of any State on red tape reduction, rating Queensland as ‘adequate to good,’ up from ‘room for improvement’ in 2007.”
   She said enshrining the RAS in legislation would ensure that the process was a legal requirement and that regulation across the board was minimised.
   She said that one of the greatest legacies of the current Government was its ongoing efforts to make doing business in Queensland easier by getting rid of cumbersome and unnecessary regulations.
   “Already this year we’ve announced that we’ll be appointing a Business Commissioner, solely dedicated to getting rid of unnecessary red tape,” Ms Nolan said.
   “Today’s announcement is another milestone in the Government’s regulatory reform process and we will now work hard in developing the necessary legislation required to make this law.”


22 September, 2011

Paper takes time
out for days off

A discussion paper exploring possible changes to Queensland’s public and school holiday arrangements has been released for public comment.
   Premier Anna Bligh released the paper Getting the balance right: A proposal on holidays in Queensland as part of a review of the State’s holiday system.
   Ms Bligh said one outcome of the review would be to see the Queen’s Birthday public holiday moved into the second half of the year and families enjoy an extended school holiday break at Easter.
   “Holidays observe important public occasions like Anzac Day and Australia Day but they also give workers and families a chance to rest and have fun together,” Ms Bligh said.
   “They let us all balance our work and family life better.”
   She said the paper invited feedback on three proposals relating to holidays: moving the Queen’s Birthday to create a new Summer Public Holiday; allocating an extra public holiday when Christmas, Boxing, or New Year’s days fell on a weekend; and expanding State school Easter holidays from six days to two weeks.
   “Our lives are becoming busier and busier and that’s why I feel it is important that we get the maximum benefit from the public holidays that we do have,” Ms Bligh said.
   “But we need to consider what best suits families, the community and businesses, as well as what happens in other States.”
   She said most public holidays were clustered in the first half of the year, particularly between March and June.
   “There are no Statewide public holidays in the six months between the Queen’s Birthday public holiday in June and Christmas Day in December,” she said.
   “We are the only State that has no public holiday in the second half of the year.”
   She said the paper called for feedback on whether commemorating the Queen’s Birthday with a holiday later in the year was supported by Queenslanders, and if so, what would be the best date.
   Minister for Education and Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick said the review was prompted by calls from a number of quarters to spread public holidays more evenly throughout the year and reconsider arrangements for student-free days in schools.
   He said the discussion paper proposed extending the Easter State school holiday to two weeks from 2012 which would align State schools with the non-State sector.
   “This proposed change will involve shifting three student-free days in State schools and adding one extra day to the Easter holiday period,” Mr Dick said.
   “This will help even out the school terms across the year and provide a more consistent duration for terms one, two and three.”
   He said the discussion paper and feedback survey could be accessed at this PS News link and comments would be received until 31 October 2011.


22 September, 2011

Mapmakers dive
into floodplains

A new project to map Queensland’s flood plains has been launched, the biggest floodplain mapping initiative in the State’s history.
   Using the latest technology and supported by both new and historic data, the project is adopting a broader approach than in the past, developing a whole-of-catchment view rather than Council by Council.
   Premier, Anna Bligh said the result would offer Councils a strengthened connection between land use planning and flood plain management.
   “As we know, our river systems do not stop at Local Government boundaries,” Ms Bligh said.
   She said a draft toolkit/guideline for planning in or near floodplains had been developed in consultation with more than 10 Councils, the Local Government Association, Geosciences Australia, and the Fitzroy Basin Association and would be open for 40 days of consultation.
   “This is about a greater level of information being available to all, especially Councils,” Ms Bligh said.
   “This toolkit will help Councils ask questions early in the development process so that issues can be identified and addressed sooner rather than later.”
   She said it was about greater knowledge of local floodplains to inform sensible planning.
   “[It’s] not a stop on development.”
   She said the toolkit included a standard template for a development assessment code that included basic provisions to support better outcomes from development applications.
   “The maps do not show a defined flood event, but rather areas where, based on geological evidence, we know there has previously been inundation or there is a probable chance of inundation,” the Premier said.
   “These are the areas where the State and councils need to focus in their assessment of future developments and types of development.’’
   Ms Bligh said there were 128 river catchments in Queensland, 67 of which affected significant population centres.
   “[These] are being treated as a priority to be completed before the next wet season commences.”
   She said 39 of the priority catchments had already been mapped, representing more than 1,200 maps at 1:50,000 scale covering some of Queensland’s hardest hit regional towns – “an area significantly larger than Victoria.”
   She said by the middle of next year there would be floodplain maps for all relevant areas of the State.
   She said the new floodplain maps had been added to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s ‘flood check’ interactive map and could be viewed at this PS News link.
   She said the draft guideline could be accessed at this PS News link and comments would be received until 11 November 2011.


22 September, 2011

Wait over for waste
management funds

$13 million has been made available to Local Councils for new or upgraded waste management infrastructure in the third round of grants for waste facilities and equipment.
   Minister for the Environment, Vicky Darling, announced the grants saying the funds would be available for weighbridges, gatehouses, software, ticket printers, landfill surveys as well as other important equipment and activities. She said $11 million would be allocated this financial year and $2 million next.
   “Local Government is a major player in managing our waste,” Ms Darling said.
   “[These grants] will help Councils get ready for the landmark waste reforms taking place in Queensland.”
   She said the State Government planned to cut the amount of waste going to landfill in half by 2020.
   “A key part of the plan is to help Local Government develop a modern, sophisticated network of facilities right across the State so we can better control waste,” Ms Darling said.
   “The improved facilities will also help many Councils get ready for an Industry Waste Levy which will commence on 1 December.”
   She said the levy would not apply to household waste, just business and industry waste dumped in landfill.
   Ms Darling said Queensland’s Waste Strategy would drive a decade of significant improvement in waste and resource management, and bring Queensland into line with the rest of the country.
   “The strategy sets clear targets for reducing waste generation and disposal, but we also need the best tools and facilities if we are truly going to recover valuable resources from the waste we currently bury,” she said.
   “I encourage all Councils to consider what facilities and resources they still need to be ready for the industry waste levy start-up.”
   She said this year’s grants were targeted at smaller waste management facilities after the first two phases of the program catered for large facilities and ancillary equipment.


22 September, 2011

Police media on
the right channel

The Queensland Police Service has been recognised for excellence following its employment of social media during the flood and cyclone disasters earlier this year.
   The Service took out the main award in the 2011 State finals of the Australian Safer Communities Awards.
   Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services, Neil Roberts , who presented the awards in Brisbane, said the QPS social media strategy was one of the great success stories to come out of Queensland’s summer of natural disasters.
   “These awards allow us to acknowledge and honour some of the people who dedicate their time and energy into making this State a safer place,” Mr Roberts said.
   He said the Police used social media as one of their major avenues for getting up-to-date and relevant information out to residents as quickly as possible.
   “At its height, the QPS Facebook page received around 100,000 ‘likes’ and generated 39 million post impressions in one day, equating to 450 post views per second over the peak 24-hour period.
   “Disseminating public safety announcements through this page coupled with other initiatives like the livestreaming of press conferences proved extremely powerful, and far more effective than relying on traditional media alone,” he said.
   “In this manner residents were kept as up to date to possible about what was happening in their local community.”
   Mr Roberts said the Police use of social media took out the State Government category of the awards.
   He also congratulated Hinchinbrook Shire Council which won the Local Government Category for its Local Area Warden System.
   He said the Council had set up a network of trained wardens to coordinate ‘on the ground’ situation reports during crises and it was extensively used during Cyclone Yasi and four major floods that affected the Shire.
   “I congratulate the work of these organisations and individuals who have recognised a need and have acted up on it,” Mr Roberts said.
   He said other organisations honoured at the awards included Deaf Services Queensland and the Bundaberg and Bargara Liquor Accord who were highly commended in the Private Sector Category; the School of Fire and Rescue Training Education which was highly commended in the Training and Research Category; Surf Life Saving Queensland and the Murgon SES Support Group Incorporated who won the Volunteer and Community Groups Category; and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service’s Rural Operations, The Gaeta Rural Fire Brigade, Community Solutions and Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation, who each received encouragement awards in the same Volunteer and Community Groups category.
   Mr Roberts said the category winners had also been nominated as Queensland’s finalists for the National Safer Communities Awards to be presented in Canberra in December.


22 September, 2011

Cosmetic laws
get better look

New laws that regulate the ingredients in cosmetics have been passed by the Australian Parliament.
   According to the Commonwealth’s Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, the new laws will cut red tape, eliminate overlapping regulation between Federal Agencies and better protect public health.
   “The regulation of ingredients in cosmetics has been split between the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) which has been confusing for consumers and a burden on industry,” Ms King said.
   “This new legislation finalises the transfer of the regulation of these ingredients to NICNAS while also allowing any conditions which have been put on their use by TGA, to be transferred to NICNAS.”
   She said the new law meant that the ingredients would automatically be included in the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS) without requiring further assessment by NICNAS.
   “This both addresses a public health gap and will reduce the regulatory burden on industry.”
   She said the new laws would also mean that consumers could find information about the regulation of cosmetic ingredients in one place.
   “It also removes the need for NICNAS to prepare and publish a summary report for each chemical assessment as NICNAS now publishes the full public report for each assessment on the NICNAS website.”
   She said the new legislation also made minor technical amendments to the Schedule to the Act to clarify certain data requirements for new chemicals and maintain consistency with other national chemical notification schemes.


22 September, 2011

Drugs warning gets
high priority

The Crime and Misconduct Commission has warned parents and schoolteachers to be aware of illicit drugs being prepared for Schoolies Week planned for November.
   Director of Intelligence with CMC, Chris Keen issued the warning following a successful operation last year that disrupted an organised crime scheme to supply dangerous ‘club’ drug, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) to students.
   Mr Keen said the danger with GHB was that just a two-milligram overdose of the party drug could kill.
   “Our Strategic Intelligence Unit has been monitoring trends in relation to GHB for approximately 10 years and we’ve seen it evolve from a substance used experimentally to a popular party drug within particular social sets,” Mr Keen said.
   “We believe it’s readily available in south-east Queensland and while all indications suggest its use is low among the general population, our message to parents and young people is simple: taking GHB is like playing Russian Roulette.”
   He said the risk of overdose increased when GHB was mixed with other substances such as alcohol.
   “GHB is also a relatively cheap drug, which can be attractive on the illicit market, but with such a miniscule margin of error between a ‘high’ and ending up in hospital or worse, dead, we hope people will think twice and realise it’s just not worth the risk.”
   Mr Keen said the CMC had launched 28 tactical operations in the past financial year across all areas of major crime which resulted in 38 arrests and 330 charges.
   He said over the same period, drugs were seized to an estimated street value of $1.6 million.
   “For more information about Queensland’s illicit drug markets, read the Strategic Intelligence Unit’s report, Illicit drug markets in Queensland, published last year.” Mr Keen said.
   He said more information on staying safe during Schoolies was available on this PS News link.


22 September, 2011

Workplace watchdog
leading the way

The national Fair Work Ombudsman claims to be ‘leading by example’ by improving entitlements for parental leave for his staff in a new Enterprise Agreement which came into effect last month.
   The 2011-14 Agreement increases access to parental leave for both parents following the birth of a baby.
   According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, Nicholas Wilson, mothers covered by the Agreement who have just given birth are now entitled to 16 weeks parental leave on full pay, up from 14 weeks, and her partner is eligible for four weeks on full pay, up from three weeks under the previous Agreement.
   The latest Agreement also includes a new entitlement to paid primary caregiver’s leave if the partner of the birth mother is required to be the primary caregiver of the baby for any time in the first 16 weeks from the birth.
   Mr Wilson said the entitlements were in addition to those available under the Federal Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme.
   Mr Wilson said the Agency had gone beyond its minimum legal obligations to develop a parental leave policy that was tailored to employee needs but also benefited the Agency.
   “Implementing generous, innovative and flexible parental leave policies can help employers boost their productivity and performance,” Mr Wilson said.
   “Employers with parental leave policies that make employees feel valued can benefit from having more committed and productive staff.”
   He said the new FWO Agreement also provided for employees to receive superannuation payments while on paid and unpaid parental leave and enshrined the provision of paid lactation breaks for mothers.
   He said the new Agreement covered about 950 employees who also received a four per cent pay increase when it began and would enjoy a three per cent rise in July 2012 and two per cent in July 2013.
   Mr Wilson said his Office had also produced a Parental Leave Best Practice Guide to assist other employers develop policies to provide optimal support for employees accessing parental leave and it also offered other Best Practice Guides on work and family, individual flexibility arrangements, consultation and co-operation, young workers, gender pay equity, small business and the Fair Work Act, bargaining, privacy, managing underperformance and dispute resolution
   He said they could all be downloaded from this PS News link.


22 September, 2011

Cycling strategy
gets a push

A new 10-year Queensland Cycle Strategy has been launched by the Minister for Transport, Annastacia Palaszczuk.
   Ms Palaszczuk said the Strategy would promote a vision of ‘more cycling, more often’.
   She said Queensland enjoyed a great environment for cycling and the new Strategy was about building cycling infrastructure, promoting cycling education and creating cycle-friendly communities.
   “As part of this commitment, we’ll be including a dedicated cycleway as part of the Moreton Bay Rail Link project,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
   She said the new cycleway would run 12.6km from Petrie to Kippa Ring and reflected the Government’s policy of building cycling infrastructure as part of other road and rail transport projects.
   “This multi-modal approach gives people the greatest choice when it comes to choosing how to travel,” the Minister said.
   She said a “signature” part of the new Strategy was setting up an Active Towns program with the aim of rapidly increasing cycling and walking in targeted regional communities.
   “We’ll be piloting the Active Town program in Cairns, Mackay and the Gold Coast where we will work with Local Governments, communities and the bicycle industry to invest in key infrastructure and promotion,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
   “Active Towns will kick off next year.
   “This approach will develop cycling friendly communities in regional areas through infrastructure, education and marketing.”
   She said Queenslanders were already being bitten by the bike bug with a recent National Cycling Participation Survey showing a fifth of the community, or 814,000 people, were already riding their bikes each week.
   “The health benefits of cycling are there for everyone to enjoy,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
   “It reduces the number of vehicles on our roads, in turn reducing traffic on our roads and pollution.”
   She said there were also cost advantages with cycling being cheaper than driving.
   “It can often be a quicker journey than the more traditional transport options for trips less than 5 kilometres.”
   The Queensland Cycle Strategy 2011-2021 can be accessed at this PS News link.


22 September, 2011

Tragedy prompts
strap warning

The Office of Fair Trading has reacted to a recent tragedy in Western Australia by warning of the dangers of vehicle recovery straps.
   It has urged motorists and consumers to take note of the possible risks.
   Recovery, or snatch, straps act like a powerful elastic band when used to recover a bogged vehicle and according to the Executive Director of Fair Trading, Brian Bauer, were vital parts of a four wheel driver’s safety kit.
   If used incorrectly however, Mr Bauer warned they could cause serious injury or even death.
   “If snatch straps are used on an unsuitable attachment such as a standard tow ball or vehicle tiedown point, they can snap away from where they were attached and recoil in any direction,” Mr Bauer said.
   “The energy created in the strap can rip off a tow ball or underrated shackle.”
   He said the sheer force of a catapulting snatch-strap could be lethal to anyone in its way.
   “That is why it is critically important to take safety precautions and to always follow product instructions,” Mr Bauer said.
   He said there were a number of safety measures that consumers could take to avoid injury or the death of bystanders.
   “Always check that the strap is not damaged before use, and make sure that you use a safety standard compliant shackle with a working load limit greater than the strap’s stated minimum breaking strength,” he said.
   “It is also a good idea to drape a recovery damper, heavy bag or blanket over the strap during use to reduce any unintended recoil.”
   He said it was when a snatch strap happened to spring loose that people nearby had been seriously injured or killed.
   “This is why bystanders should distance themselves by at least 1.5 times the length of the unstretched strap.”
   Mr Bauer said the Office of Fair Trading had produced a brochure called Seven Easy Steps For Recovery (Snatch) Strap Safety and had been behind a national drive to improve the product’s safety.
   He said the law required that snatch straps be provided with safe use instructions and safety warnings and he strongly encouraged anyone who used the straps to read them carefully.
   “It could make a difference between life and death,” he said.
   Mr Bauer said more information on recovery (snatch) straps, and product safety in general, was available from this PS News link or 13 QGOV (13 74 68).


22 September, 2011

Train drivers get
trauma training

A Trauma Support Network made up of Queensland Rail train crew members has added 17 new members to its numbers, all ready to rally around their work mates after a near miss or fatality.
   The new members join 30 already specially trained to support their colleagues after a critical incident.
   Minister for Transport, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the 47 volunteer drivers and guards had undertaken the training to be there for their colleagues in their time of need.
   “This is about mates helping mates,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
   “There is a special link forged by the fact the Trauma Support team do the same job and understand the same challenges.”
   She said it was a sad fact that Queensland Rail traincrew were reporting incidents every day which involved someone, somewhere, risking their life.
   “While there’s been a 15 per cent reduction in near misses from the previous financial year, any near miss is one too many,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
   “Chief Executive of Queensland Rail, Paul Scurrah said trespassing, taking shortcuts and other unsafe behaviour near railway tracks was not a joke, and could leave train drivers with sickening memories they carry for life.
   “Our train drivers are repeatedly suffering trauma as a result of these close calls, including nightmares and flashbacks,” Mr Scurrah said.
   “Some drivers suffer long-lasting trauma, and four traincrew have taken extended leave after incidents this year.
   “At least one of our drivers has not been able to return to work in more than five years.
   He said members of the Trauma Support Network program took part in specialised training every two years to develop support skills.
   Queensland Rail Train Driver Keith Dickinson said being a part of the Trauma Support Network was a rewarding experience, and provided a vital aid to fellow drivers and guards.
   “It’s disappointing that people continue to risk their lives around rail lines, giving us a dose of shock and fear,” Mr Dickinson said.
   “Motorists and pedestrians need to realise there are consequences to their actions, which could simply be avoided if signs and signals were obeyed.”
   Mr Scurrah said the 47 Trauma Support Network members came from across the State including Cairns, Bundaberg, Robina, Caboolture, Ipswich, Beenleigh, Petrie, Nambour, Shorncliffe and Mayne.


22 September, 2011

Speeding boaties
rock the boat

A crackdown on speeding boats by rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in the Great Sandy Marine Park off Hervey Bay, has netted almost half a dozen boaties $500 fines.
   According to the Minister for the Environment, Vicky Darling, the boaties ignored Go Slow zones in the area which had been introduced to protect vulnerable marine life still suffering from the State’s summer of disasters, particularly turtles and dugong.
   Ms Darling said the floods had devastated coastal seagrass beds - the main food source for the animals - leaving them in a weakened condition and vulnerable to boat strike.
   “Rangers will not hesitate to target those people on the water who are ignoring go slow areas,” Ms Darling said.
   “With extra boating traffic during the school holidays, Marine Park rangers have stepped up their patrols.
   “The go slow regulations are there for a simple reason – going too fast can cause death or serious injury to our marine wildlife.”
   She said the fines should stand as a warning.
   “We obviously want to ensure our marine life remains healthy and protected which is why marine park rangers will be patrolling,” she said.
   “Since we introduced the ‘go slow’ zones in the Great Sandy and Moreton Bay marine parks we have seen far fewer injuries to our marine wildlife caused by boats.”
   She urged everyone to take care, slow down and watch out for marine animals.
   The ‘go slow’ areas are clearly marked on the Great Sandy Marine Park zoning map which is readily available from a range of sources as well as the Department of Environment and Resource Management’s website this PS News link.
   She said reports of sick, injured or dead marine animals could be made to 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 685).


22 September, 2011

UQ Business Course
a master stroke

The Master of Business Administration degree offered by the University of Queensland Business School has been ranked in the top two in Australia.
   The ranking resulted from a survey conducted for the Financial Review’s Boss magazine.
   The Business School was also judged number one in Queensland, a position it has held since the last survey in 2009 but at the national level, leapt up the ranks by five places from seven to two this year.
   It was also ranked second nationally for its research capability.
   The survey is conducted every two years and is based on the responses of 1,261 former students of MBA course across Australia.
   For 2011 it ranked the top five MBA providers as Melbourne Business School, UQ Business School, Monash University, QUT and the Australian Graduate School of Management.
   The high ranking for the UQ Business School’s MBA program is also reflected in a ranking by The Economist that put it among the top one per cent in the world and the highest-possible 5-star rating afforded it by the Graduate Management Association of Australia.
   The latest survey found that over 90 per cent of alumni from the UQ Business School considered its MBA to be value for money while 89 per cent felt that it prepared them for a wide range of economic conditions and put them in a better place than their co-workers in the fall-out from the Global Financial Crisis.
   Dean of the UQ Business School, Professor Iain Watson, said he was delighted with the improved ranking in the latest survey.
   “Our MBA program is recognised as world-class and we are justifiably renowned for our research capabilities, however we continually look for ways to enhance our offering and the outcomes for students,” Professor Watson said.
   He said the improved ranking vindicated the School’s efforts to push standards ever higher.
   He said the survey found that MBA students had gone on to improve their skills in the areas of leadership, teamwork, strategic thinking, problem analysis and decision making since their graduation.
   The UQ Business School MBA offers two structured study options – 12 months full-time or 24 months part time.


22 September, 2011

Ambulance picks up
excellence awards

The State winners in the annual ambulance awards for excellence have been announced by the Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts.
   Mr Roberts congratulated all eight winners in the Commissioner’s State Star Care Awards saying they had made an outstanding contribution to the Queensland Ambulance Service and to their fellow Queenslanders.
   “We have recognised paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, patient transport officers, volunteers and young heroes who have excelled in their local communities across the State,” Mr Roberts said.
   “The State winners announced today have already taken out their respective awards at their regional ceremonies and have gone up against the rest to take out the award category at a State level.”
   He said all the winners had demonstrated bravery and dedication to their work and the Queensland community should be extremely proud of them.
   Commissioner of the Queensland Ambulance Service, Russell Bowles named Nathan Daley from Cunnamulla in the south west as the Paramedic of the Year.
   “The Cunnamulla community should be extremely proud to have an ambulance officer like Nathan ready to assist them in some of the most trying times,” Commissioner Bowles said.
   “His intricate knowledge, relationship with local emergency service providers, contribution to Closing the Gap endeavours and outstanding duty of patient care ensures the people of Cunnamulla are provided with the utmost pre-hospital medical care.”
   The Commissioner named Edmonton Ambulance Station, south of Cairns, as the State’s Ambulance Station of the Year.
   “Edmonton Ambulance Station was recognised for fostering an excellent working relationship with other emergency services and community groups,” Commissioner Bowles said.
   Nerang schoolboy Zachary Bell was named the State’s Young Hero of the year for saving his grandfather by calling triple zero (000) after a nasty fall in the backyard.
   Commissioner Bowles said the standard of nominations received for the awards this year were stories of great courage, determination, compassion and loyalty to the public.
   He said Ambulance Week celebrations were held annually in September providing an opportunity to reflect on the outstanding work of Queensland’s dedicated ambulance officers and volunteers and to encourage the community to be better prepared for an emergency situation.
   Other winners in the Commissioner’s State Star Care Awards were :

Patient Transport Officer of the Year:
   Jeanette Toon (North Mackay)

Emergency Medical Dispatcher of the Year:
   Kimberley Anderson (Brisbane)

Honorary Ambulance Officer of the Year:
   Margaret Preston (North Coast Region)

Local Ambulance Committee Achiever of the Year:
   Elizabeth Martin (South-West Region)

Support Officer of the Year:
   Rachel Sedon (Northern Region)


22 September, 2011

Excellence recognised
in IPAA awards

The 2011 Public Sector Excellence Awards have been announced by the Queensland Institute of Public Affairs Australia (IPAA).
   Recognising excellence and best practice across the public sector, the awards were presented at a glittering function at the Sofitel in Brisbane last week.
   According to the Chief Executive of IPAA Queensland, Peter Rumph, the high calibre of nominations from across the State, especially following the flood and cyclone disasters of earlier in the year, made the judges’ task of choosing winners extremely challenging.
   “We were thrilled with the impressive quality of entries that we received this year,” Mr Rumph said, “especially those in the special award category for projects contributing to rebuilding Queensland in the wake of the disasters.”
   He said the highest accolade in the awards – the Patron’s Award for Excellence in the Public Sector – was awarded this year to Sir Leo Hielscher for a significant and outstanding contribution to Queensland over 68 years.
   Sir Leo joined the State Audit Office in 1942 and has played an active and senior role in the State Public Service ever since.
   Among his achievements are facilitating the development of Griffith University, establishing the Queensland Treasury Corporation and driving the development of the original Gateway bridge.
   Mr Rumph said Sir Leo had “been instrumental in shaping Queensland in many ways.”
   Other awards presented on the night went to:

Young Leader of the Year:
Glenn Walker from the Department of Community Safety who at 32 is the youngest Chief Information Officer ever appointed in Queensland Government history.

Public Sector Professional of the Year:
   Peter McManamon of LinkWater Projects for leading the effective delivery of bulk water transport services and the construction of key government water pipeline assets.

Regional Queensland Leader of the Year:
   Chris Bowman of the Department of Communities, Gympie for developing the Gympie Child Safety Service Centre into a State leading centre for service delivery and innovation.

Best Practice in Local Government:
   Logan City Council’s Development Assessment Transformation from a Bureaucracy to a Business project.

Best Practice in State Government:
   The Department of Transport and Main Roads for its summer of 2010-2011 Disaster Response and Recovery.

Best Practice in Federal Government:
   The Department of Human Services for its Real Time Management program,

Special Recognition Award:
   A special award was added to this years’ program to recognise the outstanding work that took place following the flood and cyclone disasters.
   It was awarded to TransLink Transit Authority’s Public Transport Crisis Management Team.

   Full details on all the awards, winners and finalists are available at this PS News link.


22 September, 2011

Travel Directives
show the way

The Minister for Education and Industrial Relations has published three new Directives on travel and expenses.
   The Directives: 9/11 Domestic Travelling and Relieving Expenses; 10/11 International Travelling, Relieving and Living Expenses; and 11/11 Transfer and Appointment Expenses were published in the Government Gazette of 9 September 2011 and became operational on 1 September.
   They replace Directives 15/10, 16/10 and 17/10 respectively.
   According to the Department of Justice and Attorney-General’s Division of Public Sector Industrial and Employee Relations (PSIER), each of the Directives has been amended to update allowances and expense amounts provided for in rulings from the Australian Taxation Office or from movement in the Consumer Price Index.
   “Relevant amounts will also be adjusted in future years from 1 September and new Directives will be issued each year in this regard,” PSIER said.
   It said in Directive 9/11 Domestic Travelling and Relieving Expenses, the relevant allowances had been increased in line with ATO Determination TD 2011/17 and the Special Allowance relating to private accommodation with relatives or friends had been increased from $34.55 to $35.80 in line with CPI increases.
   It said that in Directive 10/11 International Travelling, Relieving and Living Expenses, the Equipment Allowances for overseas travelling and relieving had increased from $276 to $286 and $208 to $215 in line with CPI increases.
   It said the Daily Personal Allowance to cover incidentals such as newspapers, snacks and personal items had not changed.
   “However, the Table of Countries and respective cost groups have been amended in line with ATO Taxation Determination TD 2011/17.”
   According to PSIER, a number of allowances covered by Directive 11/11 Transfer and Appointment Expenses had been increased in line with the CPI.
   All three Directives can be accessed at the Public Service Commission website at this PS News link.


22 September, 2011
Breast screening at DJs
Breastscreen Queensland has launched its first in-store breast cancer screening service at David Jones in Queens Plaza.
   The new Rose Clinic will offer women a first class service in a comfortable, non-clinical environment at the new site and was expected to cater to the needs of up to 4,000 women.
   The service is on Level 2 of the David Jones store in Queens Plaza.

Ambulance remembers
Employees and volunteers with the Queensland Ambulance Service have gathered to remember and honour their frontline colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty.
   Four church services were held across the State to recognise the 32 Ambulance Officers who have died since 1920 while trying to save others.

Police receive medals
Two officers of the Queensland Police have received National Police Service Medals at the inaugural presentation of them in Canberra, recognising long service and dedication.
   The two are Senior Sergeant Monica O’Mara from Community Safety and Crime Prevention Branch in the Operations Support Command and Senior Sergeant Peter Banaghan from Far Northern Region.
   The new medals are awarded to police in all parts of Australia for 15 years of ethical and diligent service.
   Other officers eligible for the medals will receive them in due course.

Fire station for Pullenvale
A new fire station has been officially opened at Pullenvale in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
   Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts did the honours saying the facility was ‘state-of-the-art’ and cost more than $3.8 million.
   He said it had been operating since July, was equipped with the latest firefighting equipment and providing local residents with a 24 hour, 7 days-a-week service.

Station for Springwood
The new Springwood Police Station has been officially opened by the Minister for Police, Neil Roberts, Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson and MP for Springwood Barbara Stone.
   The new $4.46 million new station will be home to 24 frontline officers working in the area and is located in the centre of the Springwood business district.
   Senior Sergeant Geoff Thomas has been appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Station.

Bay and beach named
Manly’s Rose Bay and Eastwood Beach have been formally named following public consultation.
   Regional Services Director with the Department of Environment and Resource Management, Randall Hart said Rose Bay and Eastwood Beach had been officially added to DERM’s place name database.
   Mr Hart said the Department planned to call the area Arnold Cove but the name was dropped after public consultation.


15 September, 2011

Reconstruction paper
builds on disasters

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority has published an information paper on community resilience and preparing for natural disasters.
   The paper Rebuilding a Stronger, More Resilient Queensland was released by the Premier, Anna Bligh, who said it shone a spotlight on resilience and encouraged all individuals, businesses and communities to consider how they prepared for and responded to natural disasters.
   “Building resilience in our communities is everybody’s responsibility,” Ms Bligh said, “from Governments through to individuals.
   “The Reconstruction Authority has prepared this paper to build a better understanding of resilience so we can enhance the ability of our communities to prepare for and bounce back better and faster following a natural disaster.”
   She said the paper wasn’t an instruction manual, outlining instead the core principles of resilience.
   “It is designed as a thought starter to get communities, organisations and governments thinking about how resilient they would be if another natural disaster was to strike,” she said.
   “The QRA have showcased some best practice examples of resilience from across Queensland of how people, businesses and governments got up and running again after the floods and cyclones.”
   Ms Bligh said the Authority had collected a series of success stories from across the State and posted them on its website at www.qldreconstruction.org.au.
   “The time to get ready for the next wet season and start thinking about resilience is always now,” the Premier said.
   “Natural disasters are a fact of life. We must continue to think and anticipate, planning for the worst, while at the same time hoping our resilience plans will never be needed,” she said.
   The paper Rebuilding a Stronger, More Resilient Queensland can be accessed at this PS News link.


15 September, 2011

Excellence recognised
in IPAA awards

The 2011 Public Sector Excellence Awards have been announced by the Queensland Institute of Public Affairs Australia (IPAA).
   Recognising excellence and best practice across the public sector, the awards were presented at a glittering function at the Sofitel in Brisbane last week.
   According to the Chief Executive of IPAA Queensland, Peter Rumph, the high calibre of nominations from across the State, especially following the flood and cyclone disasters of earlier in the year, made the judges’ task of choosing winners extremely challenging.
   “We were thrilled with the impressive quality of entries that we received this year,” Mr Rumph said, “especially those in the special award category for projects contributing to rebuilding Queensland in the wake of the disasters.”
   He said the highest accolade in the awards – the Patron’s Award for Excellence in the Public Sector – was awarded this year to Sir Leo Hielscher for a significant and outstanding contribution to Queensland over 68 years.
   Sir Leo joined the State Audit Office in 1942 and has played an active and senior role in the State Public Service ever since.
   Among his achievements are facilitating the development of Griffith University, establishing the Queensland Treasury Corporation and driving the development of the original Gateway bridge.
   Mr Rumph said Sir Leo had “been instrumental in shaping Queensland in many ways.”
   Other awards presented on the night went to:
   Young Leader of the Year:
   Glenn Walker from the Department of Community Safety who at 32 is the youngest Chief Information Officer ever appointed in Queensland Government history.
   Public Sector Professional of the Year
   Peter McManamon of LinkWater Projects for leading the effective delivery of bulk water transport services and the construction of key government water pipeline assets.
   Regional Queensland Leader of the Year
   Chris Bowman of the Department of Communities, Gympie for developing the Gympie Child Safety Service Centre into a State leading centre for service delivery and innovation.
   Best Practice in Local Government
   Logan City Council’s Development Assessment Transformation from a Bureaucracy to a Business project.
   Best Practice in State Government
   The Department of Transport and Main Roads for its summer of 2010-2011 Disaster Response and Recovery.
   Best Practice in Federal Government
   The Department of Human Services for its Real Time Management program,
   Special Recognition Award
   A special award was added to this years’ program to recognise the outstanding work that took place following the flood and cyclone disasters.
   It was awarded to TransLink Transit Authority’s Public Transport Crisis Management Team.
   Full details on all the awards, winners and finalists are available at this PS News link.


15 September, 2011

Travel Directives
show the way

The Minister for Education and Industrial Relations has published three new Directives on travel and expenses.
   The Directives: 9/11 Domestic Travelling and Relieving Expenses; 10/11 International Travelling, Relieving and Living Expenses; and 11/11 Transfer and Appointment Expenses were published in the Government Gazette of 9 September 2011 and became operational on 1 September.
   They replace Directives 15/10, 16/10 and 17/10 respectively.
   According to the Department of Justice and Attorney-General’s Division of Public Sector Industrial and Employee Relations (PSIER), each of the Directives has been amended to update allowances and expense amounts provided for in rulings from the Australian Taxation Office or from movement in the Consumer Price Index.
   “Relevant amounts will also be adjusted in future years from 1 September and new Directives will be issued each year in this regard,” PSIER said.
   It said in Directive 9/11 Domestic Travelling and Relieving Expenses, the relevant allowances had been increased in line with ATO Determination TD 2011/17 and the Special Allowance relating to private accommodation with relatives or friends had been increased from $34.55 to $35.80 in line with CPI increases.
   It said that in Directive 10/11 International Travelling, Relieving and Living Expenses, the Equipment Allowances for overseas travelling and relieving had increased from $276 to $286 and $208 to $215 in line with CPI increases.
   It said the Daily Personal Allowance to cover incidentals such as newspapers, snacks and personal items had not changed.
   “However, the Table of Countries and respective cost groups have been amended in line with ATO Taxation Determination TD 2011/17.”
   According to PSIER, a number of allowances covered by Directive 11/11 Transfer and Appointment Expenses had been increased in line with the CPI.
   All three Directives can be accessed at the Public Service Commission website at this PS News link.


15 September, 2011

Train standards
steaming ahead

Queensland Rail has become the first rail public transport company in the world to be certified in the International Customer Service Standard (ICSS).
   Minister for Transport, Annastacia Palaszczuk congratulated Queensland Rail on the achievement saying it was setting the benchmark for customer service in public transport.
   “This is a huge acknowledgement of the great work we’re doing to deliver world class public transport for all Queenslanders,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
   “ICSS is an international benchmark that allows Queensland Rail to compare itself with other leading customer service organisations and identify areas for improvement.”
   She said the achievement was significant as it recognised an organisation that strived to deliver a great service through its day-to-day operations, innovation and the ability to listen to its customers.
   Chief Executive of Queensland Rail, Paul Scurrah said part of the certification process required the organisation to cite more than 100 pieces of evidence confirming it met the customer service standard.
   “This takes into account more than day-to-day service delivery,” Mr Scurrah said.
   “It places a strong focus on the company’s innovations, and ability to capture and use customer feedback to deliver enhanced service.”
   He said service improvements highlighted during the assessment included the introduction of Quiet Carriages, the launch of the Customer Charter and successful implementation of new timetables in June which delivered a further 150,000 seats to the Caboolture, Sunshine Coast, Richlands, Ipswich and Rosewood lines.
   “Queensland Rail was also commended for the timely recovery of rail services to communities following the natural disasters earlier this year, particularly the Toowoomba Range,” Mr Scurrah said
   Executive Director of the Customer Service Institute if Australia which administers the standard, Brett Whitford, said the result confirmed Queensland Rail in the top echelon of rated organisations,
   “What we encountered with this assessment was an extraordinary level of leadership and willingness of Queensland Rail staff to embrace customer service as a way of life,” Mr Whitford said.
   Ms Palaszczuk said she was sure that despite the achievement, the staff of Queensland Rail would not be resting on their laurels.
   “I know they are always listening to their customers, and they are determined to keep improving and aim for world best practice in their customer service standards,” she said.


15 September, 2011

Queensland chases
Vic’s dog laws

The Attorney-General is to examine a new law in Victoria that clamps down on the owners of dangerous dogs to see if similar rules should apply in Queensland.
   The Attorney-General, Paul Lucas said the Criminal Code already contained provisions covering owners’ responsibilities to their dogs which could see them convicted of manslaughter or grievous bodily harm following a dog attack but he would consider whether a specific provision was needed.
   “Owners can already face tough fines and penalties,” Mr Lucas said.
   “However, I briefed Cabinet about the issue and we will look at Victoria’s new laws and decide whether we need to add a specific provision.”
   Under new laws adopted in Victoria, the owners of dangerous or restricted breed dogs could serve up to 10 years in jail if their dog killed a person.
   Mr Lucas said it was likely the Queensland Criminal Code would cover the situation but it might be desirable to have a specific provision, similar to the offence of Dangerous Driving, instead of relying on manslaughter.
   “Rightfully, the responsibility for a dog’s actions rests fairly and squarely with the owner,” Mr Lucas said.
   “If a child loses their life or someone is seriously hurt because an owner couldn’t give two hoots about controlling their dog, then they should be held accountable.”
   He said the Animal Management Act imposed fines of up to $30,000 on the owners of animals that attacked people or other animals, but it may be that more could be done.
   He said Queensland Councils already had the power to seize and destroy dangerous animals if they believed the owner was not managing it correctly.
   “We have also restricted certain breeds like American pit bulls which are very heavily regulated,” Mr Lucas said.


15 September, 2011

Gas industry seen to
be bubbling along

The Queensland Gas Commissioner has published a report predicting decades of jobs for Queenslanders, new investments and a period of unprecedented growth for the State’s gas industry.
   Releasing the Commissioner’s report Queensland 2011 Gas Market Review, the Minister for Employment Skills and Mining, Stirling Hinchliffe said gas projects in the pipeline would create around 18,000 jobs and reinforce the State’s reputation as a hub for cleaner, greener energy solutions.
   “We are about to enter a new era of economic prosperity and opportunity where gas is destined to play an important, if not crucial role in generating jobs for Queensland workers,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
   “Gas is good for the State’s economy and good for the environment with half the emissions of coal-fired power generation.
   “We have an abundance of gas reserves in Queensland to take us well into the future.”
   He said the Commissioner’s annual report showed that the State’s gas market would continue to grow, fuelled by increased demand to meet domestic and industrial gas supply, electricity generation and the emerging LNG export industry.
   Mr Hinchliffe’s comments were endorsed by the Minister for Energy, Stephen Robertson who said the Government would ensure an appropriate balance between domestic and export markets and that adequate gas supplies were available to service both sectors.
   “Modelling undertaken for the report indicates there are more than sufficient gas resources to meet all demand in the medium to long-term,” Mr Robertson said.
   “Gas will continue to play an important role in electricity generation and to fuel heating, hot water and cooking in Queensland homes.”
   He said the Queensland Gas Commissioner had advised that there was a need for greater market clarity around activities planned to achieve gas reserves for domestic gas market supply.
   “There is no doubt growing demand for gas to drive the LNG export industry will put pressure on our gas reserves,” Mr Roberston said.
   “The newly announced carbon price is also expected to drive growth of gas-fired power generation.”
   He said that was why the Gas Commissioner had recommended a series of measures to expand wholesale gas market trading, improve access to incremental transmission capacity, increase distribution network utilisation and provide a solid legislative foundation for future dedicated gas storage facilities.
   The full text of the Queensland 2011 Gas Market Review Report is available at this PS News link.


15 September, 2011

People power sets
electricity prices

A new system for setting electricity prices in Queensland has been passed by the State Parliament.
   The new laws were proposed by the Minster for Energy, Stephen Robertson who said they would create a system that was fairer and more flexible for electricity users in the State.
   He said the change entailed removing the outdated Benchmark Retail Cost Index methodology used by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) to set notified electricity prices and replacing it with a more transparent system based on the underlying cost of supply.
   He said the Government had been concerned for some time about the impact that rising electricity prices were having on families and their household budgets.
   “That’s why in May 2011 the Government directed the QCA to develop a new pricing system and tariff structure that is fairer to all Queensland electricity consumers,” Mr Robertson said.
   He said the reforms passed by Parliament would support the work being done by the QCA to develop the new pricing system.
   “The QCA will use the new methodology to calculate Queensland electricity prices to apply from 1 July 2012.”
   He said Queensland needed a more flexible pricing framework based on tariff structures that more accurately reflected the underlying cost to supply electricity to consumers.
   “It wouldn’t be possible to maintain our reliable and secure electricity network for all Queenslanders unless retail electricity prices are based on genuine increases in supply costs,” Mr Robertson said.
   He said the QCA would produce a draft report on its proposed new pricing system by March 2012 and a final report by 31 May 2012.
   He said the legislative reforms also ensured the continuing cost-effectiveness and success of the Queensland Solar Bonus Scheme.
   “The scheme has exceeded all expectations in delivering affordable solar energy and jobs for Queenslanders,” he said.


15 September, 2011

Cape crusaders to
save York Peninsula

The State and Federal Governments have announced $23 million in new funding to protect the environmental and cultural values of Cape York Peninsula.
   The initiative was unveiled jointly by the respective Ministers for the Environment, Vicky Darling and Tony Burke who said the funds would allow the purchase of high conservation value land for inclusion in the national reserve system and support consultation with Indigenous communities towards a possible future World Heritage nomination.
   Ms Darling said the move would also support greater engagement and participation of Indigenous communities on the Cape in sustainable agricultural and natural resource management activities.
   She said it was “crucial” that Indigenous people had the opportunity to manage their own country, both for conservation and economic development purposes.
   “That is why Queensland has developed a special tenure type called National Park (Cape York Aboriginal Land) which is jointly owned and managed for conservation purposes by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Traditional Owners,” Ms Darling said.
   “When properties with high conservation values are acquired, a portion is handed back to Traditional Owners as Aboriginal land in recognition of their desire to return to homelands.”
   She said the Traditional Owners could then decide to develop outstations, protect some areas as nature refuges or pursue economic development in keeping with the environmental and cultural values of the land.
   Mr Burke said Cape York Peninsula was a special place of world-class natural and cultural value
   “We are working with the Queensland Government and Indigenous communities to identify and document the rich environmental and cultural values of Cape York Peninsula, while being mindful of the clear commitment that a World Heritage nomination would not proceed without the prior consent of Traditional Owners,” Mr Burke said.
   “Funding will be made available to support the voluntary acquisition of land containing values of National Environmental Significance that contribute to the overall integrity of the Cape York protected area estate through improved consolidation, connectivity and buffering.”
   He said both the State and Federal Governments were committed to supporting the Traditional Owners to realise their aspirations.


15 September, 2011

Events calendar
makes it a date

Information on where and when to visit Queensland is now just a mouse click away, following the launch of the Queensland Events Calendar.
   Minister for Tourism, Jan Jarratt officially launched the new website saying it was another weapon in Tourism Queensland’s promotional arsenal.
   “Most consumers are very tech-savvy and rely heavily on the internet to inform their travel itineraries,” Ms Jarratt said, “so providing them with a one stop shop for the latest information on events in Queensland will help lure more visitors our way.
   “The Queensland Events Calendar covers everything from our largest events, like the Brisbane Festival and Gold Coast Marathon, to smaller regional events like the Outback Oktoberfest in Jundah.”
   To mark the launch, Ms Jarratt announced that one lucky visitor would win free travel to Queensland in a giveaway to run for its first four weeks.
   At the same time Tourism Queensland will be running a marketing campaign to promote the new events calendar.
   “We know visitors want more value from their travel experiences and events are a great way to showcase the best of our State,” Ms Jarratt said.
   “Events heighten the passion and energy of locals, which adds to the appeal and beauty of Queensland.”
   She said the new calendar featured events receiving Events Queensland funding and others listed by the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, the national platform for digital tourism information in Australia.
   “The new website will also be promoted through online marketing and social media channels,” Ms Jarratt said.
   The new calendar can be accessed at this PS News link.


15 September, 2011

Coal seminars in
black and white

The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) is to host a series of seminars for coal industry workers informing them of new guidelines for managing fume events during mine blasting operations.
   Minister for Mines, Stirling Hinchliffe said the seminars would be held in the regional coal mining centres of Moranbah, Blackwater and Toowoomba through this month and next.
   He said the series kicked off this week and represented the next step towards improving worker safety during blasting operations.
   “The seminars will outline new blasting guidelines developed by the Government in partnership with industry and the trade union movement to better manage fume events,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
   “Senior government mining health and safety officers, health science professionals, and representatives from the mining industry and explosives manufacturers will make presentations.”
   He said while the seminars would focus on the new guidelines and managing fume events during blasting, they would also cover medical plans to treat workers exposed to the fumes.
   Mr Hinchliffe said all explosions generated gases and it was accepted that post-blast fume events would never be fully eliminated.
   “That’s why we are improving safety and health management systems to better manage fume events and ensure worker risk of exposure is at an acceptable level.”
   He said DEEDI had been analysing fume data from all blasts and since May there had been a significant reduction in the number of fume events.
   “Since we established the tripartite steering group to develop new guidelines, there has been significant awareness and improvement in the industry’s management of fume events,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
   He encouraged personnel involved in the design, preparation, planning, firing and management of mine blasting operations to attend the regional seminars saying these included drill and blast superintendents, blast designers, shot firers, shot crew supervisors, shot fire trainers, mine operations planners, blast controllers and explosives operators.
   He said a new Guidance Note would be issued to coal industry operators outlining the new measures.
   Mr Hinchliffe said the remaining seminars would be held between 8am and 3pm at
   Moranbah Community Centre on Tuesday 27 September; Blackwater International Coal Centre on 28 September; and the Toowoomba Golf Club on Wednesday 5 October.
   More information is available from this PS News link.


15 September, 2011

Disability Councils
given the numbers

A new State Chair, Deputy Chair and 73 members have been appointed to the State’s disability advisory councils.
   Announced by the Minister for Disability Services, Curtis Pitt, the appointees will form one Statewide and seven regional Councils to advise the Government on issues affecting people with a disability.
   “The Councils will be a voice for the community as well as a sounding board and source of advice for the Government when we make key decisions,” Mr Pitt said.
   “The Councils will also have a key role in progressing the priorities of the 10-year strategic plan for disability, which will be finalised later this year.”
   He said the new State Chair would be the Chief Executive of Deaf Services Queensland, Brett Casey from South East Queensland and the Deputy State Chair the Chief Executive of ARC Disability Services, Anita Veivers from Far North Queensland.
   He said other appointees included people with a disability, carers and advocates, as well as representatives of community organisations, businesses, Local Government, disability service providers and the wider community.
   Mr Pitt said all members had been appointed for a three-year term from 1 September 2011.
   “I look forward to building sound working relationships with the new members to foster strong and inclusive communities,” he said.
   “I thank the outgoing members for their invaluable contribution, particularly Paul Larcombe who has chaired the Statewide Council for two terms and who will return as the Brisbane chair.”
   Mr Pitt encouraged members of the community to make contact with their regional council representatives.
   He said more information about the Councils, including a full list of members, could be obtained by calling 1800 177 120, visiting this PS News link or emailing engagement@communities.qld.gov.au


15 September, 2011

Research audit for
child protection

A national research audit on child protection in Australia has been issued to assist in targeting further research.
   Conducted jointly by the Australian Institute of Family Studies and the Social Policy Research Centre, the audit was released by the Commonwealth’s Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services, Julie Collins.
   Ms Collins said that protecting children was one of the most important responsibilities of government
   “The National Research Audit was recommended by experts and practitioners to plan research priorities and avoid duplication and unnecessary investments,” Ms Collins said.
   “[It] indicates we need more research into understanding neglect, the emotional and physical abuse of children, as well as the impact of parental substance abuse and mental illness on child safety and wellbeing.”
   She said the audit also provided directions and priorities for future research, including the National Research Agenda for Protecting Children, which would be finalised later this year.
   “It also identified Indigenous-specific issues and solutions, as well as kinship care, the role of community education on child abuse and neglect, and risks and abuse of children with disability and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as areas for future research.”
   Ms Collins said the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children would provide a national approach to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Australian children.
   “The directions and priorities in the National Research Audit will be critical in helping build an evidence base to inform our thinking about improved outcomes for children,” Ms Collins said.
   She said the audit was accompanied by an online register to enable users to access information more easily and keep up to date with the latest research.
   The Protecting Australia’s Children Research Audit was available online at this PS News link.


15 September, 2011

Farming guidelines
are pick of the crop

The Department of Environment and Resource Management has taken the next step in delivering on its Strategic Cropping Land policy by releasing guidelines for applying the proposed criteria at the property level.
   Minister for Natural Resources, Rachel Nolan said an online mapping tool which property owners could use to see how the policy affected their land, had ‘gone live’.
   “Last year we made a commitment to rural Queenslanders that we would legislate to protect our State’s best cropping land,” Ms Nolan said.
   “The proposed criteria have been developed to reliably and consistently identify the State’s best cropping land, and to minimise the assessment burden and costs to landholders and developers.”
   She said the guidelines were designed for an on-ground property level assessment to confirm whether or not a particular site was strategic cropping land or not.
   “We have released [the guidelines] today so landholders and developers can plan for when strategic cropping land legislation takes effect,” Ms Nolan said.
   “The guidelines provide guidance on assessing strategic cropping land and outline how to undertake an on-ground assessment with the proposed criteria to define the extent of strategic cropping land.”
   She said landholders and developers could use the proposed criteria and guidelines to conduct their own assessment and decide whether they would need to submit a formal application when the legislation came into effect.
   “Until legislation is in place, landholders and developers are not obliged to undertake an assessment,” Ms Nolan said.
   “However, it would be prudent for developers planning a new project to consider strategic cropping land.”
   She warned proponents to consider their impacts on strategic cropping land as the Government had been clear in its intentions to apply transitional arrangements from the time the policy was announced to when the legislation is introduced later in 2011.
   “Strategic cropping land is an important resource that must be conserved and managed for long-term food production and regional growth,” Ms Nolan said.
   She said the Government was committed to striking a balance between agriculture and development, and protecting strategic cropping land for the benefit of all Queenslanders.
   More information on the guidelines is available from this PS News link.


15 September, 2011

DERM taps into
water plan

A new Operations Plan has been published for the water resources of the Mary Basin.
   Deputy Director-General of the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), Debbie Best said the plan would lead to more sustainable management of the resource and offer irrigators more flexible water entitlements.
   Ms Best said the plan balanced the needs of towns and irrigators and would protect the environment.
   “A key element of the plan is the conversion of more than 520 water entitlements into tradable water allocations,” Ms Best said.
   “This means water users will have an added incentive to use water more efficiently, as they will be able to sell or lease any water they do not use.”
   She said the plan would increase urban water security for the Mary Basin by establishing rules for operating existing infrastructure and for managing current water entitlements.
   “This includes water sharing rules in times of extreme drought and the arrangements for water trading and environmental releases from water infrastructure,” she said.
   “The plan ensures that the performance of water entitlements held by irrigators is protected and will not result in any cutback in existing water entitlements.”
   She said the plan would be subject to ongoing monitoring and reporting to gauge its success.
   “It is important to note the plan does not provide a process for the release of any of the 150,000 megalitre strategic reserve that is identified in the water resource plan.
   “This volume of water will remain reserved for the time being.”
   She said however that an additional 4,795 megalitres would be available from existing storages to meet the future town water supply needs of Noosa, Kenilworth, Maleny and Hervey Bay.
   Ms Best said that DERM had released the draft Resource Operations Plan for public comment in August last year and received feedback from a range of stakeholders including water users, environmental groups and water infrastructure operators.
   “Their comments were taken into account,” she said.
   For more information on the Mary Basin Resource Operations Plan, visit the DERM website at this PS News link.


15 September, 2011

Defence targets
training companies

Seventeen Queensland-based companies are to share in funding of $1.7 million to boost the skills of the Defence industry workforce in Queensland.
   Federal Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare announced the grants saying the money would come from the Commonwealth’s Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry (SADI) program for 2011/12.
   “This funding will provide 317 Queensland workers with the skills the Australian Defence Force needs,” Mr Clare said.
   “That includes $61,000 to support 13 apprentices develop skills like aircraft maintenance.”
   He said that like many sectors in the economy, the Defence industry was competing with the mining industry for skilled workers.
   “That’s why this funding is important,” he said.
   Mr Clare was in Queensland inspecting aviation facilities with the Chief Operating Officer of Boeing Defence Australia, Darren Edwards and the Chair of Aviation Australia, Jim Walker.
   Boeing is to receive up to $82,000 for 48 training places including seven apprentices and uses Aviation Australia to train its staff.
   Mr Clare said the SADI program had funded more than 24,000 training places since 2005, including more than 2,200 apprentices.
   “Over the next decade we will invest $138 million to boost skills and improve training in the Defence industry,” Mr Clare said.
   A list of Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry Agreements for 2011/12 and more information on the SADI program is available at this PS News link.


15 September, 2011

Phones report lines up
customer complaints

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has published the final report of its public inquiry into customer service and complaints-handling by Australia’s telecommunications providers.
   Entitled Reconnecting the Customer the report details the concerns many consumers have when dealing with their telecommunications service provider.
   Chairman of ACMA, Chris Chapman said the report makes five proposals for change that would make buying and using a mobile phone or internet service much simpler.
   He said the changes were:
   * Clearer pricing information in ads to allow comparisons;
   * Better pre-sale information about plans;
   * More meaningful performance measures to allow users to compare providers;
   * Better tools for consumers to monitor usage and expenditure; and
   * Better complaints handling procedures.
   Mr Chapman urged the companies to include the changes in their consumer protection codes (TCP) by next February.
   “We have closely consulted on these outcomes with consumers and industry and the overwhelming response has been that improvements are both urgent and necessary,” Mr Chapman said.
   “The industry should address these concerns as soon as possible.
   “The industry is now formally on notice to reflect these outcomes in the new TCP Code.”
   He said if it didn’t, ACMA would mandate the changes through direct regulation.
   The Reconnecting the Customer report can be accessed on ACMA’s engage website at this PS News link.


15 September, 2011
More schools in trial
Five more schools have been named in the trial of Year 7 in high school.
   The schools are Springfield Central State High School, Ipswich; Varsity State College, Gold Coast; Crows Nest State School, Darling Downs; Glenmore High School, Rockhampton; and the new high school planned at Eimeo Road, Mackay.
   They join the new Murrumba State Secondary College in the trial which will eventually involve 20 schools.

Showgrounds shown off
The transformation of Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds into the biggest urban renewal project in the city in more than 20 years has begun.
   The $2.9 billion project was kicked off with the release of plans for ‘Showground Hill’ the residential, commercial and retail component of the scheme.
   When compete, the development will be home to 3,000 residents and 15,000 workers.

Jobseeker course
Special courses to link eligible jobseekers with the State’s booming resources sector have been launched at TAFE Institutes in Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Whitsunday and Wide Bay Burnett.
   The ‘Resources101’ courses will include the two main elements of Safety Induction and Skills Development and deliver a general pre-employment skill set to support work-ready skills for potential job candidates in the Resources Sector.
   More information is available from this PS News link.

Youngsters surveyed
The Queensland Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian has released the findings of its third and latest survey of the views of young people in detention centres.
   The survey reveals that most young people in youth detention are positive about their safety and wellbeing reporting that they were getting high quality health care, and benefiting from a wide range of programs.
   Issues that require further investigation include claims of derogatory language a high proportion who report being subject to separation and restraint during their stay in detention.
   The full report can be accessed at this PS News link.


8 September, 2011

Animal partnership
gets lick of approval

The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has entered a partnership with RSPCA Qld to improve the response to sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.
   The partnership has launched a new telephone number for reporting injured wildlife - 1300 ANIMAL - replacing DERM’s hotline since 1 September.
   According to the Director of Wildlife Management at the Department, Ashley Bunce, the new partnership demonstrates DERM’s ongoing commitment to wildlife care.
   “Through the partnership, DERM and RSPCA Qld aim to provide an improved response to sick, injured and orphaned wildlife and enhanced support for Queensland’s network of wildlife carers,” Dr Bunce said.
   “All calls relating to sick, injured or orphaned wildlife and marine animal strikes or strandings should be directed to RSPCA Qld’s existing 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) call centre number rather than DERM’s 1300 130 372 hotline.”
   He said DERM would continue to respond to calls relating to crocodile sightings, sick, injured or orphaned cassowaries, and bats that had come into contact with people.
   He said the Government had provided a 24 hours a day, seven days a week wildlife hotline service for some years which referred callers to an appropriate wildlife carer.
   The Director of Veterinary Services and Animal Operations at RSPCA Qld, Kevin Bradley said the change to 1300 ANIMAL meant the caller would speak directly to an experienced RSPCA Qld operator who would arrange the appropriate response.
   Mr Bradley said the new partnership would strengthen the overall care of wildlife in Queensland by combining resources and providing a united approach.
   “RSPCA Qld and DERM have driven this change to improve coordination and response times, and reduce the time that animals are in distress,” Mr Bradley said.
   DERM’s Dr Bunce said the new arrangements would be trialled for 12 months.
   He said DERM had contributed $60,000 to support the partnership and would still be responsible for issuing wildlife rehabilitation permits.
   He said in addition to the trial, the Code of Practice for caring for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife would be redrafted with input from RSPCA Qld and the Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (QWRC).
   “The new document will support carers by giving clearer advice about best practice,” Dr Bunce said.


8 September, 2011

Commission warning on
internet paedophiles

The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) has issued an alert to parents that paedophiles are making use of social media more to obtain and distribute child exploitation material.
   Leader of the CMC team investigating criminal paedophilia, Detective Inspector Lance Vercoe said that explicit material - including both photos and videos of children - was being shared online with global paedophile networks.
   “We know that at any given time, paedophiles are trawling through social networking sites, targeting children and looking for opportunities to deliberately groom them,” Detective Inspector Vercoe said.
   “In the majority of cases there’s nothing sophisticated about the way they target their victims - it’s pretty much a numbers game.
   “If they fail to engage a victim, then they move onto another until they get a bite. They know the language children use and how to impersonate them.”
   He said despite many warnings, young girls in particular were still sending photos of themselves over the internet to ‘strangers’.
   “Most of our victims are young girls who engage in innocent conversations, which quickly move to the point where they are divulging personal details to offenders,” Detective Inspector Vercoe said.
   “It can quickly escalate to the sharing of photos or video streaming and, in some reported cases, the offender will threaten to forward the photos to friends or teachers unless the girls provide more explicit material.
   “This type of blackmailing is very difficult for young children to deal with.”
   He said the message to parents was to reinforce to their children that whilst social networking sites provided a great way to maintain contact with friends, the same environment gave internet-based paedophiles opportunities to engage them.
   He said if a child suspected he or she was being “groomed” they should not only block the contact but report the incident to their parents
   “Their actions could save another child from becoming a victim,” he said.
   Detective Inspector Vercoe said the CMC was working closely with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and international law enforcement agencies to crackdown on the problem.
   “Whilst the CMC and the QPS proactively target these offenders, we rely heavily on parents to maintain an open communication with their children about the dangers associated with social networking sites.”
   He said advice on how to protect children was available from the CMC website at this PS News link.


8 September, 2011

IT guru to weave
magic at Health

Queensland Health has appointed prominent ICT industry executive Richard Mathews to its staff to drive the implementation of its new payroll.
   Director-General of Queensland Health, Dr Tony O’Connell said Mr Mathews
   brought a wealth of IT experience, business acumen and operational reform to the role and had already started in the job.
   “Until recently, Mr Mathews was CEO of eServGlobal Limited, an Australian technology company which is dual listed in both Australia and the UK,” Dr O’Connell said.
   “eServGlobal is Australia’s largest software provider to the telecommunications industry.”
   He said Mr Mathews was CEO of Australia’s largest enterprise software company Mincom in 2007, prior to it being sold to the US private equity company Francisco Partners and is a Director of Queensland’s TransLink Transit Authority.
   “Mr Mathews will join Queensland Health’s Human Resource Services Division and play a key role in delivering improvements to both payroll services and the integrity of the payroll system itself,” Dr O’Connell said.
   Mr Mathews said he was ready for the challenge of leading Queensland Health’s efforts to improve its payroll system.
   “I intend to bring a more systematic, corporate approach to improving Queensland Health’s payroll system,” Mr Mathews said.
   “My intention is to rapidly identify issues of key importance to employees, and to seek to fix them as quickly as possible.
   “We will introduce both processes and programs to ensure firstly, our payroll is free of errors going forward, and secondly, that an IT implementation like this is never repeated,”
   he said.
   Dr O’Connell said Mr Mathews would report to the Deputy Director-General of Human Resource Services where his experience in senior roles in the private sector delivering organisational reform and driving reform outcomes meant staff would continue to see improvements to the payroll project.


8 September, 2011

Final relief for
Relief Fund

The Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund (PDRA) has processed its last payment.
   Premier Anna Bligh thanked all Queenslanders and Australians for their generosity in contributing to the fund which closed its books on 31 August.
   Ms Bligh said the Fund was the second largest appeal in Australia’s history and the funds it raised had been distributed to those most in need faster than any other.
   “Money from the Fund has helped more than 40,000 Queenslanders rebuild their homes and their lives,” Ms Bligh said.
   “Households have received payments from $2,000 up to $280,000 depending on their circumstances.”
   She said while it wasn’t possible to bring back loved ones or beloved personal items that were lost, the money went some of the way to assisting people who had been through incredibly distressing situations.
   Ms Bligh said up to 200 staff had worked to ensure much-needed financial assistance was available to those who in need as quickly as possible.
   “Those who donated have given Queenslanders support when they needed it most and I want to thank each and every one of them.
   “People from all corners of the earth wrapped their arms around us and showed us that Queensland not only has a special place in the hearts of Queenslanders but people right around the world.”
   Ms Bligh said the monies collected in the fund had been fully allocated with $272.1 million or 98% distributed.
   She said the remainder would go to St Vincent de Paul to continue assisting the victims.
   A final Distribution Committee report would be tabled in Parliament in October, acquitting all the funds.
   “The (Distribution) Committee’s work is now complete and will be disbanded from today,” Ms Bligh said.
   Chair of the Committee, David Hamill will continue as the delegated authority to finalise appeals and oversee the PDRA through to its close on 31 December 2011.


8 September, 2011

Asthma sufferers
to breathe easy

A new DVD on the treatment and management of asthma has been launched as a joint initiative of Queensland Health and the Asthma Foundation Queensland.
   The Live Well with Asthma DVD and Asthma Control Patient Information Pack were unveiled by the Minister for Health, Geoff Wilson.
   “Asthma is a serious condition that affects one in 10 people across all sections of society,” Mr Wilson said.
   “There is no cure and the condition can be debilitating.”
   He said it kept people home from school and work and made everyday activities like sport and recreation difficult.
   “Although asthma is a chronic disease, with management and treatment, patients can lead a normal life,” he said.
   “This DVD has been developed to bring the most up to date information and the best support possible to Queenslanders living with asthma in their homes to keep them healthy in the community.”
   He said the effects of asthma could be controlled if sufferers were aware of what triggered an attack.
   “The DVD will help people by providing up-to-date, accurate and potentially life saving information to both asthma patients and health workers.
   “It is also about improving quality of life for Queenslanders through management of their asthma.”
   Chief Executive of Asthma Foundation Queensland, Mark Brooke said the DVD and information pack would assist people with asthma and their carers, particularly parents, to understand asthma and its triggers better and how to respond in an asthma emergency.
   “Asthma remains a very serious condition,” Mr Brooke said.
   “We encourage all Queenslanders with asthma to visit their GP and update their asthma management plan.”
   Mr Wilson said the DVD and Information Pack would each be available to patients and clinicians soon.


8 September, 2011

New laws nurtured
for early childhood

New laws that lift standards in Queensland’s early childhood education and care sector have been introduced into Parliament as part of a national scheme.
   Minister for Education, Cameron Dick said the Education and Care Services National Law (Queensland) Bill 2011 allowed for improved assessment and rating systems for the sector and applied to long day care, family day care, outside school hours care, kindergarten and pre-Prep services across the State.
   “This legislation will ensure Queensland meets its commitments to the National Quality Framework (NQF), which will result in consistent standards for early childhood services being applied nationally,” Mr Dick said.
   “Research shows that increased access to high-quality education and care services provides children with a better start to life and improves their chances of being successful later in life.”
   He said the changes complemented other reforms to early childhood education in Queensland such as the introduction of universal access to kindergarten and the successful implementation of Prep within schools.
   He said that under the new laws, the national Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), would guide the NQF and monitor each State’s assessment, rating decisions and systems and would award quality ratings.
   “The rating systems will improve transparency by providing parents with more information about the quality of services being provided at a particular centre,” Mr Dick said.
   “These new laws will also replace Queensland’s existing licensing system.”
   He said the new national standards would gradually require more highly qualified educators to be employed in long day care and kindergarten services with improved educator-to-child ratios.
   “Transitional arrangements will enable existing licensees to continue operating from the commencement of the new law,” he said.
   “The Queensland Government will monitor the cost impacts of the new law with an interest in maintaining child care affordability for families.”
   Mr Dick said the new laws were expected to take effect from 1 January 2012 and details of the National Quality Framework could be accessed at this PS News link.


8 September, 2011

Parks Service swoops
on magpie warning

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has issued a seasonal alert to beware swooping magpies.
   Senior Ranger with QPWS, Adam Northam said the magpie breeding season had started and would run till December with adult birds swooping to protect their chicks.
   Mr Northam said the peak swooping season was from late August to October.
   “A few simple actions can help you avoid or minimise the chances of injury from a magpie,” Mr Northam said.
   “During the breeding season, the best approach is to stay well clear of areas where magpies are known to be swooping, particularly the nesting tree. This can be any kind of tree, usually over 12 metres high.”
   He said if you can’t avoid entering the area, move through quickly, but don’t run.
   “Be ‘magpie-smart’,” he said. “Wear a hat and sunglasses or carry an umbrella.
   “Cyclists should dismount and walk through the territory.”
   Mr Northam said cyclists had recently begun attaching large cable ties to the back of their helmet as a deterrent to magpies and he recommend they use two plastic cable ties of any colour, sticking up like antennae.
   He said not all magpies swooped, and those that did only did so while chicks were in the nest.
   “The male magpie is responsible for most swoops and we know that this swooping is almost entirely limited to the magpie ‘defence zone’ - the area around the nest tree,” he said.
   “The defence zone is usually only about 100 metres in radius.”
   Mr Northam said the magpie’s goal is to drive the perceived intruder away from the nest, not to cause injury.
   “Leaving the area quickly almost always stops the swooping,” he said.
   “Remember that those birds that do swoop will only do so for about six to eight weeks of the year.”
   The Department of Environment and Resource Management has advised that it doesn’t remove magpies but in some cases licensed contractors would.
   It said more information on magpies was available from its website at this PS News link.


8 September, 2011

Children protected in
excellence awards

Legal Aid Queensland and the Child Safety Director at Queensland Health, Corelle Davies have been recognised for their contributions to the protection of the State’s vulnerable children at the annual Child Protection Week awards.
   Minister for Child Safety, Phil Reeves presented six awards to mark Child Protection Week this week with Legal Aid Queensland taking out the Youth Participation Award and Ms Davies the Professional (Government) award.
   According to Mr Reeves, Legal Aid Queensland’s Child Protection Unit and Youth Advocate lawyers worked tirelessly to increase awareness of the protection of children and young people.
   “They provide specialist legal services to vulnerable parents, young people and children, assisting them with child protection and related matters as well as acting as separate representatives for children throughout south-east Queensland,” Mr Reeves said.
   He said Ms Davies’ work was well known across the Queensland Government agencies providing services to children, particularly those with a focus on child protection.
   “Ms Davies has directed child safety at Queensland Health since the position was created in 2005,” Mr Reeves said.
   “She was instrumental in achieving the development and successful implementation of a range of child protection policies, education and training for Queensland Health staff.”
   He said she was well known for her active consultation and collaboration, particularly with a range of clinicians across the State.
   Mr Reeves said the 2011 award winners came from very different backgrounds but all shared a commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Queensland’s most vulnerable children and young people.
   “They also provide an outstanding example to the rest of Queensland,” he said.
   “I congratulate our six award winners and offer my heartfelt thanks for their continuous commitment to child safety.
   “Child Protection Week is not only an opportunity to recognise individuals but also acknowledge the valuable collaboration between Government and non-Government organisations in working towards ensuring child protection.”
   Other awards announced by the Minister went to the founder of the child protection agency Bravehearts, Hetty Johnston; Child witness support volunteer with Protect All Children Today Inc (PACT), Jill Wesche; the Mt Isa Substance Misuse Action Group for its Thursday Night Live Initiative; and Bruce and Denise Morcombe of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation Inc.


8 September, 2011

Private plans for
public projects

A plan to attract private sector investment to deliver two major new projects for the coal industry has been announced by the Premier, Anna Bligh.
   Ms Bligh has asked Queensland Treasury to investigate investment opportunities that could attract private funding for the Connors River Dam and the proposed Multi-Cargo Facility at Abbot Point.
   “The Government’s plan is unashamedly to create opportunities for private sector investment that results in increased benefits for Queenslanders,” Ms Bligh said.
   “Queensland taxpayers stand to benefit from the increased royalties the infrastructure investment will reap from enhanced export potential without having to foot the bill.”
   She said the Connors River dam and pipelines project was expected to cost $2.6 billion and involved building a 49,500 megalitre dam with two pipelines – one 133km to Moranbah and the other 265km from Moranbah to Alpha.
   She said the projects would deliver reliable water supplies to the Bowen and Galilee coal basins as well as the townships of Nebo, Moranbah and Alpha.
   “This massive project will underpin the water supply needs for the development of this resource industry corridor and the towns that support it,” she said.
   Ms Bligh said Abbot Point was another $2 billion-plus project that represented a prime opportunity for additional export capacity.
   “A business case is currently underway to capture the potential opportunity of combining development of the sites known as T2 to T7,” she said.
   “Combined development of T2 to T7 in an offshore multi-cargo facility could provide for up to 12 cape-sizeable berths and tug harbour.”
   She said Treasury’s report examining funding models and options was expected by the end of this year, with the Government possibly in a position to approach the market in early 2012.
   “Money speaks and business investment is flowing in Queensland, creating export capacity, developing our natural wealth and securing future prosperity,” Ms Bligh said.


8 September, 2011

Call for more data
on child deaths

The Minister for Child Safety, Phil Reeves has written to the Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian, Elizabeth Fraser asking her to consider publishing summaries of investigations into child deaths.
   Mr Reeves said the Government aimed to have Australia’s most rigorous and stringent review process into child deaths and publication of reports and recommendations would help the community to have confidence in the system.
   “The death of any child is an absolute tragedy,” Mr Reeves said.
   “Our condolences go out to the family and friends of those affected.”
   He said children only came to Child Safety because they were either being abused or neglected by their families.
   “Unfortunately some cases are so complex and so much damage has been done to the young person that tragedies can happen,” he said.
   “I have written to the Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian asking for the Child Death Case Review Committee to consider ways in which it can publicly release a summary of all cases it investigates, including publishing its recommendations.”
   Mr Reeves said as Child Safety Minister he would release summaries and recommendations from the Department of Communities’ systems and practice reviews each year.
   He said by publicly releasing the information, people would see that the Government fully investigated each case and acted immediately to implement recommendations to help further improve the system.
   “We’re doing this because I want the community to have confidence in the child death case review process,” the Minister said.
   “However the Child Protection Act 1999 is to be administered under the principle that the welfare and best interests of a child are paramount.
   “Therefore information about the families, which would provide a full context of any case will remain confidential.”


8 September, 2011

Cricket pavilion has
runs on the board

QBuild has been recognised with a Heritage Council Award for excellence for its work restoring the Wolston Park Cricket Pavilion.
   The award was presented at the 2011 National Trust of Queensland Awards.
   Minister for Government Services and the Building Industry, Simon Finn said the QBuild team won the Award for their consistent commitment and attention to detail.
   “QBuild tradies and apprentices delivered this work by using traditional methods, which meant no air-powered tools on site - just good old-fashioned hand tools and trade skills,” Mr Finn said.
   “The attention to detail in the restoration work is impressive, from the profile matching and date stamping of timber, to the recreation of turned verandah posts and sourcing of period door and window fixtures.”
   He said the work that won the award was an example of QBuild’s ability to deliver projects with complex heritage requirements.
   “During the project apprentices received a rare opportunity to learn traditional techniques such as hand nailing, fixing and joining as part of the project,” Mr Finn said.
   “These kinds of projects are highly specialised in nature and exposure to this type of work is a unique and valuable experience for apprentices that’s often hard to find with other employers.”
   He said the Wolston Park Cricket Club Pavilion was located on the site of the former Wolston Park Hospital complex which had been acquired by the Queensland Police Service some years ago for its new Police Academy.
   The Department of Public Works’ Project Services business unit had been approached to carry out restoration on the cricket pavilion and worked with QBuild to deliver an outstanding result.
   “The restoration project not only provided a fascinating insight into the history of the site, but has ensured the historic integrity of the Pavilion is maintained for many generations to come,” Mr Finn said.
   He said the National Trust Heritage Awards recognise achievements in identifying, conserving and promoting cultural heritage.


8 September, 2011

Car jack campaign
gets a lift

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has teamed up the fair trading agencies in the States and territories to launch a safety campaign for motorists who use jacks to perform their own vehicle maintenance at home.
   Deputy Chairman of the ACCC, Peter Kell said during the past decade, at least 46 Australians had been killed while working under a vehicle, and hundreds had been seriously injured with impacts ranging from amputation to fractures and crush injuries.
   “These deaths and serious injuries have occurred when a vehicle or trolley jack has been used to support a car while someone worked under it,” Mr Kell said.
   “Jacks just aren’t designed for working under a vehicle safely, and people should never get under their car when it is only supported by a jack.”
   He said the Don’t be a jackass campaign aimed to educate people never to place any part of their body under a vehicle unless it was sitting on support stands or ramps.
   In addition, he said, people should never allow a person or pet to remain in a vehicle while it was being jacked, and never exceed the weight capacity of the jack.
   Mr Kell said simple safety tips for DIY vehicle mechanics were available on the product safety website for people to follow.
   He said tips on the website included parking the vehicle on a hard level surface; chocking the unlifted wheels and engaging the handbrake before raising the vehicle; and referring to the workshop manual for the car to locate the correct lifting point to position the jack under.
   Mr Kell also reminded suppliers and retailers that there were mandatory standards for vehicle jacks, trolley jacks, support stands and portable stands.
   “A recent national product safety survey by the ACCC and State fair trading agencies found 35 non-compliant trolley jacks on the market, with 10 requiring immediate recall,” he said.
   “All failed to meet the warning labelling requirements of the mandatory standard, and some also failed performance requirements.”
   He said more information was available from the product safety website at this PS News link.


8 September, 2011

Police point finger
at tax scam

Queensland Police have issued a warning to residents to beware a new scam targeting “tax payers – retired or otherwise”.
   According to the police, the scam involves people at home receiving phone calls, generally from males with foreign accents, who claim to be from Government agencies looking to reward members for paying their taxes to the Australian Government.
   They claim the taxpayer is entitled to a payment in excess of $3,000 (usually) but in order to receive a direct deposit into their bank account they need to make a payment of $325 in cash.
   Detective Superintendent Brian Hay of the State Crime Operations Command Fraud and Corporate Crime Group said the fraudsters identify a nearby Post Office and instruct their victim to call back from there to receive final instructions.
   Detective Superintendent Hay said the local phone number was linked overseas and the money was requested to be sent to India via Western Union. The victim is then asked to provide his or her bank account details to receive the reward.
   “We have seen this scam work often,” Detective Superintendent Hay said.
   “Depending on who answers the phone the story can change.
   “People let down their guard when told by the offender they’re entitled to government money, giving the victim confidence to follow the instructions set out by the fraudster.”
   He advised people to “hang up the phone immediately” if someone called with an offer like this.
   He reminded the public never to reveal personal or financial information to any person who ‘cold calls’ them on the phone.
   “Do your homework,” Detective Superintendent Hay advised.
   “Legitimate organisations have measures in place to verify they are a genuine.”


8 September, 2011

New laws tackle
family violence

New laws that strengthen support for victims of domestic and family violence have been introduced into Parliament.
   The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Bill 2011 promises tougher laws against domestic and family violence and build on Government spending of more than $190 million in support services and facilities such as emergency accommodation, court assistance, education programs and the Department of Communities’ Domestic and Family Violence Death Review Unit which is based in the Coroner’s Office.
   Minister for Community Services, Karen Struthers said domestic and family violence devastated the lives of thousands of Queenslanders every year, and the Government was committed to addressing it.
   “The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Bill 2011 is part of Queensland’s most significant domestic and family violence reforms since the 1980s,” Ms Struthers said.
   “These new laws ensure people who commit domestic violence are held accountable and allow people affected to feel safer and better protected.”
   She said among the key features of the new laws were the introduction of short-term police protection notices; increased penalties of up to three years jail for breaching domestic violence orders; a new definition of domestic and family violence; better information for administrators; and stronger powers to remove a perpetrator from the family home.
   Ms Struthers said the proposed legislation followed extensive community consultation and was another step towards the Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland ambition of creating a fairer, safer and more caring community.
   “The safety and wellbeing of Queenslanders and their families is our primary concern,” Ms Struthers said, “and these new laws deliver on that objective.”


8 September, 2011

Healthy outlook for
Healthcare Awards

Queensland Health has presented its 2011 Healthcare Improvement Awards.
   The Awards recognise hard work and innovation and honour the commitment and achievements of clinical, research, non-clinical and allied health staff from all areas of the organisation.
   Minister for Health, Geoff Wilson said 12 award winners were acknowledged from 29 finalists whittled down from over 300 nominations. The presentation ceremony was a highlight of Queensland Health Week 2011.
   “It is clear that Queensland Health staff are dedicated to making a difference to the health of all Queenslanders,” Mr Wilson said.
   “The awards night celebrated this year’s Queensland Health Week theme, Our people, Our stories, and we’ve heard many stories about talented health workers creating new ways to improve our services.”
   He said Queensland Health valued and encouraged different approaches and new ways of supporting the health of Queenslanders as it worked to improve healthcare through innovation and research.
   He congratulated each of the winners and finalists.
   “I look forward to seeing their ideas improving Queensland’s healthcare into the future,” Mr Wilson said.
   Two special awards were presented on the night: The Director-General’s Award for Best Demonstration of Queensland Health Values which went to the program High Schoolers Hooked on Health Care developed by the Sunshine Coast Health District; and the Minister’s Award for Best Innovation which was won by Metro North Health Service District for its Remote Assessment and Management of ill infants by Telemedicine.
   Other awards and winners were:

Acute and chronic disease prevention: promoting better community health and wellbeing:
  • Dr Rachel Cole from the Division of the Chief Health Officer
    For a resource to develop supportive environments for physical activity and healthy eating in local government areas
Better Clinical practice: better patient outcomes:
  • Dr Tim Donovan from Metro North Health Service District
    For remote assessment and management of infants by telemedicine; and
  • Nina Muscillo from Clinical and State wide Services
    For embedding standardised capture and transfer of accurate medication information
Consumer partnership: Improving healthcare together
  • Michelle Edwards from the Gold Coast Health District
    For effective consumer involvement in the establishment of an early psychosis service
Improvement through leadership development: better culture better care
  • Debra Cutler from the Metro North Health Service District.
    For seizing the future at The Prince Charles Hospital
Improving Indigenous health outcomes: closing the gap
  • Masoud Ali-Akbari from the Division of the Chief Health Officer (Cairns)
    For reducing the burden of acute Rheumatic Heart Disease; and
  • Mandy Gibson of the West Moreton Health Service District
    For an Indigenous young women’s social and emotional wellbeing program
Non Clinical improvement initiatives fostering collaboration towards health service delivery
  • Lorelle Rounsefell from Mackay Health Service District
    For respectful pathways to success and recognition
Research informing healthcare improvement: from bench top to bedside
  • Professor Ajay Rane from Townsville Health Service District
    For Perigee - born in Townsville and changes the world of prolapsed repair
Right place, right time, right care: improving access to patient care
  • Dr Elizabeth Whiting from Metro North Health Service District in collaboration with the Centre for Healthcare Improvement.
    For right patient, right time, right technology
Skilling for the future - innovative skills and systems development
  • Judith Singleton from Clinical and Statewide Services.
    For upskilling the pharmacy assistants and technician workforce

8 September, 2011

Lawyer on ground for
CQ landholders

Central Queensland landholders will soon be eligible to obtain free legal advice for their dealings with resource companies after funds were made available for a Legal Officer to service the region.
   Minister for Employment, Skills and Mining, Stirling Hinchliff said the Legal Officer would be able to offer advice and assistance to rural landholders dealing with resource companies about access and compensation issues.
   “It’s a free, non-means-tested service and the lawyer will be able to travel throughout Central Queensland,” Mr Hinchliff said.
   He said the Government recognised that the global commodities boom was putting pressure on landholders as resource companies sought to access their land for exploration and development activities.
   “We’ve taken this action to ensure local communities and individuals get the help they need to negotiate complex land access issues,” he said.
   “Queensland’s land access laws ensure landholders receive adequate compensation and have a say in how companies access their property and how they must conduct activities to minimise impacts.
   “Negotiating legal agreements with resource companies for conduct and compensation can be a complex and costly exercise.”
   Mr Hinchliff said the lawyer would not provide representation in court nor carry out conveyance work so landholders should always engage their own solicitor, particularly before they signed any agreement.
   The Central Queensland initiative builds upon a similar rural landholder legal service the Government funds in Toowoomba through Legal Aid Queensland.


8 September, 2011
DPW stand a hit
The Department of Public Works’ display at the 2011 Ekka has been hailed a “major hit” with the public.
   Embracing the ‘Reconstruction Queensland’ theme, the stand featured a lego-land reconstruction zone for younger visitors to be suited up in high-visibility vests and hard hats in which the youngsters reconstructed houses and hospitals and created their own constructions.

Women’s program a winner
An Australian-first program developed by the department of Transport and Main Roads to encourage women to take up careers in the transport, logistics and supply chain industry has won an award from the Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia.
   The Department’s ‘Women Take the Wheel’ program took out the Queensland Training, Education and Development Award.
   Transport and Main Roads Director, Louise Perram-Fisk said the program had provided training and development opportunities for 60 unemployed and underemployed Queensland women and had assisted in countering a gender imbalance in the industry which is “no longer just a man’s world.”

Snake alert issued
Queenslanders have been warned to be on the alert for snakes as the warmer weather arrives and reptiles become more active.
   While snakes are protected under the Nature Conservation Act, householders finding one on (or inside) their property are advised to contact the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) for instructions on how to deal with it.
   DERM does not remove snakes but can provide details of contractors who did.

Innisfail bridge opened
The new Jubilee Bridge in Innisfail has been officially opened.
   Built at a cost of $21.6 million, the bridge replaces one built in 1923 to mark the 50 year anniversary of the town’s settlement.
   The opening of the new bridge reunited the community of Innisfail which had been split in two for the past 14 months.

Shipwreck identified
A 130-year-old shipwreck exposed in Ramsay Bay near Cardwell in the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi has been identified as the brigantine Belle, lost in January 1880.
   Until now, the final resting place of the Belle was unknown.
   Shipwreck experts from the Department of Environment and Resource Management’s Heritage Branch said the ship was wrecked while attempting to recover cedar timber that had washed ashore from another wrecked vessel, the Merchant.

Rail meetings organised
Queensland Rail is taking names for its half yearly Community Reference Group meetings to be held in regional areas.
   The meetings gave all Queenslanders the chance to make their views known on rail in their region.
   Nominations were now open for meetings in Bundaberg, Maryborough and Hervey Bay, with Rockhampton, Cairns, Townsville, Gladstone, Longreach, Emerald and Charleville to follow next year.
   For more information or to register, go to this PS News link.

QFRS welcomes recruits
Thirteen new recruits have been welcomed into the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service just in time for the bushfire season.
   They come from a range of professional backgrounds including the shipping and building trades, Defence force, professional sport and the business world and will be allocated to the Brisbane, South East, South West, Central, Northern and Far Northern regions.

Talks on hospital site
Gold Coast residents are to be consulted on future uses of the old Gold Coast Hospital site in Southport.
   Minister for Health, Geoff Wilson said that with the new hospital coming on line, decisions needed to be taken on what to do with the old site.
   He said a community-based steering committee had been established to guide the consultation process.

Airport upgraded
A $9 million upgrade of the airport on Horn Island is expected to lead to more seats and more regular air services for the Torres Strait.
   As part of the works, the main runway was extended by 74 metres to cater for larger aircraft such as QantasLink’s Q400s.
   The airport already caters for about 70,000 passengers a year and the upgraded facilities will mean more seats at peak times on the regular Cairns to Horn Island route.


1 September, 2011

Climate paper raises
heat on debate

A consultation paper posing questions about climate change and how to adapt to t has been published by the Office of Climate Change.
   The paper - Climate Change: Adaptation for Queensland – is the first major step towards updating Queensland’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
   Premier, Anna Bligh said it was crucial that solutions were found to the effects of climate change which would have a dramatic impact on the community with rising sea levels, coastal erosion and flooding.
   “Queensland is no stranger to harsh weather and as a Government we need to be prepared to tackle the harsh reality and seek community input on how we can adapt,” Ms Bligh said.
   “We want to hear Queenslanders’ views on the tough questions such as how do we prepare primary industries for change when some agricultural activities may not be viable in the long-term?”
   She said that even small increases in sea level had the potential for immense impacts on Torres Strait communities and large increases may result in some islands being completely inundated.
   “There’s a vital need to work with these vulnerable communities to determine a longer term strategy for managing risks, particularly associated with sea level rise,” she said.
   Minister for the Environment, Vicky Darling said communities such as those in the Torres Strait were becoming increasingly vulnerable to permanent land loss due to sea level rise.
   “For Torres Strait Islanders – and many other Traditional Owner groups along the Queensland coast – sea level rise will significantly impact on their social, cultural and economic practices and heavily influence the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities,” Ms Darling said.
   “That’s why this issues paper identifies considerations across the key areas of science, human settlements, infrastructure, ecosystems, water management, primary industries, emergency management and human health.”
   The consultation paper can be accessed at this PS News link. and the consultation period ends on 20 October.


1 September, 2011

Complaints shake-up a
whinge win situation

A new system for dealing with police complaints, discipline and misconduct is to be introduced
   The move follows the report of an independent expert panel which described the current system as “dysfunctional and unsustainable”.
   Responding to the report, Premier, Anna Bligh said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) was one of the best there is.
   “These officers, and indeed the entire Queensland community, deserve to be confident that police will be held accountable to the highest ethical standards,” Ms Bligh said.
   “Our response to the independent expert panel outlines a new regime that will make the police complaints system simpler, more effective, more transparent and stronger.”
   She said the Government supported 56 of the report’s 57 recommendations, 11 of which referred specifically to police discipline.
   She said it would implement a civilian staffing model for the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) so that current or former Queensland police officers no longer investigated allegations of police misconduct.
   Ms Bligh said the Police Commissioner would be given enhanced powers to transfer or dismiss police officers.
   She said the CMC would have the power to change police disciplinary decisions and the authority to apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal for review of disciplinary decisions.
   The CMC would also improve the timeframes for responding to complaints.
   Ms Bligh said the majority of the changes were expected to be implemented by the end of 2013.
   Chair of the CMC, Martin Moynihan welcomed the moves.
   “The CMC remains committed to working with the Government and the Police Service to implement these much-needed reforms,” Mr Moynihan said.
   “The disciplinary system must be fair and robust if community confidence in the Queensland Police Service is to be maintained.”
   He said the removal of all seconded serving and former Queensland police officers from police-related misconduct work would have major workforce and resourcing implications.
   “However, we will work with the State Government and the QPS to ensure this transition is carried out smoothly and with as little impact as possible on our operations.,” he said.


1 September, 2011

IPAA names
good fellows

Public Servants from across Australia have been named National Fellows of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) at its 2011 National Conference held in Hobart last week.
   Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart was among those honoured for their work.
   Acknowledging all the recipients of the awards, the National President of the Institute, Percy Allan, said each one had made an outstanding contribution to public administration.
   “Australia is fortunate to have dedicated, talented and passionate public administrators at all levels of Government,” Mr Allan said, “and it is appropriate that IPAA – the professional association of the Public Sector – acknowledge and celebrate their achievements.
   “To be made a National Fellow of the Institute is the highest accolade for IPAA members.”
   Mr Allan said Deputy Commissioner Stewart had led significant organisational change in the Police Service, replacing 234 legacy applications with one integrated solution, QPRIME.
   He said Deputy Commissioner Stewart was a sponsor and champion for the Policelink Contact Centre, a member of the National Counter Terrorism Committee, the Indigenous Champion for the Queensland Police Service, and was the State Disaster Coordinator during the 2010-11 floods and cyclone disasters.
   He has also been a member of IPAA Queensland for 16 years.
   Mr Allan said all awardees had dedicated their careers to serving the public interest.
   “The 2011 recipients join a pre-eminent group of leaders from across jurisdictions and agencies, who capably demonstrate the qualities and attributes required of the profession,” he said.
   “These individuals have and have made a significant contribution to the work of IPAA.”
   For more information visit this PS News link.


1 September, 2011

Ipswich centre
to be PS heart

Up to 1,200 PS staff could be transferred into a new nine-storey office building in the Ipswich Central Business District as part of a plan to revitalise the city centre.
   The State Government is to be the anchor tenant for the building and is close to concluding negotiations for a 15-year lease for 15,000 square metres of space there.
   The building will be constructed on the corner of Brisbane and Bell Streets and when complete in 2013 will form the foundation for the Ipswich City Heart redevelopment master-plan.
   Minister for Government Services and the Building Industry, Simon Finn said the office building will have a five-star green rating and be a one-stop-shop for Government services.
   “This project is part of the State Government’s decentralisation initiative to manage growth and tackle congestion,” Mr Finn said.
   MP for Ipswich, Rachel Nolan said the State Government tenancy was the key factor to making the rejuvenation of the Ipswich central business district work.
   “The 2008 State Government threat to resume the Ipswich City Square prompted absentee landlords, Memo Corporation, to sell to Council,” Ms Nolan said.
   “Now, the State’s anchor tenancy is the factor making the finances on this redevelopment stack up.”
   She said in recent years the State Government had built new Ipswich headquarters for almost every Government Department.
   “Now we’re taking that to the next level, securing a professional working heart for Ipswich,” Ms Nolan said.


1 September, 2011

Plans fired up for
bushfire season

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) and other Government Agencies have unveiled plans for dealing with the 2011-12 bushfire season.
   Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said that as with floods and cyclones, early preparation and planning was critical to mitigate the effect of bushfires on the Queensland community.
   “This year’s season presents particular challenges for our fire authorities,” Mr Roberts said, “with extensive flooding and sustained rainfall across the State earlier this year contributing to a substantial build-up of grass and vegetation.
   “QFRS is working to ensure Queensland communities are bushfire prepared, with the central messaging again being Prepare.Act.Survive.”
   He said increased Government funding had seen a rise in the number of Rural Fire Service fleet vehicles from 876 in June 2003 to 973 in August 2011 as well as an increase in the number of slip-on units, up from 1,130 in June 2003 to 2,549 in August 2011.
   “There are currently around 34,000 Rural Fire volunteers in nearly 1,450 brigades, and over 11,000 of those are trained firefighters,” he said.
   “From 1 March to 15 August, QFRS worked with the Department of Environment and Resource Management to conduct 354 planned burns with approximately 400,000 hectares treated.”
   Mr Roberts said the fire service was focusing on community preparedness as a key element of its response to the bushfire season.
   “As at 30 June, QFRS had delivered 550 Prepare.Act.Survive community workshops, as well as engaged with Local Governments to implement local hazard reduction and response plans,” the Minister said.


1 September, 2011

Border agreement
has an edge to it

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Queensland and NSW aimed in part at improving responses to natural disasters.
   The MoU will reinforce the relationship between the two States by including all Government services that were affected by cross-border issues.
   According to Premier Anna Bligh, the MoU goes beyond current agreements which only apply to areas such as health care, emergency services and transport in the Gold Coast-Tweed region and encompasses areas including policing, social services, primary industries, water, emergency management and response.
   Ms Bligh said the new agreement ensured the Government was implementing some of the recommendations made by the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry.
   “In its interim report the Commission of Inquiry recommended that the Queensland Government work with its NSW counterparts to set up procedures for coordinating emergency responses on the Queensland-NSW border,” Ms Bligh said.
   “The Commission of Inquiry also recommended that Queensland work with NSW to coordinate road condition reporting procedures to inform Councils and road users of interstate road conditions in a variety of different ways.”
   NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell said the MoU continued a long history of collaboration between NSW and Queensland.
   “The MoU provides for an annual meeting of the NSW and Queensland Premiers to progress cross-border issues,” Mr O’Farrell said.


1 September, 2011

Island office has
day in the sun

A new Government Office Building has been officially opened on Thursday Island.
   The $10.8 million office brings together several Queensland Government services in one location. It can accommodate up to 80 staff.
   Premier, Anna Bligh said the building’s design incorporated the traditions and culture of Thursday Island with local artists’ work featured in its various elements.
   “During the construction of the building, the project supported 90 full-time equivalent jobs with apprentices and local Indigenous workers involved,” Ms Bligh said.
   MP for Cook, Jason O’Brien said there would be future employment opportunities with the addition of a new structure outside the building.
   “The Queensland Government will work with the Torres Shire Council to construct a shade structure and seating on the Council-owned land adjacent to this building,” Mr O’Brien said.
   “Emerging Thursday Island artists will be given the opportunity to submit their work so that it can be incorporated into the structure.”
   Minister for Government Services, Building Industry and ICT, Simon Finn said the building had been designed with sustainability in mind.
   “After the building structure was completed, a significant number of photovoltaic cells were added on the roof, which will result in long-term energy savings and also reduce the load on the island’s diesel-powered generator system,” Mr Finn said.
   “In addition to these green features, the Government has also contributed to a number of streetscape improvements including the construction of footpaths, drainage and additional car parking.”


1 September, 2011

Kids health gets a
shot in the arm

A new partnership between the Government and two of the State’s universities is expected to help deliver better treatment for Queensland’s most seriously ill children.
   Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland will be the inaugural partners in the Queensland Children’s Hospital Academic and Research Facility, bringing together researchers from the Royal Children’s and Mater Children’s hospitals as well as some of the State’s leading academic institutions.
   Minister for Health, Geoff Wilson said the goal would be to turn research into innovative solutions in paediatric health care.
   “We want to establish a world-leading research facility which will put Queensland at the cutting edge of health care and attract the world’s best minds to our State,” Mr Wilson said.
   “Co-locating this centre with the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) creates an environment in which world-class teaching and research are integrated and it is already creating significant interest among the international research community.”
   Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of QUT, Ken Bowman said the partnership would build a strong and sustainable program of paediatric research excellence.
   “We plan to base about 80 researchers in the new facility, working in fields including child and adolescent mental health, modelling and planning of spinal surgery, drama art and play therapies and online health interventions,” Professor Bowman said.
   Acting Executive Dean of the University of Queensland, Helen Chenery said it was now well accepted that the very best patient care occurred where world-class teaching and research were integrated.
   The proposed multi-storey building will house laboratories, pathology services and be linked to the QCH via a tunnel.
   Construction is scheduled to begin by mid-2012 and the centre open in late 2014.


1 September, 2011

Eastern Busway
moves up a gear

The $465 million Eastern Busway is open for business six months ahead of schedule.
   Commuters can now save up to 1.5 hours in travel time per week with 2,643 buses servicing the new section each week - including on five new routes.
   Premier, Anna Bligh said the construction project had provided more than 2,500 jobs.
   “This 1.05 kilometre project features two new Busway stations located at Stones Corner and Langlands Park, helping to create convenient access for local residents,” Ms Bligh said.
   “The stations also provide secure cycle storage.”
   She said as part of the Stones Corner Busway station, Beata Street had been transformed into a pedestrian and cycle only plaza.
   “Pedestrian and cycle paths around the station and Norman Creek have been enhanced and new landscaping provided.”
   Ms Bligh said the Busway provided a link from the South East Busway to the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the University of Queensland, as well as access to the central business district.
   Minister for Transport, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the section of Busway between Buranda and Main Avenue formed the next stage in what would ultimately be the 20- kilometre Eastern Busway.
   “Ultimately, it will link suburbs such as Capalaba and Chandler through to Buranda, reducing travel times and providing commuters with convenient access to the city and Princess Alexandra Hospital,” Ms Palaszczuk said.


1 September, 2011

New laws tick box
for elections

New laws streamlining the way Local Government elections are held have been passed in Parliament.
   The Local Government Electoral Bill 2011 combines four pieces of legislation into one, increases transparency and takes the politics out of Councils running their own elections.
   According to the Minister for Local Government, Paul Lucas, the new laws follow extensive consultation with Councils, the community and other stakeholders.
   Mr Lucas said the community had made it clear it wanted an efficient and transparent electoral framework for Local Government elections.
   “One of the most important changes is that except in exceptional circumstances, Council Chief Executives will no longer run Local Government elections,” Mr Lucas said.
   “Instead they will be run by the Electoral Commission of Queensland, which is an independent authority.”
   He said the change would remove the likelihood of Chief Executives being placed in the precarious position of having to make decisions about their employer during an election period and having to consider the possible impact the decision may have on their tenure.
   He said amendments to the Local Government Act would also clarify Councillors’ obligations relating to potential conflicts of interest by reinstating their power to manage their own potential conflicts.
   “Under the amended laws, failure to adequately manage a conflict of interest by a Councillor would be dealt with through misconduct avenues,” Mr Lucas said.
   He said the laws would continue to require Councillors who wanted to run as candidates in State Government elections to resign from their position.


1 September, 2011

Big rail project
making tracks

The Coordinator-General, Keith Davies has approved an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Cross River Rail project to be released for public comment.
   The project will almost double the capacity of the inner city rail network, making it one of Queensland’s most important infrastructure assets.
   Minister for Transport, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the EIS outlined the project’s impacts, and how these could be avoided, mitigated or managed.
   “Detailed planning during the past 18 months confirms we know the design, how to build it, how to operate it and, with the release of the EIS for public comment, how to manage the construction impacts,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
   The decision to delay the start of construction by two years because of the flood recovery effort meant the project team could step back and ensure it would deliver the most benefits with the least amount of impacts.
   “It offers a solution to addressing the inner city capacity constraints of the 300-kilometre South East Queensland rail network, allowing 96 more trains from the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and outer Brisbane suburbs to come into the central business district each weekday in the two-hour morning peak,” she said.
   “We took public feedback, impact assessment, further engineering and the January 2011 floods into consideration and made changes to the reference design.”
   The EIS can be accessed at this PS News link and submissions made online via this PS News link, or by posting or emailing the submission form.


1 September, 2011

Stadiums App kicks
goal for sports fans

Stadiums Queensland has launched a new iPhone app covering every event happening at all of Queensland’s major sport and entertainment venues.
   The Megafan app is the only one in Australia that delivers detailed information on nine different venues and their events.
   Minister for Sport, Phil Reeves said Megafan was essentially a one-stop shop for people attending any Queensland sporting or entertainment event.
   “Nowhere else can sports fans find event information across all sports and concerts in the one place, and it’s at the tip of your fingers,” Mr Reeves said.
   “The app is a great addition to the match day experience.
   “Fans can view venue maps, find their seats, find food and beverage outlets, get live scores, look up transport information, buy tickets and relive some great sporting moments, all from their iPhone.”
   He said the app also promote events across all venues and would assist hirers to get spectators at their events.
   “As technology changes we have to adapt to the new ways of communication,” Mr Reeves said.
   “This applies to our major sports venues that are always looking at new and exciting ways to improve the match-day experience.”
   He said events-based tourism, particularly sports tourism, was vitally important to the State economy with major venues responsible for generating around $308 million for the Queensland economy and providing jobs to thousands across a range of industries.”


1 September, 2011

Ambulance hits road
with a new fleet

The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) is to receive around 100 new dual stretcher ambulance vehicles before Christmas.
   The twin-stretcher Mercedes vehicles have been designed to replace the already existing twin stretcher Ford fleet.
   Minister for Emergency Services, Neil Roberts said the vehicles, valued at $220,000 each, provided ample room for officers to treat and transport two patients on stretchers.
   “The vehicles are fitted with coach-like air suspension for greater handling and patient comfort, better ergonomics for patient safety for acute cases and the transfer and retrieval of both adults and children,” Mr Roberts said.
   Commissioner for QAS, Russell Bowles said the vehicles were an appropriate replacement for the F-series fleet and were an investment in the future of pre-hospital medical care for Queenslanders.
   “These vehicles will prove extremely useful at major incidents and disasters to handle the increased demands of multi-patient treatment and transportation,” Commissioner Bowles said.
   Mr Roberts said the Government would fund the purchase of 140 new or replacement ambulance vehicles this financial year.
   “They are fitted with the state-of-the-art Stryker stretchers and stair-chairs, which not only provide enhanced comfort for patients, but also increased safety for paramedics,” he said.
   “The Government has also funded the acquisition of three new specialised bariatric ambulance transport vehicles in recent years,” he said.
   “These vehicles are based in South East Queensland and North Queensland and assist in the transport of obese Queenslanders.”


1 September, 2011

Museum closes
for a facelift

Queensland Museum is to shut its South Bank campus on 3 October for refurbishment.
   It will open again in January.
   According to the Minister for the Arts, Rachel Nolan, new facilities and updated exhibitions were planned for the 150-year-old institution, as well as new stairs and lifts.
   Ms Nolan said along with the physical changes, the Museum’s strong visitor focus would see new and dynamic experiences developed in the revitalised space.
   She said the $12.5 million building works would enhance access for visitors with a new light-filled entry space on Grey Street, a new internal lift, replacement of escalators and new stairs between gallery levels.
   “The Museum café will also be refurbished and the additional lift, toilets, parenting room and new cloakroom will make visiting the Museum a more enjoyable experience for all,” Ms Nolan said.
   “We need to ensure this popular venue, that last year attracted 600,000 visitors, grows to support its audience.”
   She said the refurbished facility would be a brighter and more accessible place with new foyer displays and a dynamic program of events including an international exhibition during 2012.
   The Museum’s Inquiry Centre would continue to operate in a temporary location.
   Ms Nolan said the timing of the closure, while including the first part of the Christmas school holidays, allowed the Museum to be open for the September school holidays and to participate fully in the major Cultural Precinct celebration of Torres Strait Islander culture which was now underway.


1 September, 2011

Police sign up with
Defence Reserves

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
   The MoU will support Queensland police officers who serve as Defence Reservists and will form the basis of a mutually understood approach to the employment of Queensland Reservists and a better management of the shared workforce.
   Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, David Feeney said having a strong relationship with the police was important because so many Reservists were also police officers.
   “Reservists gain skills and experience that add to their existing qualifications and knowledge,: Senator Feeney said.
   “This benefits both Defence and Australia’s police services.”
   Deputy Commissioner of the QPS, Ian Stewart welcomed the signing.
   He agreed the MoU would strengthen the partnership between police and the ADF.
   “We have about 220 QPS members who are Reservists,” Deputy Commissioner Stewart said.
   “This shows not only their commitment to the community they serve but to Australia as well.”
   “Head of the Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division of the Department of Defence, Major General Paul Brereton said signing the MoU supported the Queensland Police Service’s commitment to the Australian Defence Force.
   He said the signing followed previous agreements in Tasmania, Western Australia, NSW, South Australia and the Northern Territory.


1 September, 2011

Drugs crackdown
rocks the boats

A joint operation between Queensland and Federal Agencies has targeted drugs and other illegal activity on commercial and recreational fishing vessels from Tin Can Bay to Bundaberg.
   The Queensland Police Service (QPS), Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Australian Federal Police, Australian Fisheries Management Authority and the Australian Crime Commission all took part in the two-day operation codenamed Juliet Osprey.
   During the operation, 49 fishing vessels were boarded by teams consisting of members from the QPS and Customs and Border Protection, resulting in the detection of 12 alleged drug offences.
   As a result, Queensland Police charged a number of alleged male offenders - three Tin Can Bay men aged 38, 46 and 20, a 55-year-old from Howard, a 44-year-old from Nambour and a 44-year-old from Urangan. All are due to appear in court at a later date.
   Traffic enforcement was also conducted at various boat ramps from Tin Can Bay to Burrum Heads resulting in 16 infringement notices and 18 random breath tests.
   Approximately 55 personnel, including QPS and Customs and Border Protection drug detection dog teams, took part.
   Regional Crime Coordinator, at QPS, Detective Superintendent Maurice Carless said it was a well-coordinated and successful multi-Agency operation.
   “The coordination and deployment of a large number of resources, including personnel, land and sea assets, by a number of Agencies, required very detailed planning and cooperation,” Detective Superintendent Carless said.


1 September, 2011

Housing policy
brought home

A new housing policy has been developed to help assess accommodation and housing issues in regional Queensland resource communities.
   The policy will support the work of the Coordinator-General who plays an important role in striking a balance between the social, economic and environmental impacts of major projects.
   Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade, Andrew Fraser said the policy cemented the Government’s position on supporting workers’ choices about where they wanted to live.
   “Fly-in fly-out is a reality and it is neither new nor temporary,” Mr Fraser said.
   “The convenience of modern air travel means many workers who want it all – a well-paying job in the mining sector and to live by the beach – can have the best of both worlds.
   “Many workers don’t want to commute, preferring not to be away from family. That’s why choice is important.”
   He said the policy committed companies to do more to support housing and other services.
   “Of course, many companies do provide significant community support packages, investing millions of dollars in community infrastructure to support the towns that support them.
   “All proponents for new assessment processes will be required to submit a workforce accommodation strategy that includes the accommodation and location preferences of workers.”
   Mr Fraser said competing interests needed to be balanced.
   He said fly-in fly-out was here to stay and would help spread the benefits from the resource investment boom more broadly across the State.


1 September, 2011
Major Projects Office opens
The new Major Projects Office has opened, promising streamlined approval processes for developers of major projects.
   The office will cost $1.8 million this year and will work within the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 to facilitate and coordinate the planning and approval processes, while providing consistency.
   It will deal with major projects that do not qualify for oversight by the Coordinator-General or the Urban Land Development Authority.

Seniors card all go
About 600,000 trips each month are being made on the Seniors Card +go’ card since it was launched in November last year.
   The combined card offers all the savings of a regular Seniors Card with the option to include a go card on the reverse for travel on bus, train and ferry services on the TransLink network throughout South East Queensland.
   People with a Seniors +go card receive a 50 per cent discount off the full adult go card fare.

Job Expos coming
A number of Job Expos are to be held in Cairns, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, the Whitsundays and Wide-Bay Burnett during October.
   With 38,000 construction and operation jobs to be created in the resource industry between now and 2015, the Expos will help job seekers in high unemployment areas join in the mining boom.
   Career advice, skills assessment and jobs would be on offer at the Expos.

Police recruits graduate
A total of 92 recruits graduated from the Queensland Police Service’s Oxley Academy last week.
   The First-Year Constables will be taking up positions across the State.
   Congratulating the recruits, Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said the public should feel confident in the calibre of the men and women who police Queensland communities and the depth of their abilities.

Doctor gets new planes
Three new Kingair aircraft have been added to the Royal Flying Doctor fixed-wing aero medical patient transport network.
   The Flying Doctor’s operations for Queensland Health currently fly from bases at Cairns, Charleville and Mount Isa with the new aircraft stationed at Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane.
   Queensland Health has a four-year contract with the Royal Flying Doctor Service for 6,400 hours of medical transfers but a growth in demand saw it extended by 3,785 hours.

Turtle volunteers wanted
Local people have been asked by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to help with the upcoming marine turtle breeding season at Mon Repos Conservation Park near Bundaberg.
   Volunteers will be asked to conduct nightly operations from November to March.
   Turtle season duties include staffing the entrance and souvenir shop, providing information and answering enquiries, conducting children’s activities, and helping rangers with visitor groups and turtle research.

State popular in China
Readers of China’s Travel Weekly tourism trade publication have voted Queensland the ‘Green Tourism Destination of the Year’.
   The announcement was made at the 2011 China Travel and Meetings Industry Awards in Beijing.
   China is Queensland’s fourth largest and fastest growing international market with 197,000 visitors in the year to March, 29 per cent up on the previous year.

Bass back on menu
Fishers can resume catching Australian Bass in Queensland waters from Today (1 September).
   The closed season, from June 1 to August 31 was aimed at sustaining fish stocks for the future and was aligned with the breeding cycle of fish.
   The minimum legal size for Australian Bass is 30cm, with a bag or ‘possession’ limit of two per person.