27 March, 2007
Union OK with Future Spend Now
The Community and Public Sector Union has welcomed a $4.7 billion plan to extend broadband internet coverage using funds from the Federal Government’s Future Fund.
   The Future Fund was primarily established to meet the cost of future Public Sector superannuation liabilities.
   National Secretary of the CPSU, Stephen Jones said the broadband plan would help “build and strengthen the economy and create employment throughout the country.
   He said Australia lagged behind other developed countries which had better broadband services.
   The plan, announced by the Australian Labor Party, was for a high-speed network to be introduced nation-wide in a collaboration between the public and private sectors.
   Mr Jones said it would redress the imbalance between Australia and other countries and help ensure economic prosperity long beyond the resources boom.
   "As high users of information technology services both at work and home, CPSU members will greatly benefit from this plan," Mr Jones said.
   He welcomed Labor leader Kevin Rudd's guarantee that the retirement provisions for Public Servants would be fully protected.
   "The CPSU is satisfied that Public Service superannuation liabilities will be fully met under the Future Fund and that the money invested in the broadband plan will benefit the whole country and economy," he said.
   "This is a plan with nation building at its core. It should be supported by all sides of politics," he said.

27 March, 2007
Toowong Scans What Doctor Ordered
An independent investigation into the needs of Australian Broadcasting Corporation staff who worked at its Toowong (Qld) premises has delivered a final assessment.
   The premises have been closed following an unusually high incidence of breast cancer among female staff members.
   Managing Director of the ABC, Mark Scott accepted a proposal from Dr Kerry McMahon, an expert on breast MRI and Diagnostic Breast Imaging, recommending a breast screening program for early detection of breast cancer for women who worked at ABC Toowong.
   "We want to make sure that in the toughest of circumstances, our staff are supported with the right medical care and that we can provide services for the early detection of breast cancer," Mr Scott said.
   He said that while a study of the site by public health expert, Professor Bruce Armstrong had concluded the incidence of breast cancer among ABC staff at Toowong was unusually high compared to the general population, the panel was unable to find any link to the work environment at Toowong.
   "Despite the inability for the panel to find a cause, I have accepted the recommended independent medical advice," he said.
   The ABC has agreed to provide a screening program which included annual breast MRI examinations for all women who worked at the ABC Toowong between 16 and its closure on 31 January 2007; baseline mammogram and ultrasound scans women who had not as yet had any imaging.
   For women over 40 the program included annual mammography and ultrasound tests  coupled with an annual MRI which would be taken six months apart to provide regular screening and for women under 40, a baseline mammogram and ultrasound would be recommended.
   Mr Scott said the specific interval of mammographic screening of under-40 women would be according to their individual risks.
   "The ABC will also pick up the out of pocket costs of these procedures (after any Medicare or health fund rebates) and will also refund out of pocket expenses for tests already taken by female staff at Toowong that are similar to the approved screening program," Mr Scott said.
   He said the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency had been engaged to conduct testing on the Toowong site and its report reiterated the findings of Professor Armstrong that the incidence of breast cancer in women employed at the ABC studios at Toowong was highly unlikely to have been due to exposure to extremely low power frequency fields in their workplace.

27 March, 2007
Better Homes the Target at Defence
The quality of Defence housing is earmarked for improvement with $84 million being allocated to lift minimum accommodation standards.
   Defence Minister Brendan Nelson announced upgrade saying it would allow Defence families greater flexibility and variety in their accommodation choices.
   "Tax-free subsidised housing is a significant benefit of ADF service and is a major factor in members deciding to maintain their military careers," Dr Nelson said.
   "It is also important that the Defence housing stock reflects current community standards and meets the needs and expectations of today’s military workforce and their families."
   He said under the new scheme families would be entitled an ensuite bathroom, security features and a covered outdoor living area from July 2009, in addition to the current three bedroom house benchmark.
   "This will particularly benefit the junior ranks," Dr Nelson said.
   Dr Nelson said Defence Force members could live in allocated Defence housing that met or exceeded the new minimum standard and pay the usual contribution, or elect to occupy housing above their usual entitlement and pay a higher personal contribution. Their choice could also extend to living in a suburban house or an inner-city apartment.
   He said Defence would maintain its 50 per cent national rental subsidy and member rental contributions will remain based on rank/salary groupings.
   Dr Nelson said the housing subsidy was not reportable for income tax purposes and Defence paids the fringe benefits tax on it as an employee benefit.
   He said the improved minimum standard and better quality housing stock over time would result in slightly higher member rental contributions by personnel at or below corporal-equivalent rank.
   To reduce the financial impact on those ADF members, there would be a two year
   moratorium on personal contribution increases related to the initiative, with contributions increasing gradually starting from 1 July 2009.

27 March, 2007
Auditor Puts on Good Performance
The Auditor-General has defended the conduct of performance audits saying they could  influence Governments to change policies, particularly those bearing on public administration, and could inform decisions in relation to Budget allocations.
   Auditor-General Ian McPhee told the recent National Public Sector Convention performance audits were a significant addition to the traditional financial auditing role of the Australian National Audit Office and stimulated better public administration.
   "The principles of auditing are the same whether a financial statement or a performance audit is being conducted," Mr McPhee said.
   "There are no international standards which define management frameworks or relate directly to performance auditing.
   "Thus, while both financial statement and performance audits adopt the same principles, the operating frameworks and standards are much less defined for performance audits."
   He said the Commonwealth Auditor-General had enjoyed a mandate to conduct performance audits since 1978.
   He said however, at that time there was no certainty that the ANAO would be given responsibility for performance audits, both the Public Service Board and Treasury were also considered for the task.
    "The ANAO was favoured over these bodies, however, due to the recognised need to have an authority independent of Departments to prescribe the basis of reviews,” Mr McPhee said. “To establish expected standards of performance where these are measurable, to make comparisons and generally to judge and report on performance."
    He said the ANAO produces on average 50 performance audits a year, with around per cent of recommendations agreed, or agreed with qualification, by Agencies.
   He said the key messages he wanted to get across were that good process delivered good outcomes and the importance of sound governance, sound risk management and regular reporting/monitoring.
   "Our audit reports have also identified a range of other influences which can make a
   positive difference to performance," Mr McPhee said.
   These include the interest of the CEO in good governance and good practices, having the right skills, being clear on expectations and having an effective audit committee.
   Mr McPhee said that after 30 years of performance audits by ANAO, they were now an accepted and important component of the landscape of public administration.

27 March, 2007
State Compo Caught in Compo Court case
The High Court has given a green light for some private sector organisations in the States and Territories to sign up with the Commonwealth’s workers compensation provider, Comcare.
   Settling the case Victoria v Andrews and Ors, the High Court has opened the door to some large State-based companies to cover their workers in the national scheme.
   Workplace Relations Minister, Joe Hockey has called on the States to work together to simplify workers compensation arrangements across the nation. He said Comcare was the only scheme that provided national coverage.
    “By no longer having to comply with up to eight State and Territory schemes, national employers can enjoy administrative savings of up to $2 million per annum per company," Mr Hockey said.
   “Their employees will receive consistent, generous benefits under the Comcare scheme.”
   He said the decision was significant in that it upheld the right of eligible employers to cover their employees under the national Comcare scheme.
   He said joining Comcare was now a matter of choice for eligible private sector corporations.
   He called on those States that challenged the right of companies to leave their schemes to “do the right thing” and stop playing politics.
   “I call on the State Governments to further harmonise workers compensation and occupational health and safety laws for the benefit of employees and employers across Australia," Mr Hockey said.
   “It is time for them to work together and put in place consistent and uniform self-insurance arrangements for multi-state employers.
   “They should remove the cost, administrative burden and complexity which drove businesses such as Optus, Linfox, the John Holland Group and K & S Freighters to join the Comcare scheme in the first place," he said.
   Mr Hockey said allowing choice, particularly for multi-state businesses, reduced costs to industry and the economy.
   “Recent amendments to the Commonwealth Occupational Health and Safety Act mean that the licensed employers and their employees will also enjoy the benefits of a single, national OHS scheme," he said.

27 March, 2007
Rights Watchdog Snaps At Compo Outcome
The High Court decision paving the way for large companies to opt out of compulsory State-based schemes for workers compensation has drawn comment from the Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes who said it may lead to unintended consequences for workers in same sex relationships.
   Under State-based schemes, the same sex partner of an injured or deceased employee is entitled to workers compensation protection but the Commonwealth scheme does not provide the same level of support.
   “An opposite sex partner of an employee covered by a federal workers compensation scheme has the security of knowing that he or she will be financially supported if his or her partner dies or is injured on the job," Commissioner Innes said.
   "A same-sex partner has no such security," he said.
   Commissioner Innes said the Comcare system should change to give people in same-sex relationships the same workers compensation coverage protecting opposite sex couples.
   He said the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission was currently finalising the report of the National Inquiry into Discrimination Against People in Same Sex Relationship regarding Financial and Work-related Entitlements (Same Sex: Same Entitlements).
   The Inquiry covers discrimination against same sex couples and families in several areas of federal law including employment, tax, social security, veterans entitlement, Medicare and PBS Safety Nets, superannuation and aged care laws.

27 March, 2007
Canberra Vision in Committee’s Sights
A  Parliamentary committee has urged the National Capital Authority to seek more consultation on plans it has for redeveloping of parts of Canberra.
   In its "Review of the Griffin Legacy Amendments," the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories generally supported the changes to the National Capital Plan but it urged the NCA to conduct a roundtable forum on the matter.
   The NCA has put forward a number of proposals in recent years in a bid to rekindle the “vision” of Canberra’s prize-winning designer, Walter Burley Griffin after which the city’s ornamental lake has been named..
   "This vision provides much needed long term planning guidance to both the National Capital and ACT planning authorities," the report said.
   "The amendments facilitate far better public use and amenity to the lake’s west basin precinct, preserve City Hill as a park and promote Constitution Avenue as a thriving community hub.”
   However the report expressed concerns about weaknesses in the consultation and feedback method of the NCA, parking and transport issues, building height, impact on local businesses and future public amenity.
   The committee noted that planning amendments had already been tabled in Parliament.
   "The only way for even minor changes to be made to the Griffin Legacy Amendments is for them to be disallowed," the report said. "If the Minister were to do this, the whole process would start again.” 
   The Committee said this was unlikely, so its report would stand as a record of the concerns to inform future decision making of both the National Capital Authority and the ACT Planning Authority in regard to developments over the next 25 years in the affected precinct.
   The Committee said that while it was disappointing that the National Capital Authority could have done more in its community consultation procedures, the amendments were generally supported in principle and were the product of both the ACT Planning Authority and the NCA.

27 March, 2007
IPAA Has Measure of PS Red Tape
The ACT Division of the Institute of Public Administration Australia is to host a half-day conference on 2 April to explore the differences between public and private sectors.
   Entitled Working with and for the Public Sector: how to make the most of public and private sector relationships, the event has been designed for new staff members in private sector organisations and for those new to the Public Service at all levels.
   Executive Director of the ACT Division of IPAA, Jenny Kelly said the event would answer calls for clear-cut explanations of the differences between the public and private sectors.
   “Many private sector organisations are working closely with the Australian Public Service,” Ms Kelly said.  “And they’re finding it difficult to navigate their way through the bureaucracy, the committees and the red tape.”
   She said the gathering was created to help those working in both sectors understand how the APS worked and to facilitate the relationships between the two sectors. It woud also promote and ex[plain APS values and processes
   Ms Kelly said the event would feature a range of expert speakers with experience across both sectors.
   These would include Greg Field from Ernst and Young; Professor Stephen Bartos from the University of Canberra; David Templeman, former Director-General of Emergency Management Australia; Marcus Smith of the Defence Materiel Organisation and a representative of the Department of Finance and Administration to look at Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines.
   The conference will begin at 8.15am and run to 1.30pm at the ANU’s University House.
   More information is available from the PS News Conference section, the IPAA at www.act.ipaa.org.au or (02) 6251 6060.

27 March, 2007
Move to E-Tax Pays Off for ATO
The online lodgment of tax returns has gone from strength to strength, the Australian Taxation Office revealing more than 1.6 million people took up the option in 2005-06, an increase of almost 18 per cent on the previous year.
   Taxation Commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo, welcomed the move saying when online lodgement started as a trial in 17 and was officially launched in 19, e-tax was a world first.
   “It has gone from strength to strength and is now one of the most popular Government services," Mr D'Ascenzo said.
   "I’m pleased so many people are taking advantage of our online services which are designed to help them meet their obligations as easily and cheaply as possible."
   He said the e-tax program was constantly being refined and new features added.
   "Over the past couple of years we have been testing a feature where people can download information from the Tax Office and third parties directly into their tax return," Mr D'Ascenzo said.
   "After a limited trial in 2005, e-tax users in 2006 could download information from Centrelink, Medicare Australia, the Family Assistance Office and six major financial institutions."
   He said this initiative had proven popular and last year more than 80,000 people downloaded their bank interest details, 22,000 people accessed information to claim their 30 per cent child care tax rebate, 100,000 people downloaded their out of pocket medical expenses from Medicare Australia and 7500 people downloaded information on their managed funds.
   Mr D’Ascenzo said the pre-filling service would be expanded this year to include bank interest from more than 20 banks and credit unions, dividend information from share registries as well as pension information from the Department of Veterans Affairs and allowances paid by the Department of Education, Science and Training.
   The information can be accessed in a single step rather than at multiple times throughout the program.
   He aid the ATO also planned to pilot the concept of ‘sign here if the income information we have reflects your circumstances’.
   "This means that e-tax will automatically load your salary and wage information into your return by using the payment summaries your employer provides us," Mr D'Ascenzo said.

27 March, 2007
Climate Changing for Antarctic Scientists
Scientists may be the new heroes of Antarctic exploration according to the Assistant Environment Minister, John Cobb, who said their work on the impacts of climate change could be vital to humanity.
   Marking World Meteorological Day on 23 March, Mr Cobb said Polar Meteorology—Understanding Global Impacts' was the World Meteorological Organisation’s theme for 2007.
    “We’ve seen images of collapsing polar ice shelves and shrinking glaciers and Antarctic ice cores yielding ancient climate data,” Mr Cobb said.
   “The challenge for our scientists is to tease even more information from polar clues, to refine our understanding of climate change," he said.
    Mr Cobb noted that it had been 100 years since Douglas Mawson joined Ernest Shackleton’s expedition to Antarctica and became an Australian hero for his contribution to Antarctic exploration.
   "In this International Polar Year, I pay tribute to those stoic early explorers, and to the legions of Australians who served and continue to serve at our Antarctic bases," he said.
   "Our climate scientists may be the heroes of a new age of exploration.”
   Mr Cobb said that research by the Bureau of Meteorology had revealed more precisely the causes of seasonal patterns such as El Nino and La Nina and the use of indicators such as the Southern Oscillation Index.
   These terms could now be heard in any rural pub, as well many city ones, he said.
     “We also know that overlying this is climate change at an unprecedented rate," he said.
   “However, regardless of the causes we know that with our expanded population and greater demand on managing vital resources, such as water, we need to manage these even better," he said.

27 March, 2007
Memories You Won’t Forget at Archives
UFO sightings, songs and ASIO targets feature in a new exhibition at the National Archives of Australia in Canberra, entitled Memory of a Nation.
   Visitors can also learn about Mae West, Donald Bradman and Jimmy Barnes and take a glimpse at how Australian society has changed over the years.
    According to the Director-General of the National Archives of Australia, Ross Gibbs, the exhibition “celebrates the people and events that have shaped our nation."
   He said Memory of a Nation revealed Australia’s changing attitudes, as well as the country’s achievements.
   He said as well as seeing the nation’s ‘birth certificate’ signed by Queen Victoria and learning more about the High Court, visitors could read an official memo arguing against female appointments.
   They can see how early Governments safeguarded the morals of the people by censoring books and songs, and could also discover the infant green movement through the battle to save Lake Pedder.
   Mr Gibbs said the exhibition had taken two years to prepare.
   "With 80 million items in safekeeping, the National Archives aims to reunite people with their past and ensure Australians have easy access to their collective national memory," he said.
   One of the features of the exhibition is a wall display of 200 photographs depicting Australian life over the past 100 years, from country kids to ladies pursuing the heights of fashion.
   Memory of a Nation is open now at the NAA headquarters in Canberra and entry is free.

27 March, 2007
Internet Caught in Web of Democracy
More moves towards online democracy are to be embraced by the Federal Government with Special Minister of State, Gary Nairn announcing a plan to widen the number of web-based activities between the Australian people and their Government.
   Mr Nairn told an Australian Computer Society conference in Canberra that he intended to use web interactions between people and stakeholder organisations in the consultation phase of policy formation.
   "The plan is to publish the comments from those that provide feedback on proposals and publications with their agreement in a discussion forum space from the main Australian Government portal - www.australia.gov.au," Mr Nairn said.
   Launching the principles for ICT-Enabled Citizen Engagement at the conference, Mr Nairn said it followed the Government's March 2006 commitment to establish principles for online engagement to support a consistent experience for everyone engaging with the Government electronically. 
   "The launch of these principles supports this deliverable and is a good practical example of the consultation advocated in the e-Government Strategy," Mr Nairn said.
   “By examining existing national and international approaches to citizen engagement using ICT, we have ensured our principles will operate as a best practice guide.”
   When applied to Government and citizen consultative processes using ICT, he said the principles would guide, facilitate and encourage a consistent approach for agency and citizen engagement.
   The principles were developed in collaboration with a cross-jurisdictional public sector community of practice group, the e-Democracy Community of Practice.

27 March, 2007
Medical Rego Scheme Good For the Country
Prime Minister, John Howard has written to the Premiers and Chief Ministers urging support for a national registration and accreditation scheme for health professionals at the Council of Australian Governments meeting in April.
     COAG will examine the details of a national registration scheme for nine health professions - medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, physiotherapy, psychology, osteopathy and chiropractors - to start on 1 July 2008.
    Mr Howard said a national scheme would deliver many benefits to the Australian community.
   "Health professionals will be able to move easily between States and Territories, ensuring that services are delivered where and when they are needed without being held up by red tape," he said.
   "If a pharmacist or doctor needs a locum, they will be able to draw on a professional from any part of Australia as long as they are registered nationally.
   He said the community would know for the first time that if they were dealing with a nationally registered health professional, the same standards would apply whether the service was being delivered in “Broome or Bondi."
   The Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers agreed to a national scheme at COAG in July 2006.
   Since then, consultations have been conducted with relevant professional groups and many submissions received.
   Mr Howard said the nine health professions supported national registration, but wanted to ensure service quality was not compromised.
   "I do not consider that COAG will sign up to anything that diminishes the high standards of professional health services in Australia," Mr Howard said.
   "COAG will be interested, I am sure, in guaranteeing public safety, enabling portability of practice and reducing red tape," he said.

27 March, 2007
Red Letter Day For Green Corps
The youth program tackling environment and heritage projects – Green Corps – has turned 10  years old.
   Minister for Workforce Participation, Sharman Stone celebrated the program's achievements at a function with past and present members saying it gave young people between 17 and 20 the opportunity to work on environmental and heritage projects
   "Each project runs for six months, and participants get paid and receive accredited training while on the job," Dr Stone said
   "They also receive invaluable work experience and the life skills they need for their future careers."
   Dr Stone said that Green Corps teams had rebuilt the convict semaphore stations in Northern Tasmania, patched up World War Two air raid shelters under Mt Isa Hospital and restored iron lace on historic buildings in Bendigo
   "Today, close to 1000 young people are hard at work, restoring habitat, planting trees, monitoring flora and fauna and learning about environmental conservation," she said.
   "Since its inception, Green Corps has seen 16,000 young people plant 14 million trees, build more than 8000 kilometres of fencing and remove over 50,000 hectares of weeds."
   Dr Stone said the program also helped young people move into work, education or further training within three months of completing their placement.

27 March, 2007
ACMA Rings Up Phone Scam Warning
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has warned telephone users to be alert to scams using calls or texts to private telephones.
   ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman said consumers could be targeted by unscrupulous con-people and should be able to protect themselves from often ingenious scams.
   "As well as the cold call scams promising incredible investment returns that have been around for a while now, scammers are devising more sophisticated ways to take advantage of consumers through calls or texts to their fixed line and mobile phones," Mr Chapman said.
   "Consumers can avoid scams when they know what to look out for, or exercise caution so as not to fall into the scammer’s trap," he said.
   ACMA offered the following tips to help people protect themselves from phone scams.
   * Be suspicious of unexpected calls and text messages, especially those from 190 numbers that can invoke higher charges.
   * Hang up or text STOP to unwanted messages and if you receive messages from people you don't know, such as 'Hi I’m back', check the number before you reply to make sure you won’t be charged at a premium rate.
   * Don’t give out your number to just anyone, even if they claim to be from a reputable organisation. Ask them why they need your number and what will they use it for and look out for terms and conditions which permit the organisation to give your number to any other company.
   * Consider blocking your phone number when you make calls.
   More information is available from www.scamwatch.gov.au.

27 March, 2007
Flush Flood of Funds For Pacific Islands
Australia is to provide $3 million to help 10 Pacific island countries improve long range climate predictions.
   Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Greg Hunt, said the Pacific Islands Climate Prediction Project will be funded by the Australian Agency for International Development over three years.
   He said the project will be managed by the Bureau of Meteorology and include the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea and would improve the reliability of climate prediction.
   Mr Hunt said the Bureau would use special software to work with Pacific meteorological services to improve interpretation of climate prediction information.
   He said it built on long-standing cooperation between Australian and Pacific services.
   "The Pacific services are now moving beyond interpreting weather information to producing climate related information applicable to users' needs," Mr Hunt said.
   "Improved weather predictions will allow water resource management agencies and health authorities to prepare for the months ahead using probability-based forecasts.
   "Long-range climate prediction will also assist the agricultural, fishing and tourism industries in planning and can help Pacific island countries to prepare for the potential impact of climate change," he said.

20 March, 2007
Compo Cuts to Add Insult to Injury
A survey of more than 500 public sector workers from all major Government agencies has revealed concern and confusion about plans to cut conditions in the Australian Public Service.
   Conducted by the Community and Public Sector Union, the survey showed particular fears for cuts to PS compensation arrangements and the removal of cover for journeys to and from work.
   More than 90 per cent of respondents were “very concerned” at the proposals, the CPSU said.
   Legislation before the Senate includes removal of compensation protection for injuries sustained during travel to and from work, removal of coverage for accidents during lunch and other breaks and tougher claim assessments for workers suffering from psychological and stress-related conditions.
   The new law also expands the list of management actions that can be potentially excluded from future claims.
   According to the CPSU, nearly one third of those surveyed said that removing compensation for travel and lunchtime activities would make them less likely to continue walking or riding to and from work, exercising or keeping active during rest breaks.
   Nearly 65 per cent felt their employer was not doing enough to reduce the causes of work related stress.
   "At times I like to take a walk during breaks or ride my bike, promoting a healthy lifestyle," said one Medicare employee.
   "What am I to do if I have a serious fall or hit by another person?" the employee asked.
   Others wanted to know if staff would be covered when travelling interstate for meetings.
   CPSU National Secretary Stephen Jones said the changes aimed to cut costs and were unfair and unworkable.
   "The removal of travel and break coverage is just dead wrong," Mr Jones said.
   "These changes are in stark contrast to existing arrangements for Federal politicians who retain full coverage for injury or illness - whether on the job, traveling or on a break." he said.
    CPSU members were stepping up their campaign against the changes by sending online protests to Government Ministers and Senators.
   Mr Jones said the CPSU would continue to take the issue up with the Government.

20 March, 2007
Auditor in Tax Return Visit
Relations between the Australian Taxation Office and the nation’s army of tax practitioners had improved markedly in the past four years, an Auditor-General’s follow-up to a 2003 audit finding significant improvements in the relationship between the ATO and the tax reporting industry.
   In his report The Australian Taxation Office’s Management of its Relationship with Tax Practitioners: Follow-up Audit, the Auditor said the turnaround came about mainly due to the ATO implementing a number of recommendations made in his 2003 audit report.
   “Tax agents have assumed an increased importance in the operation of the tax system,” The Auditor-General said in his latest report.
   “The relationship between the ATO and tax practitioners is multi-dimensional, dynamic and evolving.”
   He said the ATO’s interactions with Australia’s 26,000 tax agents served a number of different functions including client support, service support, regulatory support and active compliance.
   “The ATO and tax practitioners often have different and sometimes divergent interests,” the Auditor said.
   “These factors ensure the relationship will be complex and at times fractious, despite each party’s recognition that the relationship is one of mutual dependency.”
   In his 2003 report the Auditor found the relationship between the Taxation Office and the tax agents was best be described as “strained and tense.” He made 10 recommendations to improve the relationship.
   Following his latest audit, he reports on progress.
   “The ATO had implemented four (of the 2003 recommendations), substantially implemented four and had partially implemented one other.”
   He said action on the final recommendation hinged on legislative changes announced in last year’s Budget to substantially overhaul the tax practitioner industry.
   The Auditor also reported that the attitudes of tax agents towards the ATO had also improved, independent studies conducted for the ATO finding satisfaction levels among agents increasing from 39 per cent in 2003 to 70 per cent in 2005 and the level of dissatisfaction falling from 38 per cent to 14 per cent in the same period.
   Despite these improvements the Auditor made six additional recommendations in the follow-up audit the ATO has accepted them all.

20 March, 2007
Freedom Too Expensive for ACT FOI
The ACT Government has amended its Freedom of Information Act to allow Government Agencies to deny FOI requests if they are considered too costly or a security risk.
   ACT Attorney-General, Simon Corbell said the amendment would stop tax payers’ money from being “unreasonably diverted” towards unnecessary high costs incurred by FOI requests.
   He said a recent FOI request for very document relating to Aboriginal land rights in the Australian Capital Territory would have involved over 30,000 documents and diverted the work of an Indigenous policy unit for “months.”
   Mr Corbell was reported in the Canberra Times as saying a single FOI request could cost up to $30,000.
   He said requests under the Act would only be denied if their criteria were not refined or if they diverted unreasonable amounts of public resources.
   Opposition Leader, Bill Stefaniak said the tight new laws could give the Government more power to deny FOI requests.
   “The Government can allege that a request for information would cost too much or be too difficult to produce,” Mr Stefaniak said.
   “To deprive the public of its right to know about the workings of its own Government is an act of total hypocrisy.”
   Mr Corbell defended the new rules saying the ACT also risked being denied intelligence from the Commonwealth if it did not protect documents which could affect national security.
    Leader of the Greens in the ACT, Dr Deb Foskey said healthy democracies required information to base judgments about Government policies and behaviour.
   “These amendments lower the bar and militate against good governance,” Dr Foskey said. 
   “I was disappointed that no-one else voted against this anti-democratic legislation in the Assembly.”

20 March, 2007
Treasury Banks on Former Staff
The Department of the Treasury is calling on former staff members to join the Treasury Alumni Program
   Offering a chance for former and retired employees to keep in touch with Treasury colleagues, the program will also keep Alumni members informed of Departmental events and employment opportunities. 
   It is also expected to provide a rich vein of talent for Treasury to access the right people for temporary or permanent positions.
   According to Department PR, the Alumni would also allow Treasury to rediscover and protect its valuable corporate knowledge, as well as the skills and experience developed by former or retired employees.
   According to organisers, the program will also be helpful in building a community of informed and interested former employees which will assist the Treasury to strengthen its links to the wider community. On the other hand it will also enable former and retired employees to maintain their relationship with Treasury if they so choose. 
   A welcome benefit to Alumni members is their access to flexible long and short term employment positions and opportunities to maintain professional knowledge and share expertise and mentor colleagues.
     Treasury is keen to hear from former employees who might want to join the Alumni and more information is available on www.treasury.gov.au.

20 March, 2007
CSIRO Star Shines in Fulbright Honour 
Scientist with the Commonwealth Scientific, Industrial and Research Organisation, Dr Brent McInnes, has received the Fulbright Business/Industry (Coral Sea) Award.
   Dr McInnes works with CSIRO Exploration and Mining in Perth, WA, and is one of 21 Australians to become a Fulbright Scholar in 2007
   Through the award, Dr McInnes will be seconded to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland where he will review materials measurement and characterisation strategies being developed for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission, Mars Science Laboratory Mission and Earth Observation System Program.
   Dr McInnes was very pleased to receive the award and said there would be benefits to both CSIRO Exploration and Mining and NASA through his secondment.
   “CSIRO has been involved in the development of remotely operated mining vehicles for over a decade and the next stage of evolution of this technology will be to incorporate geochemical analysis and mineralogy sensor feedbacks for use in hazardous or isolated environments,” Dr McInnes said.
   “My research project will review approaches being developed for the US space exploration program and consider commercial applications of these methods in Australia’s exploration and mining industry."
   He said NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center was developing highly advanced sensors and platforms that conducted scientific measurements and delivered integrated information products to remote observers.
   Some of these technologies will have commercial applications in the Australian minerals industry, he said.
   “My research project will review approaches being developed for the US space exploration program and consider commercial applications of these methods in Australia’s exploration and mining industry."
    Dr McInnes is a geology graduate from McMaster and Ottawa universities and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the California Institute of Technology.
   He was recruited to Australia by CSIRO and holds an adjunct appointment at Curtin University.
   The Fulbright program is the largest educational scholarship of its kind, created by US Senator J. William Fulbright and the US Government in 1946. Aimed at promoting mutual understanding through educational exchange, it operates between the US and 150 countries.

20 March, 2007
Help Sessions Make History at Archives
The National Archives of Australia has launched help sessions for researchers and family history buffs.
   Archives’ Canberra staff are to show members of the public what the collection offers and how information seekers can find what they need.
   The one-hour sessions will cover the types of documents and other items held in the Archives collection, which includes a wealth of war service and immigration records.
   The Archive preserves important Commonwealth records, which are eligible for release to the public after 30 years.
   As well as defence and immigration papers, the collection includes details of Government, employment, security and business dealings over the years.
   According to Archives, the new help sessions will provide step-by-step instruction on how to search the collection and how to request original documents for viewing in the Archives reading room.
   After the session, the reading room will be open until 9pm (the normal Tuesday hours) so those attending can have a practice run with supervision.
   Intending participants need to book their places by emailing events@naa.gov.au or calling 02-6212 3900.

20 March, 2007
DIAC in the Pink Over Blood Challenge
   By Vikki Dahl*  
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship recently took part in ‘The Canberra Sunday Times Corporate and Community Donor Program’.
   Kicking off in 2006, the annual corporate challenge operates on a two-tiered winner system – the highest number of blood donations and the highest percentage of donating employees.
   At a local Canberra restaurant on 19 February, the Red Cross hosted an awards evening and presented winning organisations with plaques to thank them for their life saving gifts. 
   An outstanding 1000 donations by DIAC staff ensured a win in the 'highest number of donations in the public sector' category.  A big thank you and congratulations goes to the DIAC donors.
   Secretary Andrew Metcalfe accepted the award, soon to be displayed in the foyer of the National Office in Canberra.
   Second in the public sector category was Centrelink with 510 donations, followed by the Department of Health and Ageing with 382. 
   It’s a fact our health system would sink if not for blood donors, said secretary of the Department of Health and Ageing, Jane Halton at the presentation evening.
   Ms Halton went on to lay down a challenge to Mr Metcalfe, promising that Health will ‘knock DIAC off the winner’s perch in 2007’.   It’s a challenge the secretary has confidently accepted. 
   Reinforcing the blood donor message, the following statistics highlight why it’s important to have donations flowing into the blood bank:
   * 42  – the number of days that red cells (that carry oxygen) last
   * Up to 12 – the number of months plasma lasts
   * 5 – the number of days platelets last.
   And perhaps the most compelling statistic:
   * Up to 3000 – the number of lives that 1000 DIAC donations could save in the community.
  
   * Vikki Dahl is from DIAC’s National Office

20 March, 2007
Defence Sends Top Guns To Air Show
The Australian Defence Force’s biggest and fastest aviation assets are on display this week at the Australian International Air Show 2007 at Avalon Airport, Victoria.
   More than 40 aircraft, representing the full spectrum of Defence air power will be sent to the show, which is the largest air show in the southern hemisphere.
   Air Force’s biggest aircraft and its most recent acquisition, the C-17 will attend. There will also be F/A-18 Hornets, F-111s, Hawk jet aircraft, along with C-130 Hercules, PC-9 trainers, a Caribou and a B707 tanker. 
   The RAAF Roulettes will entertain the crowds with their popular aerobatics.
   The Army will showcase their Blackhawk, Tiger, Kiowa and Iroquois helicopters, while Navy’s Sea Hawk and Sea King helicopters will be on display.
   On the ground, there will be an Abrams tank, an Australian light armoured vehicle, Navy clearance divers, artillery and military working dogs. More than 600 personnel will attend.
   According to Defence PR, the display will demonstrate Defence aviation and surface capabilities to Australia and the world.
   In addition a large number of aviation-related career paths will be revealed, the RAAF seeing the air show as a chance to inspire the next generation of air crew and ground support teams.
   Defence also sees the air show as an important opportunity to engage with industry representatives and our international military counterparts.
   The Australian International Air Show runs from 20 to 25 March, with public access from 23 to 25 March.

20 March, 2007
ASIO Chief Takes Terror To The Streets
The Director-General of Security, Paul O'Sullivan has met with the Federal, State and Territory transport ministers to discuss security aspects of Australia’s surface transport.
   Mr O'Sullivan told the meeting that a terrorist attack in Australia was feasible and could well occur .
   "We are a target because of who we are – a Western country, aligned with the United States, the United Kingdom and others who are seen as ‘crusader’ nations," Mr O’Sullivan said.
    He said the threat from global Islamist terrorism continued to evolve, with the main terrorist threat to Australia continuing to be from Islamic extremists connected to or inspired by Al Qaeda.
   "Although many senior Al Qaeda identities have been captured or killed, Al Qaeda is resilient and continues to be influential in extremist circles," he said.
   "Internet chat rooms, web forums and other sites facilitate the dissemination of extremist literature, videos and audio material and provide opportunities for perpetuating the single narrative of extremism and promoting a broader process of radicalisation – including of people in Australia."
    Mr O'Sullivan noted that in 2006, Al Qaeda’s media arm released 48 video statements – the most ever released in one year – underlining their role as a mobiliser and ideological driver of global jihad. 
   "We know that extremists continue to plan attacks in a diverse range of countries around the globe with the objective of inflicting mass casualties and spreading fear," he said.
   "While the Australian context may differ from the security situation in other countries, the threat to Australia and Australian interests cannot be considered in isolation.
   "Known extremists in Australia and those who may be on the path of radicalisation see themselves as part of a wider global phenomenon," he said.
    Mr O'Sullivan said that in 2006, for the first time in several years, there were no mass casualty attacks outside Iraq claimed by or reliably attributed to Al Qaida. 
   However, a number of plots of varying significance were disrupted, including in Egypt (April), India (January, May and July – although there was a major attack in Mumbai in July), Jordan (March), Switzerland (May), Morocco (July and November), Pakistan (April), Turkey (April), United States (June), Canada (June), United Kingdom (June and August) and Denmark (September).
   "While the disruption of planned attacks may be reassuring at one level, the scope and scale of the planned attacks indicates that the general threat picture throughout many regions of the world remains bleak," he said.

20 March, 2007
Chinese Lawyers Have Writs About them
Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock has marked the start of the Australia-China Legal Profession Development program by meeting 10 lawyers from China for lunch.
   The group, which includes Judge Yang Honglei from China's Supreme People's Court, will spend the next four months in private law firms, regulatory agencies, law societies, universities and State Government Departments.
   Mr Ruddock said the program would help China develop its legal profession by providing placements in areas where Australia had established expertise.
   "The program will also benefit Australia,” he said, “By helping to promote trust and understanding the legal sectors of our two countries."
   He said the Chinese lawyers would be ambassadors for Australia's legal sector on their return to China.
   The Australia-China Legal Profession Development program is a joint initiative of the Attorney-General's Department, the Law Council of Australia, International Legal Services Advisory Council, Chinese Ministry of Justice and the All China Lawyers Association.
   Six of the group are mid career legal professionals sponsored by AusAID's Australian Leadership Awards Fellowships Program, while four are younger lawyers sponsored under AusAID's China Australia Governance Program.
   The lawyers have attended the Australian Securities and Investments Commission summer school and a number of specialised training sessions at the Attorney-General's Department and Australian universities will also form part of their visit.

20 March, 2007
Watchdogs Sign up for New Leash on Life
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to bring about closer cooperation and information exchange.
   The MOU was signed in Melbourne by ACCC Chairman, Graeme Samuel, and AUSTRAC Chief Executive, Neil Jensen.
   The two leaders said it recognises the importance of cooperation to promote confidence in the integrity of the Australian financial system and to ensure a fair and competitive environment for business and consumers alike.
   The ACCC promotes competition and fair trading in the market place and AUSTRAC is Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulator.
   The two agencies have agreed to exchange information, to refer appropriate matters to one another and cooperate in regulation, compliance and enforcement, consistent with relevant laws.
   The MOU will enable ongoing collaboration between the two agencies and the opportunity for more formal arrangements for closer cooperation.
   Mr Samuel said promoters of illegal schemes were often based overseas and used a variety of deceptive techniques and practices to obtain funds illegally. 
   "These evasive tactics will not deter the ACCC from pursuing illegal schemes, including taking enforcement action against local and overseas operators," he said.
   Mr Jensen said the agreement complemented joint training activities already underway between the two agencies. 
   "AUSTRAC has MOUs with more than 30 Australian partner agencies as well as 48 exchange instruments with foreign Government agencies," he said.

20 March, 2007
Broadband Booming Despite Narrow View
The Australian broadband network continues to grow rapidly despite “noise and bluster” about telecommunications competition and access regulation, according to the Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Graeme Samuel.
   But he said two questions about further development of the network remained to be answered: What form would the network ultimately take and who would own it.
   Mr Samuel said that at present, around 91 per cent of the population was connected via the copper wire network to local exchanges offering ADSL or ADSL2+ broadband, with speeds of up to 8 Mb per second to 20 Mbps.
   "Increased competition has spurred carriers, including Telstra, to roll out ADSL2+ services," Mr Samuel said.
   "These are now available to around 46 per cent of households.”
   He said, in addition, mobile broadband was now available to 98 per cent of the population."
   Based on figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Mr Samuel said household broadband penetration had reached 42 per cent, up 130 per cent over the past 18 months.
   "This suggests broadband is booming," Mr Samuel said. "But despite this, Telstra argues we are in a 'broadband drought’."
   He said Telstra's recent market briefing indicated it could turn on ADSL2+ in as little as 48 hours but it argued that without regulatory certainty, it could not offer ADSL2+ in exchanges where its competitors did not already offer this service.
   "However there is a very easy way for Telstra to receive absolute regulatory certainty,” Mr Samuel said. “By asking for an exemption from regulation for ADSL2+.”
   He said if the ACCC could be satisfied that an exemption should be granted, Telstra would not be forced to give its competitors access to the service.
   "Let me be perfectly clear,” Mr Samuel said.
   "You can't get much more certainty than that," he said.

20 March, 2007
Breeding Program Comes of Age
The Plant Breeder’s Rights Scheme has turned 20 years old and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry Tourism and Resources, Bob Baldwin, said the anniversary was significant.
   Administered by IP Australia, the scheme protects innovation in the plant breeding sector and helps Australians access to new plants and their products.
   "The PBR scheme offers a commercial safeguard to plant breeders in a highly competitive global market," Mr Baldwin said.
   “In its 20 years, PBR has assisted many individuals and organisations to protect their investment in new plant varieties.”
   He said the first plants to be protected under the scheme were Australian macadamias, and since then an average of more than one variety of plant has been lodged with IP Australia every working day.
   Mr Baldwin said PBRs were exclusive commercial rights to a registered variety and were a form of intellectual property which would help establish and maintain exclusive control over the propagation, distribution and sale of registered plant varieties.
   He said Australia had the largest spread of registered varieties of any country in the world and the ongoing strength of investment in plant breeding was underpinning a well-established domestic market and leading to significant growth in exports.
   “Agriculture is one of Australia’s most important industries, and investment here alone has resulted in the registration of 1000 new varieties of field crops and pastures," he said.
   “As a result, Australian wheat and barley is now being bred to export into Asia to produce noodles and beer," Mr Baldwin said.

20 March, 2007
Marine Council to Make a Splash
Members of the Advisory Council for the Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility program have been announced by the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull.
   The Council includes representatives from regional business and industry, research organisations, indigenous and community groups and will advise the Government on its $40 million marine and tropical science research program.
   Mr Turnbull said the MTSRF was a multi-disciplinary approach to environmental research aimed at protecting North Queensland reefs and rainforests, such as the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests and the Torres Strait. It will advise on future annual research plans, funding for emerging issues and the overall performance of the program.
   Mr Turnbull said the council had the right blend of expertise and experience to provide quality advice about environmental research priorities for North Queensland.
   He said Council chair John McIntyre was well known in the North Queensland tourism industry through his work with Tropical Tourism North Queensland and the Australian Rainforest Foundation, he said.
   “I have asked the Council to consult widely with North Queensland communities, including Indigenous and Torres Strait communities, industry and businesses and the scientific community when developing its advice," Mr Turnbull said.
   Other board members include Associate Professor Bob Beeton as Deputy Chair and Professor Scott Bowman, Russell Beer, Suzie Christensen, Dr Victoria Gordon, Tim Nevard, Greg Peel, Councillor George Pitt, Geoff Plante, Alan Wallish and Stewart Wood.

20 March, 2007
Drought Bus Goes to Water
The sound of rain was a highlight of Centrelink’s drought bus tour of central and western Queensland.
   The drought bus left Toowoomba on 15 January, bringing assistance to more than 800 farmers and small businesses over its four week, 3000 kilometre journey.
   Centrelink’s Rural Services Officer, Janelle Searles said the mobile office visited 18 towns to promote the $2.3 billion drought assistance package as well as to explain Medicare services.
   "We travelled to many remote communities not used to receiving such direct Government assistance," Ms Searles said.
   "There was keen interest in the Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment for graziers and farm-dependent small businesses as well as a range of other Centrelink payments and services," she said.
   The bus was warmly welcomed wherever it went, particularly in the final days of the tour when the skies opened.
   "The rain seemed to follow us," Ms Searles said. "So much so, we had people asking if the bus could park in their backyards for another week!"
   During February, rugby league legend and Department of Human Services Indigenous Ambassador, Arthur Beetson joined the bus for the day, visiting the area's schools and aged care home, sharing stories and a barbeque with the locals.
   One of our key messages to farmers and small businesses was not to self-assess their eligibility for Government support, Ms Searles said.
   She said farmers and others affected by the drought in rural areas could call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 2316 for advice or check the Centrelink website.

20 March, 2007
Swag of Cash For Waltzing Matilda Museum
The Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton, Queensland is to receive $308,000 in Commonwealth funding to help tell the story of Australia's unofficial national anthem.
   Deputy Prime Minister, Mark Vaile, and MP for Maranoa, Bruce Scott, announced the grant at a community morning tea at the Centre recently.
   Mr Vaile said Waltzing Matilda was Australia's unofficial national anthem.
   "Its words remind us of our national heritage and its music will forever be associated with Australian soldiers marching to war and coming home again," Mr Vaile said.
   "The Australian Government has now supported more than 1100 initiatives under the Regional Partnerships program to help foster the development of more prosperous and self-reliant communities," he said.
   Mr Scott said that world class tourism attractions were crucial to the further development of the regional tourism market.
   "The Waltzing Matilda Centre records the history of the song and tells its story through a sound and light show," he said.
   "This grant will enable the centre to upgrade its billabong area, as well as improving access to the building and installing air conditioning," he said.
   He said it was important to have unique tourist stops that told the history of the region to encourage people to stay to learn more about Winton and the wider area.
   "This is the reason for the widespread support for this project from the local council and businesses, and I thank them for their ongoing support," he said.
   Funds are subject to a commitment from the Winton Shire Council to maintain the facility for the next five years.

13 March, 2007
Air Tragedy Claims Public Servants
Two Public Servants and two Federal Police Agents have been killed in an aircraft disaster in Indonesia.
   Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Michael L’Estrange confirmed the deaths, adding that a fifth Australian had also perished in the crash at Yogyakarta on Wednesday 7 March.
   The Public Servants and Policemen worked at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta and the fifth man was a journalist with the Australian Financial Review.
   Mr L’Estrange named the victims as AusAID’s Allison Sudradjat, Elizabeth O’Neill OAM, Federal Agents Mark Scott and Brice Steel and journalist Morgan Mellish.
   Mr L’Estrange said DFAT officer, Elizabeth O‘Neill, was a deeply respected colleague who would be sadly missed.
   ‘There are so many people in DFAT whose lives were touched by Liz,” Mr L’Estrange said.
   “She was a colleague who was deeply respected for her professional skills and who was enormously popular because of the person she was: generous, open, warm and full of life.”
   He said she worked tirelessly for Australia in a number of locations overseas and she helped countless Australians along the way.
   Ms O’nNeill had been Counsellor for Public Affairs in Jakarta since February 2004 Embassy and had helped it meet the challenges of the Embassy bombing in 2004 and the Asian tsunami
   “Liz won the respect, in particular, of Australian and Indonesian journalists for her integrity and professionalism, and for the important work she performed in strengthening Australia/Indonesia relations.”
   Mr L’Estrange expressed his condolences to Ms O’Neill’s family.
   “To Liz's husband Wayne, their daughter Lucinda, Liz's parents, her brothers and her sister, all the officers of DFAT extend our deepest sympathy and our strongest support.
   “We are all the poorer for Liz's passing but we are all better people for having known her.”
   Mr L’Estrange described Allison Sudradjat as compassionate and dedicated.
   “Allison achieved many wonderful outcomes for people in need around the world and particularly in Indonesia and PNG,” he said.
   Ms Sudradjat was AusID’s most senior official in Indonesia and head of Australia's aid program.
    “All of Allison's many friends in DFAT extend to her husband, her children and all the other members of her family our heartfelt sympathy,” Mr L’Estrange said.
   Director-General of AusAID, Bruce Davis, said Ms Sudradjat had led Australia's humanitarian response to some of the region's worst disasters in recent years.
   “She was also a bold, passionate advocate for attacking poverty at its roots, working for better schools, better health and better Government, Mr Davis said.
   “She was an inspirational leader and people looked to her with great respect, admiration and fondness.
   “We will miss her enormously.”
   Mr L’Estrange also extended condolences to the families of Federal Police Agents Scott and Steele, saying they were dedicated, skilled and highly respected police officers.

13 March, 2007
Air Tragedy Claims Public Servants
Two Public Servants and two Federal Police Agents have been killed in an aircraft disaster in Indonesia.
   Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Michael L’Estrange confirmed the deaths, adding that a fifth Australian had also perished in the crash at Yogyakarta on Wednesday 7 March.
   The Public Servants and Policemen worked at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta and the fifth man was a journalist with the Australian Financial Review.
   Mr L’Estrange named the victims as AusAID’s Allison Sudradjat, Elizabeth O’Neill OAM, Federal Agents Mark Scott and Brice Steel and journalist Morgan Mellish.
   Mr L’Estrange said DFAT officer, Elizabeth O‘Neill, was a deeply respected colleague who would be sadly missed.
   ‘There are so many people in DFAT whose lives were touched by Liz,” Mr L’Estrange said.
   “She was a colleague who was deeply respected for her professional skills and who was enormously popular because of the person she was: generous, open, warm and full of life.”
   He said she worked tirelessly for Australia in a number of locations overseas and she helped countless Australians along the way.
   Ms O’nNeill had been Counsellor for Public Affairs in Jakarta since February 2004 Embassy and had helped it meet the challenges of the Embassy bombing in 2004 and the Asian tsunami
   “Liz won the respect, in particular, of Australian and Indonesian journalists for her integrity and professionalism, and for the important work she performed in strengthening Australia/Indonesia relations.”
   Mr L’Estrange expressed his condolences to Ms O’Neill’s family.
   “To Liz's husband Wayne, their daughter Lucinda, Liz's parents, her brothers and her sister, all the officers of DFAT extend our deepest sympathy and our strongest support.
   “We are all the poorer for Liz's passing but we are all better people for having known her.”
   Mr L’Estrange described Allison Sudradjat as compassionate and dedicated.
   “Allison achieved many wonderful outcomes for people in need around the world and particularly in Indonesia and PNG,” he said.
   Ms Sudradjat was AusID’s most senior official in Indonesia and head of Australia's aid program.
    “All of Allison's many friends in DFAT extend to her husband, her children and all the other members of her family our heartfelt sympathy,” Mr L’Estrange said.
   Director-General of AusAID, Bruce Davis, said Ms Sudradjat had led Australia's humanitarian response to some of the region's worst disasters in recent years.
   “She was also a bold, passionate advocate for attacking poverty at its roots, working for better schools, better health and better Government, Mr Davis said.
   “She was an inspirational leader and people looked to her with great respect, admiration and fondness.
   “We will miss her enormously.”
   Mr L’Estrange also extended condolences to the families of Federal Police Agents Scott and Steele, saying they were dedicated, skilled and highly respected police officers.

13 March, 2007
Safety Pinned on Procurement Officers
Staff purchasing goods and services for the Commonwealth will find it easier to consider Occupational Health and Safety issues following the publication of a guide by the Australian Safety and Compensation Council.
   ASCC Chairman, Bill Scales said the guide was a significant step towards improving the workplace safety culture in Australia.
   “This publication provides procurement managers with simple to use checklists, templates and models to ensure Occupational Health and Safety is considered in each stage of the procurement cycle," Mr Scales said.
   "It provides Government organisations with the information they need to build Occupational Health and Safety into their everyday procurement processes,” he said.
    Mr Scales said the guide included examples of OHS clauses as well as worksheets and safe work procedure templates.
   He said Governments at all levels spend about $60 billion a year on capital assets, maintenance, goods and services.
   “As major purchasers of goods and services, Governments have the potential to improve safety outcomes by considering safety when they make procurement decisions," he said.
   “This publication, developed by the Australian Safety and Compensation Council, gives practical advice and tools which can be used by all government agencies," he said.
   The guide can be found at www.ascc.gov.au

13 March, 2007
Reconciliation Wins in Art Attack
The Australian Public Service Commission has launched a national art competition to mark the 40-year anniversary of the 1967 referendum that saw Aboriginal Australians counted in the national Census and granted access to Government services.
   Public Service Commissioner, Lynelle Briggs, opened the art competition, announcing it would offer prizes of more than $80,000 and be based on the theme “reconciliation.”
   Entitled Drawing Together … Ms Briggs said the competition would be open to all Australians prepared to explore the concept of reconciliation through drawing, painting or print.
   “This is far more than a just an art competition,” Mr Briggs said. “It is far more than just an exhibition.”
   She said the overwhelming support and success of the 1967 referendum continued to be remembered for the powerful portrait it presented of an Australian people who were ready and willing to move forward together in the pursuit of equality for all.
   She said the competition challenged all Australian artists to consider and explore the concept of reconciliation.
   “I am hoping that artists entering this competition will represent all components of Australian society,” Ms Briggs said.
   She said part of the Drawing Together … initiative included an exhibition of Indigenous artwork, made up from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs art collection held by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
   “This prestigious exhibition will incorporate short-listed pieces from the Drawing Togethr …competition and will culminate in the presentation of major awards on 11 July.”
   She said agencies that were supporting the initiative – and who had contributed to the prize money – included FaCSIA, Attorney-General’s, Treasury, Centrelink, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Agriculture, Australian Quarantine Service, the Department of Health and Ageing and the Australian Customs Service.
   Further support had been given by Archives and the National Museum.
   The winner of the competition would receive $40,000 with four category prizes of $10,000 and a further two prizes of $1000 each.

13 March, 2007
ASIO Dealt Out of Access Card Game
The Australia Security and Intelligence Organisation will not have online access to the proposed access card according to the Director-General of Security, Paul O’Sullivan.
   Mr O’Sullivan told the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration that ASIO operated strictly within the legislative framework put in place by the Parliament and any requests for access to personal information held by the Commonwealth was limited to what was reasonably necessary for the purposes of approved investigations.
   "These guidelines are available publicly, including on ASIO’s website," Mr O’Sullivan said.
   He said ASIO did not require a warrant from the Attorney-General to seek information from other Commonwealth agencies.
   "Increasingly, people who are of security interest are becoming more adept at concealing their activities and true intentions," Mr O’Sullivan said.
   "Investigations into their activities which are relevant to security need to be done discreetly if they are to be effective."
   He said that any requirement which demanded the consent of individuals before collection of their personal information, or required them to be advised of the purpose of the collection, or provided for access to ASIO records, would necessarily be completely incompatible with discreet investigations.
   "Such requirements would alert people of security interest to the existence of covert investigations and would risk inappropriate disclosure of ASIO’s methods, capabilities and sources."
   He said ASIO would not have on-line access to the access card register or database – requests for information would be made to the Department of Human Services.
    "Neither will ASIO officers be permitted to ask to see the access card of a person who is to be interviewed, consistent with Clause 6(2) of the Human Services (Enhanced Service Delivery) Bill 2007," he said.
    Mr O’Sullivan said section 20 of the ASIO Act placed a special responsibility on the Director-General of Security to take all reasonable steps to ensure that ASIO's work is limited to what is necessary to discharge its functions.

13 March, 2007
Union Bargains On Big Year Ahead
The Community and Public Sector Union’s Governing Council met in Canberra recently to plan its approach to the year ahead.
   The three day meeting covered the new workplace laws, protecting members’ pay and conditions and their rights at work.
   The council noted the successful implementation of the CPSU core bargaining claim which had enabled union members to protect and significantly improve their pay and conditions over the past 12 months.
   It adopted a range of modifications to the core claim and to general approach to bargaining.
   "These will give us the scope to better deal with a range of critical emerging issues," the Union said.
   Issues of concern included changes to Occupational Health and Safety legislation that excluded unions from the process, workers compensation arrangements that watered down the definition of injury and abolished journey or travel claims and options which would  ensure environmentally sustainable outcomes in bargaining.
   The Council said the Union movement’s Your Rights at Work campaign had seen strong participation in CPSU workplace activities, ACTU rallies and other campaign events.
   "We know that to successfully represent our members, we need to have industrial and political power," the CPSU said.
   "Industrial power comes from the workplace, political power comes from having influence over policy and decision makers in Parliament."
   The Council decided to develop a core political claim with clear industrial and social objectives.
   It said this included adopting the CPSU/ACTU industrial relations policy, the minimum employer contribution of 15.4 per cent for employee superannuation for all Government employees and a minimum of 14 weeks paid maternity leave.
   The Council also supported restitution of employee rights to union protection in Occupational Health and Safety matters and commitment to an independent, apolitical public service.
    The council authorised the development of a detailed political campaign plan which outlines the strategies required to deliver on the political core claim.
   It said formal affiliation of the CPSU with the Australian Labor Party would be part of this plan.
   The Council said affiliation would establish a formal working relationship between CPSU and the ALP that would operate in a similar way to existing Trade and Labour Council or ACTU affiliations.
   It said the move would not mean that CPSU members automatically became ALP members.

13 March, 2007
Drive to Get Women Into Computers
Women are to be encouraged to join the Information and Communications Technology sector with a $70,000 support program announced by the Minister for Communications, Information Technology, Senator Helen Coonan.
   Senator Coonan said women accounted for fewer than 18 per cent of all ICT employees in Australia and the Government wanted to see that percentage increase.
   "The Australian Government is committed to increasing the productivity of Australia’s ICT sector through the improved retention and progression of female ICT professionals,” Senator Coonan said.
   “In an environment where the demand for ICT skills is increasing, retaining ICT professionals is crucial for individual businesses and the wider economy."
   She said the funds would be used for training and encouraging the development of an ICT workplace that was attractive and flexible for women.
   The initiative will be led and part-funded by the Australian Information Industry Association and the Australian Computer Society.
   “This training initiative will provide female ICT professionals and their employers with the confidence, knowledge and skills to address the cultural and workplace barriers that limit their ability to maintain and progress careers in the ICT sector,” Senator Coonan said.
   The initiative will build on and complement current resources and training opportunities, such as the Women’s Leadership and Development Program administered by the Office for Women.

13 March, 2007
APRA Scholarships on the Money
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has announced it will offer four scholarships in 2007, each worth $12,500, to promote research in financial studies.
   The Brian Gray Scholarships are open to final year full-time Honours and PhD students in finance, economics, actuarial science, econometrics, statistics and related disciplines. Post‑graduate students may also apply.
   The scholarship program was established by APRA and the Reserve Bank of Australia in 2002 in memory of Brian Gray, APRA’s former Executive General Manager of Policy, Research and Consulting.
   Mr Gray spent more than two decades shaping regulatory policy at the RBA and later at APRA.
   APRA Deputy Chairman, Ross Jones said APRA was proud to support research in financial services and up‑and‑coming finance professionals.
   “The scholarships support ongoing and innovative research and study in financial studies which we expect will be of benefit to both APRA and the financial services sector,” Mr Jones said.
   Applications are open to Australian and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents studying relevant topics.
   All applications must be made via the APRA website at www.apra.gov.au/Careers/Brian-Gray-Scholarship-Program.cfm.
   Further information is available by emailing colleen.cassidy@apra.gov.au or from the website. Applications 20 April 2007

13 March, 2007
Work Starts on Fresh Mint
Refurbishment work has begun at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra.
   Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Chris Pearce, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Administration, Richard Colbeck have announced that   Stage 1 of the six-stage project had started with the excavation of a tunnel in the Mint’s basement.
   Mr Pearce said The Mint was built in 1965 and had had only minor renovations since.
   "The Mint has produced over 14 billion decimal coins, and last financial year added 634 million coins to Australia’s stock of coins,” he said.
   “Clearly the demand for coin remains healthy despite the growth in credit cards and electronic transactions.”
   He said the renovations would cost around $41.2 million and were due to be finished in 2009.
   Senator Colbeck said the Mint buildings were managed by the Department of Finance and Administration which was working with all the parties involved to ensure the project met the Mint’s future requirements, while causing minimal disruptions to operations.
   “The Mint has accepted an invitation from the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner to participate in its model client initiative, with the refurbishment project being identified as a showcase for Occupational Health and Safety management in the construction industry,” Senator Colbeck said.

13 March, 2007
Call to Rebuild Housing
Program
A review commissioned by the Commonwealth Government has recommended a major overhaul of indigenous housing arrangements.
   The review by PricewaterhouseCoopers found the $380 million community housing and infrastructure program was vulnerable to financial mismanagement and nepotism and recommended it be scrapped.
   The review said a new organisation should be set up to focus on housing needs in the Northern Territory and remote areas of Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia.
    It recommended all other indigenous housing should be handed over to mainstream services.
   The report says a three-year repair blitz is needed to increase the number and standard of homes and reduce overcrowding.
   It also recommended the Government offer assistance for people to move to areas with better access to basic services.
   The report is being considered by the Government.

13 March, 2007
Music Documentary Strikes Right Note
The Australian Film Commission and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation have launched an online music documentary, The Pure Drop.
   It can be found at http://thepuredop.com.au.
   The project is part of the AFC/ABC Broadband Production Initiative and is the first interactive music documentary produced from that initiative.
   "The combination of video interviews, MP3 audio content, extensive links and teachers' notes, guarantee that The Pure Drop will become an essential resource for music lovers and educators,” said Carolyn MacDonald from ABC New Media and Digital Services.
   She said it would also become an online destination for people with a passion for documentary.
   Acting Chief Executive at the AFC, Chris Fitchett said the Commission was delighted to partner with the ABC on such projects.
   "The Pure Drop is a wonderful example of the kind of innovation and quality that Australian practitioners can create in the digital domain," Mr Fitchett said.
   The Pure Drop features traditional and world music, including performances and interviews with musicians from the far reaches of the globe. It explores the stories behind the music of multicultural Australia in 11 eleven episodes that combine short video documentaries with interactive content to inspire music lovers, musicians, researchers and students.
   The program can be viewed as Flash video or downloaded as MP4 and has more than six hours of short video clips including concerts, exclusive performances and interactive interviews.
   Artists include Stiff Gins, Yothu Yindi and many more.

13 March, 2007
The RAAF’s Irene is a Cut Above
Royal Australian Air Force Warrant Officer, Irene Leurs become a role model for women in the Air Force in more ways than one.
   According to Air Force News, Warrant Officer Leurs is the first airwoman to be appointed as the Air Force Service Women's Adviser.
   The position was created in the 10s and was filled by a female senior commissioned officer until last year, when Warrant Officer Leurs got the job.
   According to the newspaper, the role is unusual, but one that needs an excellent understanding of the Air Force and the way things are done.
   Essentially, Warrant Officer Leurs is the person to contact for women in the Air Force needing advice about uniforms or who has a new idea about how the whole thing could be changed.
   Past holders of the job instigated changes that made uniform easier to wear, wash and iron.
   “The current Manual of Dress is a little antiquated and has contradictory instructions on the wearing of certain female uniform items," WOFF Leurs said.
   "One of my major tasks is to re-write the publication and produce a manual that is easier to read and follow.”
   She said uniforms were an essential part of the military ethos and reinforced the self-discipline and high standardsAir Force members must maintain.
   She said the uniform may not be a perfect fit for everybody and she was happy to listen to suggestions, however, cost, serviceability and practicality must be considered.
   “While we try to keep the uniform updated, we must still maintain a conservative style indicative of our role in the Australian community."
   "I can’t see us going back to wearing flares and platforms any time soon," she said.
   While women in the Air Force are encouraged to contact Warrant Officer Leurs by email or telephone, they are advised not go outside their chain of command.
   WOFF Leurs joined the Air Force in 1988 and has served around Australia, as well as in Malaysia in 2000.

13 March, 2007
Info Share Deal to Pay Dividends
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Australian Communications and Media Authority are to share sensitive information during media merger investigations to ensure each agency’s investigations are fully effective.
   Chairmen of the two organisations - Graeme Samuel of the ACCC and Chris Chapman of ACMA – said they would ask parties involved in media mergers to agree to confidential information being provided to the other agency.
   "This will allow the ACCC and ACMA to share this information with each other in a transparent and more efficient way," the pair said.
   Once the new cross-media laws start, it was very possible that the ACCC and ACMA would consider the same media mergers at the same time, they said.
   “While the ACCC and ACMA will conduct separate investigations, there is some overlap in the tests and processes they will apply.
   "Access to all available information will help ensure that ACCC and ACMA decisions are consistent to the extent that the tests and processes overlap."
   They said the arrangement would also reduce the risk that merger parties may provide different information to the two agencies.
   Changes to Australia’s cross-media laws were enacted in October 2006 but the Government is yet to announced when the repeal of prohibitions on cross-media ownership and foreign control of television licences will begin.

13 March, 2007
Copyright Use Not Easy At ABC
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has begun action against the New South Wales branch of the Australian Labor Party regarding its use of ABC copyright material in a party political website.
   ABC Director of Corporate Strategy and Governance, Murray Green, said the NSW ALP was featuring recordings of ABC broadcasts on a website about the NSW Opposition Leader.
   “Those recordings have been used by the NSW ALP without permission and in a way which gives the misleading impression that the ABC approves of their use for party political purposes," Mr Green said.
   He said that was not the case, that the ABC did not align itself with any political views and had a statutory duty to maintain its independence and integrity, particularly during election campaigns.
   Mr Green said the ABC had in place longstanding policies on the use of ABC material for political purposes.
   "The policies clearly do not permit use of ABC recordings in the way they are currently being used by the NSW Branch of the Labor Party."
   He said the ABC asked the NSW ALP to cease using ABC recordings in connection with its party political website but the party refused.
   “Accordingly the ABC had no choice but to commence proceedings in the Federal Court to restrain the NSW ALP from infringing ABC copyright," Mr Green said.

13 March, 2007
Defence Sets Sights on APEC Talk-Fest
The Australian Defence Force has begun its preparations to support State Agencies hosting the 2007 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit throughout Australia.
   The APEC summit will see 21 countries take part in 100 days of meetings, culminating in the APEC Leaders’ Forum in Sydney on September 8 and 9.
   According to Army News, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said the Government considered APEC to be the largest and most important series of meetings held in Australia.
   “Defence is working closely with Federal, State and Territory Departments and Agencies, building on well-tested national security and counter-terrorism arrangements to ensure APEC is conducted safely,” he is reported to have said.
   He said Defence support to civil authorities would be similar to that during the Rugby World Cup, Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
   In December, 150 delegates attended a security conference at Holsworthy Barracks where NSW Police, Australian Federal Police and the Incident Response Regiment demonstrated their capabilities.
   The display, which included the Tactical Assault Group, demonstrated how the ADF could support the civil authorities in the event of a terrorist incident.
   Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock said APEC would be the largest and most complex dignitary protection event in Australia's history.
   He said the Government had provided $167.5 million over four years to ensure for security measures.

13 March, 2007
Time Not a Ticking Point for Parents
Reforms to the Child Support Scheme will give families more time to work out their parenting arrangements before applying for child support.
   General Manager of the Child Support Agency, Matt Miller said the new reforms which were introduced on 1 January, meant parents now had 13 weeks after separation to apply for child support before their Family Tax Benefits were affected. The limit used to be 28 days.
   "This extra time gives parents a chance to thoroughly assess the state of their relationship and make carefully considered decisions about what's best for their children," Mr Miller said.
   "The extra time decreases the pressure on separating parents, helps reduce conflict and provides parents with more time to agree on parenting arrangements post separation."
    Mr Miller said that during a relationship breakdown, the stress of financial arrangements could inflame a situation and lead to unnecessary animosity.
   Extending the deadline for applications to the CSA would allow parents more time after the initial turmoil of a separation to make rational and considered decisions about financial arrangements.
   At the end of the 13-week period, parents who haven't applied for child support will have their Family Tax Benefit payment reduced to the minimum rate.
   In 2006-07, the minimum rate of a Family Tax Benefit Part A is $45.36 a fortnight for a child under 13 years, while the maximum rate for a child under 13 years is $140.84 a fortnight.
   More information is available from www.csa.gov.au.

13 March, 2007
Vietnam Veterans Dust Off War Museum
The National Vietnam Veterans Museum has been opened on Phillip Island in Victoria.
   Officially opening the Museum, Veterans Affairs Minister Bruce Billson said the Commonwealth had contributed more than $175,000 towards the project, including a recent grant of $35,000 for a garden of reflection.
    The Museum had previously been housed in rented accommodation and the new building was a tribute to the determination and hard work of the members of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, Mr Billson said.
   "Australians owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our Vietnam veterans and I urge everyone to visit the Museum for a greater insight into the battles that were fought in Vietnam and to better understand the experiences our veterans went through," he said.
    The new Museum will exhibit more than 6000 items, including a Bell Huey Cobra helicopter, Centurion tank, armaments and the marbles used in the lottery to determine who would be conscripted into the Army to possibly go and fight.
   The garden will provide a place to contemplate the service of Vietnam veterans.
   It will feature64 a replica of the Long Tan Cross that was erected in 1969 in Vietnam to honour 18 Australians killed during the Battle of Long Tan.

6 March, 2007
MAC Picks Blue With Red Tape
The latest strike in the war on red tape has been launched by the Public Service’s high-powered Management Advisory Committee, releasing its report Reducing Red Tape in the Australia Public Service.
   Acknowledging that the APS, like many organisations, faced large amounts of red tape, the report says over-regulation and red tape had  the potential to divert scarce funds away from the delivery of policy advice to Government as well as creating confusion over objectives and processes and decreasing productivity and reducing employee job satisfaction.
   The report was issued jointly by the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, DR Peter Shergold and Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, Dr Ian Watt.
   Dr Watt said the report introduced a framework to help promote the cultural change necessary to bring about an ongoing reduction in internal red tape across the APS.
   “The framework involves a systematic approach to the design and review of legislation, policy and other rules that the Australian Government imposes on itself,” Dr Watt said.
   He said some of the red tape in the APS was due to myths and misconceptions that had grown up in areas of administration.
    “Employees often believe that they have to perform processes that are not prescribed by Government policy, legislation or other rules,” he said. “This can lead to overly complex and time consuming administration.”
   Complementing the report, DoFA released a brochure called Reducing Red Tape – Dispelling Some Myths in Australian Government Administration, which was available on the Department’s website www.finance.gov.au
   Dr Watt said the brochure tackled some common myths about processes in three areas of administration that were relevant to many agencies.
   “Implementation of the framework will deliver significant efficiencies to the Australian Government, and help to sharpen its focus on delivering results for the community,” he said.
   The MAC report complements the Government’s response to the Report of the Taskforce on Reducing Regulatory Burdens on Business, which also considered the burden of red tape on business.

6 March, 2007
ALP Savings Plan A Costly Exercise?
ACT Liberal Senator Gary Humphries has attacked a Labor savings plan, saying a blood bath was in store for Canberra Public Servants if Labor won this year’s Federal election.
   Senator Humphries seized on a statement by Labor’s Finance spokesman Lindsay Tanner MP, that if elected Labor would cut $3 billion of “Howard Government waste” and slash consultants in the Public Service by $395 million.
   "Kevin Rudd is travelling around Australia promising extra funding and services, yet he wants Canberra Public Servants to do more with less," Senator Humphries said.
   "As was the case with Mark Latham, Rudd Labor wants to rip funding out of Canberra to pay for its election promises to other parts of the country."
   He said the “message was clear” for Canberra Public Servants: “Your jobs are on the line at the next Federal election."
   Mr Tanner said the $3 billion in savings would be made across the four years of the Federal Budget to put downward pressure on inflation and interest rates.
    He said the plan included saving $394 million by scrapping the Government’s “extreme” work laws, cutting $350 million in political advertising and the $395 million cut in the use of consultants in the Commonwealth public service.
   "A Rudd Labor Government will use its $3 billion savings plan to cut wasteful spending and increase investment in productivity drivers like education, skills and infrastructure," Mr Tanner said.
   Labor's plan also flagged reduced funding for the National Capital Authority, abolished the position of the Inspector-General of Taxation, reduced spending on non Defence-related recruitment agencies and extended Centrelink compliance campaigns.

6 March, 2007
Commission is Super Idea at Defence
An independent review of military superannuation arrangements has been commissioned to ensure the needs of Australia’s Defence Force personnel are met.
   Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson said the review was the latest step in a comprehensive range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the recruitment and retention of ADF personnel.
    “Superannuation benefits are a key component of the total remuneration package for Australian Defence Force members,” Mr Billson said.
   “The overall aim of the independent review is to ensure that the military schemes continue to meet the needs of our people and reflect contemporary superannuation standards in a sustainable manner.”
   He assured current and former members of the ADF that the review would not impact adversely on their entitlements, whatever the outcome.
    “The last review of military superannuation was undertaken in 10 and since then there have been many changes in the wider community superannuation environment and in the demographics and career aspirations of ADF members,” Mr Billson said.
    “Now is an appropriate time to review the military schemes to ensure that superannuation benefits are being provided in the most effective and sustainable manner.”
   He said current ADF superannuation benefits had been designed to reflect the unique nature of military service and provide retirement, invalidity and death benefits which often exceeded community standards. 
    He said the review would be led by former Public Service Commissioner, Andrew Podger assisted by superannuation specialist, David Knox and former board member of the superannuation industry watchdog, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, Air Commodore Lee Roberts.
   Mr Billson said the review team would consult widely with members of the ADF, who would be encouraged to contribute through submissions via their Service Personnel offices, consultations at major Defence facilities or by using the Defence website.
   He said the report would be completed mid-year and submitted for Government consideration.
   Submissions would be welcome and moré information was available from www.defence.gov.au/militarysuperreview

6 March, 2007
PC Tied Down For Red Tape Review
A series of annual reviews of Government regulations is to kick off on 1 April when the Productivity Commission examines the regulatory burden on business imposed by regulations in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries.
   Treasurer Peter Costello announced the program of reviews following the Banks Taskforce report which urged better regulation-making processes.
   According to Mr Costello, the annual regulation reviews would identify unnecessary, burdensome, complex or redundant regulations or those that duplicates regulations in other jurisdictions.
   He said the Productivity Commission would develop a list of priority areas and would look at alleviating regulatory burden and identifying reforms that would improve regulatory consistency across jurisdictions.     
   “To ensure that all industry sectors are examined by the Productivity Commission, and to provide certainty for businesses, the reviews will be conducted according to a five year cycle,” Mr Costello said.
   He said Australia’s primary sector would be focused on in the first review with following years looking at the manufacturing sector and distributive trades, social and economic infrastructure services. Business and consumer services sectors would be examined in the fourth year with the fifth set aside for reviewing economy-wide generic regulation as well as regulation that had not been picked up earlier in the cycle. 
   Mr Costello said the Productivity Commission would report its findings from the first annual review at the end of October 2007. 
   Further information on the review, including its terms of reference, can be obtained from the Productivity Commission’s website at www.pc.gov.au or by contacting the Commission directly on 02 6240 3239.

6 March, 2007
It’s Easy being Green at APSC
The Australian Public Service Commission has set a new standard for itself, moving into a “green” building that could become a benchmark for environmentally friendly buildings used by the Australian government.
   Opened by the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service, Joe Hockey, the Commission’s new Glasshouse Building in Canberra’s Woden Valley has been designed to achieve a 4.5 star Australian Building Greenhouse rating and a 4.0 Green Star Environmental rating.  It will house 165 Commission staff.
   According to Mr Hockey, the building incorporates such energy saving initiatives as sensor lights in offices, meeting rooms, kitchens, storage areas and the training suite as well as timer controls on supplementary air conditioning units, water-saving white goods, workstations made from recyclable material and multifunctional devices to reduce the number of printers and faxes.
   He said it also had a comprehensive cardboard and paper recycling program. 
   By moving from Barton, the Public Service Commission would now be closer to some of its key agencies in Woden and the nearby Tuggeranong Valley such as the Department of Health and Ageing, Centrelink, the Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Medicare Australia and the Civil Aviation and Safety Authority.
   The Commission’s new address is 16 Furzer Street, Phillip, ACT 2606, telephone (02) 6202 3500.

6 March, 2007
AFP Signs New Partner in Crime
The Australian Federal Police has become the first policing agency in the Asia-Pacific - and only the second in the Southern Hemisphere - to sign an agreement with Europol in its fight against transnational crime.
   Signed in The Netherlands recently, the agreement took seven years to negotiate.
   AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty said the new agreement would allow the AFP unprecedented access to an extensive intelligence information database
   “The agreement also provides the AFP with the opportunity for a permanent liaison officer position to be attached to Europol," Commissioner Keelty said.
   He said it would strengthen Australia's fight against all forms of transnational crime, including terrorism, as well as boosting training and advice about individual criminal investigations.
   “In the global crime environment we now police in, no-one can afford to operate as a single agency - or as a single country," Commissioner Keelty said.
   Europol AFP liaison officer, Federal Agent Ray Imbriano, will join the Third Party State Liaison Bureau consisting of Canada, United States, Colombia, Iceland, Switzerland, Norway and Interpol.
   Europol includes 27 European nations working together to tackle all forms of serious international crime, with about 110 liaison and 580 other staff working from the Europol complex.

6 March, 2007
Bra Campaign to Swell Charity Chest
Centrelink’s Central West staff have put up a combined front and are donating their old bras to the McGrath Foundation's Bra Challenge.
   Organiser of the scheme in Centrelink, Lana Grey said the Bra Challenge was raising awareness of breast cancer, which affects about one in 11 Australian women.
   "It's not just people in their mid fifties who are being diagnosed but also younger people in their mid twenties," Ms Grey said.
   "Cancer doesn't discriminate, and it will have an effect on everyone in every community at some stage."
    The Centrelink group hopes to receive thousands of donated bras, towards the national goal of 120,000..
   The underwear will be used to form a bra chain, with the aim of exceeding the Guinness World Record of 111 kilometres.
   Gold donations for the McGrath Foundation to raise funds towards their breast care nurses would also be welcome, Ms Grey said.
   Centrelink offices in Bathurst, Orange and Cowra were accepting donations but potential donors wanting more information can ring Centrelink media on (02) 6284 6538 or (02) 6284 6442

6 March, 2007
New Wages System Pays Off
Making submissions to the Australian Fair Pay Commission will be easier with the introduction of a new online submission form.
   The form is available from the Commission’s website at www.fairpay.gov.au and  provides a streamlined process for interested organisations and members of the public to comment or take part in issues relevant to the setting of minimum wage rates.
   Accepting submissions is only one of the methods the Commission uses to gather information, said Fair Pay Commissioner, Ian Harper.
   "It is nevertheless a very important way for people to have input into Australia’s minimum wage