Container crisis not open and shut
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin has registered her concern at delays within her Department in investigating high levels of formaldehyde found in shipping containers being used for temporary housing in the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER). The discovery of the chemical led to the staff living in the containers being evacuated.
Ms Macklin said a report from the Secretary of her Department, Dr Jeff harmer, documented events from the date when concerns were first raised by staff in early November 2007 to 10 April 2008 when the presence of the chemical was confirmed by the supplier.
“The report reveals there were concerning delays within FaHCSIA responding to this issue,” Ms Macklin said.
“As a result of the report, Dr Harmer has instigated an independent review which will recommend measures to ensure a rapid response to occupational health and safety issues in the future.”
She said FaHCSIA was currently putting additional measures in place to ensure the safety of staff involved in the NTER.
“The safety and wellbeing of my staff are my highest priority,” she said again.
“I want to reassure all staff and their families that all possible steps are being taken to protect staff health and safety.”
Ms Macklin said FaHCSIA had received advice from National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) that the formaldehyde detected in the containers was unlikely to cause long-term health effects.
“Notwithstanding this advice, I encourage all staff to undertake health checks as a precautionary measure,” she said. “These health checks will be conducted at the expense of the Australian Government.
“I also encourage any community members who have spent time inside the containers and have any health concerns to contact FaHCSIA.”
Ms Macklin said FaHCSIA had contracted a firm of experts in property and environmental pollutants to test the ontainers and this was being done as a matter of urgency.
She expected it to be completed in a few weeks.
She said all 26 affected staff were now housed in alternative accommodation and the departmental report as available on the Department’s website at www.fahcsia.gov.au. The names of staff affected had been removed for privacy reasons.
29 April, 2008
TFN number’s up in audit tax call
An audit of the Australian Taxation Office’s use of data matching procedures to improve taxpayer compliance has led the Auditor-General to recommend widening the use of personal Tax File Numbers.
The Auditor-General, Ian McPhee, found the Tax Office was using its data-matching skills in a more corporate and strategic way and that in turn had led to improved taxpayer compliance, better services and more efficient and effective use of resources.
“It has also enabled the Tax Office to better understand risks,” the Auditor- General said.
He found that the ATO’s emerging practice of ‘pre-filling’ income tax returns with information gathered from data matching, represented a “paradigm shift” in the use of the information, but that it could only reach its full potential if TFNs could be used more widely.
“The longer term success of pre-filling depends on the continued assistance by the suppliers of legislated data,” the Auditor said.
“The Tax office’s use of third party data, necessary for improved administration and achieving a higher integrity tax system would be improved if legislation enabled attachment of the TFN to the data in a manner similar to the arrangements that apply to legislated data.”
The Auditor accepted that there were privacy implications in his advice.
“The legislative development of the TFN reflects the tension of maintaining an appropriate balance between individual privacy and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public administration,” he said,
“Given that the determination of where the balance of this tension lies is a matter for the Government and the Parliament, the ANAO has proposed that the Tax Office develop options for legislative amendment for discussion with the Treasury in the first instance.”
The Auditor found that while the ATO was achieving positive results with its data matching activities, there was still some scope for improvement.
“There is scope to improve the design and use of the Tax Office’s identity matching systems especially in two areas,” he said.
“One concerns non-individual identity matching, particularly in relation to companies, trusts and superannuation funds. The other concerns the implementation of a negative search facility in relation.”
He said a negative search facility could match and report a ‘No Match’ as a success.
The Auditor made six recommendations, all of which were accepted by the Tax Office.
29 April, 2008
On-line Government has public lining up
The Australian Government Information Management Office has found that a quarter of all Australians now conduct their dealings with the Government on-line.
The report, Australians’ Use of and Satisfaction with e-Government Services – 2007 measured the uptake of Government services provided through the internet and other channels in Australia and was released by Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner.
Mr Tanner said the report provided an insight into Australians’ views and use of online Government services.
“It shows how indispensable the Internet has become for the delivery of those services to the Australian public,” he said.
“Use of the Internet to access Government services has changed significantly since these reports began in 2005. By measuring how citizens use Government services in different ways, we can identify trends and analyse the experiences, preferences and evolving expectations of those citizens.”
The report showed that 25 per cent of people now conducted all or most of their dealings with Government over the Internet, up from 14 per cent in 2004-05. Three in five people (59 per cent) used the Internet to access Government services in 2007, a 20 per cent increase compared with 2004-05 usage rates.
Mr Tanner said the report was based on a study of Australians over the age of 18 who had some form of contact with Government in the previous 12 months.
He said it also highlighted the continuing challenges facing Government administration in delivering services to the Australian public.
“Citizens are telling us they value convenience in their interactions with Government agencies. Some prefer the Internet, while some prefer dealing directly with real people face-to-face or by telephone,” he said.
“However people prefer to access Government services, this report provides a solid foundation for Governments and agencies at every level to improve how their services are delivered.
Mr Tanner said the report would form part of the information supplied to Sir Peter Gershon, who is to conduct an independent review of the Government’s use of Information and Communication Technology.
Sir Peter is to report to the Minister by September 2008 on options to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ICT within Government. The review is part of the broader ongoing reform agenda to improve the efficiency of government spending and deliver better value for money.
29 April, 2008
Complaints Circular sets out PS No-How
The Australian Public Service Commission has issued a Circular explaining the extent to which PS Agencies should go when explaining the outcome of complaints.
The Circular says that while complainants have a right to have their complaints taken seriously and that PS staff found to be wanting are dealt with, it was important that the privacy of individual Public Servants be respected.
“Agencies can provide general information to complainants about the outcome of investigations,” the Circular says.
“However, personal information about the employee who is subject to the investigation should only be provided where certain conditions are met.”
It says this requires a balance between the complainant’s and employee’s rights.
“When considering what information to provide to complainants to ensure they retain their confidence in public administration, Agencies need to balance:
* individual employees’ right to privacy, the protection of personal information about individual employees and the agencies’ obligations in regard to this information under the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act); and
* the need to take reasonable steps to be transparent and accountable to other parties involved.”
It says consideration should be given to the circumstances in each individual case when deciding if, and to whom, personal information might be released. “Deliberations about any disclosure of personal information about an employee will be informed by the
* nature and seriousness of the misconduct
* likelihood of consequences to the person about whom the information relates
* agency’s context (such as the type of information the agency or employee deals with).”
The APSC said the Circular was developed in consultation with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and provided guidance on the provisions of the Public Service Act 1999 and the processes Agencies should follow to ensure they complied. It also canvassed the issues that might be considered when responding to complainants.
The Circular is available on the APSC website at www.apsc.gov.au
29 April, 2008
Refugees cash in on Centrelink charity
A charitable trust run by the employees of Centrelink is to help pay for an information day for refugee women in Sydney.
Centrelink’s Ross Divett Foundation has joined the Fairfield Multicultural Health Service, the Assyrian Resource Centre, the Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors, Fairfield Community Counselling Service and Karitane, to host the day which is aimed at engaging Assyrian women refugees.
Centrelink staff donate more than $3000 a fortnight to the Foundation via payroll donations and raise additional funds from other activities.
Cabramatta Centrelink Multicultural Services Officer, Audrey Lai, said Centrelink, through the Foundation, was proud to be part of the information day for the Assyrian women refugees.
“Information days such as this are an important first step in assimilating Assyrian refugee women into Australian society,” Ms Lai said.
“One can only imagine the barriers these women have had to overcome just to be here today.”
She said many of the women had been subject to torture and trauma.
“So an information day like this where they can get information on the important support services available to them will go a long way to overcoming the feeling of isolation often associated with refugee women.”
Ms Lai said raising money for the Ross Divett Foundation in order to help organisations like the Fairfield Multicultural Health Service contributed positively to the community.
“The staff themselves raised the money for the Ross Divett Foundation - a trust through which Centrelink employees can contribute financially to charities and the Australian community,” she said.
“The Foundation has given around $80 000 to different organisations across Australia in 2007, including a $2735 donation to the Fairfield Multicultural Health Service to assist them in their work with refugees and newly arrived migrants.”
She said funding from The Ross Divett Foundation enabled community organisations such as the Fairfield Multicultural Health Service to continue to provide assistance and support to one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia.
29 April, 2008
Ombudsman ties up parcel damage probe
A study by the Ombudsman into the damage suffered by incoming international mail has found three areas of improvement he believed Australia Post should address.
In his role as the Postal Industry Ombudsman, Commonwealth Ombudsman Professor John McMillan released a report of his examination, saying the Australian Customs Service and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service may also be involved.
The principal areas for improvement were identifying and recording damage; resealing items opened for inspection; and informing addressees about how to claim compensation for loss or damage.
In each of those areas, the Ombudsman recommended changes to agency processes, including:
* taking further steps to ensure comprehensive recording of damage to items, and improving processes to identify the stage at which damage is observed or caused, and emphasising accurate maintenance of damage registers;
* establishing and adhering to clear standards for re-sealing items opened as part of the inspection process; and
* putting in place national procedures for informing addressees of damage caused to items, and for processing and assessing compensation claims.
“Each year my office receives complaints about damage to inbound international mail items,” Professor McMiIllan said.
“The damage may have been caused while the item was in the mail stream either inside or outside Australia, or during border inspection.”
He said given the increase in ordering goods from overseas via online services, he decided to conduct an investigation to clarify the responsibilities of the three Agencies involved in the processing of inbound international mail.
He said that while Australia Post had overall responsibility for inbound international items being carried in the mail between the time they arrived in Australia and the time they were delivered, the Australian Customs Service and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service also had a role to play as inbound international postal items were subject to inspection.
He said in some cases there was agreement over which Agency was liable for the loss or damage to items but in many cases the responsibility liability was unclear.
Professor McMillan said that the three Agencies involved should work collaboratively to assist claimants to lodge claims with the appropriate liable authority.
“When implemented, these changes should make it easier for customers to pursue legitimate claims for compensation when international postal items are damaged,” he said.
“This in turn should increase customer satisfaction, and reduce the time that both Agencies and the Ombudsman’s office spend in dealing with complaints arising out of the process.”
29 April, 2008
Uniform accounts get bright new look
A new guide to improving the clarity and transparency of Government financial statements has been issued by the Treasury.
The 2008 version of the Uniform Presentation Framework aims to harmonise Government Finance Statistics and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and stemmed from a review prompted by the release of the Australian Accounting Standards Board’s new accounting standard for the public sector in October 2007.
The revised Framework incorporates revisions to the Uniform Presentation Framework agreed by the Australian Loan Council in March 2002, March 2003 and March 2008 and is to be implemented across all jurisdictions prior to the 2009-10 Budgets.
According to Treasury, the revisions to the Framework in 2002 and 2003 were also aimed at improving transparency and included more detailed reporting in the operating statement and of expenses by function as well as the inclusion of extra detail on purchases of assets.
“The reviews of the UPF in 2002 and 2003, and more recently to consider the impact of the new accounting standard AASB 1049 Whole of Government and General Government Sector Financial Reporting (AASB 1049) were undertaken by the UPF Committee, convened by Heads of Treasuries for these tasks,” it said.
“The Committee comprised representatives from Australian, State and Territory Treasuries and the Australian Department of Finance and Deregulation.”
It consulted with the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Commonwealth Grants Commission.
The new Framework can be downloaded from the Treasury website www.treasury.gov.au
29 April, 2008
Commissioner’s call to pull up breaches
The Privacy Commissioner has urged Government Agencies, businesses and the public to comment on a draft Voluntary Information Security Breach Notification Guide.
The Commissioner, Karen Curtis said while there were presently no specific requirements under the Privacy Act for Agencies and organisations to notify individuals of an information security breach, the Australian Law Reform Commission, in its Review of Privacy, was considering a proposal to make notification of information security breaches mandatory.
“While Agencies and organisations are required to safeguard the personal information they hold, unfortunately and despite their best efforts, sometimes an information security breach occurs,” Commissioner Curtis said.
“Not all breaches result from malicious, intentional behaviour such as computer hacking for example - they can occur because of human error, from a failure to follow established protocols, or from information going missing.”
She said recognising that this was the current reality of the modern information handling environment, the Guide aimed not only to assist Agencies and organisations to minimise the possibility of a breach occurring, but also to prepare for and respond effectively to any breaches if and when they did occur.
“The development of a voluntary guide offers a timely opportunity for stakeholders to comment on this important issue and we look forward to hearing their views,” Commissioner Curtis said.
She said the draft Guide drew upon voluntary guidelines developed by the Privacy Commissioners of Canada and New Zealand. It, and details of the consultation process, can be viewed at www.privacy.gov.au.
Commissioner Curtis Submissions on the draft Guide would be received until 16 June 2008.
29 April, 2008
Water taskforce flows to new Office
Responsibility for the Northern Land and Water Taskforce is to be transferred to the newly-created Office of Northern Australia.
In a move announced jointly by the Ministers for Regional Development and Water and the Parliamentary Secretary for Northern Australia, the $20 million Taskforce would also have its terms of reference expanded.
Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Albanese said the fresh approach was part of a stronger commitment to Northern Australia.
“We want to encourage development in Northern Australia,” Mr Albanese said.
“The continuing economic development of the north is essential, not only for those that live in the region, but also for the country’s future prosperity.”
He said however that protecting the region’s unique natural environment and its many social and cultural assets would need to be assured.
Minister for Water, Senator Penny Wong announced in January that the Taskforce membership and terms of reference would be revised to increase independence and broaden scope.
She said some members would be removed from the Taskforce and new members with local expertise appointed.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Northern Australia, Gary Gray said moving the Taskforce to the new Office was an indication of just how serious the Government was about attracting and encouraging development opportunities across the country’s north.
“The future of the north is more than just irrigation,” Mr Gray said.
“The Taskforce will now identify sustainable development opportunities across a broader range of sectors.”
The Northern Land and Water Taskforce was formerly located within the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
The Northern Australia Water Futures Assessment would continue to be delivered by DEWHA and the National Water Commission.
The Ministers and Parliamentary Secretary said that over the coming weeks the Government would take advice from stakeholders and the State and Territory Governments in order to finalise the Taskforce’s new terms of reference and membership.
29 April, 2008
Kokoda deal on right track
The Australian and Papua New Guinean Governments have entered a “joint understanding” on the preservation of the historic Kokoda track
The two countries have agreed to preserve the historic values of the Track and maintain its integrity and the special qualities of the trekking experience.
Completing the 96km track has become a rite of passage for many young Australians.
“The Kokoda Track has a special place in Australian history and is a powerful symbol of the bond forged in wartime between our two countries,” the Minister for Heritage, Peter Garrett said.
“The Australian Government is committed to following through with real resources and real action to assist the Government and people of PNG in their efforts to protect the Kokoda Track and Owen Stanley Ranges.”
Mr Garrett said the newly-signed understanding recognised the history as well as the rich natural heritage and environmental values of the site, with the two Government’s agreeing to work cooperatively to care for the Track and surrounding Owen Stanley Ranges, while improving the livelihoods of local landowners and communities.
“The Owen Stanley Ranges, through which the Kokoda Track passes, is one of the most biologically important areas in the Asia Pacific,” Mr Garrett said.
“The Kokoda Track is also Papua New Guinea’s most significant land-based tourism attraction, drawing over 5000 trekkers ….last year.”
Mr Garrett said projects involved in preserving the Track included:
* sustainable development for the communities along the Kokoda Track through the provision of basic services, including water, sanitation, health, education and transport;
* preservation of the historic values of the Kokoda Track;
* protection of the water catchment in the Owen Stanley Ranges for future power and water supply for Port Moresby;
* maximising the potential forest carbon benefits; and
* international recognition of the special cultural and biodiversity values of the area.
Mr Garrett said the Australian Government had committed $14.9 million to assisting the PNG Government in its efforts to improve the livelihoods of local communities along the Track and to establish effective management arrangements so that the Track was protected and delivered increasing benefits to local people. He said those funds would also be used to conduct a feasibility study into a World Heritage nomination.
In addition, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs would administer $1 million of funding to develop educational materials to increase awareness of the special importance of the Track.
“This is an important agreement which symbolises the strengthening relationship between Australia and PNG,” Mr Garrett said.
29 April, 2008
Defence dodges audit bullet
An audit of the Department of Defence’s compliance with the Public Works Committee’s requirements on financial commitments for public works has found the Department met the requirements, but had room for improvement.
Auditor-General, Ian McPhee, said Defence complied with the requirements of the Public Works Committee Act 1969.
Mr McPhee made one recommendation that was supported by the Department.
He recommended Defence develop processes to present feedback to the Public Works Committee on any recommendations made in the Committee’s reports to Parliament, when requested.
The Auditor-General reviewed 13 projects which represented 78 per cent of the total estimated costs of 22 Defence projects referred to the Committee in the past three years.
He said Defence used two methods for financing these projects – direct procurement and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).
He said the Department only had clear and accessible policy guidelines for direct procurement.
“Defence does not currently have available equally comprehensive policy and procedural information to guide project officers in developing and delivering PPP projects,” the Auditor said.
He said there were opportunities for improvements to help Defence prepare for Committee requirements, including using standard templates, clearer cost specifications and more feedback to the Committee.
Despite the Auditor’s soft criticisms, he said Defence had certain advantages that enabled it to successfully meet its requirements.
“Defence’s ability to manage building works projects successfully is influenced by relatively stable staffing, leading to corporate knowledge being retained, and a mechanism for maintaining in one easy to navigate system, key project management information,” he said.
The Auditor said a second audit was underway to assess the planning and delivery of capital works projects.
29 April, 2008
DIAC duo pin down police medals
Two officers of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship have been awarded the Australian Federal Police Operations Medal for their contribution to a significant overseas operation.
Forensic document examiners John McGinn and Justin Watts were honoured with the prestigious award for their work in helping identify victims of the 2002 Bali bombings.
Mr McGinn and Mr Watts were both members of the Western Australia Police Force at the time of the bombings. They volunteered to work as part of the AFP’s Disaster Victim Identification teams in Bali, known as “Operation Alliance”, in the weeks immediately following the attacks.
Working under the continued threat of further violence, Operation Alliance had the grim task of identifying victims of the bombings, often from incomplete remains.
DIAC’s Western Australian State Director, Paul Farrell said the Department was extremely fortunate to have such experienced forensic officers running its WA document examination unit.
“The Australian Federal Police Operations Medal is among the highest honours to be bestowed on members of the policing community and I am delighted John and Justin’s dedication has been recognised,” Mr Farrell said.
“The work they do here at DIAC in fraud detection is exemplary and is an essential part of maintaining the integrity of Australia’s border security.”
29 April, 2008
Customs patrols offer sea change
The Australian Customs Service is looking for fit new staff to join its Customs Marine Unit and work on patrol vessels protecting Australia’s 36,000 kilometres of coastline and offshore Territories.
Successful applicants may work on a fleet of eight patrol vessels that protect Australia’s coastline.
“Working with CMU means you experience a variety of situations that challenge you mentally, physically and emotionally,” said the CMU’s Andrew Frugtniet.
“In addition to these challenges, we operate in extreme environments, from the tropical north to the freezing south.”
He said the Southern Ocean was a particularly unique environment.
“It’s isolated and it can be difficult to stay in touch with home. You really have to be a team player, and at the same time, enjoy your own company.”
The positions on offer include maritime enforcement officers, marine engineers, commanding officers, watch keepers-in-charge and general purpose crew.
They well serve on bay-class and sea-going vessels such as the Oceanic Viking, Triton and the Ashmore Guardian.
Once accepted, applicants faced intensive training to prepare them for the important tasks they would be involved in.
Mr Frugtniet said these could include boarding vessels found fishing illegally or carrying illegal immigrants, drugs or other prohibited items and investigating possible or confirmed incursions into Australian maritime territory.
He said applicants were encouraged to undertake a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if they were suited to the challenge.
He said they would also undergo a rigorous assessment process, including psychometric and physical fitness testing, and detailed medical and security checks.
There are also two traineeships for Torres Strait Islanders on offer.
“Competition for traineeships is traditionally fierce, but I would encourage anyone considering a Customs marine career to think seriously about these entry-level roles,” Mr Frugtniet said.
He said CMU officers were required to have the highest level of fitness and were trained and regularly re-qualified in the law enforcement, personal defence and maritime skills essential for effective operation in a challenging environment.
Applications close on 15 May 2008 and to find out more, or to apply, visit www.customs.gov.au
29 April, 2008
Sports display a sure winner
The Australian Institute of Sport has opened a new exhibition in Canberra paying tribute to the accomplishments of the Australian Sports Commission’s Indigenous sports ambassadors.
Athletes featured in the exhibit include Sydney Swans premiership player and dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes; NRL Brisbane Bronco, Sam Thaiday; Olympic sprinter Patrick Johnson and national netballer Bianca Franklin.
Highlights include Goodes’s 2003 and 2006 Brownlow medals, his winning 2005 AFL Premiership medallion and signed Grand Final jumper; Thaiday’s 2006 NRL preliminary final jumper: Franklin’s bronze medal won at the 2005 World Youth Championships; and a signed uniform and running suit worn by AIS sprinter Patrick Johnson.
The exhibit also includes a rare set of commemorative cards depicting profiles and bowling and batting averages of 15 Indigenous players including 13 Aboriginal cricketers who took part in the first Australian Cricket Team to tour England in 1868.
According to the Manager of the ASC’s Indigenous Sport Program, Carl Currey, the exhibit showed how Indigenous athletes had helped shape Australia’s rich and strong sporting culture.
He said this included representing Australia at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, world championships and various other sporting codes.
Mr Currey said Goodes, Thaiday, Johnson and Franklin were working with the ASC as ambassadors to improve the participation of Indigenous people in sport at all levels.
“The ASC ambassadors help to promote a number of broad, inclusive programs to improve the participation of Indigenous people in organised sport and physical activity and to increase opportunities for Indigenous people to learn the skills needed to organise, deliver and manage community based sport,” Mr Currey said.
“This includes financial support for talented Indigenous sports people, Sport Leadership Grants for Indigenous women, the Sports Ability program for Indigenous Australians with a disability, a traditional Indigenous games resource and an Indigenous specific cross-cultural awareness training package.”
29 April, 2008
Crime pays for ACC graduates
The Australian Crime Commission has marked the first anniversary of its National Graduate Program with 11 staff members successfully completing the 12-month Diploma of Government program
University graduates, with qualifications in criminology, political studies, social sciences, law, business management, ICT, communications, computer science and strategic intelligence, have been based in diverse areas within the ACC including intelligence, HR, ICT, surveillance, policy and communications.
According to the Chief Executive Officer at the ACC, Alastair Milroy the Graduate Program was a significant investment in the future of the organisation.
“I have been impressed by the calibre of the graduates,” Mr Milroy said.
“The agency looks forward to working with the graduates to develop them into efficient and effective ACC officers.”
Supervisors of the course said the quality of graduates represented a significant return on the investment of the ACC while graduates found the work extremely rewarding.
Enquiries about the ACC’s National Graduate Program can be directed to graduate@crimecommission.gov.au.
29 April, 2008
Financial survey goes for broke
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has released the findings of a study into Australian consumers’ understanding of investments and financial management.
The study of 1200 Australian investors and several focus groups showed that fewer than half the investors (47 per cent) had a long-term financial goal and a plan to reach that goal. Over a third, (37 per cent) had neither a plan nor a goal.
About half of the investors (49 per cent) had only one type of investment, for example shares only. The mean number of investment types was 2.19.
Rather than following a proactive plan to become an investor, most people began investing due to external, life-stage pressures such as divorce, inheritance, redundancy or retirement.
The research also found that while the concepts of risk and return were among the most important factors investors considered, only half of those surveyed (51 per cent) were able to select correctly from a multiple choice list the “reasonable” rate of return to expect from a fixed interest product over a 10-year period. Even fewer investors were able to do this for other asset classes (46 per cent for shares and 35 per cent for property and growth super).
Similarly, while most investors (78 per cent) had heard of “diversification,” more than a third had difficulty applying the concept, with 36 per cent saying that investing 100 per cent of their money in Government bonds was good diversification.
The research also found gender differences in investing with women more likely to be at risk of underinvestment; high-interest savings accounts the only investment type that women were more likely to choose than men; and men over-represented among those attracted to risky investments.
ASIC plans to use the findings to inform its thinking on retail investor issues.
29 April, 2008
Tax finds a home
The Australian Taxation Office has officially opened its new headquarters in Canberra, six months after moving in.
Treasurer, Wayne Swan performed the official opening congratulating the ATO on its green construction policies.
The three adjoining Offices cost almost $70 million to fit out and bring staff from six different sites together.
The move will save the tax Office $26 million a year.
Jade goes gold at Centrelink
Jade Howard, from Newcastle, has been judged the best and brightest of 1800 Centrelink employees under 25, winning the prestigious Centrelink National Youth Award.
The Awards recognise the valuable contribution the Agency’s young employees make to the community they work and serve in.
The awards also highlighted the outstanding achievements of young employees over the past year.
Museum wins cup
The National Museum of Australia has acquired the 1934 Melbourne Cup won by the great chestnut champion Peter Pan.
Peter Pan was one of only five horses to have won the Melbourne Cup twice and had a record of 22 wins from 38 starts.
The 1934 Melbourne Cup is scheduled to go on display next to the huge heart of Phar Lap, the most popular object in the National Museum of Australia’s collection.
New page for Library
The refurbished Papua New Guinea National Library was opened by the Autralian Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan,30 years after its official opening in 1978.
The National Library was Australia’s gift to PNG on independence in 1975.
In 2005, Australia announced it would fund the refurbishment of the Library to mark 30 years of independence.
Touring for ads
Tourism Australia has selected seven advertising agencies and two media agencies to manage its $180 million advertising program.
Advertising Agency, M&C Saatchi, which was behind the Laura Bingle “So where the bloody hell are you” campaign is on the list, as well as the incumbent media management agency, Carat.
Decommission petrol paper
The Department of Resources and Energy is calling for public comment on a Discussion Paper exploring issues involved with decommissioning offshore petroleum production facilities.
The Paper is a first step towards developing principles and guidelines to govern future decommissioning activities.
It is available at www.ret.gov.au
Chinese scams
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has received an increasing number of complaints from members of the Australian Chinese community who have lost money to bogus cash lottery wins and other fake prizes claims.
The ACCC has advised them and their families and friends to be alert to scammers.
Researchers share $23M
Fourteen outstanding researchers have been awarded Australian Research Council Federation Fellowships worth more than $23 million over five years.
They successful scientists are:
Dr Christopher Carilli, CSIRO - Australia Telescope National Facility; Professor Dr Peter Teunissen, Curtin University of Technology;
Professor Frances Baum, Flinders University;
Professor Michael Bird, James Cook University;
Associate Professor Trevor Lithgow, Monash University;
Dr James Whisstock , Monash University;
Professor John Dryzek, Australian National University;
Professor Michael Eastwood, Australian National University;
Professor Tanya Monro, University of Adelaide;
Professor Brett Neilan, University of New South Wales;
Professor Michelle Simmons, University of New South Wales;
Professor Aibing Yu, University of New South Wales;
Professor Gaoqing (Max) Lu, University of Queensland;
Professor Peter Robinson, University of Sydney.
Foreigners get more time
The Government plans to change its foreign investment policy to extend the timeframe for the development of vacant commercial land from 12 months to five years.
Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen said the change would increase competition in the economy.
He said the current time limit on foreign investors discouraged new competitors from entering the market and prevented some existing competitors from expanding their business because they could not secure forward purchases of land in growth areas.
Wheat waves at experts
The Government has called for interested experts to apply to serve on the new independent regulator for bulk wheat export marketing, Wheat Exports Australia.
The aim is to appoint members to the regulator with a broad skills base, including expertise in international trade and marketing, commodity trading, foreign exchange trading, finance, economics, regulation, public policy, business, law, grains production and grains handling.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is establishing a selection committee to produce a list of names for the Government to consider.
22 April, 2008
Government by blog
is still on the line
An official Government Consultation Blog should be supplementary to existing consultation mechanisms - not a replacement for them - according to submissions received on a discussion paper circulated last year by the Department of Finance and Deregulation’s Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO).
AGIMO opened the issue to public discussion to gauge community views on setting up a formal Government blog and sought views on a range of related issues including the features the blog might have, the expectations of users, participation rules, censorship and control as well as privacy and security issues.
The Office has now published a summary of the 20 submissions it received and will use the on-line comments along with others including surveys and focus groups, to assess public interest in a Government consultation website.
According to AGIMO, three Government Agencies made submissions on the proposal: Centrelink, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and one other that did not want to be named.
“Overall, respondents indicated support for an Australian Government Consultation Blog, noting it would be a welcome step in public policy development in Australia,” the AGIMO summary says.
“Many respondents acknowledged that online consultations are an effective way to encourage the free and frank expression of opinion across social and economic divides.”
It said the website could encourage the internet savvy members of generations X and Y to consult with the Government, as well as those in generation “V” who were people preferring to communicate through digital methods, regardless of age.
It said that because online discussion forums provided exposure to the views of others, respondents believed the posted submissions would be likely to be thoughtful and include a broad range of perspectives.
“Online consultation approaches however, raise issues about credibility and representation, which are critical to participation,” the report said.
It said many respondents also said the site should be moderated to avoid offensive language and racial vilification.
“The overall success of a Government discussion forum will depend on the skill and expertise of the people managing and contributing to discussion,” it said.
“The concept of a ‘one-stop-shop’ for consultation is important and has the potential to facilitate much greater citizen engagement.”
AGIMO is to continue evaluating the proposal.
22 April, 2008
Emergency managers
safe from Auditor
An audit of the Commonwealth’s emergency management arrangements has found the Agency charged with the responses has done so in a timely and appropriate manner, but there was room for improvement.
The Auditor-General’s examination of Emergency Management Australia (EMA) made five recommendations, all of which were agreed to by the Agency.
According to Auditor-General, Ian McPhee, EMA has a coordinating role when disasters occurred that were too big for individual States or Territories to deal with or when a national response was required.
The Agency is a Division within the Attorney-General’s Department and employs 140 staff and services a Budget of $23.5 million.
“EMA is not an emergency response Agency,” the Auditor said, “but rather is the coordinator of the Australian Government’s response when a request for assistance comes from a State or Territory.”
While finding that its core activities were dealt with in a “timely and responsive” manner, the Auditor found the Agency could define its roles and responsibilities more clearly, review its approach to delivering individual training courses and improve the structure and content of its website to make it more useful to the emergency management sector.
It also found that shortcomings in the financial reporting model used by the Attorney-General’s Department meant EMA could not estimate the costs of its activities and attempts to overcome the problem and develop a usable costing system had “stalled.”
“Given the increasing demands being placed upon EMA, the Australian National Audit Office considers that EMA’s monitoring of performance would be strengthened by a capacity to estimate the costs of its key emergency management activities and outcomes,” the report says.
It also found there had been friction with other Agencies when EMA had responded to emergencies overseas.
Among the five recommendations made by the Auditor were suggestions that EMA monitor the progress of projects better and that it make clear its broad principles of operation when called on to assist with responses overseas.
22 April, 2008
Fuel scheme to blow
lid off price hikes
Federal Cabinet has approved the establishment of a National FuelWatch Scheme.
Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd said the Scheme would promote competition and transparency in the petrol market.
“The National FuelWatch Scheme will help motorists buy the cheapest petrol, at the cheapest petrol stations, at the cheapest times,” Mr Rudd said.
He said FuelWatch had been introduced in Western Australia six years ago and had been a welcome tool for WA motorists looking to save money.
“Analysis undertaken by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission last year concluded that under the WA FuelWatch scheme the relevant weekly average price margin was around 1.9 cents per litre less on average,” Mr Rudd said.
He said under the national Scheme, petrol stations in all metropolitan and major regional Centres would have to notify the ACCC of their future prices in advance; maintain the advised price for 24 hours; and apply the scheme to a wide variety of fuels.
Mr Rudd said consumers would be able to access petrol price information through an email and SMS alert service, a toll free number and a National FuelWatch website.
“By giving motorists highly detailed and up to date information about local petrol prices, FuelWatch will help motorists avoid being ripped off.”
He said although the restrictions included in the FuelWatch Scheme meant there would be less flexibility for temporary upward and downward movements in prices, the ACCC said the effect of the scheme was to force retailers to post their most competitive prices every day.
The Prime Minister warned consumers the Government could not monitor price rises due to fluctuations in international oil markets.
“The National FuelWatch Scheme is not a silver bullet that breaks this nexus,” he said. “No Government policy can guarantee that petrol prices will always go down.
“FuelWatch will ensure that drivers don’t pay one cent more than they have to when filling up at the bowser.”
Mr Rudd said the scheme was a part of the Government’s response to the ACCC report into the price of unleaded petrol.
He said it would cost $20.9 million over four years and would commence on 15 December this year, with a review to be undertaken in December 2009.
22 April, 2008
Aviation paper
takes to the skies
The Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese has announced that a White Paper to guide the future of the aviation industry would be developed by the Government.
Mr Albanese said the Paper would be the first national policy statement to bring together all aspects of aviation policy into a single statement.
He said the aim of the White Paper would be simple: “to provide greater planning and investment certainty for the industry as well as address the wider community and environmental impacts associated with air transport and airport development.”
He said, as the first step on the road to the White Paper, an Issues Paper would be released to stimulate public debate.
“The Government is asking all those with an interest in the future of the Australian aviation industry to consider the questions posed by the Issues Paper,” Mr Albanese said.
He requested that all input and ideas be submitted by the end of June.
When comments on the Issues Paper had been received, Mr Albanese said a ‘Green Paper’ would be released outlining possible policy directions, settings and reforms.
He said this Green Paper would provide another opportunity for public input before the White Paper was finally developed.
“Following this second round of consultation, the Government will finalise the White Paper, addressing each of the key short, medium and long term challenges identified,” Mr Albanese said.
He said the White Paper would be completed by the middle of next year.
Mr Albanese said the aviation industry underpinned domestic economic growth and provided an essential gateway to the global economy.
“At present, the aviation industry directly supports nearly 50,000 jobs and contributes $6.8 billion to Australia's GDP,” he said.
Mr Albanese said the Issues Paper was available at www.infrastructure.gov.au
22 April, 2008
Iraqi supporters to
call Australia home
The Minister for Defence, Joel Fitzibbon has announced that Iraqi citizens employed by the Australian armed forces in their country are to be eligible for permanent resettlement in Australia.
Mr Fitzgibbon said the locally-engaged staff included translators and interpreters and the resettlement policy recognised the personal security situation they would face when Australia withdrew its Overwatch Battle Group from southern Iraq later this year.
He said people working with Australian troops and other forces in Iraq had been targeted in the past.
Mr Fitzgibbon and the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans said a new visa policy would be adopted to allow the permanent resettlement in Australia of the local people and their families who would otherwise be at risk because of their links to the Australian troops.
“The policy will apply only to Locally Employed Employees (LEEs) and their families specifically designated by the Government as eligible for a humanitarian visa,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
He expected it would apply to about 600 applicants.
Mr Fitzgibbon said the first group of LEEs to benefit from the policy would be a select group of Iraqis who had worked with, or for, the withdrawing elements of the Australian Defence Force.
He said these people had repeatedly shown their commitment to the security of Australians in Iraq and the reconstruction operations they were undertaking.
Senator Evans said the LEEs and their families would be granted permanent humanitarian visas after undergoing health, character and national security checks.
He said they would be settled throughout Australia and those with relatives already living in Australia would be settled in the same State or Territory as their families, if that was possible.
22 April, 2008
Governance governs
Faulkner speech
The Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service, Senator John Faulkner, has proposed that a Commission be set up to reform of the Australian Constitution.
Speaking before the recent 2020 ideas summit in Canberra, Senator Faulkner described the Constitution as “creaking” and said it was struggling to cope with the demands of 21st century Government.
“Today, the body that comes closest to making the Australian Federation workis the Council of Australian Governments,” he said.
“Dig down into COAG and you find a complex web of inter-Governmental agreements and Ministerial Councils – a superstructure built around the Federation inconceivable to the framers of our Constitution.”
He said a mature democracy should strive for better solutions.
“A mature democracy should have a Constitution that reflects the realityof the body politic.
“The nineteenth century structure of our Federation is creaking, if not being stretched to breaking point, to meet twenty-first century demands.”
Senator Faulkner said a vital aspect of modern public administration was not even part of the debate.
“Governance is the Cinderella of discussions about our polity,” he said.
“Governance is not just about choosing a Government - nor determining what that Government will do. It is also about the nitty-gritty, the nuts and bolts, the often boring detail of how a Government goes about its work, implementing policies and delivering programs.
“It is the concrete steps we take after announcing our purpose.”
He said to achieve real reform in governance, the idea that there was a division of purpose and process, of ends and means must be overcome.
He said the problems with the Constitution and the way Governments approached it showed the need for reform.
“Governments are reluctant to press for structural change,” he said.
“They expect rebuff from citizens - and with reason: 36 of 44 referenda for constitutional change have been defeated.
“This leads to impasse, not balance - stagnation, not equilibrium”
Senator Faulkner said the result was that the integrity of governance was compromised.
“We have seen a period when the apolitical nature of the Public Service has been tested and Public Servants’ role in policy development constrained,” he said.
“We have seen increased emphasis on security and secrecy undermining openness and transparency.
“And we have seen new laws restricting rights and freedoms pass without a yardstick to measure or restrain them.”
He said the way to resolve these issues was for:
- Greater transparency in the electoral system;
- Tough codes of conduct for everyone in the political system;
- Guidelines to keep partisan politics out of Government advertising;
- A ‘pro-disclosure’ culture in Government; and
- Government appointments made on merit.
22 April, 2008
Police IT service cops innovation award
The Government Agency, CrimTrac, has won an award for its innovative ICT solutions.
CrimTrac took out the award from the Australian Information Industry Association for its National Police Reference System.
CimTrac was set up in 2000 by an inter-Governmental agreement to act as a central information repository for Australia’s law enforcement agencies.
It won the iAward in the category of e-Government and Services for the ACT, which recognised the most innovative system to support electronic Government initiatives and service delivery.
Chief Executive of CrimTrac, Ben McDevitt said the win was a positive endorsement for the Agency’s newest ICT project.
“The NPRS allows Police across Australia to exchange information, enabling them to access information about people in various jurisdictions,” Mr McDevitt said.
“Police use this information to identify whether individuals are a threat to the public, of interest to Police or wanted by Police.”
He said the NPRS would be distributed across the country and would have more than 50,000 users by early 2009.
“It provides information critical to the day to day duties of community policing across the country,” Mr McDevitt said.
He said the new system would provide more in-depth data on people of interest than was previously available.
“Traditionally, Police have maintained information within jurisdictional boundaries and although these are relatively mature systems, they are disparate,” he said.
“NPRS allows each organisation to determine its own rules for providing and querying data.
“Jurisdictions collectively determine what data should be shared, the minimum set of data that makes each record sensible, and who can access the data.”
Mr McDevitt said CrimTrac’s NPRS would also be considered for a national iAward which would be announced in Melbourne at the end of May.
22 April, 2008
Statistics snapshot shows how we lie
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released information to help assess developments to the economy, the environment and society.
The publication - Measures of Australia's Progress: Summary Indicators gives a snapshot of national progress over the last decade.
According to the ABS, the report found Australians were richer on average, with the real net disposable income per person growing by an average of 2.9 per cent each year between 1996-97 and 2006-07.
The Bureau said fewer people were unemployed and more were living longer.
It said more Australians were better educated, with almost 60 per cent of 25 to 64 year-olds having a non-school qualification in 2007, up from 46 per cent in 1997.
Despite people being smarter and healthier, the Bureau said some crime rates were up and some down, with increases in personal crimes such as assault contrasting with decreases in household crimes such as break-ins.
It found Australians were more productive than previously, with multifactor productivity (growth in output that can't be explained by growth in labour, capital or other inputs) rising by an average of 1.1 per cent per year during 1996–97 to 2006-07.
The report said there were more threatened species, and that data suggested some decline in Australia’s biodiversity.
It said between 2000 and 2007 the number of bird and animal species which were extinct, endangered or vulnerable rose from 153 to 174.
22 April, 2008
Money watchdog backs law interpretations
A series of new publications interpreting the legislation underpinning Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism funding reforms have been launched by financial payments watchdog, AUSTRAC.
AUSTRAC’s Chief Executive Officer, Neil Jensen said as Australia’s anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism funding (CTF) regulator, AUSTRAC had views on the legal meaning and effect of various provisions of the legislation it administered, which also included the Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988.
“We will publish these interpretations in this new series to help address some of the more complex questions that are arising for reporting entities,” Mr Jensen said.
He said the Public Legal Interpretation series would complement other resources developed for reporting entities by the Agency, including the AUSTRAC Regulatory Guide, Self Assessment Questionnaire, online learning materials, guidance notes and frequently asked questions.
“Together, these resources form an important part of the education program we have been providing since the AML/CTF program was introduced,” Mr Jensen said. “AUSTRAC is committed to working together with reporting entities as the AML/CTF Act is implemented. By providing practical tools such as these interpretations, we hope to encourage a spirit of voluntary compliance for reporting entities.”
Public Legal Interpretations (Public Legal Interpretation No. 1) introduces the publication series and outlines its purpose and legal authority.
A further six publications will be released throughout 2008 covering topics:
- Registration as an “alternative remittance” provider
- Australian financial services licence holders
- What constitutes a reporting entity
- Access to AUSTRAC information
- Suspect transactions and suspicious matter reports
- Threshold transactions.
More information about the Public Legal Interpretation, including release dates, is available on the website: www.austrac.gov.au/pli.html
22 April, 2008
Weather centenary is fine and settled
The Bureau of Meteorology has celebrated 100 years of science and service with a speech by the Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett.
Mr Garrett delivered the speech in Melbourne, saying the Bureau was one of those rare national institutions which all Australians had a day-to-day relationship with.
“It affects our life in many ways like whether to take an umbrella to work,” Mr Garrett said.
“But it also plays a pivotal role in monitoring, recording, analysing, researching and predicting our climate - a task made more difficult as we deal with the ongoing impacts of climate change.”
Mr Garrett said this year’s World Meteorological Day theme ‘Observing our planet for a better future’ would provide an excellent opportunity for the community to look at the important role the Bureau would play in the future of climate change.
“Over the last 100 years the Bureau has, through establishing a comprehensive record of weather observations across the nation, laid the essential building blocks which will help us in this challenge. By understanding the past, we are better armed to predict the future.”
He said the Government understood that responding to the impacts of climate change offered a range of new possibilities which the Bureau would help investigate.
“After 100 years, The Bureau of Meteorology has emerged an accomplished organisation whose service better equips Australia to respond to the many challenges we face. I am sure the next 100 years will build on this success,” Mr Garret said.
22 April, 2008
Landmine exhibition making big noise
A photographic exhibition highlighting the reality of landmines for people living in Cambodia has been launched to mark the AusAID-funded Landmine Survivor Assistance Program.
The program, which is managed by the Red Cross, works with the Cambodian Government to reduce the vulnerability of landmine survivors, their families and affected communities in Cambodia.
Cambodia Program Officer for the Australian Red Cross, Anna Rasalingam said the photographic exhibition entitled Survivors depicted the tragedy of landmine injuries in affected areas of Cambodia.
Ms Rasalingam said exhibition photographer, Somira Sao fled to America after escaping from a Cambodian labour camp with her parents when she was three.
Ms Sao returned to Cambodia for the first time 26 years later, where locals began to call her ‘Child Pol Pot’.
“When I told people my story, they expressed genuine happiness that I had returned to understand their lives and my native country,” Ms Sao said.
She said she travelled to remote Cambodian villages in October last year to capture images for the exhibition.
“The landmine projects were painful and sad to witness.
“In Pailin, it was so disturbing to see how innocent people continue to be affected day-to-day by a war that is supposed to be over,” she said.
Ms Rasalingam said the exhibition was first shown in Cambodia last year as a part of the launch of the Landmine Survivor Assistance Program, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty.
The Australian exhibition was opened by the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan, and the Chief Executive of Australian Red Cross, Robert Tickner at the High Court of Australia.
The exhibition would be on display at the High Court in Canberra until 24 April and was free for all viewers. It would move to Perth for World Red Cross day on 8 May.
22 April, 2008
Hard, cold facts in Antarctic manual
A new edition of a first aid manual specially prepared for Antarctica has been released, this time in pocket-size format.
The seventh edition of the Australian Antarctic First Aid Manual, provides a comprehensive guide to managing most conditions encountered in Antarctica, including frostbite, broken bones, altitude sickness and appendicitis.
Two years in the making, the new edition of the manual was put together by former Senior Medical Officer, Dr Peter Gormly (now retired) of the Australian Antarctic Division’s Polar Medicine Unit, with contributions from past and present medical officers.
Due to the remote and hostile nature of Antarctica, the manual includes advice and procedures beyond the usual limits of first aid, such as stitching up wounds and administering injections and oxygen.
For this reason the managers of Australia’s Antarctic program believe the manual may also be of interest to those exploring other remote and isolated parts of the world.
The manual builds on and updates medical advice incorporated in previous editions – the first of which was published in 1979 as the ANARE First Aid Manual.
The new edition takes into consideration new Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines, updated cold injury management guidelines, changes in AAp medical support kits and includes new chapters on mental health, first aid and recognition of altitude illness in the deep field.
The principles of first aid are reinforced by several informative diagrams and a first aid observation sheet and a report form is included.
22 April, 2008
Queens birthday gets stamp of approval
Australia Post has announced details of the 2008 Queen’s Birthday stamps, issued to celebrate Her Majesty’s 82nd birthday.
This year marked the 28th year Australia Post had commemorated the occasion.
According to Australia Post’s Philatelic Group Manager, Noel Leahy, the stamp, released in April, paid tribute to Her Majesty’s Badge as Sovereign Head of the Order of Australia, a symbolic adornment worn by the Queen exclusively when in Australia.
Mr Leahy said the 2008 Queen’s Birthday series featured one stamp with a photographic depiction of the Queen’s Badge and one stamp with a photo of the Queen in formal regalia at an official dinner held at Parliament House in Canberra during her most recent visit in 2006.
He said the series was traditionally popular.
“The Queen’s Birthday stamps resonate with many Australians. This year’s focus on the Queen’s Badge has particular relevance to Australia,” Mr Leahy said.
“We believe this series will hold particular value and relevance as it not only commemorates the Queen’s 82nd birthday, but also honours the Order of Australia award.”
He said the Order of Australia was established by the Queen in 1975.
“The Order of Australia is an inclusive community based awards system and works on the premise of nominations by the community, for the community.”
He said the 2008 Queen’s Birthday stamps were available from Australia Post outlets and via mail order on 1800 331 794 while stocks lasted.
He said overseas collectors could place orders online at www.auspost.com.au
22 April, 2008
ACMA study shows new TV out of tune
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has published research showing only two out of five Australian households have converted to digital television.
Chairman of ACMA, Chris Chapman said that while take-up of digital free-to-air TV had risen steadily since its introduction in 2001, significant numbers of the community had yet to make the switch from analog.
“This research gives us an insight into the reasons for the adoption and non-adoption of digital television, which will help guide the Federal Government, ACMA and broadcasters to effectively manage the transition from analog to digital,” Mr Chapman said.
ACMA’s research suggested that even when viewers of digital subscription television services were combined with those watching over the airwaves, only just more than half of households – 54 per cent – were receiving digital free-to-air television services.
The research also indicated that digital-capable TV sets now accounted for a quarter (25.7 per cent) of overall stock of televisions.
The findings were among the key results of the Digital television in Australian homes 2007 report, the third in a series of ACMA studies into household adoption of digital TV.
For the first time, differences in adoption rates by State and Territory and between metropolitan and regional areas have been measured, including two case studies in Mildura and Broken Hill. The highest adoption rates were in Mildura (70.3 per cent) and Tasmania (64 per cent), and the lowest rates in South Australia (37.1 per cent) and Queensland (37.2 per cent).
“While better picture quality continues to be the key reason for digital uptake nationally, access to extra channels and new content has led the unusually strong growth evident in areas such as Tasmania and Mildura,” Mr Chapman said.
He said despite the growth in digital take-up, more than half of Australian households still needed to make the switch to digital free-to-air television, and close to a quarter (24 per cent) were not interested in switching over.
Many in this core group indicated they were not interested in TV, while others saw no compelling need to change or were put off by cost.
National awareness of the future switch-off of the analog signal by 2013 was unchanged from 2006 at 67 per cent.
The key survey results are available on ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au
22 April, 2008
CASA panel to check air quality
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is seeking expressions of interest from health professionals to chair an expert panel to review potential crew and passenger health issues related to aircraft cabin air quality.
The successful chairperson will be required to review file material including expert reports, invite submissions and conduct meetings such that all parties have a fair opportunity to present their case, whist ensuring that the panel operated in accordance with the established terms of reference.
Membership of the panel is to include experts in occupational and/or public health, epidemiology, immunology, toxicology, chemical risk assessment, aircraft operations and airworthiness.
According to CASA, the Expert Panel on Aircraft Air Quality will critically appraise national and international scientific research into cabin air quality in relation to potential health and safety risks from the quality of air onboard commercial aircraft.
It will recommend whether current international research initiatives are sufficient and whether additional research is required in the Australian context.
Expressions of interest for positions on the panel should be directed to CASA’s Principal Medical Officer, Dr Ian Hosegood at ian.hosegood@casa.gov.au
22 April, 2008
Safety scheme is a sure bet
A program conducted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to train Indonesian aviation inspectors in safety skills has begun producing results according to the Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese.
Mr Albanese said under the program, CASA was providing training for up to 40 Indonesian inspectors every year.
He said the first group of Indonesian inspectors had completed their training in Australia in March, and returned home to apply their new skills and expertise to Indonesia’s transport sector.
He said a second group had already arrived and started their training.
“The presence of the inspectors is part of Australia's ongoing work with Indonesian Government agencies to improve overall transport safety in Indonesia,” Mr Albanese said.
He said Australia’s cooperative relationship with Indonesia was beneficial.
“I am confident the inspectors from the Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation will benefit enormously from the intensive mentoring they received while in Australia,” he said.
Mr Albanese said despite the seemingly small number of inspectors being trained, the program would make a significant contribution to lifting safety standards in Indonesia which had only 116 inspectors for a population of over 230 million people.
“The inspectors entering the program will have their competencies assessed before and after their training in Australia,” he said.
“Each will be assigned to a mentor who will monitor their progress on their return to Jakarta, including the transfer of skills to other staff.”
Mr Albanese said the project was one of a broader range of activities being developed under the Indonesian Transport Safety Assistance Package (ITSAP), and would cost around $24 million over three years.
He said other activities under ITSAP included improving air traffic management in Indonesia; providing expertise and guidance on accident investigation; and marine safety training including search and rescue.
22 April, 2008
PS united
The Australia Bureau of Statistics has found that public sector employees were more likely to be members of a trade union than private sector employees.
The ABS said 41 per cent of employees in the public sector (to August last year) were trade union members compared to 14 per cent in the private sector.
The ABS said membership levels had decreased over the 12 month period.
SBS in modern upgrade
The Special Broadcasting Service is to launch a new channel logo and reintroduce its slogan ‘six billion stories and counting’.
The change, to be introduced on May 7, followed audience research on the need to modernise the SBS image.
No-one called on Do Not Call
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has confirmed that no telemarketing companies had been fined for breaching the Do Not Call Register which ais approaching its first birthday.
ACMA’s Grant Simons said, however that investigations into some companies were under way.
Launched last year, the Register makes phone calls by telemarketers to registered numbers illegal. Fines could range from $1,000 to $1.1 million.
Auditor in print
The Australian National Audit Office has published three new information leaflets detailing its functions, operations and financial and performance audits.
The colourful publications explain the role of the ANAO, with an introduction to each one written by Auditor-General, Ian McPhee.
Mr McPhee says the ANAO aims to add value to public sector performance by helping improve the efficiency and administrative effectiveness of the APS and by providing an independent assurance of its financial reporting, administration, control and accountability.
OHS awards
The National Safe Work Australia Awards are to be held on 28 April at Parliament House, Canberra.
The awards are to recognise Occupational Health and Safety excellence in the Public and Private sectors, and would be presented by Bill Scales and the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard.
For more information visit www.ascc.gov.au
ABARE abuzz with bee study
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics is to undertake an Australia-wide survey of Australia beekeepers.
The survey, to be conducted on behalf of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation’s Honeybee program would explore the characteristics of honeybee businesses in a bid to develop strategies to improve the industry.
Results were expected to be released in July.
ACMA in spectrum call
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has invited comments and feedback on the recommendations made in the Final Report of the Independent Review of Government Spectrum Holdings and the Commission’s response paper.
The review addressed achieving a balance between Government and community use of the radiofrequency spectrum.
For further inquiries, email christopher.hose@acma.gov.au or visit www.acma.gov.au
Airservices expands trial
Airservices Australia has announced it would expand the aviation safety trial of the Universal Communications Frequency to Port Macquarie, Hervey Bay and Karratha.
Chief executive of the Agency, Greg Russell, said the move came as the regional airports were experiencing growth in passenger movements and expansion of the mining and tourism industries.
He said Airservices would fund the trial.
Chemical scare lifts lid on containers
APS staff working in the Northern Territory as part of the emergency response and living in converted shipping containers have been evacuated due to a chemical scare.
Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin ordered the evacuation when she learned the containers may have had unacceptable levels of formaldehyde.
Affected staff are employed by FaHCSIA, the Department of Employment Education and Workplace Relations and Centrelink.
“We don't know yet if the converted containers which our people have been living in actually have high levels of formaldehyde or what the health risks are if they do,” Ms Macklin said.
“However, we are not prepared to take any risks with the health and safety of our staff.”
The Government contacted all 26 affected staff and directed them to seek alternative accommodation.
Ms Macklin said if alternative accommodation was not possible, they were directed to sleep in the “breezeway” - a well-ventilated part of the complex outside the containers.
She said a FaHCSIA social worker was contacting staff and would continue to monitor them.
“If necessary, staff will be moved to regional centres and fly in/fly out arrangements will be put in place,” Ms Macklin said.
“Alternative options such as mobile homes, caravans are being explored.”
The Minister said the containers were acquired by FaHCSIA from September 2007 and seen as an effective means of getting cyclone-proof temporary accommodation into communities to ensure the Northern Territory Emergency Response was mobilised quickly. They were occupied by staff from late October.
She said staff began reporting the odours in November and lodged a complaint in December.
The supplier was contacted and undertook tests until last month when the cause was traced to a combination of factors including formaldehyde used in the construction of the containers’ furniture.
Ms Macklin said the Commonwealth Medical Officer had been contacted and his advice about the possible risks and health checks was awaited.
“I understand that this is a difficult time for affected staff and their families and we will be providing them with more information as soon as we can,” Ms Macklin said.
“Their wellbeing, health and safety is my top priority. I want to reassure them that every possible measure will be taken to protect their health and ensure their safety.”
15 April, 2008
PS in line for
IT reboot
An independent review of the management of information and communication technology across the Australian Public Service has been announced by Finance Minister, Lindsay Tanner.
The review is to be conducted by the former Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Treasury’s Office of Government Commerce, Sir Peter Gershon.
Mr Tanner said the review would be aimed at identifying ways to strengthen the whole-of-Government management of ICT and maximise efficiency while providing better services. He said the review would examine the way Agencies manage their ICT investments, including maintenance, intra-agency links, development and staffing.
“The Australian Government has approximately $10 billion in ICT assets,” Mr Tanner said, “and spends around $6 billion per annum on ICT encompassing procurement, maintenance, development and staff costs.”
He said the expenditure had been uncoordinated in the past, leading to serious inefficiencies and cost blowouts.
"There are clear opportunities for efficiency gains in information and communication technology.
“But we also want to use this review to ensure Australians can access convenient and high quality Government services.”
Mr Tanner said Sir Peter Gershon had undertaken several major strategic reviews for the UK Government on procurement including one that examined ICT and public sector efficiency. He said those reviews achieved an estimated £23 billion in budget savings.
"Sir Peter’s track record at the most senior levels of both industry and government in the UK speaks for itself," Mr Tanner said.
"His expertise as an industry leader, strategist and highly effective reviewer of public administration makes him a compelling candidate to review the way in which the Australian Government manages its use of ICT."
Sir Peter is to be supported by the Department of Finance and Deregulation and is to report to the Minister by September 2008.
Mr Tanner said the review was part of a broader ongoing reform agenda to improve the efficiency of Government spending and deliver better value for money.
15 April, 2008
PS ticked off in
workforce survey
A survey by an employment company has shown that Australia’s Public Servants enjoy their working hours and conditions, are continuously on the lookout for another job but don’t particularly like their bosses.
The study, by internet placement agency SEEK, highlighted mixed feelings among Public Servants when it came to their jobs.
There was strong support for flexible working hours and family-friendly working hours but more than half the staff surveyed felt unappreciated at work and 28 per cent were unhappy with the quality of overall management.
SEEK surveyed 5159 jobseekers and found that despite the perceived difficulties in the profession, Public Servants were the workers most likely to plan another decade or more with the same employer. Flexible conditions were the highlights of the job, with one in five Government workers saying they loved that part of their deal.
The National Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union, Stephen Jones warned that the impact of cuts to the Public Service, widely expected as part of the Government’s first budget, could result in a loss of talent from the Australian Public Service.
“Public servants will play a crucial role in implementing the Government’s election promises, so ensuring the APS is adequately resourced will be an early test,” Mr Jones said.
“While there’s been plenty of early enthusiasm, commitment and long hours from Public Servants, the realities of a tight labour market, unsustainable workloads and insufficient resources could mean our best and brightest start to look elsewhere.”
Mr Jones said that while the CPSU was opposed to the “blunt instrument” of the blanket 2 per cent efficiency dividend, the union recognised that the Government had announced the measure during the election campaign and accepted that it would be implemented over the coming year.
However there was a need to “develop more sophisticated, comprehensive and innovative strategies to deliver sustained efficiencies and build the productive capacity of the Public Service, similar to the challenges faced by other sectors of the economy.”
SEEK sales director Joe Powell said while Government work might be the last bastion of the job-for-life, it had a downside for job placement agencies.
“The public sector has set the benchmark for flexible working conditions, however, there comes a point where conditions can become so comfortable that it is difficult for staff to move on,” he said.
15 April, 2008
APSC gives jobs
website more work
The Australian Public Service Commission has improved the service offered by the website www.APSjobs.gov.au, announcing a series of changes and enhancements in an APS Circular.
The website, launched in August 2007, provides a single entry point for Australian Public Service employment opportunities and some of the features now available include:
• an improved search function allowing job seekers to look for jobs in a specified category, classification or location enhanced facilities for both job seekers and agencies. It includes:
• an improved search function allowing job seekers to look for jobs in a specified category, classification or location
• a service that allows a job seeker to save selected notices from their search results for future reference
• an improved search function for promotions
• a facility for job seekers to receive weekly email alerts of job vacancies
• a new page for Agencies to advertise mobility and movement opportunities across the APS and for current APS employees to register their interest in mobility
• another page for Agencies to advertise upcoming large scale recruitment initiatives
• a new section bringing together all Senior Executive Service and other senior vacancies, promotions, engagements, and other employment actions
• a gazette download page that allowed access to 12 months of Gazettes
Other changes include:
• Reducing Agency deadlines from seven to two days for lodging notices in the electronic APS Employment
• New selection arrangements for Agency Head and Statutory Officeholder positions.
• Improved reporting services for Agencies including:
* Hits per notice;
* Allowing agencies to view the number of employment decisions related to an original employment opportunity;
* Announcements usage; and
* User reports.
The Circular says some other features of the site included an improved search function allowing job seekers to look for jobs in a specified category, classification or location; and Ready Now, a register of former APS employees ready for short term work
15 April, 2008
Pensions watchdog
told not to bite
Centrelink has been called on to stop chasing clients to repay small debts that had been forgiven by the previous Federal Government.
Shadow Minister for Human Services, and Minister in the former Government, Senator, Helen Coonan, made the call, saying Centrelink had referred written-off debts to debt collectors who were “hounding” people unable to pay.
“I have received numerous complaints from distraught Centrelink customers about the unfair treatment they are receiving,” Senator Coonan said.
“Many people have moved and have not received the debt collection letter at all. Others are in no position to pay with just seven days notice.”
She described the process as a Government ‘back-flip.’
“I am calling on the Minister for Human Services Joe Ludwig to show some commonsense and stop persecuting hardworking Australian families over minor debts that have been waived by the previous Government.”
Senator Coonan said it would cost more to pursue the minor amounts involved than would be realised in the likely recovery.
“There is a serious question whether there is any legal basis to pursue debts that have been forgiven,” she said.
“Any person who receives a claim for a debt that they believe had been waived should seek legal advice as to their position.”
Senator Coonan directed people affected to Community Legal Centres.
“Centrelink has an obligation only to recover what was lawfully owed,” she said.
15 April, 2008
APSC and Archives
in old records duet
The Australian Public Service Commission and the National Archives of Australia have signed a “Records Authority” which allows the APSC to decide what happens to the records it created and manages.
Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner, announced the deal which passes both a legal authority and a framework to the APSC to officially deal with its own records.
Senator Faulkner encouraged other Departments and Agencies to negotiate their own Records Authorities with the Archives, saying it was necessary to identify important Commonwealth records so they could be preserved.
“The process can also free up a lot of expensive storage space that’s housing material that the Archives could class as disposable,” Senator Faulkner said.
He said the APSC Records Authority was one of 10 entered with the Archives since a new, streamlined approach to record keeping was introduced last August.
He said other Departments and Agencies to enter Records Authorities included the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the (former) Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Department of Parliamentary Services.
Director-General of the Archives, Ross Gibbs welcomed the arrangement with the APSC saying it would lead to an ongoing culling exercise and could lead to “nine out of ten” documents being done away with.
“The Archives takes only about nine per cent of Agencies’ materials for the national record,” Mr Gibbs told the Canberra Times.
“Most of what they’ve got, once it’s time-expired, can be removed and destroyed,” he said.
15 April, 2008
Horse doctors past
post on Equine Flu
International animal health authorities have been officially informed that Australia is free of equine influenza.
Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Andy Carroll said formal notifications had been sent to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Animal Health Trust and ProMED.
“On 14 March 2008 horses were again able to move freely within Australia,” Dr Carroll said. “This is a significant animal health achievement.”
He said the outcome of the program highlighted Australia’s capacity to identify, diagnose and manage animal disease incursions, as well as the nation’s highly developed and effective emergency management systems.
Dr Carroll said assuming no evidence of active EI infection was found, on 30 June Australia would confirm that the EI virus was no longer present.
He said monitoring and surveillance for EI would continue, consistent with OIE requirements and as part of Australia’s ongoing surveillance for exotic disease.
“Since December 2007 over 32,000 horses have been tested with negative results,” he said.
“The multi-faceted surveillance program has included epidemiological, clinical and laboratory investigations.”
Dr Carroll said following the diagnosis of EI in late August 2007, Australia implemented a rigorous control and eradication program.
He said the response included an initial national horse standstill, movement controls, trace-forward and trace-back, strict biosecurity measures and strategic vaccination in buffer zones and infected areas and extensive surveillance was also undertaken in both affected and unaffected regions.
15 April, 2008
Posties to put their
stamp on Olympics
Three posties from Australia Post have been chosen to carry the good wishes of Australians to their favourite Olympians at this year’s Olympic Games in Beijing.
The winning trio is Malcolm Richmond, 54, a postal manager at WA’s Perth GPO; Kevin Ruddell, 51, a postal delivery officer at Victoria’s Ferntree Gully Delivery Centre; and Sue Merrett, 43, the licensee of Highgate Licensed Post Office in South Australia.
The three were chosen from the nation-wide Olympic Postie competition conducted by Australia Post among its nearly 35,000 employees.
National Sponsorship Manager at Australia Post, Terry Hearity said it was the fourth time since 1992 that the corporation had sent a team of posties to the Olympics.
“We have been a long-time supporter of the Australian Olympic team and the Olympic movement,” Mr Hearity said.
“We believe the posties make a significant contribution to the morale of the team when you consider they could be delivering more than 10,000 letters a day to the athletes.”
He said during the Beijing Olympic Games - to be held from 8 to 24 August – the posties would l each spend one week sorting and delivering mail from families, friends and supporters of Australia’s Olympians.
He said they would also deliver letters from children involved in the Australia Post Letter Link program which encouraged children to write to members of the Australian Olympic team and express their support and well wishes. The program involves more than 12,000 primary, secondary and special schools throughout Australia and aimed at encouraging literacy and letter writing by children.
“The stint of the posties in Beijing will be no holiday,” Mr Hearity said.
“The trio will be under immense pressure every day to sort and deliver a mountain of mail which peaks when our team’s medal tallying gets underway.”
Australia Post first provided Olympic Games’ posties for Australian athletes in Atlanta in 1996.
15 April, 2008
Film body gives
profits the flick
The Australian Film Commission has overhauled its terms of trade in a bid to ensure Australian film producers benefit more from the long-term use and exploitation of their projects.
Chief Executive of the AFC, Chris Fitchett said the new arrangements would return more money to film producers and make their film businesses more viable.
“The AFC is thrilled to announce these changes and is committed to assisting producers develop sustainable screen businesses,” Mr Fitchett said.
“We hope that the revisions to our terms of trade will allow producers to benefit financially from further commercialization of their projects.”
He said the AFC would now revert its share of revenue to the producer seven years after completion of AFC-funded projects. This reversion of revenue would apply to revenue generated by the project after 1 April 2008.
Mr Fitchett said the completion date would be taken as the date of the final AFC payment made to the production and the AFC would also remain the disbursement agent unless the producer obtained written permission from all investors that permitted the producer to take on this responsibility.
He said the AFC would retain its copyright share and credit and reporting obligations to the AFC would continue.
He said these terms were in addition to the changes announced in January 2008 which abolished the 10 per cent reassignment premium, payable when the AFC’s share of copyright was reassigned; allowing the producer to retain the AFC’s share of Screenrights royalties; and making investments in short films, short animation films and digital media projects in the form of a grant with the AFC’s share of revenue assigned to the producer.
Mr Fitchett said the AFC was able to rollover its development investment into an equity investment on projects that were greenlit for production by the Film Finance Corporation Film Australia and contracted for production between 1 January and 30 June 2008.
15 April, 2008
Privacy Awards
go public
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has inaugurated an annual awards scheme to reward individuals who show outstanding commitments in the field of privacy.
The Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called on businesses, community organisations and Government Agencies to support the awards by making a nomination for the Australian Privacy Medal 2008.
“Organisations’ good privacy practices, systems and projects demonstrate that our society is one that is generally committed to protecting and respecting people’s privacy,” Ms Curtis said.
“In order to recognise and reward organisations for their positive contribution to privacy, I urge businesses, community bodies and Government Agencies to enter the Australian Privacy Awards program.”
The Australian Privacy Awards and Australian Privacy Medal were launched by Senator John Faulkner, Special Minister of State and Cabinet Secretary.
“The most effective protection of Australians’ privacy is in the day-to-day decisions and actions of both public and private institutions and organisations,” Senator Faulkner said.
“Over the past 20 years of the Privacy Act there have been many individuals, businesses and community groups who have made substantial contributions to the role of privacy in Australia. These awards will provide the chance to recognise these achievements.”
Commissioner Curtis said the Awards would be presented in four categories:
* Large Business Award - for businesses with more than 100 employees.
* Microsoft Small-Medium Business Award - for businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
* Community and NGO Award - for not-for-profit organisations, such as charities, NGOs, industry bodies, advocacy organisations, and social, cultural, sporting or community groups.
* Symantec Government Award - for any Government Agency at a local, state or national level.
She said a Grand Award will be presented to the most outstanding entrant.
The Australian Privacy Medal is open to any individual who has exhibited an outstanding level of achievement in advancing privacy in Australia.
Commissioner Curtis said the deadline for nominations for the Awards and Medal was 9 July and the presentation to the winners would take place at a gala dinner on 27 August.
15 April, 2008
ACCC to suck and see
on water markets
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has called for public comment on an issues paper exploring options for the development of water market rules.
The water market rules form a key component of the Water Act 2007, which creates new institutional and governance arrangements to address the sustainability and management of water resources in the Murray-Darling Basin.
The rules will ensure that policies or administrative requirements of operators of irrigation infrastructure who hold a group water access entitlement on behalf of their member irrigators, do not unreasonably prevent or delay trade.
“The purpose of the water market rules is to free up the trade of water within the Murray-Darling Basin,” the Chairman of the ACCC, Graeme Samuel said.
“A well-functioning water market will contribute to improved water use efficiency as well as send clearer signals about efficient investment in water infrastructure assets.
“Reducing restrictions on the trade of water provides irrigators with greater flexibility in managing their water rights.”
Minister for Water, Senator Penny Wong said Government policy was to free up water trade across the Murray Darling Basin.
“These regulations will help ensure stakeholders have a clear role as the ACCC develops water charging and market rules,” Senator Wong said.
She said the ACCC was expected to report on water market rules later this year, with water charging rules to be developed by early 2009.
“I encourage community involvement in the process, and call for comments from the Basin States along with key water stakeholders and the public,” Senator Wong said.
She said the agreement forged recently with the States to secure the sustainable future of the Basin included a commitment to further strengthen the role of the ACCC in the Basin’s water market.
The ACCC will accept submissions until 9 May 2008 and details of how to make a submission can be found in the issues paper, which will be available from the ACCC website.
Mr Samuel said the ACCC intended to release a suite of issues papers covering bulk water charges, charges of irrigation infrastructure operators and charges levied to recover the costs of water planning and management activities in due course.
15 April, 2008
Film ushers in
science anniversary
A special documentary on the history of the Australian nuclear industry is to be screened in Sydney to mark 50 years of nuclear science.
Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum will show the documentary about the history of the Australian nuclear industry and the contribution Australia’s first nuclear research reactor, HIFAR (High Flux Australian Reactor) made to Australian science.
Commissioned by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, (ANSTO) to record HIFAR’s historical role and achievements through the voices of some of the staff who worked there and scientists who used the facility, the documentary is said to give an entertaining and educational insight into what HIFAR delivered for Australia and how it touched peoples lives.
During its lifetime, HIFAR - which has now been shut down and in the process of decommissioning - supplied millions of patient doses of nuclear medicines to Australia, New Zealand and Asia, and allowed cutting-edge nuclear science to take place.
The date of the screening – 18 April – also marks the exact date that HIFAR was officially opened 50 years ago by Prime Minister, Robert Menzies.
The Powerhouse Museum’s permanent exhibition, Nuclear Matters, gives people the chance to really understand what nuclear is all about.
The exhibition is divided into five areas: nuclear basics; nuclear in our lives, including nuclear medicines and internal body scanning; nuclear sciences; nuclear power generation; and nuclear perspectives which includes changes in social attitudes over the last century.
The documentary will screen on between 10am and 3pm with a guided tour of the permanent exhibition at 11am, 1pm and 2pm.
15 April, 2008
Agencies up front
on leader training
A number of Government Departments and Agencies have been successful in winning grants to host future leaders form the Asia-Pacific region under AusAID’s Australian Leadership Awards -Fellowships program.
Eighteen organisations, including Government departments, universities, courts, research, and planning bodies, have been given grants to host 173 Australian Leadership Awards Fellows from 13 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
AusAID is providing funding of more than $4 million for Fellows to undertake professional development placements to help strengthen Australia’s ties with the Asia-Pacific region and advance regional reform.
The program allows Fellows earmarked as current and future leaders in their fields, gain access to Australian ideas and expert