May 29, 2007
Auditor Finds Funds Taken For Granted
An Auditor-General’s report into the administration of four community grants programs has delivered a slap on the wrist to former Ministers for tampering with Departmental recommendations and altering grant outcomes along political lines.
   The report Distribution of Funding for Community Programs by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs found that Ministers made 120 changes to a round of grants in the 2004 election year which favoured Government-held electorates at the expense Opposition seats.
   Auditor-General, Ian McPhee was critical of the Department for amending the list of grants to reflect the Ministers’ changes without attaching adequate explanations for the amendments.
   He said the grants programs affected were Local Answers which provided funding to disadvantaged communities for community-based projects that built skills and created opportunities and the Volunteer Small Equipment Grants that offered funding of up to $3000 to buy equipment to support the work of volunteers.
   “The effect of the then Ministers’ changes in these funding rounds was to increase funding to Coalition electorates,” Mr McPhee said.
   “There is no requirement under the FMA Regulations for approvers, including Ministers to record the reasons for their decisions …. (but) it is sound practice to do so, and is consistent with Parliamentary Committee views.”
   Mr McPhee found that 38 organisations which the Department recommended for grants approval under the 2004 round of VSEG applications were rejected by the then Minister for Family and Community Services or the then Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, but 82 organisations that were not recommended were approved.
   He said amendments made by the former Minister for Children and Youth Affairs particularly favoured the National Party.
    “Although National Party electorates accounted for around 20 per cent of VSEG applications, around 70 per cent of the then Minister’s variations from FaCSIA’s funding recommendations (involving 85 applications) related to organisations in National Party electorates,” the Auditor-General said.
   “Fifteen per cent of variations (involving 17 applications) related to organisations in the then Minister’s own electorate.”
   The Auditor made four recommendations, including one which called on the Department to ask Ministers for reasons when grants were changed in future.
    “Ministers are expected to discharge their responsibilities in accordance with wide consideration of public interest and without regard to considerations of a party political nature,” the Auditor-General said.
   The present Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough welcomed the Audit report saying the community expected Ministers to administer programs well and use commonsense in evaluating Departmental  advice.
    “We all know that not all recommendations of Departments are correct,” Mr Brough said. “Ministers do have a role in making the final decision.”

May 29, 2007
Air Travel Gripes Cause Turbulence
The Commonwealth Ombudsman has released a report into the way Government agencies handle complaints from air passengers and concludes that it could be improved.
   Acting Ombudsman, Dr Vivienne Thom, issued the report saying that in 2005 there had been an increased number of complaints from passengers at airports about airport officials.
   “The circumstances of each complaint varied, but there was a common theme,” Dr Thom said. “An inability by the passengers to identify the officers complained about and the agencies to which the officers belonged.”
   Dr Thom said there were changes that could be put into practice to make complaint-handling systems more visible and accessible for passengers.
   “Agencies should also work more closely together on handling complaints and in sharing complaint information,” Dr Thom said.
   “As aviation security requirements and passenger numbers continue to increase, there will be more complaints from passengers about officials.  It is important that Government Agencies have efficient and fair systems in place to deal with those complaints.”
   The report concluded that the four key areas for improvement in complaint systems in airports were:
   accessibility - how easily passengers could make a complaint
   visibility - whether passengers could identify an official
   learning from complaint handling - whether organisations use complaints to improve their performance
   inter-agency collaboration - how agencies worked together to assist passengers with problems.
   As part of the investigation, the Ombudsman obtained information and comments from six Australian Government agencies: Australian Customs Service; Australian Federal Police; Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service; Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources; Department of Immigration and Citizenship and Department of Transport and Regional Services.
   Dr Thom said the recommendations in the report were aimed at all the participating Agencies but not all of them had been accepted.
   All the Agencies recognised the importance of dealing with complaints consistently and effectively, she said.

May 29, 2007
Union Bags Sacking
The Community and Public Sector Union has lined up on the side of a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Officer who claims to have been unfairly dismissed after replying to a private email from an Opposition MP’s office.
   Trade economist, Trent Smith was sacked last July after being suspended in 2003.
   CPSU National Secretary, Stephen Jones has called on the Government to reinstate Mr Smith saying too much time and money had been spent on the case which had been running for more than three years.
   “This case is about more than just Mr. Smith,” Mr Jones said.  “We believe the Government was making an example out of Mr. Smith to send a message to all Public Servants.”
   Mr Jones said Australia needed a Public Service that was “independent, impartial and professional”.
   He said Mr Smith’s case, along with other controversial events in public administration over recent years had impacted on important Public Service values.
   In a statement to the Industrial Relations Commission, the Director of the National Institute for Governance, Stephen Bartos, said that Mr Smith’s sacking was “a grossly disproportionate reaction”.
   Professor Bartos argued that Mr Smith’s email did not breach the Public Service code of conduct.
   “It does not appear that the content of Mr Smith’s email on which the actions of DFAT were based is of a political nature,” Professor Bartos wrote.
   “In this light, the action of DFAT to terminate his employment seems a grossly disproportionate reaction.”

May 29, 2007
AIATSIS Gets Vote For Referendum Show
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies in Canberra has launched an on-line exhibition entitled “Yes. The 1967 Referendum” to mark the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking plebiscite.
   The exhibition draws together many valuable resources, including digitised items from the AIATSIS collections, material from former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Gordon Bryant’s papers at the National Library of Australia, Government papers from the National Archives of Australia and a “Vote Yes!” jingle from the collections of the National Film and Sound Archive.
   AIATSIS Library Director, Rod Stroud said newspapers from across Australia had been very generous allowing the library to digitise newspaper articles relating to the promotion of the ‘Yes’ vote in the Referendum.
   “More than 50 newspaper articles appear in the exhibition,” Mr Stroud said.
   The resounding “Yes” vote in the 1967 Referendum is the highest “Yes” vote in Australian history. The result of the referendum saw two clauses in the Constitution referring to “the Aboriginal race” removed, allowing Indigenous people to be counted in the Census and giving the Commonwealth Government power to make special laws for Indigenous Australians. The overwhelming support of the Australian voting public gave Indigenous Australians a new hope for the future.
   Links are provided to other online exhibitions about the 1967 Referendum and a reading list is included.
   To view the online exhibition and see, hear and read about the history of the 1967 Referendum go to www1.aiatsis.gov.au/exhibitions/Referendum/index.html
   Mr Stroud said the AIATSIS Library was also keen to identify other items and stories which could go into the online exhibition and would “love to hear from” anyone who can name any of the unidentified people in the photographs.

May 29, 2007
Tally Room Needs Numbers to Survive
The future of the Australian Electoral Commission’s National Tally Room was once again under a cloud despite the AEC deciding just a week ago to keep it for the coming Federal Election.
   The Parliament’s Electoral Matters Committee has now been asked to consider whether the Tally Room should be retained following that election.
   Special Minister of State has called on the Committee to consider the fate of the Tally Room, asking it to report on:
   * the continuing relevance of the National Tally Room to members of Parliament, candidates, political parties, the media, and the general public;
   * possible alternatives to the National Tally Room flowing from advances in computer and telecommunications technologies, such as the Australian Electoral Commission’s web-based Virtual Tally Room; and
   * the logistics, risks and cost of providing the National Tally Room.
   Chair of the Committee, Sophie Mirabella MP said the Tally Room had been an effective mechanism for capturing the traditional theatre of Election night in Canberra for more than 40 years.
   “However, in view of the high costs in maintaining the Tally Room and the development of alternative online tools like the Virtual Tally Room, which offers greater accessibility and a more comprehensive breakdown of election results, it is appropriate to consider the value in the AEC continuing to provide this service,” she said.
   According to Mr Nairn, maintaining the National Tally Room presented a significant logistical exercise with the AEC reporting that organising it for the 2004 Federal election cost approximately $650,000.
   On Election night 2004, the AEC’s Virtual Tally Room received more than 13.5 million hits, provided 3.2 million page views and handled more than 42,000 unique visitors.
   Members of the public have been  invited to make submissions to the Committee in writing, addressing the terms of reference, until Friday 22 June 2007.

May 29, 2007
Microsoft’s Window Open at Defence
The Department of Defence has reaffirmed its strategic partnership with the Microsoft, Corporation, re-signing an Enterprise License Agreement which it says has delivered significant technical and financial benefits.
   Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Peter Lindsay signed the agreement with the CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer during Mr Ballmer’s recent visit to Australia.
   Mr Lindsay said the arrangement with Microsoft was one of the Department’s most significant agreements and formed the basis for modernising Defence’s information systems and business process reforms.
   “By continuing to leverage Microsoft technologies, Defence will be able to simplify its operating environment, reduce integration risks, effort and costs into the future,” Mr Lindsay said.
   He said Defence entered into the ELA with Microsoft in September 2000. and since then had enjoyed a leading edge software licence model, reduced administrative costs and maximised purchasing power. 
   Mr Ballmer said the agreement was also of significance to Microsoft.
   “This agreement underscores how serious we are about working together to help protect Australia’s critical communication infrastructure,” he said.
   Mr Lindsay said Defence’s relationship with Microsoft also included commercial and collaborative planning, research and development activities and premier support services. 

May 29, 2007
Two New Videos Have Federal Court taped
Two new videos that help explain the processes and procedures of the Federal Court can now be viewed online.
   The first, How a Case Travels Through the Federal Court describes the progress of an application from filing to preparation for hearing, the actual hearing, and how the matter is concluded.
   It shows that the Court’s key focus is to resolve disputes through effective and timely case management, highlighting the aim to deliver most judgments within three months of the conclusion of the hearing depending on complexity of the case and the pressure of other business.
   The second video, The Role of Judicial Officers, explains what judges do, the nature of judicial independence, the impact of their decisions, public confidence in the judiciary and what would happen if Australia did not have judicial independence at the heart of its democracy.
   According to the Federal Court, Australia has more than 1000 judicial officers who effectively comprise the judiciary or third arm of Government.
   Judicial officers include judges and magistrates from Commonwealth, State and Territory Courts
   The videos can be accessed at www.fedcourt.gov.au

May 29, 2007
Novel Plans For National Library
An 18 month project to refurbish the podium, platform and surrounds of the National Library of Australia in Canberra has commenced.
   Director-General of the Library, Jan Fullerton ,said that the $14.737 million works were required as part of the ongoing conservation, care and protection of both the building and the Library collection.
   She said the funds were provided as a one-off in the 2006-07 Budget.
   “The safe storage and management of the national collection is our core responsibility,” Ms Fullerton said.
   “The waterproofing membrane located under the slate and granite tiles is reaching the end of its useful life and requires replacement.”
   She said there would be minimal disruption to client services during the building works and clients and visitors would be kept well informed of the staging process which had been given very careful consideration.
   The podium covers an area of almost 7400m² - equal to the size of 1½ football fields and the refurbishment is being undertaken in six stages, commencing on the northern side of the building adjacent to the café.
   Two Australian companies had been selected to undertake the project - design consultant GHD Pty Ltd and head contractor Manteena Pty Ltd.
   Ms Fullerton said upgrades to the external stairs, handrails and balustrade had been factored into the building project to meet current building standards. The refurbishment would also include 36 architect designed benches, 12 umbrellas along the lake-side of the building and lighting and heating for bookplate café’s outdoor eating area.
   “The improvements to the lake-side of the building will mean that visitors can enjoy the Library’s spectacular location next to Lake Burley Griffin into the evening all year round,” Ms Fullerton said.
   The main building of the National Library was constructed in 1968 and extended in 1985.

May 29, 2007
Accident Bureau Playing It Safe
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau wants to hear from anyone who has read any of its reports in the past 12 months.
   The Bureau investigates and produces reports and statistics on all modes of transport and has commissioned a consultant to conduct a survey on its behalf so that it can better understand its audience’s needs and find out how satisfied it is with the reports it publishes.
   The survey is available on line and shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to complete.
   Responses to the survey are anonymous and confidential, and the consultant, Colmar Brunton will only provide the ATSB with their analysis of the responses to ensure that readers are able to provide honest and complete feedback.
   The ATSB is an operationally independent Bureau within the Department of Transport and Regional Services and is the prime agency for investigating transport safety issues. It is entirely separate from transport regulators and service providers. 
   Questions about the survey – which can be accessed at http://surveys.cbr.com.au/atsb  can be directed to George Nadal on 1800 020 616.
   A summary of the survey results would be available from www.atsb.gov.au at the conclusion of the study.

May 29, 2007
More Energy For Geoscience Search
Geoscience Australia has stepped up its search for more energy reserves in response to a Government initiative to secure the nation’s energy future.
   Chief of the Agency’s Onshore Energy and Minerals Division, Dr James Johnson, said the upgraded work was being carried out in cooperation with State and Territory Government geological survey organisations.
   Dr Johnson said that as part of the program, an extensive seismic survey was under way on lines extending from Cloncurry in the north and east to Georgetown and south to Charters Towers.
   “The survey will cover about 1230 kilometres and complement seismic data already gathered in the Mount Isa/Cloncurry region, DR Johnson said.
   “It will add significantly to the knowledge about the geological architecture of the region and the potential for energy resources such as uranium, thorium and hot rocks.”
   He said Geoscience Australia would also conduct a survey of gravity measurements in the Cooper Basin in south-west Queensland to identify hot rocks as part of a program to locate possible sources of geothermal energy.
   In another collaborative project, Dr Johnson said Primary Industries and Resources South Australia had begun work to re-analyse material from the Gawler Craton in the State’s north east for possible uranium and thorium as well as more than 20 other elements related to mineralisation.
   Dr Johnson said assistance was also being provided to the Geological Survey of Western Australia to make available seismic tapes from surveys carried out two decades ago in the Canning Basin in the State's north. The data is to be transferred to digital format.
   “These cooperative ventures, along with other projects being undertaken by Geoscience Australia, will help us to better understand the potential for energy resources such as onshore petroleum, uranium, thorium and geothermal energy from hot rocks,” Dr Johnson said.
   “The information gathered during the surveys and the re-evaluation of existing data will go a long way towards developing a greater understanding of how and where new energy resources may exist in the landscape.”

May 29, 2007
Malaysian Skulls Heading Home
Sixteen skulls held in Australia after being seized by Federal Police are to be returned to the Sarawak Museum in Malaysia.
   Assistant Minster for the Environment, John Cobb said the “Dyak” skulls would be sent back to Malaysia under the Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986, representing an excellent example of the Government helping protect important cultural heritage items from other countries.
   “The return of these important cultural objects to the Sarawak Museum highlights Australia’s and Malaysia’s commitment to working together to conserve and protect some of the world’s most important cultural heritage objects,” Mr Cobb said.
   “These decorated skulls of the Iban people of Sarawak were seized by the Australian Federal Police in January 2005.”
   He said the skulls were decorated with traditional designs and featured carved intricate patterns covered with a colour or resin.
   “Head hunting was part of the culture of the Iban people of Sarawak and was viewed as a ‘rite of passage’ for males to adulthood.
   “A male’s bravery was determined by the amount of heads held in his collection.”
   Mr Cobb said the skulls were unique cultural objects that provide a powerful insight into the culture of the Iban people. “Their return ensures they are protected for the Malaysian people,” he said.
   The Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act allows the Government to respond to official requests from foreign Governments to return their nation’s cultural heritage objects that have been illegally exported.
   Mr Cobb said other cultural heritage objects that had been seized included an Asmat human skull from Papua which was returned to the Indonesian Government in December 2006, and 10,000 Chinese fossil pieces, which were returned to the Chinese Government in September 2005.

May 29, 2007
Sources Add Spice To Evidence Laws
Journalists and their confidential sources are to be protected in the Courts under changes to evidence law announced by Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock.
   The Evidence Amendment (Journalists’ Privilege) Bill 2007 introduces a new privilege to help journalists reconcile their ethical obligation to protect their sources with their legal duty to provide Courts with relevant evidence when requested.
   “This is an important reform to evidence law,” Mr Ruddock said.  “There has been considerable commentary about the need to maintain freedom of the press and the public’s right to information.”
   Mr Ruddock said the reforms were consistent with the Government’s long-term position on this issue.
   He said last year, the Solicitor-General made submissions on behalf of the Government to this effect during the court proceedings involving Herald-Sun journalists Gerard McManus and Michael Harvey.
   . “It is important to balance the interests of justice in making the evidence available with the public interest in a free press and the public’s right – or need – to know,” Mr Ruddock said. “The privilege is not absolute.”
   He said protection of journalists and their sources required a national approach.
   “I have consistently urged my State and Territory counterparts to adopt a uniform approach to this issue. I will continue to encourage them to come on board.”
   Mr Ruddock also confirmed that the Commonwealth remained committed to working with the States and Territories to achieve model uniform evidence laws.
   “Achieving uniform evidence laws across this country will be a great outcome for all Australians,” Mr Ruddock said.

May 29, 2007
Dark Scientist Is Bright Spark
A scientist with the Anglo-Australian Observatory in Sydney has been awarded a prestigious Federation Fellowship by the Australian Research Council, to work on a revolutionary new approach to infrared astronomy.
   Professor Joss Hawthorn’s breakthrough has been to find a way to use optical fibres to filter out unwanted radiation from the atmosphere, letting the cosmic radiation pass through.
   “In effect, we can make the bright infrared sky dark,” Professor Hawthorn said. “It’s like being able to turn off unwanted lights with the flick of a switch.”
   Professor Hawthorn will receive $1.6 million from the ARC between  2008 and 2013 plus matching institutional funding. He plans to use this money to develop his techniques to the point where they can be incorporated into instruments for large international telescopes such as the Gemini telescopes in Hawaii and Chile in which Australia has a share.
   “Galaxies and other objects in space put out infrared radiation, and this radiation can tell us a lot about the physical processes going on in those objects,” Professor Hawthorn said.
   “But it’s extremely difficult to do these studies from the ground, because some molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere glow in the infrared and that radiation swamps the radiation you want to look at.”
   He said the main culprit causing this “sky brightness” was the hydroxyl molecule (OH), which puts out hundreds of narrow spectral lines in the infrared.
   Professor Hawthorn would take up his Federation Fellowship at the University of Sydney where he would be working closely with Redfern Optical Components, a company world-renowned for the quality of its optical-fibre filters.
   Professor Hawthorn’s work was expected to attract large instrument contracts to Australia from the world’s leading observatories.
   Australian research facilities, including the Anglo-Australian Observatory, have an international reputation for innovative astronomical instruments, and have already built instruments for four of the world’s major telescopes.
   The Federation Fellowships were introduced to support and encourage researchers of international renown to conduct research of significant national benefit.

May 29, 2007
Need For IP Reforms Patently Obvious
Applicants for Australian patents are likely to face fewer red tape obstacles with a plan to streamline the application process being considered at IP Australia.
   Parliamentary Secretary for Industry, Bob Baldwin, has announced the move saying IP Australia has been reviewing the requirement for patent applicants to provide search results from foreign patent offices.
   At the moment applicants were required to file the results of any searches that other patent offices have conducted on related applications.  By having these results provided to IP Australia, he said he quality of granted patents was enhanced.
   “But with advances in the information that patent offices around the world are now making available over the internet, much of the information that applicants are providing is already available to IP Australia,” Mr Baldwin said.
   “In addition, examiners at IP Australia can now access the examination files of many foreign patent offices on-line, so they now have much more information than is being provided by applicants under the current legislation.”
   IP Australia was now considering removing the need for applicants to provide these search results and would commence consultations with interested groups.
   “I welcome this initiative as it has the potential to significantly reduce the compliance burden for applicants, but will still achieve the underlying policy objectives,” Mr Baldwin said.
   “I encourage any people interested in making a submission relating to the current system to contact IP Australia and register their interest.”
   Consultation has commenced and would be open for approximately a month. 

May 29, 2007
Stats Turns Tables On Net Migrants
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has improved its method for estimating net overseas migration into Australia, responding to changes in travel patterns in recent years.
   According to the ABS there has been a large increase in the volumes of international travellers crossing Australia’s borders, an increased frequency of travel and significant volatility in the patterns of international travel with major world events impacting on international travel to and from Australia.
   It said that in 2006, 10.9 million people arrived in Australia from overseas and 10.7 million people left Australia. A large proportion of these were visitors from overseas who stayed for a short visit, and Australian residents travelling overseas for less than 12 months.
   In response to these changes, the ABS says it has developed improved methods for estimating net overseas migration.
   Determining how many international travellers are to be accounted for in estimating the Australian population is achieved by compiling estimates of Net Overseas Migration.
   Only people living in Australia for 12 months or more are added to the population while residents leaving Australia for 12 months or more are subtracted.
   The Bureau said net overseas migration was a major driver of population growth and accounted for around half  Australia’s annual population growth.
   The Information Paper: Statistical Implications of Improved Methods for Estimating Net Overseas Migration, Australia 2007 provides an overview of the improved methods. The Information Paper also contains analysis of the statistical impacts on estimates of net overseas migration for the period from the December quarter of 2003 to the June quarter of  2006.
   Estimates calculated under the improved methods will be used for the population figures for the September quarter 2006. Estimates for the September and December quarters 2006 would be released by the Bureau on 5 June 2007.

May 29, 2007
Strait Talking Leads To NZ Court Deal
Reforms of legal processes that would improve cooperation between the civil Courts of Australia and New Zealand have been agreed in both countries with businesses and individuals expected to benefit
   Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock and New Zealand Associate Justice Minister, Clayton Cosgrove announced the reforms jointly, saying the two Governments had agreed to proposals put forward by a trans-Tasman working group.
   They said a bilateral treaty would be negotiated as the next step.
   The agreement, once finalised, would represent an unprecedented level of cooperation between Australia and New Zealand in civil court proceedings.
   It would also enhance the effectiveness of civil court proceedings in both countries, as parties would no longer be able to avoid the consequences of a judgment by moving themselves or their assets from one country to the other.
   The Ministers said this would benefit both businesses and individuals involved in legal disputes across the Tasman by being able to resolve trans-Tasman disputes more effectively and at lower cost.
   They said the new arrangement supported closer economic relations between Australia and New Zealand and would underpin a broad range of other trans-Tasman initiatives including increasing the effectiveness of each country’s regulatory rules.
   Under the new arrangements, fines in a range of areas deemed to be of mutual interest, such as securities offerings made to the public, would be enforceable across the Tasman.
   The Ministers said that in developing the detail of the reforms, both Governments would consult widely with stakeholders in their respective countries.
   Following conclusion of the treaty, each Government would introduce legislation to implement the arrangements in each country.  The Ministers expected good progress on the negotiations to be made during 2007.

May 22, 2007
APSC Blazes Trail To Reconciliation
The Australian Public Service Commission has published a commitment to Aboriginal reconciliation promising to create a culture of inclusiveness and diversity in its ranks and to promote the same polices across the Public Service.
   In its APSC Reconciliation Plan 2007-10, the Commission says it is committed to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and recognises that the first Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people occupied a special and unique place in Australian society.
   The Commission said that as a central agency involved in developing employees, leaders and the culture of the Australian Public Service, it was vital that it took a leadership role in reconciliation.
   It is committed to working in partnership with and supporting Indigenous Australians to achieve their aspirations for themselves and their communities by providing real opportunities to improve social and economic outcomes.
   The three-year Plan outlined the Commission’s role in initiating, promoting and delivering some targeted policy and program initiatives to Indigenous Australians. It accepted that to work towards practical and effective reconciliation, it must ensure its own internal work, its employees and managers were all operating in conjunction with the reconciliation action plan.
   The plan acknowledged that the overarching responsibility for implementing its provisions rested with the Australian Public Service Commissioner and her Executive and Group Managers but it recognised that every APSC employee had a role to play. The plan had been endorsed by elected members of the Commission’s Workplace Relations Committee, and by the Commissioner, Executive and Group Managers.
   Key performance indicators had been set for all actions in the plan and these would be measured against achievements. Group Managers would be required to report quarterly to the Commission Management Committee as part of the quarterly business reporting arrangements. The Commission would report progress in its annual reports and the Commissioner would report to the Secretaries’ Group on Indigenous Affairs.
   The APSC Reconciliation Plan has a life of three years but the Commission has already committed to reviewing it in its final year and to develop a subsequent plan for future years.

May 22, 2007
Defence Pensioners Take Aim At Budget
Retired Defence Force members have joined their Public Service colleagues in raising concerns about the impact of the recent Federal Budget on their pensions and entitlements.
   While welcoming positive initiatives that affect war veterans with disabilities, war widows and former prisoners of war, the Regular Defence Force Welfare Association claims the majority of its members are no better off.
   Acting National president of the RDFWA, David Jamison, said an analysis of the Budget revealed that “yet again” the issues of major concern to the 60,000 former ADF members had been ignored.
   “While much is rightly being provided for serving members, we do not understand why this Government so readily sets aside the welfare of its retired career servicemen and women after they have served the nation with dedication and distinction,” Mr Jamison said.
   He said there were several issues of particular concern including the Government’s decision to index Military superannuation at a rate lower than the benchmark.
   “Recipients continue to have the purchasing power of their superannuation eroded because of this.
   “The June 2007 advice from ComSuper will tell superannuants that their pension will remain static. No-one can seriously say that the cost of living – despite what the CPI figures indicate – hasn’t increased over the past six months”
   Mr Jamison also said that while the “one off” increase to DVA Special and Intermediate rate disability pensions was “a welcome measure”, it ignored the reason for this situation arising in the first place.
   Another issue that needed addressing, he said, was the discrimination against widows who married a retired ADF member over 60 years of age who subsequently died after less than five years of marriage.
   “In this circumstance the widow has no continuing entitlement to military superannuation and is left without that support. Other Commonwealth funded schemes allow a graduated scale of benefits with widows married for three or more years entitled to a full widow’s benefit.”
   Mr Jamison said there was also discrimination in the taxation treatment of military superannuation payments from 1 July 2007 under the new “Simple Super” arrangements.
   “Whilst the rest of the community over 60 benefits from the complete removal of taxation obligations from their superannuation, military superannuants (and other ex-Commonwealth employees) are saddled with the requirement (not faced by other groups in the Australian Community) for any additional income to be added to superannuation payments with this then being taxed at the individual’s marginal rate.”
   Mr Jamison said that failure to act on these concerns worked against the Government’s attempts to stem the exodus of serving men and women from the ADF.
   “The taxpayers’ money being allocated to retention and recruitment initiatives will be wasted unless there is a tangible demonstration of support for those who have previously served the nation as career servicemen and women,” Mr Jamison said.
   “The effect this group has on the attitudes of both those serving and those targeted for recruitment to the ADF should not be underestimated. Their alienation adds yet another disincentive to those who might otherwise extend their term in the ADF as well as those who might be inclined to enlist.”

May 22, 2007
APEC Trials Put Leaders To Test
A test of high-level decision-making processes for APEC Leaders week is under way in Sydney as the Commonwealth and NSW Governments gear up for the international gathering of Ministers starting 6 September.
   Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock said the exercise, code-named Blue Luminary II, would test decision-making processes during potential emergency situations.
   “We know that continual testing of our arrangements is crucial to ensuring we can respond effectively should an attack occur in Australia,” Mr Ruddock said.
   “Blue Luminary II is helping our security agencies to ensure Australia’s excellent reputation for hosting major events continues with Leaders Week in September.”
   He said the Australian Government had allocated $169.1 million over six years for APEC security measures, including $77.8 million for NSW Police to meet the needs of Leaders Week.
   Part of the funding to NSW was to provide a mobile command post to replicate elements of the Police Operations Centre, allowing commanders in the field to be autonomous and operate with state-of-the-art equipment.
   “NSW put forward a package of capabilities that it considered necessary to provide security for Leaders Week,” Mr Ruddock said.
   “The command vehicle puts senior officers on the spot where they are needed. It is just one of many capabilities we are providing.”
   He said items such as the command vehicle would benefit Australia after the APEC year, enhancing counter-terrorism measures around the nation.
   In addition to the significant resources committed by all States and Territories through their participation in national exercises, the Commonwealth had committed $53.6 million since 2003-04 to enhance Australia’s extensive national counter-terrorism exercise program.

May 22, 2007
Security Is Key To Defence IT Win
The Department of Defence is the first Government Agency to achieve High Assurance Certification for its Public Key Infrastructure technology that limits access to computer networks and protects electronic information.
   The Department signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Finance and Administration to cement the accreditation milestone.
   PKI is an information technology capability that uses encryption to validate the integrity of data and the identities of personnel or devices on networks.  The technology mitigates the risk of electronic impersonation of Defence personnel or devices and the undetected modification of data.
   Chief Capability Development Executive at Defence, Lieutenant-General David Hurley said the certification was an important milestone in the ongoing development of the Department’s Network Centric Warfare capability.
   “As a network enabled force, ADF decision makers at all levels rely upon information to make critical decisions,” Lt-Gen Hurley said.
   “Supported by a high assurance PKI, our commanders can be confident that the information used to make critical decisions has come from a trusted source and has not been modified by a third party.
   He said Defence personnel could now begin working with Allies and other significant parties to achieve PKI cross certification.
   Once this was achieved, Lt-Gen Hurley said, Australia and its Allies would be able to use their mutually recognised PKI technologies to seamlessly form operational partnerships or coalitions, rather than having to modify their technologies before being able to operate closely together.
   He said the High Assurance PKI would provide the essential security foundation for Defence’s information networks into the future.

May 22, 2007
Tourism Warming To Climate Change Plan
Scientists and the tourism industry have been invited to comment on a tourism action plan to combat the effects of climate change.
   Last month, the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Fran Bailey announced the Government would prepare a Tourism Action Plan on Climate Change to assess the impact of climate change on tourism and develop adaptation strategies in consultation with the tourism industry and State Tourism Ministers.
   “Local tourism operators work in partnership with their environment,” Ms Bailey said. “They are well placed to provide us with the information we need to take action.
   “That’s why I encourage tourism operators to contribute their ideas to the development of the Tourism Action Plan on Climate Change.”
   Ms Bailey said Australia had a proud record of sustainable tourism, and  that the Great Barrier Reef was a testament to the social and economic benefits of sustainable tourism.
   The Government was requesting input on the potential impacts of climate change, possible adaptation strategies; and strategies to address potential international visitor concerns.
   The Tourism Action Plan followed the Council of Australian Government’s endorsement of a National Climate Change Adaptation Framework last month.
   The Framework identified the tourism industry as one of the sectors for action.
   Submissions to the Tourism Action Plan can be made by emailing tapcc@industry.gov.au by 30 June.

May 22, 2007
Audit Office Books Three-Year Plan
The Australian National Audit Office has published a Corporate Plan setting out its strategies and direction to 2010.
   Auditor-General, Ian McPhee, announced the plan saying it was the overarching document in the ANAO’s planning framework and described the key strategies the Office intended pursuing to meet its objectives over the next three years.
   “It communicates our planned approach to all staff and stakeholders so there is   a clear understanding of the direction the Office is taking and the goals we expect to achieve,” Mr McPhee said.
   He said some objectives in previous plans had been modified to reflect the Office’s changing environment and requirements.
   Among the values and behaviours the Corporate Plan sets out are the goals of leading by example, enjoying its work, being innovative and creative, working with courage and tact and taking pride in its achievements.
   Over the next three years, the ANAO plans to improve its relationship with the Parliament and its Public Service clients, improve its methodologies, improve the way it manages its workforce, the way it uses information and the way it measures its performance.
   It also intends placing a strong focus on its people, enhancing forums that encourage participation in organisational decision-making, identify productivity and performance measures it can use and invest in capability with long term benefits.

May 22, 2007
AFL Kicks Goal With New Army Award 
The Army and the AFL have joined forces to introduce a new award for players who displayed courage, initiative and teamwork on the field.
   Officially launching the award, Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy and AFL Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Demetriou said it would recognise what had long been a tradition – of AFL players displaying the qualities that can be seen in Australia’s Army.
   “This exciting competition builds on this tradition, showcasing the Army’s core values of courage, initiative and teamwork that can be seen in every AFL match,” Lieutenant General Leahy said.
   “The Army Award is an on-field act; an act that is team lifting, game changing, and one which may require a player to put his body on the line.”
   Each week three acts by players, such as game breaking smothers, tackles and shepherds, would be nominated for the football public to vote on their favourite at the www.afl.com.au website.
   Mr Demetriou said the AFL was delighted to announce the inaugural AFL Army Award, in partnership with the Australian Army.
   “This award will recognise players for integral aspects of our game such as the determined attack on the ball and taking the initiative to do those small but important acts that can lift a team and turn a game,” Mr Demetriou said.
   At the end of the home and away season, the AFL All-Australian Selection Committee would shortlist the 22 weekly winning acts to six nominations which would then be voted on by the public.
   The winning player would receive the AFL/Army Award comprising a cash prize and trophy to be presented at the 2007 All Australian presentation dinner.

May 22, 2007
Broadband Stats Don’t Add up
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, has cast doubt on the accuracy of statistics collected and published by the international economic agency, the OECD.
   Senator Helen Coonan said reports from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development were sometimes used to distort views of the Government’s performance when it came to broadband performance and she offered to work with the organisation to improve them.
   “People refer to the OECD reports as if they are handed down on tablets of stone,” Senator Coonan said. “I have concerns about the methodology adopted by the OECD.”
   She particularly questioned the weight given to any one single indicator of broadband performance.
   Senator Coonan said other countries also hared some of her concerns and cited a letter from Ambassador David Gross, US Coordinator, International Communications and Information Policy, in which he said the United States supported the OECD’s efforts to reflect new technological, economic and policy developments to promote and encourage of effective broadband uses, but was “concerned about the methodology on which the new statistics were based, and their failure to capture important factors, particularly their reliance on user subscriptions as the measure of broadband use”.
   Senator Coonan said she echoed those sentiments and would write to the Secretary General of the OECD raising similar concerns such as the omission of data on wireless access.
   “I will also be offering to continue to work with the OECD to broaden and improve the depth and the rigour of their reports to ensure that their representation of Australia’s performance is measured more accurately against those of other OECD countries.”
   She said an example of the distorting use of statistics was the Opposition’s Communications spokesman seizing on the incorrect claim that Australia was ranked 25th in the world for broadband speeds.
   Senator Coonan said the Opposition was still referring to information that came from a five year old survey on international undersea communications cables, “which has nothing to do with broadband speeds available to Australian consumers.”

May 22, 2007
Finance Cuts Ice On Shipbuilder sale
The sale of the Government-owned Australian Submarine Corporation is a step closer with the appointment of legal firm Sparke Helmore as the project’s Process Adviser.
   Finance Minister, Senator Nick Minchin announced the appointment saying the Government planned to commence the process of selling the Adelaide-based shipbuilder if it was elected later this year.
   ASC has been awarded the role of shipbuilder for the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer Program.
   Senator Minchin said Sparke Helmore was appointed following an open tender process and would have the role of providing advice on probity and process issues relevant to the sale and assisting in ensuring that the sale was conducted to the highest standards of probity and accountability.
   He said it was the Government’s current intention to return ASC to private ownership through a competitive tender trade sale starting in late 2007 and concluding in the second half of 2008.
   A range of sale preparation activities were currently being undertaken by the Department of Finance and Administration and other advisers to the sale - Carnegie, Wylie & Company and Freehills - before the sale process started.
   DoFA would oversee the management of the sale with the assistance of the business, legal and process advisers and in consultation with the Department of Defence.
   The Departmnet would also work closely with ASC and consult relevant stakeholders as appropriate.

May 22, 2007
Airservices Lands Indian Airport Job
Airservices Australia is to provide aviation rescue and fire fighting consultancy services at India’s busiest airport, the Chhatraputi Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai.
   Airservices Regional Manager, Dirk Guinan said Airservices ARFF specialists would be deployed in Mumbai to work full-time and CSIA fire personnel would visit Airservices’ busiest airport fire stations at Sydney and Melbourne to exchange ideas and expertise.
   Mumbai International Airport’s General Manager of Emergency Services, Commander Pradeep Dixit, said he was looking forward to working with Airservices Australia
   “We will benefit from Airservices’ extensive experience in operating fire stations across the Australian continent,” Commander Prixit said. “Together with our group of experienced and dedicated fire fighting personnel, I believe we can further enhance and develop our airport’s fire fighting operation.”
   A Government-owned authority, Airservices Australia has more than 50 years experience in providing fire fighting and rescue services at 19 airports across Australia including joint civilian/military facilities.
   Airservices employed more than 650 fire fighting and technical staff and operated a fleet of 76 specialised fire fighting vehicles, as well as water rescue craft and domestic response fire vehicles.
   Mr Guinan said the Mumbai contract was the latest success for Airservices international consultancy services which included air traffic management, training, safety management and aviation rescue and fire fighting.

May 22, 2007
Auditor Cashes In On Governance
The Australian National Audit Office has a special role in promoting the improvement of public administration in Australia and according to Auditor-General, Ian McPhee, it spends most of its time doing just that.
   Addressing a forum of regional heads in Queensland, Mr McPhee said the many financial and performance reports issued by the ANAO each year served to stimulate improvements in the Public Service and assure taxpayers their money was being spent prudently.
   “Much of the work of the ANAO focuses on public sector governance,” Mr McPhee said. “Our reports provide a stimulus for better public administration due to the recommendations made and the attention given to issues.”
   He said Departments and Agencies were under competing pressures to be more autonomous, independent and flexible while at the same time participating in joint “whole-of-Government” activities responding to important issues on a Government-wide basis.
   “Whole of Government approaches are bringing new challenges to governance arrangements,” he said.
    “Chief Executives of Public Sector Agencies today have more authority than ever before …(but) the other change we have seen in recent years is a more collaborative approach to public administration.
   Mr McPhee said that while whole of Government intervention brought the benefits of  “big picture” strategies, improved client focus and a framework to resolve conflicts and generate trade-offs, there was a danger it could suffer from lack of clear leadership, blurred lines of accountability, difficulty in measuring effectiveness and the problems of duplication and higher costs.
   He predicted that more collaboration would be the norm in the future, not less, and that meant Departments and Agencies needed to ensure their governance arrangements were able to cope.
   “Governance arrangements will need to be adaptable to ensure delivery of the outcomes expected by Government and the community at large.”
   He identified six key elements Departments and Agencies would have to embrace if they were to deliver public services effectively. These were a thorough understanding of the organisation involved, leadership, sound planning, investments in risk management, evaluation of performance and ensuring that governance formalities were in place.
   He said the ANAO balanced its activities in the changed PS landscape by pursuing its traditional role of financial auditing but also by publishing Better Practice Guides.
   “I am conscious that objective reporting of aspects of public administration does not always bring joy to the hearts of some agencies or even Ministers,” he said.
   “Overall, the goal is to retain the fundamental emphasis on practice designed to assist Agencies.

May 22, 2007
Formula Found For Science Enrolments
A joint scheme between two Government Agencies to encourage Australian students to study science looks to be working with research revealing an increase in science enrolments since 2004.
   The Careers in Science initiative by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and the Commonwealth Scientific, Industrial and Research Organisation aims to encourage more school students to pursue careers in science through the publication of educational resources, site tours and a website.
   According to ANSTO, 35 per cent of schools taking part in the program reported increased enrolments in science subjects and 55 per cent of science teachers interviewed said students were taking a greater interest in the subject.
   The number of students enrolling in physical sciences in upper high schools had been dropping both nationally and internationally for almost 15 years, and not very long ago it was widely recognised that this would lead to a decreased number of quality scientists.
   Andrew Humpherson, ANSTO’s General Manager of Public Affairs, said the decline was dangerous, both socially and economically for Australia.
   “Without high calibre scientists, it’s expected that innovations and business developments would flag, making it harder for Australia to compete internationally,” Mr Humpherson said.
   “More worrying is that a lack of scientists can also lead to a decreased understanding of technological issues in society. It’s important for people to understand how science impacts their lives and how the world works.”
   He said that as a Government science agency ANSTO should contribute back to society by increasing the number of people with scientific education.
   “Science is recognised internationally as the foundation for a strong economic future and we need to do all we can to encourage science study and interest amongst children of all ages,” Mr Humpherson said.

May 22, 2007
Questacon Gets Its Hands On Awards
The National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra – Questacon – has won two awards from the International Council of Museums.
   The hands-on facility in Canberra’s Parliamentary triangle, was presented with awards in both the organisation and individual categories at the 2006 International Council of Museums (ICOM) Australia Awards.
   Chairman of ICOM Australia, Dr Ian Galloway, described the work being done at Questacon as “exceptional.”
    “The ICOM Australia Award for International Relations celebrates the exceptional work undertaken by individuals and Australian institutions to strengthen international ties and contribute to the cultural richness of our region,” Dr Galloway said.
   Questacon Director, Professor Graham Durant, said his organization was delighted to receive the Award, which was recognition of Questacon’s collaborative projects and relationships with Japan and science centres across the Asia Pacific.
   Questacon was established as a national centre in 1988 and was jointly funded by the Australian and Japanese Governments and business communities.
   “Questacon is a perpetual symbol of the mutual friendship and goodwill between the Governments, business communities and the people of Australia and Japan.” Professor Durant said.
   “Through the significant investment by both countries, Questacon has achieved a national and international reputation as a leader in the science centre field.”
   Questacon’s Manager of Science Partnerships, Will Inveen was presented with the individual Award in recognition of his outstanding work in promoting international relations.
   “I also congratulate Will Inveen on this most deserved Award,” Professor Durant said.
   “Will started at Questacon in 1987 as a Volunteer Explainer to foster his interest in science and education.
    “Will’s experience in building international relations through developing or delivering science education and awareness programs extends throughout Australia and the South Pacific, as well as Timor Leste, South Korea, China and Hong Kong.”
   The Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop congratulated Questacon for winning the Awards.
   “Questacon plays a lead role in international science centre networks and in the development of strong partnerships to allow the exchange of ideas and to promote Australian science, education and innovation,” Ms Bishop said.

May 22, 2007
Referendum Artshow Marks Popular Vote
Four Public Sector Agencies have been working together on an exhibition of Australian Indigenous artworks to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1967 referendum into Aboriginal affairs.
   The National Archives of Australia in Canberra plans to host the exhibition which has been put together in conjunction with the Australian Public Service Commission, the National Museum of Australia and the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. The artworks would come from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Art Collection.
   Director-General of the Archives, Ross Gibbs said the collection represented more than 30 years of collecting by a succession of Australian Government Agencies.
   “One of the most exciting aspects of this exhibition is that members of the public will be able to see these works of art together for the first time,” Mr Gibbs said.
   “We feel very privileged to showcase them at the National Archives.”
   He said the collection showed a diversity of artists, communities and styles and the works on display represented the best of the different Indigenous art styles and regional differences.
   The Drawing Together exhibition features 70 works of art, many by well-known artists including Sally Morgan, Mini Heath, Fiona Foley, Jimmy Pike and Queenie McKenzie. The whole collection contains 1500 items, valued at $3 million.
   Drawing Together … Showcasing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Art Collection will be on display at the National Archives of Australia in Canberra until 15 July 2007.

May 22, 2007
New Weather Deal More Than Hot Air
The Bureau of Meteorology has signed an historic agreement with the United Kingdom’s Met Office that promises to improve weather and climate forecasting in Australia.
   The Bureau can now take the Met Office’s high-powered computer-based weather and climate prediction program and adapt it for Australian conditions.
   Known as the Unified Model, the program has been recognised as among the best in the world and performed strongly when applied to both weather and climate for research and operational forecasting. It would replace the two separate and ageing programs used by the Bureau to monitor and forecast climate and weather.
   In turn, the Bureau has agreed to share its experience and know-how in weather and climate in Australia and the southern hemisphere to assist with further development of the program.
   According to the Australian Bureau Chief, Dr Geoff Love, the agreement marks an historic change for modelling research.
   “We are leaving behind a rich history of developing our own atmospheric models to focus more greatly on collaboration,” Dr Love said..
   “With this new partnership we are setting Australian weather and climate modelling on a path that will be at the leading edge of the science.”
   He said the Australian contribution to the agreement is being developed with assistance from the university sector under a joint CSIRO and Bureau project — the Australian Community Climate and Earth Systems Simulator.

May 22, 2007
Coral No Barrier To Reef Award
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has won an international award for sustainable tourism.
   Environment Minister, Malcolm Turnbull and Tourism Minister, Fran Bailey praised the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s sustainable tourism initiative.
   Mr Turnbull said the Destination Award in the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards recognised the value of working with the tourism industry to manage and protect one of Australia’s most internationally recognised natural icons.
   “Winning the Tourism for Tomorrow Award is something all Australians can be proud of,” Mr Turnbull said. “It shows we’re taking care of our natural treasure, the Great Barrier Reef,”
   He said the award showed it was possible to first and foremost, keep the reef safe for many more generations to enjoy but also to provide for a vibrant tourism industry.
   “It’s part of the continued recognition of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and our community partners in helping to keep the reef a great place.”
   Mr Turnbull said over the past five years the marine management agency and the tourism industry had achieved a well-managed, sustainable industry and significantly improved environmental, cultural and business outcomes.
   “The future well-being of the Marine Park and the tourism industry are closely linked, driving on-ground activities to protect the Reef and provide a world-class tourism experience,” Mr Turnbull said.
   Tourism Minister, Fran Bailey said the award was recognition of the important contribution the Great Barrier Reef, which attracts nearly two million tourists each year, and the tourism industry made to Australia.
   “The Great Barrier Reef is one of our great natural wonders, attracting big-spending tourists from right around the globe,” Ms Bailey said.
   “The amazing colours and vibrancy of the reef, the wildlife and the beautiful weather all help attract tourists,” she said.
   “Tourism on the Great Barrier Reef earns Australia $5.1 billion and creates 54,000 jobs. Importantly, the tourism industry works in partnership with the scientists to ensure a sustainable management of the reef for future generations.”
   She said the recent Federal Budget committed another $15.6 million over four years to support the day-to-day management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. A further $14.2 million was committed over four years from the Natural Heritage Trust for comprehensive monitoring and reporting of water quality and ecosystem health of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
   She said the Government had agreed to a 10 year Reef Water Quality Plan in 2003 to halt and reverse the decline in water quality from land-based sources.
   The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards were set up in 1989 by the Federation of Tour Operators to encourage action from all sectors of the industry to protect the environment.  This year there were 130 applications from more than 40 countries in four categories.

May 15, 2007
Retirees’ Age Rage As Pensions Erode
Retired Public Servants are angry that the Federal Budget failed to save their eroding pensions and have threatened a backlash in the coming election.
   The Superannuated Commonwealth Officers’ Association says by maintaining indexation of Public Service pensions via CPI movements, instead of a more accurate wage-based index, the Government was treating its former staff like second class citizens.
   Federal President of the SCOA, Ewan Hazell said that 87,000 voters living in marginal seats “rightly feel a strong sense of discrimination, having served their country well”.
   “The Government introduced a wage-based index for other Government pensions in 17 but won’t do the same for these superannuants, despite two Senate Committees’ recommendations to do so,” Mr Hazell said.
   He said the Government claimed that the CPI was a fair means of indexing pensions.
   But Mr Hazell said that it had conveniently forgotten that MPs’ pensions were not indexed in this manner.
   “They are indexed in line with movements in Parliamentary salaries and allowances, increases for which far exceed those applied to other Commonwealth pensions such as the Age Pension and Veterans’ pensions,” he said.
   “The last pension increase for MPs was a very generous 7 per cent; significantly greater than that for Age Pensioners and very much greater than the increase for /Defence superannuants.”
   Mr Hazell said in view of the Australian economy producing large budget surpluses, a change from the CPI to a wage-based index was clearly affordable.
   “The first year’s cost will be less than one half of one per cent of the huge 2006/07 Budget surplus,” he said
   “Additionally, the latest Intergenerational Report shows unfunded /Defence superannuation liabilities are falling from 0.5 to 0.2 as a percentage of GDP.”
   “We are not seeking the generous level of indexation provided to MPs,” he said, “just a fair go as promised by the Prime Minister to all Australians prior to the last election.
   “Perhaps the Government has forgotten that this is an election year!”

May 15, 2007
Super Reforms Not So Super Says CPSU
Sweeping changes to superannuation announced in the Federal Budget do not go far enough according to the Community and Public Sector Union which says the Government has missed an opportunity to provide significant benefits to public sector workers.
   Changes to superannuation announced by Finance Minister, Senator Nick Minchin on Budget included:
   making membership of the CSS and PSS schemes voluntary from 1 July 2008;
   Increasing the PSS Defined Benefit Scheme (PSSdb) Maximum Benefit Limit from generally 8 times Final Average Salary to 10 times;
   Members of the PSSdb scheme will be able to leave and join the PSS Accumulation Plan (PSSap)
   Staff taking this option would be offered 'Choice' and allowed to remain in the PSSap, or move to another fund;
   The CSS and PSSdb will allow employees in financial hardship to have limited access to their superannuation in line with eligibility rules that apply to the broader community.
   Senator Minchin said removing the mandatory requirement for PSS and CSS members to contribute to their schemes from after-tax salary would provide a level of flexibility that was available to private sector
   He said the changes would encourage staff to remain in the workforce longer.
   “Eligible PSS members will be able to leave the PSS, preserving their existing benefit in the PSS and join an accumulation scheme for the prospective payment of employer contributions,” he said.
   “This will provide members with the flexibility for future contributions that is already available to most of the Australian workforce.”
   Senator Minchin said changes to the Maximum Benefit Limit  would also give  members an incentive to keep working.
   “This is consistent with the removal of the Reasonable Benefit Limit which was previously announced in the 2006-07 Federal Budget.”
   The CPSU said however it was disappointed the Government didn’t introduce Transition to Retirement provisions which would also encourage staff to stay in the workforce longer and that it didn’t align pension indexation with Male Total Average Weekly Earnings intead of CPI.
   It also criticised the Government for not rectifying the reversionary pension benefit arrangements that discriminated against people in a same sex  relationship or taking up the suggestion of the Senate Economics Committee relating to the taxation arrangements applying to 'untaxed' superannuation funds, like the CSS and PSSdb.
   In another change, Senator Minchin also announced that the pre-1976 spouse pensions cancelled on remarriage would be reinstated on application.
   He promised to consult widely with relevant stakeholders on the implementation of the reforms.

May 15, 2007
Report on Reports For IPAA Awards
The Department of Transport and Regional Services and Food Standards Australia have won the Institute of Public Administration Australia’s Annual Report Awards judged and announced in Canberra recently.
   DoTARS won for Departments aand Agencies governed by the Financial Management Act and Food Standards Australia, for those who were authorities and companies.
   The annual awards were hosted by the ACT Division of IPAA and judged Reports for the year 2005-06.
   According to the IPAA , the annual reports for last year were an improvement on the year before with a strong field of entries from a diverse range of agencies.
   “Our assessors and judges were impressed with the general quality of the reports submitted for assessment,” the Institute said.
   “IPAA’s process puts reports through a rigorous assessment process that reviews the content, the presentation, the tone and the overall effectiveness of the document. 
   “Our process looks at compliance as a basis and then looks at what the agency has added to explain the base information to the reader.
   “After compliance, we then look at a range of quality indicators.  We assess reports against our CAPABLE checklist. CAPABLE is made up of seven elements – coherence, accessibility, performance information, appearance, balance, learning and engagement.
   According to IPAA, there was one constant criticism across the categories: performance information was of limited value with much of it a statement of what had been done, not what those activities had achieved.
   Among other winners were the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs which won the On-Line Award; Medicare, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the National Museum of Australia and the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation who all won silver awards: and the National Archives of Australia, Aboriginal Hostels, Australian Hearing  and the Australian Sports Commission who won bronze.
   Agencies of the ACT Government were also eligible to be considered for awards, four of them earning commendations: ACT Policing, ACTION Buses, the Public Trustee for the ACT and ACT Health
   In a summary of their views, the judges considered the provision of accurate and relevant information alone being insufficient to make a high-quality annual report. They saw ‘readability’ as important for accessibility and accountability, as well as striking a balance between form and content.
   The judges were Paddy Gourley and George Nichols for the FMA awards, Dr Richard Agnew and Associate Professor Michael Moore foir the CAC Awards and Lewis Hawke and Meryl Stanton for the ACT.

May 15, 2007
Stats Top of Charts In e-Government
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has won the Award for Excellence in e-Government for the 2006 eCenus.
   For the first time in 2006, the Census was offered online to Australian citizens providing an accessible option for people with a disability to complete and submit their Census forms. It also provided all Australians with a secure and easy alternative to completing the paper Census form, and made it easier for the ABS to count people living in isolated places.
   Announcing the honour, Special Minister of State, Gary Nairn, said the e-Government Awards recognised excellence in the use of information and communications technology in Australia at all levels of Government.
   Australian Statistician, Brian Pink, said the ABS was proud of the success of the eCensus project.
   “For the first time in history, Australians were given the opportunity to complete their Census forms online and many took advantage of this convenient and efficient way to provide their 2006 Census details,” Mr Pink said .
   “In time the eCensus will lead to faster processing of Census information, giving communities and decision makers access to results earlier.”
   Mr Nairn also presented three highly commended awards:
   Education.au.limited for the Education Network Australia (edna) which demonstrates to anyone involved in education and training in Australia, best practice in e-learning, information management, online communities, useability, accessibility and user support.
   The Victorian Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority for its Media Access to Emergency Services (MATES) system which, as an Australian first, provides a new, innovative approach to the way that the emergency services can communicate with the media.
   The Hornsby Shire Council for its Councils Online Services which allows extended hours access to council services and will make business dealings with council easier.
   He also presented certificates to the other finalists:
   The ACT Department of Territory and Municipals Services for Canberra Connect SmartForms;
   The Australian Bureau of Statistics for Improving Online Communication of Statistics; 
   The Child Support Agency for CSAonline;
   CSIRO’s ICT Centre for Search Services for Government;
   The Department of Education, Science and Training for INDIGO; and
   The Department of Health and Ageing for PharmBiz.
   “All of the nominees represent the cutting edge of ICT projects and development across the public sector in Australia,” Mr Nairn said.
   “Their work and accomplishments have had a positive impact on the lives of Australian citizens, the community and business.”

May 15, 2007
New Compo Scheme Claims first victim
The Community and Public Sector Union has reported that the first case of a Public Servant being injured on the way to work occurred just 12 hours after new Workers Compensation arrangements were introduced, withdrawing coverage for such incidents.
   According to the union a senior manager at one of the largest government agencies tripped on the gutter as she walked to work and fell, injuring one of her feet.
   Incident reports were completed, cabs called, doctors consulted and x-rays were taken, according to the union. The final diagnosis was a broken right foot, resulting in three weeks off work and a large dent in her accrued sick leave, plus ongoing medical consultations and mounting gap fees.
   The union said that under the old rules, successful claims for accidents on the way to work would have allowed the use of compensation leave for time off work, not an individuals’ personal leave credits.
   The senior manager believed there were wider implications for strategies to encourage healthier workplaces were few.
   “In this day and age where obesity and lack of exercise is a problem it’s going to curtail people’s activities they might take over lunch where they might leave the office for a walk to get some fresh air,” she said.
   She also predicted that current initiatives that employers provided to encourage healthier work environments would struggle to attract future participants.
   “People will think twice about taking part. They’ll ask themselves: What sort of protection do I have? What sort of compensations coverage will apply?”

May 15, 2007
Super Bungle For Pay Out Pay Off
Up to 6000 former Commonwealth Public Servants have been underpaid superannuation entitlements and are to receive extra payments.
   According to The Canberra Times, the mistakes were made in calculating exit payments to members of the CSS and PSS who left the Service in 2005-06, and  payments of up to $20,000 are being made in restitution.
   The total underpayment is estimated at $10 million.
   Chief Executive of the Australian Reward Investment Alliance, which manages both schemes, Steve Gibbs, said the mistakes were “regrettable and unaccaptable.”
   Mr Gibbs said the trustees of the schemes had called in outside experts to examine their procedures and they were confident there would be no recurrence.
   “It was caused by some incorrect accounting data which was fed into the calculation of exit rates and then had a compounding effect until we found it,” Mr Gibbs told the Canberra Times.
   “This money is in the fund and has always been in the fund, it’s just that we didn’t pay it out.”
   He said the error only affected staff who took their benefit during the 20005-06 financial year or transferred from one investment option to another.
   He said most people who had been affected had been contacted but the trustees were having trouble tracking down a number.
   “If someone‘s taking a pension we have contact and bank details,” he said. “But if someone took all their benefits in a lump sum and subsequently moved house, they wouldn’t think of letting us know.”
   Mr Gibbs said new procedures had been adopted in which calculations and other procedures were double checked.
   PS News readers concerned that their entitlements may be affected can contact ARIA on (02) 6263 69 or by email to secretary@aria.gov.au.

May 15, 2007
Numbers Up For Scholarships
The number of Commonwealth Scholarships is to increase from 8500 to12,000 from next year, offering more Australians from low income backgrounds the chance to go to University.
   The increase will cost the Australian Government $91.4 million over four years, with 2000 of the new scholarships being offered to students who may not otherwise qualify for a higher education place. They will allow holders to study two-year associate degrees as a pathway to full degrees.
   The increase is over and above the additional Commonwealth Scholarships being provided to Indigenous students in this budget.
   Minister for Education, Julie Bishop said the increase in scholarships provided students, particularly those from rural and regional areas, with increased opportunities to go to university.
   “Commonwealth Scholarships provide opportunities for students to attend university who otherwise may not,” ms Bishop said.
   “The increased number of scholarships will help to build the nation’s skills base for the benefit of our future prosperity.”
   She said the initiative was part of the Australian Government’s investment of $222 million to improve access to tertiary education in the 2007-08 Budget package, Realising Our Potential.

May 15, 2007
Film Commission in Ombudsman’s Frame
An Ombudsman’s review into the Australian Film Commission’s procedures for handling funding applications has found significant shortfalls which it has recommended be fixed.
   A report prepared by Acting Commonwealth Ombudsman, Dr Vivienne Thom found that the AFC’s funding criteria were ambiguous and ill-defined, that its assessment procedures were inconsistent; that it failed to keep adequate records of the assessment process and it failed to advise unsuccessful applicants of the reasons for their rejection.
   The Ombudsman also uncovered the potential for conflicts of interest.
   In March 2006 the Ombudsman’s Perth office received a complaint from an applicant for funding from the AFC claiming that he had asked the AFC several times “to be provided with more relevant and timely information about the determination process and guidelines relevant to eligibility [for short and feature film funding].”
   The complainant was dissatisfied with the responses he had received.
   The Ombudsman’s office said it began its investigation into the matter “relatively informally” as it had received few complaints about the AFC, averaging less than one each year over the past 30 years.
   It believed the complaint would be straightforward but its investigations led to further enquiries which found that the AFC’s administration was sub-standard.
   Dr Thom said that while neither the Australian Film Commission Act 1975 nor the policy directions issued by the AFC required the giving of reasons for decisions when applications for funding were refused, there were well-established standards of good administrative practice among Government agencies that expected they would.
   She said those standards normally required that a person adversely affected by an agency decision be informed of the reasons behind it.
   The review also found their was a strong likelihood of a conflict of interest due to the relatively small size of the Australian film-making industry with personnel making decisions and assessing applications likely know some of the applicants or the creative teams associated with an application.
   The review concluded that based on the analysis of this complaint, the AFC’s arrangements for assessing and deciding applications did not reflect contemporary best practice, and left the agency open to criticism from its clients or external scrutineers.

May 15, 2007
Banned Retiree In Superannuation Win
A retired Public Servant has successfully sued the Commonwealth for damages after he was wrongly advised in the mid-1960s that he couldn’t join the Commonwealth Superannuation Fund
   The respondent, John Cornwell, commenced employment as a temporary employee in the Commonwealth’s Department of the Interior in 1962, as a spray painter at the Canberra bus depot. Mr Cornwell claimed that in July 1965 his (deceased) manager negligently advised him that he was not eligible to join the Commonwealth Superannuation Fund established under the Superannuation Act 1922).
   The ACT courts ruled in Mr Cornwell’s favour, holding that the negligent advice stopped him from commencing contributions to the Fund in 1965 or 1966.
   Mr Cornwell only became a member of the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme in 1987 when his employment was reclassified as permanent. He retired from the Commonwealth in December 14 and commenced proceedings against the Commonwealth in 19, 34 years after he was given the incorrect advice.
   The Commonwealth defended the claim in the grounds that more than six years had elapsed since the advice was given and it was therefore too late to claim under the Limitations Act.
   The ACT courts rejected this defence so the Commonwealth appealed to the High Court which dismissed the appeal 6:1.
   The majority of the High Court Justices decided that Mr Cornwall’s losses occurred on his retirement, not before, and therefore the Limitation applied from that date, which was within the six-year window.
   Mr Cornwell’s damages remain to be assessed.

May 15, 2007
Graves and Diggers In Memorial Display
An exhibition of Commonwealth war graves and memorials has been opened in Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
   Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson said the exhibition was drawn from an illustrated history commissioned by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to mark the 90th anniversary of its establishment by Royal Charter.
   “The Commission maintains graves and memorials to the missing for more than 1.7 million servicemen and women from Commonwealth nations, including Australia, in 150 countries world wide,” Mr Billson said.
   “This moving exhibition features photographs of the immaculately kept grounds and memorials where 102,000 Australian sons and daughters lost their lives in the two world wars lie in their final resting places and are commemorated.”
   Mr Billson said the Commission cared for the graves and memorials to missing Australians in places such as the Gallipoli Peninsula, the Western Front, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Singapore and Thailand.
   He also announced that the Government had provided $20,000 in funding through its Saluting Their Service commemorations program, administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, to support the exhibition.
   “I congratulate the Commission and the Shrine for this compelling selection of photographs that tell the story of the great sacrifice of so many men and women in the service of our nation,”

May 15, 2007
Finance Leaders In Each Others’ Pocket
The Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission have updated their 2003 Memorandum of Understanding which governs their cooperative working arrangements.
   Commissioner of Taxation, Michael D’Ascenzo and ASIC Chairman Jeffrey Lucy signed the new MoU which is expected to underpin the future relationship between the two organisations
   Mr Lucy welcomed the revised MOU, saying it reflected ASIC’s commitment to working with the Tax Office to promote public confidence in the financial system through open and consultative approaches.
   “To enhance our work for consumers and to facilitate business, there is an increasing emphasis on a whole-of-government approach. I am confident our new agreement will support this,” Mr Lucy said.
   Mr D’Ascenzo said the Tax Office and ASIC would continue to collaborate to strengthen their impact in ensuring revenue was collected effectively and in dealing with unscrupulous and illegal behaviour.
   Both Mr Lucy and Mr D’Ascenzo said the new MOU did not affect the legal position on what information may or may not be disclosed to the other agency. Both agencies remained subject to existing secrecy and confidentiality provisions in the law.

May 15, 2007
Investing Again In Invest Australia
Invest Australia has received a vote of confidence from the Government with Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane saying the organisation had played a key role in attracting up to 357 projects to the Australian economy, valued at $55 billion.
   Mr Macfarlane said the Government had decided to provide ongoing funding for Invest Australia to continue generating jobs and economic growth.
   “It’s estimated these projects will create more than 27,000 jobs and generate $12.5 billion in export earnings for Australia,” Mr Macfarlane said.
   “Foreign direct investment contributes significantly to Australia’s economic prosperity. Firms that are majority foreign owned account for 1.3 million jobs, 50 per cent of the value of goods exported and 42 per cent of private R&D expenditure.”
   He said that Australia was growing in strength as an internationally competitive investment destination, but it must continue to be on the front foot if it were to increase its share of global investment.
   “In 2006 Australia was ranked the most resilient economy in the world for the fifth successive year, and was also judged to be the world’s most politically stable country,” Mr Macfarlane said.
   Government funding for Invest Australia in 2007-08 will be $26.4 million for direct costs which includes $1.8 million under the new Global Opportunities program to allow Invest Australia to increase its work with multinational enterprises already in Australia.
   “Most foreign investment is by firms already operating in a host country,” Mr Macfarlane said.
   “Additional funding will allow Invest Australia to further encourage reinvestment by multinationals in Australia, and build links between these companies and Australian firms and research organisations.”

May 15, 2007
Indigenous Workers In Job Lot
A plan to create 825 jobs for Indigenous people delivering Government services has been announced by Workplace Relations Minister, Joe Hockey.
   Mr Hockey said the Budget contained $97.2 million for the initiative which would create “real” jobs from Community Development Employment Projects, CDEP.
   He said in the 30 years since CDEP began, Indigenous people had been delivering services for all levels of Government.
   “It’s time we recognised these are real jobs that help Governments provide essential community services,” Mr Hockey said.
   He said the funding would enable Government service delivery positions to be converted to properly funded jobs. Currently, those jobs were subsidised by CDEP welfare payments.
   He said the initiative would deliver long-term jobs and professional career paths for Indigenous people in environment and heritage protection, education, community care, childcare and Indigenous community night patrols, and would strengthen the Government’s capacity to deliver services to Indigenous communities.
   Mr Hockey said the initiative built on the $20.5 million committed in last year’s  Federal Budget to convert the positions of 130 full-time equivalent community-based Indigenous health workers performing duties in health care and substance abuse centres.
   “The former CDEP participants employed in these jobs will have the full benefits of employment: wages, leave, superannuation, training and professional development,” Mr Hockey said.
   “Families, children and communities will also benefit. These changes will help break the cycle of intergenerational welfare dependency.”
   He said the breakdown per department would be:
   $8.6 million Attorney-General’s Department
   $15.0 million Department of Education, Science and Training
   $47.6 million Department of Environment and Water Resources
   $1.0 million Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
   $16.5 million Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
   $8.5 million Department of Health and Ageing
   A total of $65.9 million in CDEP program savings would be redirected to partly fund the initiative. Of these savings, $30 million would be delivered through Indigenous Employment Services reforms and $35.9 million through the conversion of CDEP positions into long-term jobs.

May 15, 2007
Ideas Rain at Fire Weather Meeting
A meeting between Northern Australian fire managers, climatologists and meteorologists in Darwin promises more accurate assessment of the fire risks for the coming season.
   The fire weather specialists assessed the likelihood of fires across the region so that fire agency staff could allocate resources in line with the likely risks.
   The participants now expect to produce a map highlighting Northern Australia’s fire potential based on factors such as fuel conditions and likely weather, as well as the capacity to respond to fires.
   The recent meeting was the second annual planning meeting, following the success of last year’s fire outlook, which Bureau of Meteorology fire weather researcher Graham Mills said accurately predicted those parts of Australia with an above-normal fire potential.
   Dr Mills noted that the past cyclone season resulted in significantly above-normal rainfall and consequently significantly greater grass growth over the Kimberley, Top End, Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula regions in the north, as well as across the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia.
   “In particular, we’re seeing grass and vegetation growth in regions where vegetation is normally quite sparse, creating an above-average fire potential for these regions,” said Dr Mills.
   The meeting is being held in conjunction with the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre as part of its Fire and Weather and Fire Danger project.

May 15, 2007
PS Gets Numbers In Budget Staff Boost
The 2007-08 Budget promises to create over 5237 new Public Service positions in the coming year, taking the total APS workforce, including Defence, from 238,622 to 243,859.
   New and expanded programs in security, Defence, Human Services and Immigration lead the way with solid staffing increases needed to manage initiatives such as the continued focus on national security, the new Access card and citizenship test, climate change and the health challenges of an ageing population.
   The increase in staff numbers represents a 2.2 per cent rise in the PS workforce.
   Among the Departments and Agencies expecting staff increases are:
   * Human Services, to increase by 1255;
   * Centrelink, up 370;
   * Environment and Water Resources, up 329;
   * Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs,  up 188;
   * Comcare up 50;
   * Employment and Workplace Relations, up 15
   Departments who will be net losers of staff during the year includes Immigration and Citizenship and Prime Minister and Cabinet whi will reduce because of  specific projects coming to a close: The Census in DIAC’s case and the forthcoming APEC meeting in the PM&C’s. Other agencies to downsize will be the Tax Office, Medicare and the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
   National Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union, Stephen Jones, welcomed the staffing increases saying the new positions were needed to deal with what are certain to be increased workloads.
   "This increase will certainly help with the additional workload that is going to be required for initiatives such as the bringing forward of child-care rebates," Mr Jones said. said.
   "But it does not change the fact that there is still widespread concern about the impact of the Government's harsh WorkChoices laws on pay, conditions and rights at work.”
   Mr Jones said up to 3000 of the new positions could be in located in Canberra.

May 8, 2007
PS Super Reforms For Super Results
Superannuation arrangements for members of the Australian Public Service are to be revolutionised following reforms announced in the 2007-08 Budget.
   Finance Minister, Senator Nick Minchin said from 1 July 2008, membership of the CSS or PSS superannuation schemes would be voluntary, with staff having the choice of staying or signing up with a different superannuation provider of their choice.
   “Commonwealth Public Servants will be able to choose their own superannuation scheme and decide for themselves whether or not to top up their superannuation funds with personal contributions,’ Senator Minchin said.
   “Removing the current mandatory requirement for PSS and CSS members to contribute to these schemes from after-tax salary will provide the same flexibility and incentives to contribute to superannuation that are available in the private sector.”
   He said the changes would encourage staff to remain in the workforce longer.
   “Eligible PSS members will be able to leave the PSS, preserving their existing benefit in the PSS and join an accumulation scheme for the prospective payment of employer contributions,” he said.
   “This will provide members with the flexibility for future contributions that is already available to most of the Australian workforce.”
   Senator Minchin said the Maximum Benefit Limit (MBL) would also be changed from 1 January 2008, giving members an incentive to keep working.
   “This is consistent with the removal of the Reasonable Benefit Limit which was previously announced in the 2006-07 Federal Budget.”
   He said while the new measures would allow staff to join a scheme that suited their individual needs, they could still choose to stay with the scheme they are in.
   The Minister also announced that members of the PSS and CSS schemes would be allowed early access to their funded benefits on hardship or compassionate grounds from 1 January 2008 and that the controversial cases of spouse pensions cancelled on remarriage (before the mid-1970s in most schemes) would be reinstated on application.
   Senator Minchin promised to consult widely with relevant stakeholders on the implementation of the reforms.

May 8, 2007
PS Gets Numbers In Budget Staff Boost
The 2007-08 Budget promises to create over 5237 new Public Service positions in the coming year, taking the total APS workforce, including Defence, to 243,859.
   New and expanded programs in security, Defence, Human Services and Immigration lead the way with solid staffing increases needed to manage initiatives such as the continued focus on national security, the new Access card and citizenship test, climate change and the health challenges of an ageing population.
   The increase in staff numbers represents a 2.2 per cent rise in the PS workforce.
   Among the Departments and Agencies expecting staff increases are:
   * Human Services, to increase by 1255;
   * Centrelink, up 370;
   * Environment and Water Resources, up 329;
   * Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs,  up 188;
   * Comcare up 50;
   * Employment and Workplace Relations, up 15
   Departments who will be net losers of staff during the year includes Immigration and Citizenship and Prime Minister and Cabinet whi will reduce because of  specific projects coming to a close: The Census in DIAC’s case and the forthcoming APEC meeting in the PM&C’s. Other agencies to downsize will be the Tax Office, Medicare and the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
   National Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union, Stephen Jones, welcomed the staffing increases saying the new positions were needed to deal with what are certain to be increased workloads.
   "This increase will certainly help with the additional workload that is going to be required for initiatives such as the bringing forward of child-care rebates," Mr Jones said. said.
   "But it does not change the fact that there is still widespread concern about the impact of the Government's harsh WorkChoices laws on pay, conditions and rights at work.”
   Mr Jones said up to 3000 of the new positions could be in located in Canberra.

May 8, 2007
PS Apprentices In Recruit Trade-Off
A pilot staff recruitment scheme that engages new entrants to the Australian Public Service as “apprentices” has been launched by Centrelink in Queensland.
   Entitled the Centrelink Apprentice Program, the scheme is marketed as way of gaining entry to the Public Service and offers paid on-the-job training, leadership support and a nationally recognised qualification.
   Coordinator of the program, Pam Venn said the apprenticeship scheme enabled Centrelink to recruit from a pool of people not usually targeted.
   “It provides an entry point for anyone of working age looking for a career in the Australian Public Service - with or without a secondary school certificate or other qualification,” Ms Venn said.
   “You can be a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or simply wishing to change careers.
   Under the program, students work one day a week in a Centrelink office to gain valuable experience while also undertaking certificate studies in either Government, Business or Customer Contact.
   “It gives students a real life insight into the diverse range of careers within the Public Service and a foot in the door when they finish their schooling,” Ms Venn said.
   Two such students are 17-year-old Laura Johannesen and 20-year-old Cassie Robinson who both recently began their Public Service induction at Centrelink’s Record Management Unit in Townsville.
   The unit is responsible for the storage and archiving of thousands of customer files from throughout Central and Northern Queensland, as well as managing Centrelink’s regional mailing operations.
   For Ms Johannesen and Ms Robinson, the opportunity to work in this key Centrelink engine room is the ideal start to what they hope will be a rewarding career.
   “It’s worked out really well for me because I want to go to university but I’m not sure exactly what I want to do yet,” Ms Johannesen said.
   “The Centrelink Apprenticeship Program and the time here at the Record Management Unit is great because it’s given us an idea of the many different areas that you can work within Centrelink and the Public Service generally.  It’s giving me some direction, a better idea of what I’d like to study and where I’d like to end up.”
   Ms Robinson said she was looking forward to her future in the Public Service and appreciated the start the Centrelink Apprenticeship Program offered her.
    “When I applied for the apprenticeship I never thought that I would actually get the job but I had to give it a try,” Ms Robinson said..  What’s good about it is you don’t have to have any experience to have a chance at scoring a job like this.”
   Ms Venn said Centrelink would also establish school-based apprenticeships which would open up a whole new range of opportunities for young people in north Queensland.
   School-based apprentice candidates must be at least 15 years of age and studying Year 11.
   For enquiries about the Centrelink Apprenticeship Program, email Apprentice.Recruitment@centrelink.gov.au.

May 8, 2007
Older Soldiers Are Order of the Day
The Compulsory Retirement Age for Defence Force Members is to be increased from 55 to 60.  The change is expected to take place from 1 July.
   Defence Minister Dr Brendan Nelson said the Forces’ people were remaining fit, capable and keen to serve beyond their usual retirement age of 55 and the new policy allowed them to do so.
    “Permanent ADF members may now serve until 60,” Dr Nelson said, “giving them greater career flexibility and certainty in planning for later retirement.”
   He said the new arrangements also addressed a key separation issue cited by many ADF members, namely the need to leave the ADF while still young enough to start a second career.
   Dr Nelson said the “CRA 60” better reflected community standards and allowed the ADF to retain the skills and experience of its highly-trained people longer.
   “This is significant, particularly when the ADF is facing the challenge of recruiting more people and reducing its separation rate,” he said.
   The necessary changes to the Defence (Personnel) Regulations 2002 were expected to be implemented by July 1.
   The key changes are:
   Increase the CRA for permanent ADF forces personnel to 60 and for specified higher ranks, 63;
   Increase CRA for Reserves to 65;
   Remove the upper limit for age extensions in respect of all permanent and Reserve ADF personnel;
   Amend CRAs for permanent and Reserve chaplains and age extensions as indicated above.
   Increase of five years in the maximum recruiting age, in line with the increase in CRA.
   Dr Nelson said the changes also meant that the potential recruitment pool had been expanded and older candidates may be considered for ADF entry as long as they met aptitude, health and physical fitness standards. Some careers such as aircrew, commandos and entry through the Australian Defence Force