SearchArchives for May 2009
26 May, 2009Call for PS to go
public on privacy
The Privacy Commissioner has called on Government Agencies to nominate for the Australian Privacy Awards, now in their second year.According to the Commissioner, Karen Curtis, departments and agencies should receive more recognition for their good work in the field of privacy.
“Often, all the public hears about is when things go amiss,” Commissioner Curtis said, “but there is also a lot of good privacy work being done.”
“So many Agencies both meet and exceed their privacy obligations and they should be rewarded for their positive contributions to making Australia a place in which privacy is respected.”
Commissioner Curtis said the Awards program was an important way of recognising and rewarding Agencies and businesses.
The Australian Privacy Awards are divided into four categories: the Symantec Government Award for Government Agencies; the Large Business Award for businesses with over 100 staff; the Small-medium Business Award for businesses with less than 100 staff; and the Community and NGO Award for not-for-profit organisations.
Nominations are also been sought for the Australian Privacy Medal, which is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to advancing privacy in Australia.
Justice Michael Kirby took out the medal in 2008.
Winners of the 2008 Awards were: Medicare Australia, Telstra Corporation, Data Solutions Australia, the Australian Dental Association NSW Branch and the Child Support Agency.
Nominations close 6 August 2009, with the winners announced in November and more information can be obtained from www.privacy.gov.au/about/awards/index.html
26 May, 2009
Danger database
found in danger
A database at the centre of Australia’s protection against terror and criminal activity has been found to be incomplete and inaccurate.An Auditor General’s report into the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s management of its Movement Alert List (MAL) has found that despite a number of reviews and improvements over recent years, it was still affected by problems.
The MAL is used to protect the Australian community from people who may pose a threat to it and informs DIAC officials and others when making decisions about who to let into the country and who not to.
In his report Management of the Movement Alert List, the Auditor-General, Ian McPhee said that although DIAC had added substantial numbers of security records to the list in recent years, it had been “less successful in ensuring the quality” of the MAL records.
“The completeness, quality and accuracy of MAL data has proved an enduring problem for DAIC,” the Auditor-General said.
“Overall the quality of data has been declining in recent years.”
He said the Department was also facing challenges implementing an effective accountability regime to assure the quality of the records over time.
He said there were “gaps” at the operational processing level that meant the Department couldn’t be sure the system was working as intended.
“Given the centrality of the system to border protection,” the Auditor-General said, “this aspect of the Department’s operations needs to be upgraded.”
The Auditor made five recommendations for improvements, all of which were agreed to by the Department.
Describing MAL as a “critical contributor” to national security, DIAC admitted the system had problems but said action was in hand to overcome them.
“We agree there is room for greater efficiency,” the Department said in its response to the report.
“Measures are being put in place to address this.”
The full report from the Auditor-General can be accessed at www.anao.gov.au
26 May, 2009
Recession receding
for funds watchdog
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is to employ additional “front-line” resources to boost its monitoring and enforcement activities during the ongoing global recession.The Federal Budget allocated a significant increase in funding of $81.9 million over four years to the Commission to allow it to perform the activities.
Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry said the additional resources would enhance the Commission’s regulatory oversight.
“It is essential to have a properly resourced regulator to ensure maximum investor protection and market integrity, particularly amid this global recession which is impacting businesses in different ways,” Senator Sherry said.
He said over the four years $63.2 million would be spent on engaging additional “front-line” resources from 2009-10 to 2012-13 and the remaining $18.7 million would be spent in 2010-11 to target “acute requirements” being placed on ASIC as a result of the recession.
The Treasury was also to receive $5 million in 2010-11 towards the increased demands for policy advice as a result of the economic crisis.
Senator Sherry said from the 2010-11 financial year, ASIC fees and charges would be indexed in line with the consumer price index (CPI), resulting in a positive return of $84.3 million over the three years to 2012-2013.
“These initiatives are a further demonstration of the Government's commitment to ensuring that ASIC is appropriately funded to continue its vital role regulating Australia's financial markets in time of unprecedented financial volatility,” he said.
26 May, 2009
Lifestyle survey is
CSIRO way of life
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation has called for people to take part in a national survey on lifestyle and consumption habits.CSIRO social scientists will be examining what Australians think is important by finding out about consumption preferences and the impacts these decisions have on quality of life and environment.
The online survey will ask consumers about their habits in areas such as transport, housing, energy, and time and water use.
CSIRO project leader, Dr Heinz Schandl said the survey aimed to enable better policy research for a sustainable future.
“Once we can identify different types of households we will be able to explore ways that policy might be able to support these lifestyle choices while ensuring sustainable resource use,” Dr Schandl said.
“Decisions people make about where to live, how many children to raise and what items they buy, trongly influence the impact a society has on the physical environment.”
He said the Organisation would attempt to uncover what drove Australian consumer behaviour and how it could use that information to help build a low-carbon economy.
The CSIRO is seeking respondents from as many different backgrounds and perspectives as possible.
The survey results will be published online.
To take part visit www.csiro.au/lifestylesurvey before 30 June 2009.
26 May, 2009
Tax crackdown is
cracked down on
An audit of the Australian Taxation Office’s management of serious non-compliance cases has found that “considerable scope” exists for the ATO to improve its effectiveness.In a report entitled The Australian Taxation Office’s Management of Serious Non-Compliance, Auditor-General Ian McPhee found that although the Tax Office had improved its systems and processes to detect and deal with fraud and serious tax evasion, more could be done to achieve greater returns.
According to the Auditor, non-compliance in the form of fraud or serious evasion could undermine community confidence in the taxation system and lead to reduced voluntary compliance levels.
He said the Tax Office had established its Serious Non-Compliance business line (SNC) in 2003 to crack down on high-level tax evasion.
Mr McPhee agreed with the Taxation Commissioner, Michael D’Ascenzo, that as the global financial crisis took hold, compliance risks were likely to increase with taxpayers seeking to maximise their income from “diminishing sources.”
“The Tax Office’s response needs to be sustained and innovative,” the Auditor-General said.
He said to meet the coming risks, the Tax Office needed to:
- Increase its deterrent activities;
- Centrally record all fraud referrals;
- Link case selection to national priorities; and
- Increase management oversight of cases.
He said however that it had undertaken only a small number of deterrent activities, publicised few of its successful prosecutions and suffered from high numbers of cases failing.
The Auditor-General made seven recommendations of which the Tax Office agreed to six and partly agreed to the seventh.
In its response, the Tax Office said the work of SNC was “challenging and demanding” and that many of the cases included in the audit dated back to 2007-08, before the changes to its system came into effect.
It also noted that the high-profile exercise Project Wickenby, which focussed on the abuse of tax havens, was not part of the audit yet consumed a “very substantial commitment” of resources, time and energy on the SNC line.
The Auditor-General’s full report can be accessed at www.anao.gov.au
26 May, 2009
Reply intervenes in
Intervention review
The Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments have supported the majority of recommendations made following a review of the Northern Territory Emergency Response. The independent review, conducted by a Review Board in 2008, aimed to determine the how effective the NTER’s measures were and the impact it had on individuals and communities.In a joint statement, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin and NT Chief Minister, Paul Henderson said the Review had been an invaluable resource in framing a reform agenda and identifying funding priorities.
The Federal Budget has allocated $807.4 million over three years for measures started under the NTER.
Ms Macklin said the funding decisions had been guided by the Review Board's recommendations.
“Both Governments are determined to consolidate the progress achieved over the last 18 months to improve safety for women and children and reduce alcohol-fuelled violence,” she said.
“This includes providing substantial funding to improve community safety and health, tackle child abuse and rebuild the positive social norms essential for strong communities.”
Ms Macklin said the Government was moving the NTER to a “sustainable development phase” to ensure measures would be effective in the long-term, including stronger engagement and partnerships with Indigenous communities.
In its interim response to the review in October last year, the Federal Government accepted the Board’s three main recommendations.
The Board recommended the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments recognise the continued need to address high levels of disadvantage and social dislocation experienced by remote communities and town camps in the Northern Territory.
It also recommended the Governments redesign their relationship with Indigenous people based on consultation, engagement and partnership; and act to respect human rights obligations and conform with the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA).
In October the Federal Government is expected to introduce legislation into Parliament to lift the current exemption from the RDA.
There is also expected to be consultation with Indigenous communities to encourage their input into the legislation.
26 May, 2009
All roads lead to new
infrastructure body
A National Research Infrastructure Committee is to be established to provide the Government with strategic advice on future research infrastructure investments.Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr said since 2007 the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy had funded large collaborative projects to support research in priority fields.
Senator Carr said the new committee would drive and undertake strategic planning and mapping across all categories of research infrastructure and contribute policy advice to the Government.
“The Committee is made up of leading researchers from across a wide range of research disciplines and I look forward to the valuable contribution they will make,” he said.
“It will facilitate coordination across different levels of investment in research infrastructure from institutional to national and landmark and will provide advice to the Education Investment Fund Advisory Board.”
Senator Carr said the NRIC would oversee a process to identify and prioritise Australia’s research “landmark” infrastructure needs, which had previously been funded individually.
“Careful planning, close collaboration between stakeholders and rigorous priority-setting will all be key elements of the investment decision making process,” he said.
“It is essential that expensive equipment is accessible to as many researchers in as many institutions as possible.”
Senator Carr said the “quality infrastructure” could also attract international scholars to Australia.
He said the NRIC would be chaired by former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, John Ryan.
Other members are to include: Deputy Secretary of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Patricia Kelly; Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Research Council, Professor Margaret Sheil; Chief Scientist of Australia, Professor Penny Sackett; Chief Executive Officer, CSIRO, Dr Megan Clark; and Chief Executive Officer of the National Health and Medical Research Council, Professor Warwick Anderson.
26 May, 2009
DIAC hoax email
crosses boundaries
A hoax email claiming asylum seekers and refugees were receiving more in benefit payments than pensioners has been rejected by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.Spokesperson for the Department, Sandi Logan, said the figures quoted in the email bore “no resemblance” to income-support payments to pensioners or asylum seekers and refugees on Christmas Island or settling in Australia.
“The text and figures in the email appear to have originated in Canadian emails, websites and internet chatrooms,” Mr Logan said.
He said DIAC suspected the email circulating in Australia had been cut and pasted from these sources.
“We would strongly encourage anyone who receives an email claiming asylum seekers or refugees are treated more favourably than Australian permanent residents to hit the delete button and ignore these scurrilous claims,” Mr Logan said.
He said asylum seekers in Australia who had not yet had their protection claims decided did not have access to Centrelink benefits.
Mr Logan said payments to eligible asylum seekers and people in community detention under the Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme were the same rate – 89 per cent of Centrelink Newstart allowance.
“In Australia, refugees granted permanent visas may gain access to benefits on the same basis and at the same rates as other Australian permanent residents,” he said.
“There is no separate rate of benefit payments for refugees.”
Mr Logan said refugees did not receive cash payments under Australia’s Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy.
“DIAC helps eligible refugees with English-language lessons and settling-in assistance including basic goods to start a household, subsidies for rent and utilities for their first four weeks in the country,” he said.
26 May, 2009
Students line up for
Enrol to Vote week
National Enrol to Vote Week is to be held in secondary schools from 27 July to 2 August this year, the Australian Electoral Commission has announced.Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn said the Commission expected at least 1,700 schools to participate in the event, which would encourage students to enroll and participate in the voting process.
Commissioner Killesteyn said Enrol to Vote Week had received strong support in 2008, with over 20,000 high school students aged 17 and 18 filling in enrolment forms.
“Currently one in five 18-year-olds is not enrolled to vote, and many 17-year-olds are not aware that they can enrol now so they are able to vote as soon as they turn 18,” he said.
“Enrolling to vote is something you don’t have to wait until you’re 18 to do.”
Commissioner Killesteyn said the focus of this year’s campaign would be to encourage 17-year-olds to enroll.
He said this would enable them to be able to vote hassle free upon turning 18.
Commissioner Killesteyn said schools could register to participate in Enrol to Vote Week 2009 by visiting www.enroltovoteweek.aec.gov.au or by phoning 13 23 26 and selecting the Enrol to Vote Week option.
26 May, 2009
Parents cash in on
financial advice
Parents have been encouraged to visit Centrelink and the Child Support Agency to receive advice and assistance on how to survive the global recession.Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig said Financial Planning Week, which was being held this week, was an opportunity for families to get their finances in order.
Senator Ludwig said a report undertaken by Family Relationship Services Australia on the impact of the global recession on family relationships revealed 59 per cent of respondents experiencing relationship difficulties attributed their problems to financial pressures.
“The global economy is going through a very difficult time and it’s affecting Australia and every country in the world,” he said.
“I encourage families to take advantage of the services and tools available to help them manage their household spending during these difficult economic times.”
Senator Ludwig said a good place to start was by creating a household budget.
“Creating a budget can help people gain control of their finances and be in a better position to support themselves and their children,” he said.
Senator Ludwig said the support tools and services available Centrelink and the CSA could help families.
“Centrelink’s Financial Information Service provides free and confidential information to help people understand their financial options and make better financial decisions for themselves and their families,” he said.
Senator Ludwig said young people and retirees could utilise the regular seminars run by the Financial Information Service to learn how to save for the future.
He said the CSA offered a free Me and My Money booklet for separated families, which featured a budgeting sheet to help parents track their spending.
“The booklet also contains practical advice for separated families, including money-saving tips to keep children entertained,” Senator Ludwig said.
Further information was available from www.understandingmoney.gov.au
26 May, 2009
Emergency deal is
ready for action
A cooperation agreement has been signed between the Australian and New Zealand national emergency management organisations to help improve inter-nation cooperation and community resilience.Australian Attorney General, Robert McClelland said the agreement would improve the understanding of the nations’ emergency management systems to better facilitate cooperation during disasters and enable the two countries to work together to reduce the risk and impact of disasters in the community.
“This agreement will enhance cooperation in emergency management by improving information and knowledge sharing between Australia and New Zealand,” Mr McClelland said.
He said it would facilitate participation by New Zealand in the Ministerial Council for Policing and Emergency Management (MCPEM) and the Australian Emergency Management Committee (AEMC).
“The partnership will produce practical outcomes by building the preparedness and capability of both nations to manage the impact and consequences of disasters,” Mr McClelland said.
“Australia and New Zealand have a history of working collaboratively in emergency management, providing assistance on a number of occasions during natural disasters in several Pacific nations.”
He said the close relationship was most recently seen when New Zealand provided significant resources to assist with response efforts during the Victorian bushfire disaster.
26 May, 2009
ASIC punches out
new dispute guide
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission has revised its guidance on dispute resolution schemes.According to the Commission, the new guidelines improve consumer access to dispute resolution schemes to allow cases to be resolved more quickly and efficiently.
Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry welcomed the changes, saying they meant more consumer complaints would be handled in low-cost External Dispute Resolution (EDR) forums.
Senator Sherry said the introduction of a new “compensation caps” approach would mean all EDRs would be able to hear cases up to the value of $500,000, the level of the retail client test.
“The amount of compensation schemes will be able to award is a maximum of $280,000, or $150,000 if the claim relates to insurance brokers,” he said.
“Currently, the maximum award amount for EDR schemes is inconsistent and individual schemes cannot hear cases that are worth more than their own minimum cap, which limits coverage.”
Senator Sherry said the reforms would bring EDRs “into the 21st century.”
“Low-cost dispute resolution is highly effective for consumers and providers, keeps cases out of the courts and speeds up claims resolution,” he said.
“Today's measures broaden the range of cases that can be resolved in this way and that's to be welcomed.”
Deputy Chairman of ASIC, Jeremy Cooper said the revised guidelines were “a big improvement.”
“The increase in claim limits and compensation caps in EDR schemes will ensure that many more consumers and retail investors will be able to bring their claims to EDR schemes, avoiding the expense of litigation,” Mr Cooper said.
Most new requirements, including the move from monetary limits to compensation caps, are expected to be implemented from 1 January 2010.
The new level for compensation caps was to be implemented from 1 January 2012 to allow industry time to transition.
26 May, 2009
ABC concept shop
is new concept
The ABC has announced a major shift in the way it presents itself in the retail market. The launch of a new concept store at Bondi Junction in Sydney has drawn together a range of product information, promotional messages, and live television images, as well as continuous updates from the network’s news room and program highlights.
Director of ABC Commercial, Lynley Marshall said the new shop presented a “much closer link” between the retail environment and the on-air content of the ABC.
“We have created a retail space that is much more of a destination and one that offers the customer a more interactive and engaging ABC experience,” Ms Marshall said.
“A lot of planning has gone into the presentation of the store. We have a dedicated children’s space, a quieter space to browse and another area where we are able to present live events such as author appearances or children’s character meet and greets on a regular basis.”
Ms Marshall said since the first ABC Shop opened in Hobart over 25 years ago, the stores had been considered by many viewers and listeners to be the “front-line” of the corporation.
ABC Commercial is expected to extend the new look to all 43 of its Retail outlets across the country over the next couple of years.
Other key shop features include a digital “hub” where customers will be guided through the ABC’s online site as well as access to more than 10,000 ABC Shop products – all of which can be ordered for either in-store pick up or home delivery.
Ms Marshall said the store was also committed to introducing and assisting with new technologies such as Blu-ray DVD, digital free-to-air television channels and the soon-to-be-launched digital radio service.
26 May, 2009
Creatures feature
at War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have commemorated animals in war through a joint project.Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin unveiled the Animals in war memorial, which has been placed in the Sculpture Garden of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
“Animals have played a significant role for our forces, such as Simpson's donkey who helped rescue wounded men at Gallipoli, through to modern-day Afghanistan where explosive detection dogs are helping to protect people and places,” Mr Griffin said.
He said he was pleased to see the AWM partner with the RSPCA to remember the role animals performed in wartime.
“Our soldiers have relied on the natural abilities and skills of animals,” Mr Griffin said.
“Camels transported troops and equipment across hot and dusty plains in the Middle East and North Africa, carrier pigeons delivered messages where radios and telephones wouldn't work and dogs sniffed out enemies in the jungle - all these animals and more have served alongside Australian servicemen and women.”
National President of the RSPCA, Lynne Bradshaw said the memorial paid tribute to the faithful service animals had provided throughout Australia's wartime history.
“Animals not only served man but offered companionship and comfort, and their very presence in the darkest of times was treasured by the people they stood beside,” Ms Bradshaw said.
“This memorial honours this relationship and the RSPCA is very proud to have been involved in its development.”
The main feature of the memorial is a large bronze horse head, which was an Australian War Memorial collection item and the only remaining fragment from the original Desert Mounted Corps memorial, which stood at Port Said in Egypt until it was destroyed during the Suez Crisis of 1956.
The stories of animals in war have been told in the current Australian War Memorial exhibition A is for Animals, which is on display until 22 July 2009.
26 May, 2009
Indigenous paper is
black and white issue
A discussion paper forming the basis of a consultation program with the Northern Territory’s Indigenous communities has been released by the Federal Government.The Paper focuses on implementing compulsory income management for Indigenous communities, without requiring the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA) to be suspended.
It outlines the current Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) measures, including what has been achieved so far and the challenges ahead.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin said measures like compulsory income management were essential for protecting vulnerable women and children.
“The discussion paper proposes possible improvements to current NTER measures, canvasses changes which conform to the RDA, and raises specific questions for discussion as part of the consultations,” she said.
Following the consultation process, the Australian Government is to introduce legislation into Parliament to lift the suspension of the RDA and restore its application to the NTER.
“Consultations will also inform the Government’s design of a compulsory income management policy which does not require the suspension of the RDA,” Ms Macklin said.
“People living in each of the NTER-affected communities will be encouraged to contribute their views as part of on-the-ground consultations.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and Race Discrimination Commissioner, Tom Calma was consulted on the discussion paper and planned process.
Commissioner Calma said while he welcomed the discussion paper and consultations, it was essential that all measures under the NTER complied with RDA.
“I have said since the outset of the NTER, that as long as racially discriminatory actions were allowed, the Emergency Response would lack legitimacy among Aboriginal people and communities as well as the broader Australian society,” he said.
“I commend the Government for being true to its word and moving to introduce legislation in the coming months to remove provisions in the legislation that exclude operation of the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA).”
Commissioner Calma urged the 45,000 men, women and children affected by the NTER to “stand up and be counted” during the consultation process.
“If you don’t agree with something or like the way it is being done, now is your time to say so,” he said.
“Politicians of all persuasions should not stand in the way of what these communities say they need and require to move forward and eventually prosper in safety and with good health.”
Ms Macklin said trained interpreters would be available throughout the consultation and the process would be independently monitored to ensure the opinions of all groups were accurately recorded.
Ms Macklin said further measures would include regional leaders’ meetings and discussions with non-government health, education and service delivery organisations.
Consultations are expected to commence in June 2009 and continue until September, with the amendment Bills introduced in October.
The discussion paper was available at: www.fahcsia.gov.au
26 May, 2009
ACCC makes racket
about scam numbers
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned consumers that scamming activity has been growing at record rates during the financial crisis.Deputy Chair of the ACCC, Peter Kell said between January and March this year the commission had received reports of consumer losses totaling almost $30 million due to scams.
“This is a very worrying for a three month period,” Mr Kell said.
“The ACCC had seen a significant increase of more than 60 per cent in scams reported in 2008 compared to 2007 with an acceleration in the latter part of 2008.”
He said the financial crisis had “provided scammers with greater opportunities to take advantage of Australians at their most vulnerable.”
Mr Kell said figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics suggested around one in 20 Australians fell victim to some sort of consumer scam each year, with a direct cost to the community of about $1 billion.
“Scams come in all shapes and sizes, and they change their spots with alarming speed and efficiency – bushfire scams, stimulus scams, swine flu scams, employment and rental scams,” he said.
“Think of a type of financial exchange and there’s likely to be scam activity in there somewhere.”
Mr Kell said common scams included puppy/pet scams; scamming of personal details; holiday scams; work from home scams, including money laundering; and sport arbitrage schemes.
He said he was constantly surprised at the ingenuity and sophistication of scam operators, and warned against the commonly held view that scammers were “easy to spot.”
The Commission advised consumers to take some simple steps to avoid being scammed:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
- Never respond to out of the blue requests for personal details
- Check to see if the request is legitimate
- Get independent advice if the offer involves money, time or commitment
- Independently obtain contact details - never click onto email links
- If you feel under pressure, don’t respond – it is best you carefully consider the consequences of your actions as scammers are preying on your emotions
- Destroy old bills, records and expired cards- don’t just bin them
- Check your bank statements regularly
26 May, 2009
Women surveyed
Public Servants have been urged to participate in a Survey on the proportion of women on boards in Australia.
The Australian virtual Centre for Leadership for Women is conducting the survey after data from the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency showed the proportion of women to men on corporate boards and executive leadership roles had declined from 8.7 per cent of board directorships in 2006 to 8.3 per cent in 2008.
The survey closes on 12 August 2009 and is available at www.leadershipforwomen.com.au
Police honour bravery
The Australian Federal Police have honoured six Protective Services Officers for acts of bravery during an incident at Parliament House, Canberra in May of last year.
AFP National Manager, Protection, Leanne Close presented certificates to Superintendent Mark Andrews (now retired), Simon Dwight, Graham Worthington, Leslie Cox, Andrew Cassidy, Allan Ferry, and Mark Wilson for “outstanding dedication to duty in circumstances demanding tenacity of a high order” when a protestor poured fuel over himself and threatened to set himself alight.
An AFP spokesperson said the officers acted quickly and professionally and diffused the situation which would have resulted in injury and potentially loss of life.
Hay dies
Former diplomat and senior Public Servant, Sir David Hay has died in Melbourne.
Sir David was Australia’s first Ambassador to Thailand an Administrator of Papua New Guinea and Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.
He was 92.
Button prize open
Non-fiction writers have been encouraged to enter the John Button Prize, which seeks to enhance the quality of political writing and debate in Australia.
The Prize was created in memory of the late Industry Minister, Senator and writer, John Button, and awards $20,000 to the author of the best piece of writing on politics or public policy over the past year.
Entries close 8 June 2009, with more information available from www.johnbuttonprize.org.au
Devils endangered
Tasmanian devils have been placed on the endangered list under national environment law.
Environment Minister, Peter Garrett said increasing their threatened status from vulnerable to endangered would offer the declining population greater protection.
Mr Garrett said the Devil Facial Tumour Disease had led to the decline of about 70 per cent of the Tasmanian devil population since it was first reported in 1996.
Ellis in Society-land
CSIRO biologist, Dr Jeff Ellis has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of his research into the basis of immunity in crops to diseases caused by rust fungi.
Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is the national academy of science for the UK and the Commonwealth.
“This honour is a great acknowledgement of the international significance of the work my group and I do in Australia,” Dr Ellis said.
Safety facts out
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner has released a new set of fact sheets dedicated to the auditing process.
The fact sheets explain how audits are conducted, who conducts them and what companies can do if they have any concerns about the auditing process.
Further details were available from www.fsc.gov.au
ACMA changes TXT rules
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has made changes to the way it regulates mobile premium services.
ACMA announced the new strategy to protect consumers of premium SMSs following consumer and community concerns over some industry practices.
The new Mobile Premium Service Code was available at www.commsalliance.com.au
Satellite pictures available
Satellite image products from the Resourcesat-1 (IRS-P6) satellite have been made available from selected Geoscience Australia Earth Observation distributors.
Data has been collected since February 2008 and been processed into a standard set of user-ready products.
The data will be available from Geoimage, Resource Imaging Australia, Terranean Mapping Technologies, the Department for Environment and Heritage SA and Landgate WA.
Arts market announced
The Australian Performing Arts Market is to be held in Adelaide from 22 to 26 February 2010.
APAM, billed by organisers as the biggest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, is a one-stop opportunity to experience the best in contemporary performing arts from the Australian region.
Applications are now open to Australian artists and companies, with further information available from www.performingartsmarket.com.au
National Memorial for Sydney
The HMAS Sydney II Memorial in Geraldton, Western Australia has been made a national memorial.
The HMAS Sydney II Memorial commemorates the loss of HMAS Sydney II and her entire crew of 645 men in 1941.
The Memorial was dedicated on 18 November 2001 and overlooks the Indian Ocean where HMAS Sydney II was lost.
Vets commemorated
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin has unveiled three new commemorative projects at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.
The Agency announced over $20,000 in funding for the projects, which honour the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women who were treated at the Hospital.
Pips off
Telstra has announced it will discontinue STD “pip tones”, the five beeps heard at the commencement of national long distance and satellite calls.
Customers who had already requested to not hear the tones will experience no change.
The announcement is part of Telstra’s network upgrade.
19 May, 2009
PS ethics service
is value-added
The Public Service Commission is to manage a new Ethics Advisory Service, which has been launched to help Agencies and their staff with ethical decision making.The EAS, which has been operational since early May, offers services including a confidential call and email centre accessible to all APS employees seeking advice on ethical issues.
Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner, said the EAS would not have a problem-solving or counselling role.
“It provides information and advice to help inform ethical decision making, but the responsibility for the decision and action rests with the Agency and the employee,” Senator Faulkner said.
He said the EAS aimed to enhance ethical awareness within the Public Service through a series of publications, a web page and Ethics Contact Officers, who would be nominated by Agencies.
Senator Faulkner said Ethics Contact Officers would disseminate Commission information within Agencies; share information, experience and good practice advice on ethical decision making; and provide feedback on emerging ethical trends to supplement the annual Report to Parliament.
He said while some of the work facing the EAS would be relatively straightforward, at times issues may be “closer to the margins”.
“Ethical dilemmas are called ‘dilemmas’ precisely because they often fall into so-called ‘grey’ areas where hard-and-fast rules provide inadequate guidance,” Senator Faulkner said.
“[The EAS] will provide valuable assistance for those faced with ethical problems as they arise, and will enhance the strong ethical traditions of the Australian Public Service.”
He said a database would store information gathered by the call centre, and would form the basis for an annual report to Parliament on emerging ethical issues and any measures needed to strengthen APS Values and the Code of Conduct.
Further information was available from www.apsc.gov.au/ethics
19 May, 2009
Immigration cleared
for Excellence Award
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has won first prize and been highly commended in the e-Awards for Excellence in e-Government.The 2009 e-Award went to the Visa and Citizenship Wizards, a suite of online services the Department is developing to deliver improved services tailored to the needs of clients.
Since September 2009, the Visa Wizard has received over 1.6 million page views, while the Citizenship Wizard, launched in December 2009, has been viewed by nearly 88,000 people.
Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner congratulated DIAC on its win, saying the award recognised the most outstanding initiatives in e-Government over the past year.
“The Visa and Citizenship Wizards highlight how ICT can be resourcefully applied to the delivery of Government services, not only for the benefit of our citizens, but also for prospective Australians and visitors to our country,” Mr Tanner said.
The eVisitor Service, a new online, electronic travel authority service for Europeans wishing to travel to Australia for business or pleasure, was highly commended.
Secretary of DIAC, Andrew Metcalfe said the eVisitor Service allowed clients to quickly and easily lodge their applications electronically and, in 90 per cent of cases, receive notification of an auto-grant within minutes of applying.
“Since the new service was initially released in October 2008, take-up has exceeded expectations with 50 per cent more clients using the system than anticipated,” Mr Metcalfe said.
“Client feedback has also been extremely positive.”
The three products were delivered as part of DIAC’s Systems for People business transformation program.
“The success of these initiatives is an excellent result for our Department and for the Systems for People program, and a testimony to everyone who worked on these innovative, client-focused projects for this great achievement,” Mr Metcalfe said.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ CDATA Online tool and the Tablelands Regional Council’s Northern Queensland Wildfire Mitigation Project received highly commended awards.
Other finalists included the Australian Taxation Office; the Child Support Agency; the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations; IP Australia; and the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development.
The awards were held in Sydney at the CeBIT International Business Technology Conference.
19 May, 2009
Federal guarantee is
security for States
Details of the Commonwealth’s offer to guarantee State and Territory borrowing have been released by the Treasurer, Wayne Swan.The Guarantee is to be managed by the Reserve Bank.
The guarantee was announced in March to protect infrastructure development from the ravages of the global financial crisis by providing a time-limited, Commonwealth guarantee over State and Territory borrowing.
According to Mr Swan, the measure recognised that pulling back on nation-building infrastructure investment under current circumstances would hinder a recovery from the global recession, resulting in slower growth and higher unemployment into the future.
Mr Swan said that as most States and Territories provided their own guarantee over borrowings of their issuing entities, the Commonwealth would guarantee the obligations of the States and Territories rather than the obligations of the issuing entities directly.
He said the guarantee would be voluntary and unconditional but would not be able to be applied to borrowings of non‑Government owned entities.
Mr Swan said State and Territories would have 28 days from the date they first apply to guarantee new issuances to decide whether to cover existing securities, allowing them to assess market conditions and determine whether they need to use the Guarantee.
He said the Guarantee would cover bond lines of up to 15 years including indexed securities and those with cross default clauses.
“This will cover the majority of the States and Territories' actively traded stock and will support liquidity in the secondary bond market.”
He said the Guarantee would commence once an Appropriation Bill to be introduced during the Winter sittings receives Royal Assent and the Deed of Guarantee is executed.
The Treasurer said the Government was working closely with the States and Territories to finalise the Deed of Guarantee and the Scheme Rules.
He said the arrangement would operate until market conditions normalise.
Full details of the Guarantee could be found at www.stateguarantee.gov.au
19 May, 2009
CASA launches new
aviation safety board
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has received funding in the 2009-10 Budget to allow it to establish a new board of experts to oversee the safety of Australia’s aviation industry. The Federal Government has provided CASA with $600,000 to establish the Board, which is expected to be operational by July 2009.
The five-member Board is to provide direction to CASA in its regulatory and safety oversight role and strengthen its position as an independent aviation safety regulator.
The Board is expected to improve links with other Government Agencies and allow more meaningful and constructive input from industry and other stakeholders into aviation safety strategy.
The new Chief Executive Officer of CASA, John McCormick is to be an ex-officio member of the board.
Other board appointments, including the Chair and Deputy Chair are to be announced by the Government in the coming months.
The Government said while establishing the Board was a “significant reform”, there was still more to be done in the industry.
Further measures to strengthen the safety and reliability of air travel are to be outlined in the nation’s first Aviation White Paper, which is expected to be released after July 2009.
Legislation establishing the expert board was passed by Parliament in March 2009.
19 May, 2009
Collection funding
to extract digitals
Australia’s main collecting institutions have received a welcome injection of funds to help them collect and preserve huge volumes of digital information. The Federal Government allocated $805,000 to the National Library of Australia (NLA), the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) and the National Archives of Australia (NAA) in the recent Budget to be put towards digitising important cultural and historical collections.
By digitising their collections, the three institutions aim to preserve them for the use and enjoyment of future generations.
The Budget allocation will allow each of them to look at preserving at-risk audio and video collections by converting them into a digital form.
Director-General of the NLA, Jan Fullerton said under the Dealing with the Digital Deluge project, IT infrastructure would be developed to allow Agencies to manage and expand the life of their digital material.
“If Australia’s national cultural institutions don’t collect and preserve the work and inspiration of our researchers and creators in digital form today, it will not be there for the public to access tomorrow,” Ms Fullerton said.
Chief Executive Officer of the NFSA, Darryl McIntyre said he was excited to be working with the other institutions to overcome the challenges of going digital.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the NFSA to mass digitise analogue audiovisual material and to significantly increase acquisition of new media works,” Dr McIntyre said.
Director-General of the NAA, Ross Gibbs said the funds were most welcome and would provide an opportunity for the three institutions to work together to “energetically pursue solutions for managing, preserving and providing digital access” to their collections.
19 May, 2009
Budget good news for
Information Office
$20.5 million has been allocated in the Budget to establish and operate the Office of the Information Commissioner for its first four years, a key element of the Government’s Freedom of Information reforms.Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner, said the Office would be created as a new statutory Agency within Prime Minister and Cabinet and would support the statutory office holders of the Information Commissioner, who would head the Agency, and the Freedom of Information Commissioner. The Privacy Commissioner will also be incorporated into the new Office.
Senator Faulkner said both the Information and FOI Commissioners would be responsible for promoting a culture of disclosure in Government Agencies.
He said the Information Commissioner would be responsible for advising the Government on broader information management issues, with a view to ensuring more coordinated development of Government information policy and the FOI Commissioner would be in charge of FOI functions and have the task of reviewing FOI decisions and overseeing the new Information Publication Scheme.
Senator Faulkner said the co-location of FOI and privacy regulation would strengthen both FOI and privacy laws.
He said the draft legislation to establish the Office of the Information Commissioner and to reform the FOI Act had been released for public comment on 24 March 2009 and details of the draft Bills were available at www.dpc.gov.au
He said other Budget measures associated with his portfolio included an additional $20.1 million over four years for the Australian National Audit Office and $3.3 million for the Commonwealth Ombudsman for his role in providing independent oversight of the Northern Territory Emergency Response and government service delivery to Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.
Senator Faulkner said it was proposed that the Office of the Information Commissioner commence operations in early 2010.
19 May, 2009
Loud shirts make
noise for charity
A “Loud Shirt Day” at Centrelink’s National Support Office in Canberra raised over $2,100 for the Shepherd Centre charity that assists deaf or hearing impaired children develop spoken language.According to the organiser of the Day, Centrelink’s Aaron Munchow, staff of the office took the loud clothes challenge to heart, turning up for work in brightly colourful shirts, ties and socks in their efforts to help the kids.
“This event was important on a personal level,” Mr Munchow said, “because I’m hearing impaired and I received a lot of assistance from the Victorian arm of the Shepherd Centre when I was younger.
“In more recent years I’ve tried to be a bit of an ambassador for these sorts of programs. I want to give something back to the community that helped me.”
Mr Munchow said the Shepherd Centre and Australian Hearing help coordinate the event and provided promotional material to be used on the day.
According to Mr Munchow, ‘Loud Shirt Day’ was also an important event for the people he worked with in the Diversity Team of Centrelink’s People Strategy Branch.
“We look at ways we can promote a workplace culture where people’s differences are recognised and valued,” he said.
“So if we can help to provide opportunities for kids with hearing difficulties that’s really a huge achievement for us as a team and also for Centrelink.”
Among the highlights of the Day was a best-dressed competition with prizes in two categories, the ‘loudest’ and the ‘most craziest’ outfits.
19 May, 2009
Stats funds to make
light polls shine
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is to reinstate the sample size of its monthly labour force survey.Australian Statistician, Brian Pink said a funding Budget allocation of $15 million would allow the ABS to restore, continue or enhance several other programs including the retail survey and job vacancies survey.
Mr Pink said the funding was a vote of confidence in the ABS and recognised the important work it carried out.
“In the current economic climate, the value of good statistics for decision making cannot be underestimated,” he said.
The ABS also secured additional funding for two new collections.
The first is aimed at measuring the out-of-pocket expenses of people receiving Government benefits, such as pensioners, while the second will help all Governments involved in reforms being driven by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to measure the progress of health, disability, education and housing initiatives.
“These additional funds from the Government will benefit the whole community, with the ABS increasing the range of high quality data to assist and encourage informed decision making within Governments and the community,” Mr Pink said.
He said the ABS would continue to monitor and modify its work program, in consultation with users, to ensure it delivered timely, relevant, quality and responsive services.
19 May, 2009
Higher education
comes out on top
Far-reaching reforms to the Australian higher education sector have been announced in response to the Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education.A package of $5.7 billion over four years was announced in the Budget to go towards a number of measures, including an additional 55,000 university places for students from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds by 2020.
Other reforms include resources to promote equity and performance funding tied to quality; an increase to university indexation; a phased move to address the gap in funding for the indirect cost of research; and changes to student income support to help needy students and increase postgraduate stipends.
There would also be a $3 billion investment in infrastructure through the Education Investment Fund and recurrent funding of $2.1 billion over the forward estimates for higher education teaching, learning and research.
In a joint statement, the Ministers for Education, Julia Gillard and Innovation, Senator Kim Carr said the investment was a key part of the Government’s “education revolution”.
“By investing now, the Government will prepare Australia for growth beyond the global recession with that growth driven by high skilled and environmentally sustainable jobs,” the Ministers said.
They said the announcement would mean less red tape and micromanagement for universities and improved facilities for teaching, learning and research.
“These reforms will drive a greater focus on students and their needs, an increased emphasis on quality teaching and learning and increased participation by students from disadvantaged backgrounds,” Ms Gillard and Senator Carr said.
“These changes will allow more Australians, irrespective of their socio-economic circumstances, to access a quality higher education qualification.”
19 May, 2009
Tax review
attacks GST
The Government has agreed to 41 recommendations for change in the legal framework governing the administration of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).Assistant treasurer, Chris Bowen announced the changes in his response to a review by the Board of Taxation. The Board made 46 recommendations.
Mr Bowen said the changes amounted to a “substantial” modification of the GST law and would apply from 1 July 2010.
One recommendation relating to time limits for claiming input tax credits had already been adopted.
He said other key changes included harmonising the GST law and the income tax self assessment regime and rulings regime; adopting more principled and flexible GST grouping rules; simplifying the GST adjustment provisions; and reforming the GST treatment of sales of going concerns and farmland.
Mr Bowen said the Government was considering other compliance cost savings in relation to the reporting of business activity and would consult with the small business community.
In response to a number of submissions that could not be canvassed within the timeframe of the GST Administration Review, Mr Bowen said he had asked the Board of Taxation to undertake a separate review of the application of the GST to cross-border transactions.
The Treasury is also to review the GST margin scheme and the application of GST to financial supplies.
19 May, 2009
Weather bureau’s
outlook fine
Australian weather forecasting could be transformed with a Budget allocation of $78.5 million towards the Next Generation Weather Forecast and Warning System and four new weather radars.Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett said the funds would improve weather services and forecast periods, and would expand the availability of seven-day forecasting services to 650 cities and towns across Australia.
Mr Garrett said $30.5 million would be committed over five years for Next Generation Weather Forecast and Warning, allowing new seven-day forecasts to be available via interactive maps on the Bureau of Meteorology's website.
“Communities across the country will have access to the kinds of forecasts that the capital cities take for granted,” he said.
"Accurate weather forecasting is crucially important during severe weather such as cyclones, thunderstorms, floods, and bushfires and the Next Generation Weather Forecast and Warning System will ensure that Australia has the best possible system.”
He said funds would also go towards installing four new radars over a five year period from 2009-10 and integrating this technology into the current radar network.
The new radars would be installed at Croker Island/Maningrida in the Northern Territory, Hobart in Tasmania, Mount Isa in Queensland and Wollongong in NSW.
Mr Garrett said they would close significant gaps in the existing radar capacity.
"The introduction of these new forecast systems and radars will keep Australia at the forefront of international weather forecasting and recognises the critical role of the Bureau in so many aspects of Australian life," he said.
The Government is also to provide net additional funding of $16.1 million over four years to the Bureau by allowing it to retain all revenue received from providing specialised weather services to the aviation and Defence sectors from 1 January 2010.
19 May, 2009
Expanded register
hangs up on callers
Proposed expansions to the Do Not Call Register will help protect businesses, fax users and emergency service providers, according to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.Senator Conroy said the scope of the register would be widened to include all telephone and fax numbers, including the numbers used by businesses and emergency service operators.
He said the 2009-10 Budget had provided $4.7 million of funding over 4 years to improve the service, but that around $3.5 million would be recovered from Register access fees paid by the telemarketing and fax marketing industries.
“This is consistent with the Government's election commitment that industry will bear the full direct costs of the Register,” Senator Conroy said.
He said at present the Register did not allow telephone numbers used primarily for business, emergency service numbers and fax numbers to be registered.
“Community consultation indicated that these telephone and fax users want protection from unsolicited commercial telemarketing and fax marketing representations,” Senator Conroy said.
“It was particularly concerning to me that these unwanted calls and faxes are wasting business resources and adversely affecting the operation of emergency services.”
He said the changes responded to the productivity and privacy concerns of those who had been excluded from the register.
Senator Conroy said the changes would require legislative amendments and would make allowance for legitimate business-to-business telephone calls.
He said the amendment Bill would not be introduced into Parliament until community and industry consultation.
Senator Conroy said the register was operated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority and that registered telephone account holders could lodge a complaint at www.donotcall.gov.au or by phoning 1300 792 958 if they had received an unsolicited telemarketing call.
19 May, 2009
DVA puts claim
process on parade
A new single claim process to allow war veterans to access compensation and benefits more easily is to be trialled by the Department of Veterans’ AffairsMinister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said the new process would be more straightforward for those veterans and ex-service personnel who had entitlements under more than one Act administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
“Depending on their service, veterans and ex-service personnel may be entitled to benefits under three different Acts – the Veterans Entitlements Act 1986, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004,” Mr Griffin said.
He said up to now, veterans wanting to claim under more than one Act needed to submit a separate claim form for each but under the new process they would lodge a single claim form for compensation and benefits available under any of the Acts.
“The introduction of a single claim form will help reduce this confusion and is an important step forward in improving the overall claim process for veterans,” he said.
The new process would be trialled over the next two months in Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane, working with specific veteran advocacy centres in those States.
Mr Griffin said if the trial was successful, the single claim process would be expanded as soon as possible.
19 May, 2009
ACCC gives credit
to debt collectors
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has urged the debt collection and debt buying industry to help stamp out unscrupulous practices.The Commission has launched a paper jointly prepared with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission entitled Debt collection practices in Australia, a summary of the major issues identified during information gathering activities undertaken by ASIC and the ACCC in 2008 and reflecting feedback from a range of stakeholders including consumers.
Addressing the launch of the Australian Collectors and Debt Buyers' Association in Melbourne, the Chairman of the ACCC, Graeme Samuel welcomed the creation of the debt collection peak body and the implementation of its code of conduct.
Mr Samuel said that while the number of complaints about debt collection was statistically low given the level of activity in the sector, further investigation was warranted due to the nature of debt collection complaints received and the impact of misconduct on consumers, particularly the disadvantaged.
He noted there was a reluctance on the part of some consumers to complain, as well as a lack of awareness by some consumers of their rights or ability to complain.
"The ACCC and ASIC take allegations of this nature seriously and are currently investigating a number of consumer complaints,” Mr Samuel said.
“Both agencies will closely scrutinise all complaints and take enforcement action where necessary.
He said concerns about the potential for poor debt collection activities and poor compliance were heightened by the pressures stemming from the global financial crisis.
Mr Samuel called on the industry to apply pressure on unscrupulous operators whose misconduct damaged the reputation of all industry participants.
Feedback on the ACCC/ASIC paper can be made to debt@accc.gov.au or posted to - Debt Collection Feedback, Compliance Strategies Branch, ACCC, GPO Box 520, Melbourne VIC 3001.
The paper is available at www.accc.gov.au/debtcollection
19 May, 2009
Mint's $1 coin
doing rounds
The Royal Australian Mint has celebrated the 25th birthday of one of Australia’s most well-known symbols – the $1 coin.Acting Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint, Graham Smith, said the five kangaroos featured on the gold coin made it one of the country’s most recognised coin designs.
“The kangaroo is recognised all around the world as a symbol of Australia,” Mr Smith said.
“It is fitting that the Royal Australian Mint is best known for its kangaroo design coins and that this 25-year- old design has become one of the favourite designs on Australia’s coins.”
The $1 coin was added to Australia’s official decimal currency in 1984 to replace the $1 note.
Mr Smith said a variety of coin designs and shapes were considered including a seven-sided coin and a scalloped edge coin, before the five kangaroos were finally chosen.
“Stuart Devlin, the Queen’s appointed goldsmith and jeweller, was invited to submit designs for the new $1 coin,” he said.
“His proposals featured Australian native fauna including a wombat, a penguin and the famous five kangaroos which are still used today.”
Further information about the coin was available from www.ramint.gov.au.
19 May, 2009
Sky the limit for
pilot scholarships
Airservices Australia has announced that four pilots-to-be have won ‘learn to fly’ scholarships it has offered in conjunction with the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia (RFACA).Airservices spokesman Rob Walker, said the scholarships would help identify the next generation of pilots.
He said the scholarships offered a terrific opportunity to showcase the industry and also supported the sustainability of the general aviation community during a difficult time Mr Walker said.
“We are very pleased to support the RFACA as a ‘breeding ground’ for the future of Australian aviation,” he said.
“It’s important we continue to promote entry paths into the industry during the current downturn.”
Recipients of the RFACA and Airservices 2008 Learn to Fly Scholarships are Bradley Childe, Andrea Ruth and Arthur Waters of the Darling Downs Aero Club in Queensland; and Samuel Simpson of the Aero Club of Southern Tasmania.
To enter, individuals needed to take an introductory flight with an RFACA member and were then assessed for their suitability to receive formal training, with the top 10 per cent of applicants placed into a barrel draw.
Mr walker said each winner would receive $6,000 to subsidise the cost of obtaining a Private or Commercial Pilot’s Licence.
19 May, 2009
Road Safety Council flagged
The first ever National Road Safety Council is to be established after $3 million was allocated to the project in the 2009-10 Budget.
The Council is expected to bring a national focus to addressing road trauma and will be made up of community leaders and road safety experts.
It will advise Ministers on the effectiveness of road safety measures.
Crime Commission upgrade
The Australian Crime Commission has a new website, www.crimecommission.gov.au
New features include a section on unclassified intelligence on organised crime in Australia, as well as recently asked media questions and a media RSS feed.
Comments or suggestions about the website can be sent to
webmaster@crimecommission.gov.au
Army terms fixed
The Army has announced it is to move to three-year command tenures for unit and formation command from January 2010.
The new tenure is to apply to all regular and reserve appointments, with two-year command tenures offered only in exceptional circumstances.
The move followed a review by the Army’s Director General of Personnel into the advantages and disadvantages of the current two-year tenure and the three-year proposal.
ASIC reports on tough times
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has released a report examining how lenders and mortgage brokers respond to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties.
Helping home borrowers in financial hardship, producedin conjunction with Consumer Affairs Victoria, found that while some lenders were responding well to the needs of their customers, there was generally room for improvement.
The report also provides guidance to the mortgage industry on how to improve its practices. It is available at www.fido.asic.gov.au
Female convicts archived
The National Archives of Australia has launched a new exhibition on the lives and experiences of women convicts in Australia.
The exhibition, Women Transported: Life in Australia's Convict Female Factories, offers an insightful and educational look at the living conditions and crimes of some of Australia’s founding women.
It is open until 19 July 2009, with further information available from www.naa.gov.au
Election gap to close
The Australian Electoral Commission has been allocated $13 million from the Budget to close the gap in Indigenous disadvantage by improving electoral enrolment and participation.
Over the next four years the initiative aims to improve electoral knowledge in Indigenous communities.
The campaign, which commences in July 2010, will provide education on areas such as how and when to enroll, and how to vote formally in elections.
ACCC publishes water rules
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued its draft water planning and management charge rules for public consultation.
The proposed rules would require State Government Departments or Agencies to publish details of water planning and management charges. The ACCC would then collect data and report annually on water planning and management activities, costs and cost recovery from users.
Library designer named
The National Library has announced that Cunningham Martyn Design has been awarded the tender to design its new Treasures and Exhibition Galleries which are scheduled to open late next year.
More than $3 million has been raised by private donors and sponsors for the Treasures Gallery project which will display many of the Library’s prized items, including Lieutenant James Cook’s Endeavour Journal.
APRA’s draft guide on IT risks
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has released a discussion paper and draft prudential practice guide on the management of information technology security risks by institutions it regulates.
The draft PPG outlines the measures that APRA regards as sound practice in managing security risks associated with IT, and addresses areas where IT security risk management weaknesses continue to be identified.
APRA regulates banks, credit unions, building societies, general insurance and reinsurance companies, life insurance companies, friendly societies, and most members of the superannuation industry.
Both documents are available on the its website at: www.apra.gov.au
CAPAM forum for youth
The Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) is to hold a Young Leaders Forum at the upcoming Building Public Service Leadership Capacity conference in Malaysia.
The Forum, to be held on 23 June, will give young professionals the opportunity to participate in both the conference plenary and workshop sessions, as well as one of three roundtable discussions.
More information on the Forum is available by emailing Lucy Knight at CAPAM at , lknight@capam.org
CASA opens up in WA
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is to create new work-bases for air safety inspectors in north-west Western Australia.
The new offices will be in addition to existing offices in Townsville, Cairns and Darwin, and are expected to provide inspectors with easier access to remote areas.
Possible sites for the new work-bases include Karratha and Broome.
Book judges announced
Six judges have been chosen to sit on the judging panel for the 2009 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.
Australian author and academic, Professor Peter Pierce is to Chair the fiction panel, joined by ABC Radio National Executive Producer of Artworks, Dr Lyn Gallacher and Professor John Hay.
The non-fiction panel is to be chaired by broadcaster, writer and filmmaker Phillip Adams, who will be joined by author and editor of Australian Book Review, Peter Rose and Professor Joan Beaumont.
12 May, 2009
Parental leave to be
bouncing bonny bonus
A paid parental leave scheme that will pay new mothers the Federal minimum wage for 18 weeks following the birth of a baby has been announced by the Treasurer, Wayne Swan.Beating the Budget by two days, the Treasurer committed the Government to the scheme on Mothers’ Day saying it was seen as a very important social economic reform.
The Commonwealth’s move followed that of the ACT Government which announced a similar scheme for its Public Service employees in the ACT Budget five days earlier.
Mr Swan said the scheme would apply to all Australians – not just Public Service staff – and would take effect from 2011. It would be restricted to people earning less than $150,000.
“The scheme must be introduced in a measured and responsible way, particularly taking into account the global recession,” Mr Swan said,
“So (it) won't begin until January 2011.”
He said the early years of a child's life were very important for that child's prospects in later life.
“The quality of family life is impacted upon by the quality of work life,” the Treasurer said.
“We've got to get that balance between work and family right, and paid parental leave is an essential reform.”
He said Australia was one of only two countries in the western world that didn’t have paid parental leave.
“The other thing I must say is that this will be funded by Government, not funded by business.”
“Nothing could be more important to a prosperous economy but also a healthy society, than a measure like this,” Mr Swan said.
He said at current rates, the payment would be $544 a week and primary carers who took advantage of it would not be eligible for the baby bonus or Family Tax Benefit Part B for the period.
12 May, 2009
Privacy watchdog in
public warning
APS Departments and Agencies have been warned by the Privacy Commissioner to take more care with personal information on portable storage devices (PSDs).The Commissioner, Karen Curtis said research undertaken for her office revealed that while most Australian Government Agencies had policies governing the transfer of personal information, not all had controls over PSDs.
Commissioner Curtis said the research, which involved a survey of 94 Federal Government Agencies, would help her office assess the privacy risks associated with PSDs and data breaches.
“I am pleased that three-quarters of Australian Government Agencies have policies covering the transfer of records containing personal information,” she said.
“However, there is definitely room for Agencies to improve their safeguards governing the use by staff of portable storage devices containing personal information.”
Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner released the findings, saying the Office of the Privacy Commissioner had developed an information sheet to help Agencies better control PSD usage.
Commissioner Curtis said the report, conducted by Orima Research, found 81 per cent of Agencies had policies covering uses of Agency-issued PSDs and 55 per cent had policies covering the uses of privately owned PSDs.
She said 97 per cent of Agencies kept a PSD register, 63 per cent required staff to sign user agreements, 56 per cent used minimum encryption standards and 63 per cent trained staff on PSD use.
The report found 58 per cent of Agencies had experienced the loss or theft of an agency-issued PSD within the past year.
Commissioner Curtis said PSDs were increasingly utilised for work within Commonwealth Agencies.
“My office is particularly concerned given recent incidents in the UK where the loss of PSDs by Government Agencies has led to a serious threat to people’s personal information,” she said.
The report and information sheet were available from www.privacyawarenessweek.org
12 May, 2009
One-size pay scheme
would fit all: union
The Community and Public Sector Union has called for Australian Public Service salaries to be ‘recentralised’ and for its 100-plus Certified Agreements to be reduced to one.The CPSU has told the Government in a Budget submission that it could save millions of dollars by rationalising the APS industrial system.
According to the union’s National Secretary, Stephen Jones, a uniform pay scheme would allow APS Agencies to pool funds for entitlements such as parental leave, sick leave and carers’ leave, and would lead to more equitable employment conditions across the Public Service.
Mr Jones was reported in the Canberra Times as saying that by being a single employer with 104 Certified Agreements meant that APS pay rates and conditions were “all over the place.”
“You have to have computer systems that administer all these agreements (and) you're duplicating that administration 100 times… with minimal capacity for standardisation.”
He said with Cabinet reshuffles every two to three years leading to staff transfers, the various Departments and Agencies affected took months to process them all, particularly as they worked to differing agreements.
According to the CPSU the top pay rate for APS Level 5 staff could vary by up $18,450 a year depending on where they worked, while Executive Level 2 officers' salaries varied by as much as $34,680.
The Canberra Times said increasing competition for staff between agencies had coincided with a growth in the number of mid-level managers apparently prompting concerns that some Departments were promoting workers just to retain them.
It said the APS employed 11,904 senior officers in 1998, about 10 per cent of the APS, but the latest State of the Service Report showed their numbers had grown to 38,411 last year, or 24 per cent.
APS Commissioner, Lynelle Briggs is on record as saying separate wage agreements had delivered ''significant productivity gains'' to Departments and Agencies but the pay disparities impacted on staff seeing the APS as a career service.
12 May, 2009
Court adjourns in
Federal shake-up
An overhaul of the Federal Court system is to see the Federal Magistrates Court merged with the Family Court and Federal Court. Attorney-General, Robert McClelland announced the restructure saying it would lead to more effective delivery of legal and justice services to the community.
Mr McClelland said under the changes, all family law matters would be consolidated under the Family Court and Federal law issues would fall under the Federal Court.
“The reforms will effectively create a one-stop-shop in family and other Federal law matters, ensuring an integrated and accessible system that focuses on dispute resolution,” he said.
“Ensuring the Courts are structured and administered to deliver an efficient and cost-effective service to the Australian community is a key element in improving access to justice.”
Mr McClelland said the reforms followed the 2008 report, Future Governance Options for Federal Family Law Courts in Australia, which found the current system was financially unsustainable, led to confusion amongst litigants, had administration and resource inefficiencies and impeded access to justice.
“The restructure forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to reduce the cost of litigation and facilitate the faster resolution of disputes,” he said.
“In doing so, it will enable our Federal Courts to focus on assisting people, particularly those involved in family law matters.”
Mr McClelland said the proposed restructure would help reduce duplication of Court administrative structures and corporate services.
He said the restructure was expected to produce savings of around $7.8 million over four years, $1.5 million of which would be reinvested in support for family dispute resolution.
Further information was available from www.ag.gov.au
12 May, 2009
Information month
is no secret in May
May has been designated Information Awareness Month with a number of events and activities planned across Australia to promote the theme of information diversity.Launched by the Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner, the month is supported by the National Archives of Australia and the Records Management Association of Australasia.
Senator Faulkner said the month would highlight the changing nature of information, public participation in Government and the use of new information technologies.
“In the 21st century, new and emerging technologies provide a range of ways for Australians to both access Government information and engage in Government decision-making processes,” he said.
“Government information also needs to be developed in standard formats, which enable it to be properly indexed and searchable on-line.”
Senator Faulkner wrote to Departmental Heads, urging them to embrace the proposed reforms to Australia’s Freedom of Information Act.
“Our reforms are based on the principle that information held by the Government is to be managed for public purposes, and is a national resource,” he said.
“These reforms, although important, will not deliver the openness and transparency so essential to accountability and to a robust democracy, unless FOI decision-makers embrace the disposition towards disclosure which informs the FOI Act reforms.”
Senator Faulkner said changes to the Act would encourage Agencies to think about what information should be made available to the public.
“It will force a change of attitudes for Agencies to think about what they should be publishing rather than what they are obliged to,” he said.
Senator Faulkner said reforms to the FOI Act would extend access to Government documents, while ensuring material that was genuinely confidential remained so.
He said submissions on the changes were due by 15 May.
Further details on Information Awareness Month is available at www.pmc.gov.au
12 May, 2009
Online feedback
plugs into policy
A new program of workshops, websites and briefing papers that allow members of the public a direct line into Government policymaking has been launched by a sitting Member of Parliament, the Government’s Senator Kate Lundy. Senator Lundy described the program as a “bold experiment”, saying the series of events would engage Government, industry and society by focusing on topical issues and providing direction to Government.
She said the program, entitled ‘Public Sphere’, would primarily be conducted online and would include feedback, links, ideas, questions and more.
“Australians all around the country can actively engage in the process,” Senator Lundy said.
She said initial feedback on each topic would culminate in a 10 minute presentation by a speaker that would be audio-streamed online.
“As the talks are streamed, audience feedback and questions will be done via Twitter, and the presenter will be able to see feedback real time as they are speaking,” Senator Lundy said.
She said this would allow speakers to address questions and comments and capture the different perspectives of participants.
Senator Lundy said the outcomes of each workshop would then be compiled into a briefing paper to be published on her website, and directed to appropriate channels of Government.
“Anyone is welcome to both participate in a Public Sphere topic, and to volunteer to give a 10 minute speech,” she said.
The first Public Sphere took place on 7 May 2009 at the Australian National University in Canberra, and focused on the opportunities and issues regarding high-speed bandwidth in Australia.
Senator Lundy said if the program was a continued success, a Public Sphere would be scheduled every 4-6 weeks.
Further information was available from www.katelundy.com.au
12 May, 2009
DIAC gets visa for
e-Government finals
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has been named as a finalist in the 2009 e-Awards for Excellence in e-Government services.The Department has been recognised for three of its online products; the Visa Wizard, the Citizenship Wizard and the eVisitor service.
The three products were delivered as part of DIAC’s Systems for People business transformation program and, according to the Department, have greatly improved their online services.
“People no longer need to sift through the entire website looking for information that is relevant to them, which was often found in multiple locations,” a DIAC spokesperson said.
“They can quickly and easily find routine visa and citizenship pre-lodgement information without having to contact a Departmental office or call centre.”
The spokesperson said the initiatives meant people were no longer limited by office opening hours.
“Clear, consistent and current information means that people using the wizards are getting the same messages no matter where they make their initial enquiries,” he said.
The Wizard programs offer users self-service capabilities, with the Visa Wizard receiving over 1.6 million page views since September 2008 and the Citizenship Wizard being viewed by almost 88,000 people since December 2008.
The e-Visitor service is an online travel authority service for European Union nationals wishing to travel to Australia for tourism and business purposes.
The spokesperson said the service allowed clients to lodge their Visa applications electronically, with 90 per cent receiving an auto grant within minutes.
“Since the new service was released in October 2008, take-up has exceeded expectations with 50 per cent more clients using the system than anticipated,” the spokesperson said.
“Client feedback has been extremely positive.”
The winners of the 2009 e-Government Awards are to be announced at the CeBIT international business technology conference in Sydney this week.
12 May, 2009
Bureau does job on
working from home
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has discovered almost a quarter of all Australians in work did some, or all of their work at home.The Bureau’s research found 24 per cent of Australians employed in November 2008 worked at home, with 34 per cent saying they did so to ‘catch up on work’.
The ABS study found that another popular reason for working from home (37 per cent) was the lure of having an office at home with no overheads or rent, closely followed by 'operating a farm' (21 per cent) and 'flexible working arrangements' (15 per cent).
The report, Locations of Work, Australia, November 2008, found 62 per cent of men who worked at home were managers and professionals, while 18 per cent were technicians and trade workers.
Thirty-nine per cent of women who worked from home were professionals and 23 per cent were clerical or administrative workers.
Around one in 12 employed people worked more hours at home than at any other location, either in their main or second job.
The ABS reported that people who were owner-managers in their main job were more likely to use their own home as their main location for work than employees and that women owner-managers worked from home more often than men.
The Bureau said of the 10.1 million people at work in November 2008, 41 per cent worked at two or more locations in their main job.
More details about the study are available from the Bureau’s website, www.abs.gov.au
12 May, 2009
House goes MoAD over
museum of democracy
The new Museum of Australian Democracy has been officially opened in Canberra at the Old Parliament House.Billed as the first and only museum in Australia dedicated to telling the story of Australia’s democracy the MoAD was opened by the only Prime Minister to serve in both the old House and the new, Bob Hawke.
Mr Hawke was joined for the ceremony by the Chairman of the MoAD Advisory Council, William McInnes and Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner.
According to organisers, a network of dynamic exhibitions in the new Museum will connect Australians with more than 2000 years of history and heritage.
It will trace democracy from its earliest origins.
Among the attractions at the museum are the writing set and inkstand of founding US President George Washington, the first edition of Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man which was published in 1791 to support the French Revolution, and a mosaic of film footage showing how Australians see democracy playing a role in their life.
Another attraction is the Cabinet-in-Confidence display which offers an insight into some of the dilemmas to have faced Australian Cabinets, such as attempts to ban the Communist Party and the 1976 refugee crisis.
Director of the Museum, Jenny Anderson said it had been designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.
“It will present a balanced view on our democracy,” Ms Anderson said.
“People will be able to decide what we have done well, what we could have done better and the challenges that lie ahead of us as a democratic society.”
She said the museum would be constantly evolving to remain fresh and new.
Mr McInnes described it as more of an adventure than a ‘finger-wagging’ exercise in democracy.
“It will be a place where Australians can come and renew their knowledge of our history and be inspired and indeed challenged,” he said.
“There is a need for everybody, whatever age, whatever part of life they are from, to re-acquaint themselves with the history of Australia’s democracy to understand where we have come from and where we might be headed.”
More information on the new Museum of Australian Democracy is available from the Old Parliament House website www.oph.gov.au
12 May, 2009
Sex education for
same-sex couples
A community education campaign is to be conducted to inform same sex-couples of their rights under recent changes to the law. Announced jointly by the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Minister for Families, Housing and Community Services, Jenny Macklin, the campaign is to complement an existing information program being conducted by Centrelink.
Mr McClelland and Ms Macklin said under the new laws same-sex couples and their children had the same entitlements and obligations as opposite-sex de facto couples.
“We are working hard to ensure all same-sex couples have access to these entitlements and understand their obligations,” they said.
The Ministers said the Commonwealth would contribute $450,000 to the campaign.
They said a website will be launched to provide an overview of the reforms; $100,000 will be given to the National Welfare Rights Network to help Centrelink clients with legal advice; and $350,000 will be allocated to community education and advertising programs.
The initiative followed amendments to 84 Commonwealth laws to eliminate discrimination against same-sex couples and their children.
The reforms cover areas such as social security, taxation, Medicare, workers’ compensation, educational assistance, superannuation, veterans’ affairs family law and child support.
Mr McClelland and Ms Macklin said Centrelink was committed to implementing the reforms in a sensitive way, and additional training had been offered to help staff assist people in same-sex relationships.
Further information on the reforms can be found at www.ag.gov.au
12 May, 2009
Income goes up for
Child Agency clients
The Child Support Agency has introduced a new way of calculating taxable income for parents required to pay child support.The new system, which will apply from 1 July 2009, expands the definition of income by including salary-sacrificed superannuation contributions and net losses from financial investments.
Assistant General Manager of the CSA, Bruce Young said while the changes would not affect all parents they would make child support assessments more accurate.
“The changes will mean that, when calculating a parent’s income, individuals who have access to salary-sacrifice to reduce their taxable income will be treated on an equivalent basis to those who do not,” Mr Young said.
“Separated parents on a wage or salary can continue to enjoy the tax benefits of salary sacrificing into their superannuation while ensuring their children receive the right amount of financial support.”
He said it was important for parents to consider their choices on salary-sacrificed superannuation plans before or during the next financial year.
“Parents that are currently salary-sacrificing may wish to seek financial advice on how the legislation may affect their income for the purpose of child support,” Mr Young said.
He said the changes would affect child support assessments for support periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010.
Mr Young said the changes would affect paying and receiving parents equally, and applied only to voluntarily sacrificed payments.
He said the changes would also expand the types of losses that would be considered in determining a parent’s adjusted taxable income.
Mr Young said the support calculation would include net losses from rental properties and financial investments such as shares and managed funds.
He said a list of financial counsellors was available from www.csa.gov.au
12 May, 2009
History on side of
heritage assets
A report into the economic value of Australia’s World Heritage assets has been released by the Minister for Heritage, Peter Garrett. Mr Garrett said the report, which looked at 15 of Australia’s 17 World Heritage listed properties, showed how important they were to the Australian economy.
“Recent studies show our World Heritage properties generate $12 billion annually and support over 120,000 jobs across the country,” he said.
Mr Garrett said the report found all sites, from the Sydney Opera House to less-known properties such as Shark Bay and the Australian Fossil Mammals sites, made a significant contribution to local jobs, tourism and the economy.
“The great thing is that the economic benefits of this tourism are spread throughout Australia, delivering substantial economic activity in regions within and surrounding these iconic places,” he said.
“For example, the five World Heritage areas in New South Wales contribute approximately $2 billion annually to the State's economy.”
Mr Garrett said the report demonstrated the need to maintain the sites, and that the Government was committed to working with States, Territories and communities to ensure their ongoing protection.
“In addition to existing Commonwealth support for World Heritage properties, the recent announcement of $60 million for heritage projects includes at least $8.6 million for natural heritage places, particularly Australia's World Heritage sites,” he said.
“With this continued investment in our World heritage places, we will ensure the economic activity generated by these places is maintained into the future.”
Further information was available from www.heritage.gov.au
12 May, 2009
Tax watchdog
snares complaints
The Taxation Ombudsman has reported that the most common complaints from the public referred to his office in 2008 related to lodgement, processing and debt collection.Releasing his annual activity report on tax-related complaints for the year, the Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan said 1,154 were received in 2008, down from 1,249 in 2007.
He said complaints about debt collection increased by 6 per cent on the previous year and concentrated on payment arrangements, actions of external debt collection agencies, debt waiver or write-off issues, and insolvency.
“Complaints about tax administration indicate that Australian taxpayers still face a range of serious concerns and difficulties that require investigation and resolution,” Professor McMillan said.
“The regular contact my office has with taxpayers and the investigations we conduct into their problems with the tax system provide information that can assist to improve ATO administration.”
He said while the number of tax complaints was declining, the complaints that were being received were becoming increasingly complex.
“Complaints about lodgement and processing encompassed a variety of issues,” Professor McMillann said, “including the application of taxation law to lump sum payments, incorrect information submitted by tax agents, processing delays and taxpayer difficulties with PAYG payments.”
He said his office also received complaints about taxpayer information (6 per cent) and auditing (5 per cent) and the superannuation guarantee (11 per cent) which halved in the same period.
Professor McMillan said that as an external, independent and impartial complaint mechanism, his office strove to ensure fair administration and, as a result, engender public confidence in tax administration.
Full details of the Ombudsman’s report could be found at www.ombudsman.gov.au
12 May, 2009
Consumer paper out
for consumption
A discussion paper on the future direction of consumer research and advocacy has been released by Consumer Affairs Minister, Chris Bowen.The paper, entitled Consumer Voices, Sustaining advocacy and research in Australia’s new consumer policy framework, is part of a national program aimed at fostering more effective consumer advocacy and research.
Mr Bowen said it was prompted by a 2008 Productivity Commission recommendation that the Commonwealth, in consultation with the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs, move to provide additional funding for the purpose.
“The Australian Government, with the States and Territories, is undertaking the most far-reaching changes to Australia’s consumer laws for a generation,” Mr Bowen said.
He said new consumer law reforms, including a national Unfair Contract Terms provision would soon be introduced to Parliament.
“The Australian Government and the Council of Australian Governments has wasted no time in developing and beginning to implement a single, national consumer law,” he said.
“Effective consumer advocacy and research highlights the issues that affect and concern consumers and assists in ensuring that Governments can make sound and timely consumer policy interventions.”
Mr Bowen encouraged interested parties from the consumer movement and industry to make a submission by 17 July 2009.
12 May, 2009
Child care payments
system is reborn
A new system for administering the payment of Child Care Benefits has been introduced, with the Government announcing all providers required to make the transition had already done so. Parliamentary Secretary for Early Childhood Education and Child Care, Maxine McKew said the Child Care Management System (CCMS) was a new and improved way for providers to manage payments.
Ms McKew said all approved providers had to be signed up by 1 July 2009.
“I welcome the news that all services currently identified as needing to switch to the CCMS have done so before the legislated date,” she said.
“Whilst the switch to the CCMS is a significant change for the child care sector, the Australian Government has sought to make the transition as easy as possible for child care service providers.”
Ms McKew said the new system would reduce the amount of paperwork for child care professionals, allowing them to provide all required data in a streamlined electronic format.
“The CCMS provides an opportunity for child care service providers to review and streamline their business processes, giving them more time to concentrate on offering quality early childhood education and care programs,” she said.
Ms McKew said parents would be able to access online statements detailing their childcare arrangements and payments.
She said while the CCMS was being implemented the Government had provided support for child care services, offering financial assistance to over 5,000 approved operators and running more than 270 information and operations sessions.
Ms McKew said the Government would continue to offer assistance to child care providers through the CCMS Helpdesk.
12 May, 2009
War Memorial
spreads wings
The Australian War Memorial has commenced building its Eastern Precinct Development, which will see the grounds of the building re-developed to enhance the natural landscape. According to the Director of the Memorial, Major-General Steve Gower, the project will see the current car park restored to its natural environment, and a new 200 space car park developed underground.
Designed by award-winning architect, Richard Johnson, Maj-Gen Gower said the project would “greatly improve the Eastern Precinct for visitors and the local community.”
“It will enhance the natural landscape and reinforce the corridor of open woodland… increasing the number of trees… and re-establishing the open woodland as a significant part of the site,” he said.
The project will be carried out by PBS Building, and will “bring much needed construction work to the Canberra region during these difficult economic conditions,” Maj-Gen Gower said.
He said that during the construction period the Outpost Café and its external toilets would be closed, but the Memorial would continue normal operating hours, open from 10am to 5pm each day, with toilet and café access inside the building.
Maj-Gen Gower said parking would still be available during the construction period, but disability and coach access will not be relocated until late May 2009.
He said that the project is intended for completion by ANZAC Day, 2010.
12 May, 2009
PS ups and downs in
2009-10 Budget
Dropping the one-off 2 per cent efficiency dividend and planning for staff increases in a number of Departments and Agencies, the 2009-2010 Federal Budget announced this week has taken a responsible approach to the Australian Public Service.The Budget papers allow for an increase of 1.1 per cent in APS staff numbers in the coming 12 months, a workforce increase of 2,750 positions, including the military.
Agencies expected to add to their numbers include Defence , Centrelink, Treasury, Prime Minister and Cabinet, Climate Change and the Australian National Audit Office.
Among those to lose positions are Immigration, the Australian Taxation Office, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Attorney-Generals and Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
The Australian Public Service Commission, Office of National Assessments and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner are among those required to reduce non-essential expenditure.
Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen also announced that the Australian Bureau of Statistics – which recently announced staff cuts of 180 - would receive a funds and staffing boost, largely to prepare for and run the 2011 Census.
Also in line for increased staff are Ministers and MPs with 44 new faces expected to be employed following a review that found the 30 per cent cut in numbers imposed by the Government had led to overwork and ‘excessive demands.’
The new office of the Information Commissioner is to be set up at a cost of $20 million over four years and will sit within PM&C.
Its task will be to lead the streamlining of Freedom of Information practices across the APS and it is expected to be operational by early 2010.
While the current Budget is relatively benign for most of the PS, the Government has flagged that the out-years will be more stringent.
In 2012-13, for example it has already warned that all new spending by Departments and Agencies will need to be offset by demonstrated savings.
12 May, 2009
Efficiency savings
are money in bank
Efficiencies in Government administration announced in this week’s Federal Budget are expected to save the Commonwealth more than $1 billion over the next four years.Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner said reforms already introduced, and the new ones announced in the Budget, would take savings from efficiency improvements across a five-year period to $5 billion.
Mr Tanner said last year’s Budget set the ball rolling with the one-off 2 per cent efficiency dividend increase which cut back on ‘perks.’
He said the 2009-10 Budget built on those reforms and promised even greater value to the taxpayer.
“This process will continue over the life of the Government as we constantly strive to weed out waste and inefficiencies,” Mr Tanner said.
“It is important that in tough economic times the Government continues to reform how it operates to drive efficiencies so that we can re-prioritise spending into areas such as education and nation building.”
He said decentralisation of the Public Service in the past had led to “vast inefficiencies and waste” across a number of core government areas such as IT, property and travel.
He said reforms to date had produced efficiencies in areas such as streamlined administrative arrangements, reduced levels of promotional activities and the removal of duplicated management processes from some Government programs.
He cited the management of service contracts with family relationship centres as an example of the reforms where the Department of Family and Community Services and the Attorney General’s Department were both responsible for payments.
“This created two sets of bureaucrats doing the same job and managing contracts with the same organisations,” he said.
“This year’s Budget removes this duplication and will save the taxpayer $8.4 million over four years.
According to Mr Tanner, over 50 Commonwealth Agencies had identified annual savings of more than $100 million in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expenditure.
He said half these savings would be reinvested in projects that would produce even greater ICT efficiencies.
12 May, 2009
Union wins numbers game
The Community and Public Sector Union has claimed a victory over the Australian Bureau of Statistics in the Bureau’s moves to impose job cuts.
The Union won orders from the Australian Industrial Relations Commission that it said would stop the job cuts at ABS and allow affected employees to return to the workplace.
The CPSU’s Nadine Flood said the win sent a message to all Government Agencies that the rights of employees must be respected.
ABS has revealed plans to cut 180 jobs.
ACT to be more efficient
The Government of the Australian Capital Territory is to introduce an efficiency dividend from the start of next financial year.
Announced as part of the Government’s medium-term Budget strategy, the dividend plan sparked concern among unions and community organisations who fear it will lead to job cuts.
It is to be levied at 1% for larger Agencies and a 0.5% small.
Ad contract awarded
Adcorp Australia Ltd has been appointed as the new master media agency for Non-Campaign Advertising for the Australian Government.
Beginning a three year term on 1 June 2009, Adcorp’s contract will see the Commonwealth place all non-campaign advertising, such as public notices, tenders, recruitment and invitations for submissions, through the company.
Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner, said the move would ensure an Agency was in place to provide cost-effective non-campaign advertising services.
Defence to aid AusAID
The Department of Defence has entered a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the international aid agency, AusAID, to formalise a closer working relationship.
The agreement is expected to advance security, development, good governance and stability within Australia and the region.
The initiative recognises the shared strategic interests of the organisations and looks at improving cooperation in the future.
Watchdog to ‘do’ hairdressers
The Federal Workplace Ombudsman is targeting hairdressers and beauty salons for random audits.
According to the Executive Director of the Workplace Ombudsman’s Office, Michael Campbell inspectors will scrutinise the books of hundreds of employers throughout Australia to ensure they are complying with workplace laws.
“The hair and beauty industry is one where we receive a lot of complaints,” Mr Campbell said.
“And many of these workers, such as young people and trainees, are vulnerable, so it’s important we make sure they are being treated fairly.”
Margin laws on the way
New laws are to be introduced to regulate margin lending under a single, standard, national regime.
Minister for Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry said under the new laws, margin lending would be added to the Corporations Act 2001 as a financial product and lenders required to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.
He said in addition, lenders would be regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, required to disclose fees and commissions and lend under a tailored margin lending-specific set of responsible lending obligations.
Old House gets grant
The Old-Government House in Parramatta, NSW, is to receive a grant of over $2 million to support its restoration and conservation.
The grant is part of $60 million in heritage funding to be distributed under the Government’s Job’s Fund initiative, which was designed to support and create jobs while protecting Australia’s heritage-listed sites.
Further information was available from www.heritage.gov.au
Tax Board call
Applicants are being sought for appointment to the new Tax Practitioners Board.
The Board will replace the existing State-based Tax Agents’ Boards and will be responsible for regulating the provision of tax agent services.
Applications close on 22 May, with further information available from www.apsjobs.gov.au or by emailing taxagentservices@treasury.gov.au
Memorial honours nurses
The Australian War Memorial has conducted a ceremony to commemorate the military service of nurses who cared for the sick and wounded during times of war.
The Remembrance and Thanksgiving Ceremony was held as part of the annual International Midwives and Nurses Week.
Around 6,800 military nurses have served in Australia’s wars and conflicts since the Boer War, with 100 dying during their service.
Museum shows off swimwear
The Australian National Maritime Museum has launched an exhibition of swimwear highlighting how it has changed over the past 100 years.
The exhibition will show how Australian designers and swimming stars have been central to the evolution of the modern swimsuit and have helped blur the lines between “underwear and outerwear”.
5 May, 2009
Defence force forces
workforce change
Reforming the Defence workforce has been identified as an important aspect of improvements to be made to the ADF over the next 22 years.Included in the Government’s recently-announced White Paper, the Ministers for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon and Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, said the Department’s workforce of the future would have the “right” balance of military, civilian and contractor staff.
“Over the next decade Defence will grow both its military and civilian workforce, but will manage the balance in a way that is more cost effective and adaptive to future Defence needs,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“On average, full-time uniformed members cost around 30 per cent more than their civilian counterparts. Defence will use civilian staff to perform military support roles where they represent a more efficient use of Defence funds.
Mr Snowdon said under the Strategic Reform Program, Defence would only employ permanent ADF members where there was a direct operational or support requirement to do so, and would use contract staff in areas of labour market shortage.
“This will ensure that our uniformed members are focussed on performing combat and combat related activities, thus best utilising their military expertise.” Mr Snowdon said.
He said over 75% of Defence Force members were already posted to combat or combat-related roles, and would not be affected.
He said the Department had also identified military positions within the support workforce that might be suitable for conversion to civilian roles.
“This will reduce workforce costs, and ensure the right balance between combat and support roles within the Defence Forces,” Mr Snowdon said.
“Contracted staff, who also form part of the Defence workforce, generally cost between 15 and 40 percent more than their equivalents in the civilian workforce.
“While the civilianisation of military positions and conversion of contractors to civilians will see a rise in the number of Public Service positions, the total workforce mix will remain in balance.”
He said the Department would also redesign its core business processes to streamline and automate workflows where possible.
“Defence will consolidate, centralise and standardise ‘like’ services such as garrison support, payroll, human resources and finance functions,” Mr Snowdon said.
5 May, 2009
Funds and wargames
in Defence model
A new funding model is to be introduced into the Department of Defence to ensure it meets the challenges ahead and responds to the 2030 White Paper vision announced by the Government recently.The White paper foreshadows spending of around $60 billion in the years to 2030.
According to Defence Minister, Joel Fitzgibbon, the new funding model would be based on three per cent real growth in each Budget for the next eight years; 2.2 per cent real growth in each of the following 12 years; and guaranteed indexation of 2.5 per cent every year from now to 2030.
There is also a guarantee that Defence will be allowed to apply savings from its administrative reforms to its own spending.
According to the Minister, this is the first time an Australian Government has committed funding to proposals in a White Paper that extend for the life of the Paper.
“The new funding model will ensure the Australian Defence Force of the 21st
Century will have the capabilities required to meet future strategic challenges,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
He said the long term funding stability, including the certainty of indexation arrangements were “essential” for long term planning.
“This long overdue reform will stabilise Defence funding to better enable Defence to plan for and acquire capabilities and avoid the financial problems funding volatility has caused since the 2000 White Paper,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
He said an extensive reform program was expected to realise $20 billion in savings over the period.
“The Government is committed to find ways to improve productivity and free
up resources, both people and dollars, to reinvest in Defence capability,” he said.
“As part of the 2009 Defence White Paper, the Government has directed a targeted program of reforms to reduce the cost of supporting Defence’s major fleets of military equipment while maintaining stringent safety standards.”
He said the reforms would focus on the Department becoming more productive and eliminating waste in the maintenance and supply-chain processes as well as reducing inventory costs through smarter procurement processes and reducing the size of inventory holdings.
“This is a whole of Defence reform program involving the Army, Navy and Air
Force and the Defence Materiel Organisation,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
He said over the next five-years all major fleets of military equipment across the three
Services will be scrutinised in detail to identify possible efficiencies.
5 May, 2009
Electoral Commission
has voters on a roll
The Australian Electoral Commission has launched a search for over 1.2 million voters it believes are not on the electoral roll.Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn said the AEC was stepping up its efforts to find the missing voters and encourage them to enroll.
“We are currently sending over 550,000 personally addressed letters across the country to where we think these Australians might be living”, Commissioner Killesteyn said.
He said the letters included an enrolment form and a replied paid envelope, so that people could easily ensure they were enrolled.
“History shows that many Australians get caught unprepared by an election and miss their vote,” he said.
“At the 2007 election… [people] didn’t realise that they were not enrolled until they tried to vote on the day.”
Commissioner Killesteyn said that despite its best efforts, the AEC would not be able to track down everybody.
He said that the law dictated that it was the responsibility of the individual to make sure they were enrolled.
He said AEC regulations specified that individuals who failed to vote without a valid reason faced a fine which could be followed by prosecution.
Commissioner Killesteyn said enrolment forms were available at any AEC, Australia Post, Medicare of Centrelink office, and online.
He said individuals could check their enrolment status at the AEC website, as well as update their personal details.
He said that people must be enrolled to vote with the AEC to participate in Federal, State and Local Government elections.
5 May, 2009
ID scheme looks
at gaining access
A safer and more secure ID authentication system has been developed by Centrelink and is being offered to the rest of the PS and private industry free of charge.According to the Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, Centrelink’s Protocol for Lightweight Authentication of Identity system (PLAID) is used with ID cards for staff access to secure buildings and computer systems and allows fast, flexible, private and secure authentication as well as inter-operability within and between users.
Senator Ludwig said until the development of PLAID, existing technology in the ID field had been at risk due to hackers.
“PLAID will prevent the cracking of authentication systems and foil the cloning of smartcards and other system-access devices,” he said.
“With a vast database including millions of Australians, Centrelink takes a very serious approach to customer privacy and employee access.”
Senator Ludwig said Centrelink was making PLAID freely available on the internet for Government Agencies and private corporations concerned about staff security.
“The idea is that commercial operators will build on PLAID by developing security software and hardware for other organisations to purchase and use,” he said.
“Centrelink will save money buying an ID authentication system, rather than building and maintaining a system in-house.”
Senator Ludwig said Centrelink had around 26,000 employees and administered over $70 billion in payments and services to millions of customers annually.
“That’s why it is so important Centrelink has a reliable and strong IT system in place,” he said.
5 May, 2009
Children’s Agency
pockets payments
The Child Support Agency has recovered more than $8 million in overdue child support payments for children of separated families in the past eight months.According to the Agency, the money was collected from 366 overdue child support cases and was in addition to $15.3 million in outstanding child support collected from 631 litigation matters in 2007-08.
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the results demonstrated the CSA’s commitment to encouraging parents to meet their child support obligations.
“It’s in the best interests of the children that separated parents do the right thing”, Senator Ludwig said.
“I don’t want to see any child miss out, and that’s why it’s so important to transfer the right amount on time, every time.”
Senator Ludwig said although the global financial crisis was putting pressure on family budgets, the CSA ensured that child support amounts reflected an individual’s personal circumstances.
He said Court action was only considered by the CSA when all other avenues for collection had been exhausted.
“In most cases, such matters don't reach the Courtroom because the parent pays their outstanding child support before facing the Federal Magistrates Court or Family Court,” he said.
Senator Ludwig encouraged all separated parents who had fallen behind in their child support payments to contact the CSA.
5 May, 2009
New Board to nail
Defence reforms
A new Advisory Board is to be set up to provide independent advice on the implementation of the Department of Defence’s Strategic Reform Program.Unveiling the Government’s 22-year plan for Defence, the Minister, Joel Fitzgibbon said the Defence Strategic Reform Advisory Board would be chaired by an experienced person from the private sector with the appropriate skills and experience needed to drive the Government’s reform agenda.
“The key function of the Board will be to provide advice to the Government on how the strategic reforms within Defence should be implemented,” Mr Fitzgibbon said, “and to assist in ensuring the savings programs are delivering the results that are expected.”
He said the Board would include as its members a balance of internal and external appointees with those from the public sector including the Secretaries of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Treasury, Finance and Deregulation as well as the Secretary of Defence, Chief of the Defence Force and Chief Executive of the Defence Materiel Organisation.
He said to ensure that strategic reform was pursued on a whole of portfolio basis, the Board would also take on the functions of the former Defence Procurement Advisory Board.
“The Secretary and Chief of the Defence Force are committed to delivering the reform agenda that has been agreed to by the Government,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. “They are well supported by the Defence senior leadership group who collectively will work with the Advisory Board to ensure Defence becomes a more effective and efficient organisation through the implementation of the reform program.”
Mr FitzGibbon said a new Deputy Secretary for Strategic Reform would also be appointed to the Department to integrate and coordinate the reform program.
5 May, 2009
Trade mark mark
sets mark for trade
A “huge” increase in the number of applications for environment-related trade marks in the energy sector over the past five years shows that industry is responding to the climate change challenge, according to the Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr.Senator Carr pointed to the 250 per cent increase in ‘green’ trade marks in the energy sector and the increase in patent applications, saying they indicated strong growth in applications for green technologies and a desire to beat climate change.
“Patent registrations for solar and clean coal technology applications from Australian and overseas innovators have risen by 15 per cent and 50 per cent respectively over the past five years,” he said.
“Combined with the huge jump in green trade marks in the energy sector, these figures clearly show that innovators are tackling climate change head-on.”
Senator Carr said World Intellectual Property Day, held last week, showed innovation and new technologies would play a “crucial role” in overcoming climate change.
“Innovators clearly recognise the importance of being green if they are to succeed in today’s marketplace,” he said.
“Registered IP rights, including patents, trade marks, designs and plant breeder’s rights are central to the innovation that drives economic growth.”
Senator Carr said the IP system allowed Australia to benefit from investment in green technologies by protecting the investment and licensing the technology to other countries.
He said World IP Day was coordinated through IP Australia.
5 May, 2009
Childcare operators
get pat on the back
The childcare company B4Kids is to take over the 21 Defence Child Care Centres previously operated by ABC Learning.Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, said he was confident the new contract would provide Defence families with stable, high-quality child care.
Mr Snowdon said B4Kids had over 10 years experience in managing corporate child care programs and a list of previous clients included Westpac, ANZ, Tyco and Optus.
“Our 21 owned and leased centres will be under the management of an experienced and skilled organisation with a focus on meeting the needs of our Defence families,” Mr Snowdon said.
He said B4Kids had been engaged as independent contractors to manage the Defence contract between ABC and Defence since 2007 and had been managing the contract on behalf of the Court-appointed receivers since October 2008.
“I have every expectation that families using the centres will not notice any disruptions in service, and that the quality and consistency of the care our families receive increases under the new management arrangements,” he said.
Mr Snowdon said the company would take over management of the centres on 18 May 2009.
“I would like to thank the families who have stuck by us through this time of uncertainty,” he said.
Mr Snowdon encouraged families to attend information sessions that would be held across Australia over the following weeks.
He said new operators had also been found for the five centres where Defence children had priority access and that the 15 centres under the ABC1 banner would continue to operate as usual.
Further information and updates was available from www.defence.gov.au
5 May, 2009
Super advice for
pension planners
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has released draft guidance on how superannuation funds should manage their reserves.Deputy Chairman of APRA, Ross Jones, said a discussion paper and draft had been released for consultation before the guide was finalised later this year, and interested parties were invited to have their say.
Mr Jones said the draft provided practical guidance on measures APRA regarded as good practice for a trustee and its directors to take in managing fund reserves.
“It provides examples of specific types of reserves and outlines measures for inclusion in a reserving strategy,” he said.
Mr Jones said the draft Prudential Practice Guide 235 Use of reserves in superannuation funds distinguished between amounts set aside for contingent events and provisions for accrued expenses such as administration or taxation.
He said it also focused on measures a trustee could consider in formulating a comprehensive reserving strategy.
Mr Jones said the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act) contained provisions relating to the maintenance and management of fund reserves, but that reserves were not defined in the Act.
He said trustees and their directors were required to develop and implement a strategy for the prudent management of these reserves.
Submissions close on 5 June 2009, with copies of the guide available from www.apra.gov.au
APRA is expected to release further superannuation prudential practice guides shortly as part of a review of existing guidance notes and circulars.
5 May, 2009
EFIC sees way clear
to go transparent
Australia’s Export Finance and Insurance Corporation, EFIC, has joined Transparency International Australia, the local chapter of Transparency International.According to the Managing Director of EFIC, Angus Armour, by joining the Transparency International global network, the export credit agency would be in the company of some of Australia’s largest enterprises such as BHP Billiton, Westpac and ANZ.
“Joining Transparency International Australia demonstrates EFIC’s commitment to anti-corruption measures in Australia and in the overseas countries in which our clients operate,” Mr Armour said.
Executive director of Transparency International Australia, Michael Aherns, said the organisation was delighted EFIC had agreed to join them.
Mr Aherns said he looked forward to working with EFIC to raise exporters’ awareness about the “risk of corruption in the overseas countries they trade with.”
Mr Armour said EFIC’s membership of Transparency International Australia complemented its existing anti-corruption obligations under Australian law and as a member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's Export Credits Group (ECG).
He said ECG members were obliged to observe the OECD Council Recommendation on Bribery and Officially Supported Export Credits to deter bribery in international business transactions.
Transparency International Australia was established in 1995 to raise awareness of international business corruption and to lead moves to combat it.
As a not-for-profit, non-Government organisation, Transparency International has been fighting corruption in around 80 countries since 1993.
5 May, 2009
Emergency warnings
ring alarm bells
A national emergency warning system, based on the telephone network, is to be introduced across all States and Territories for use in major natural and other disasters.The new initiative will send warning alerts by recorded voice and text to landline and mobile phones, advising the public of any looming major emergency.
The new system would add to the existing range of warning measures that included television and radio alerts, public address systems, doorknocking, sirens, signage and the internet.
Under an agreement made by the Council of Australian Governments at its recent meeting in Hobart, the new system will be operated by State and Territory authorities and developed following an open tender process.
The Commonwealth will inject up to $15 million to assist the States and Territories set it up.
According to COAG, the system will be developed to ensure it can work during periods of heavy telephone traffic but would be limited to sending alerts to mobile phones based on their billing addresses, rather than where the handset was at the time of the emergency.
A research project is to be conducted to overcome this limitation.
The Federal Government has changed the law to allow access to the Integrated Public Number Database of up-to-date telephone numbers, while protecting the identity of individuals.
5 May, 2009
Foxtel subscribes
to Film Archive
The National Film and Sound Archive has signed an agreement with Foxtel to ensure that Australian productions screened or created by the pay-TV provider, or its partner channels, are preserved for posterity.The agreement will see material from all platforms of television, such as free-to-air, subscription, internet and community broadcasts, preserved at the NFSA, as part of its history of television in Australia documentation.
Chair of the Archive, Professor Chris Puplick, said the decision would not only strengthen the organisation’s collection, but ensure Australian productions were preserved for generations in the future.
“We are indebted to Foxtel and the channels who are contributing, for their great vision, their cooperation and their understanding of the importance of television”, Professor Puplick said.
Foxtel’s managing director and CEO, Kim Williams said Foxtel was proud of what it had achieved and its history deserved to be preserved for the nation.
Since the agreement was finalised, Foxtel had delivered more than 260 programs to the NFSA, including television series, documentaries, music concerts and lifestyle shows.
Professor Puplick said the NFSA had classified the material as “invaluable”, as it would provide a crucial understanding for future historians on Australian culture.
5 May, 2009
Consumer law
discounts States
A new national consumer credit law being considered by the Commonwealth is expected to cut 2,500 pages from the laws of the States and Territories.Federal Minister for Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry released the draft law for comment, saying the individual State and Territory laws were inconsistent, led to duplication and were laden with red tape.
Senator Sherry said the National Consumer Credit Protection Bill 2009 was the result of a six-month industry and consumer group consultation process, and would reduce the amount of legislation to one comprehensive regime.
“This will greatly reinforce a truly national consumer credit market,” Senator Sherry said, “whilst reducing the compliance burden and boosting customer protection.”
He said the new law, which establishes a national Australian Credit Licence and imposes tough lending obligations on both lenders and brokers, would be regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
“ASIC will be provided with appropriate powers to respond swiftly, effectively and uniformly to breaches of the law,” the Minister said.
“These are sweeping reforms that will not only benefit consumers, but promote higher lending industry standards and greater market integrity.”
He said businesses would no longer receive conflicting advice from different State-level regulators, or need to deal with cross-jurisdictional regulations.
He said the new credit regime would be implemented in two stages to minimise industry disruption and ease its compliance burdens.
“This process has been carefully designed to be as straightforward as possible for businesses, while ensuring that registration remains a rigorous and vital part of the licensing process,” Senator Sherry said.
He said businesses would be able to register for the new regime from 1 November 2009, and continue operating without disruption as they moved to meet the requirements of the new licensing system.
5 May, 2009
Violence report
calls to get tough
A major report into sexual assault and family violence has been presented to the Government by the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children. The report, entitled Time for Action, was released jointly by the Prime Minister, the Attorney-General and the Minister for the Status of Women who said 18 of the report’s 20 priority recommendations would be adopted.
The recommendations include a national telephone and online crisis service, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and run by professionally trained staff and the allocation of $26 million for the prevention of assault, including a national public information campaign, and improved school education on respectful relationships.
The Ministers said the Government would also invest a further $3 million into researching effective perpetrator treatment and establishing a nationally consistent set of laws to offer justice and safety to victims and their families.
It will also work with States and Territories to enforce domestic and family violence orders across State borders, extending protection beyond the area in which the order was enforced.
According to the Time for Action report, nearly one in three Australian women experienced physical violence and almost one in five would suffer sexual violence over their lifetime.
Research commissioned by the Council of Australian Governments has estimated that violence against women would cost the Australian economy around $13.6 billion this year, rising to $15.6 billion by 2021 to 2022 if action was not taken.
The Government said its position on violence against women was zero tolerance, and it would refer the Time for Action report to COAG to deal with for issues relevant to States and Territories.
The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomed the announcement that an National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women would be implemented in to the Time for Action report with Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick saying it would be imperative that the Government back its commitment with proper resourcing.
“It is critical that the implementation of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children is regularly monitored to make sure it is working, and that targets and benchmarks are set to measure progress,” Commissioner Boderick said.
5 May, 2009
Bar lowered for
prison deaths
A report released by the Australian Institute of Criminology has shown the trend in recorded deaths in prisons has significantly declined since 1997.The report, 2007 Deaths in Custody in Australia, found there was also a long-term decline in deaths among people held in police custody.
General Manager of Research at the Institute, Dr Judy Putt, said the report provided an analysis of data captured through the National Deaths in Custody Program, established in 1980.
Dr Putt said despite the overall decline, the report found 74 deaths occurred in prison, police and juvenile custody during 2007, an increase of 19 on 2006.
“Of the 74 deaths in custody, 45 occurred in prisons and of those, 32 were from natural causes, an increase of 11 from 2006 figures,” she said.
“This increase in natural deaths in prison custody reflects the ageing of Australia's prison population.”
Dr Putt said 29 deaths occurred in police custody, an increase of six over the 2006 figure.
However, she said the long-term rates of death for Indigenous and non-Indigenous prisoners had declined significantly since the mid 1990s.
“The proportion of Indigenous to non-Indigenous deaths in police custody dropped to one-in-10 deaths in 2007, its lowest point since 2001,” Dr Putt said.
“The report also showed the smallest proportion of self-inflicted deaths in prison and the smallest number of hangings in custody since the program's establishment in 1980.”
She said Category 1 deaths, which included those in institutional settings, raids and shootings, had decreased since 1990 and Category 2 deaths involving sieges and pursuits had also been declining since 2002.
Dr Putt said the evidence of long-term declines would prove useful for correctional services, police and policy makers in monitoring trends for the deaths.
5 May, 2009
Mental health probe
shows good thinking
All but three recommendations of an independent review of mental health care in the Defence Force have been accepted by the Government. The three that weren’t accepted are to be partially adopted. Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said the review made 52 recommendations to help the Government improve mental health and transition services for members of the Australian Defence Force.
Mr Snowdon said Professor David Dunt conducted the report, which was entitled Review of Mental Health Care in the ADF and Transition through Discharge.
“Professor Dunt’s comprehensive report compared mental health care support in the Australian Defence Force with world’s best practice and assessed the extent to which the mental health needs of serving and transitioning ADF members were being met,” Mr Snowdon said.
He said the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs would implement the recommendations to improve the issues discussed in the review.
“The Government is committing $83 million over four years to start the major program of reform that will address the gaps identified,” he said.
“Implementing the recommendations will ensure our current and ex-service personnel have easier access to best practice mental health services.
“Preventive activities will be delivered by staff dedicated to mental health promotion, and multi-disciplinary health teams will ensure holistic care that also considers the needs of families.”
Mr Griffin said the implementation plan consisted of 10 elements, including additional mental health staff, increased mental health training for ADF personnel, enhanced prevention strategies, improved mental health rehabilitation and better facilities.
He said while many of the recommendations could be acted upon immediately, others would take several years to achieve.
“Both DVA and Defence will report regularly to the Government on their progress in implementing the recommendations,” Mr Griffin said.
“With more than 25,000 troops having served overseas since 1999, we must remain focused on ensuring both Departments support the growing needs of our current and ex-service personnel.”
During a speech at the ADF Joint Health Command and the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service conference, Next Generation: Emerging Trends in Mental Health,Mr Snowdon said he was confident ADF members and their families would “soon experience improved mental health care and support.”
He said the conference had attracted leading keynote speakers and focused on international perspectives on trends in the mental health needs of serving and ex-serving personnel.
A copy of the review was available from www.defence.gov.au
5 May, 2009
Finance finds land
The Department of Finance and Deregulation has updated its Register of Surplus Commonwealth Land that might have potential suitability for use as housing or for community purposes.
The register includes land available in Canberra, NSW and Queensland and details the owner agency, location and size of each property, as well as the target time for release.
The register can be viewed at www.finance.gov.au
Controllers vote
Australia’s Air Traffic Controllers have voted to accept pay rises of 4.3% per annum over 3.5 years with changes to sick leave and rostering arrangements, setting the scene for improved productivity.
The new collective employment agreement was carried with 95% of votes in favour and expected to come into force this month.
Eighty-three per cent of eligible staff voted in the ballot which Airservices Australia said was one of the highest votes in recent times.
Maternity leave boost
The ACT Government has extended the maternity leave entitlements of its staff by four weeks for mothers and one for fathers.
The new arrangements allow for 18 weeks paid maternity leave for women in the ACT PS and two weeks “bonding leave” for fathers.
ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope said the extension would cost $7 million over four years.
Slow going for Fund
The Future Fund has reported a loss of 2.5% for the March quarter, taking its full year losses to around 9.5%.
The fund’s 2 million Telstra shares cost it 10.57% in the quarter and 15.53% for the year to date but its total assets now stand at $58.092 million.
Analysts regard the fund’s performance as above average as the stock market lost 3.4% in the same period.
The Future Fund was set up in 2007 to meet the costs of Public Service superannuation into the future.
Lawyers regulated
The Australian legal profession is to be regulated nationally with the Council of Australian Governments appointing a special taskforce to draft uniform legislation.
A consultative group advising the taskforce will include members from each State and Territory, representing peak legal, business and consumer groups.
The legislation will be presented to COAG for consideration by May 2010, and will replace the 55 different regulations which currently operate across the nation.
Gap year fills in
The Australian Defence Force’s Gap Year program is taking applications for 2010.
Students and recent school leavers are invited to take part in the program by spending a year in the Navy, Army or Air Force.
Introduced two years ago, the program has “proved a remarkable success” according to the Minister for Defence, Warren Snowdon.
he said it provided participants improved communication, leadership, camaraderie, integrity and self-discipline.
He said there would be 267 places available in the Navy, 317 in the Army, and 116 in Air Force in 2010.
Joint project formalised
Australia and Italy are to work together on an international project to develop the world’s biggest radio telescope.
The partnership was formalised with a Joint Statement of Intent, signed by the Minister for Innovation, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, and Italian Undersecretary of State for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, Adolfo Urso.
Further information was available from www.ska.gov.au
Credit licences for comment
In a bid to establish a world-leading consumer credit protection licensing regime, the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry, has released a draft Bill for public comment.
Under the Bill, all banks, credit unions, finance companies, credit advisors and mortgage brokers would have to hold a newly created Australian Credit Licence (ACL), which would be supervised by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Further information was available from www.treasury.gov.au
Airport inspections take off
Airservices’ Flight Inspection Service is to visit regional and remote areas during May to check air navigation equipment and ensure the safe operation of aircraft in all weather conditions.
Checks are to be conducted in the Northern Territory, NSW, Tasmania and Victoria, and further information such as dates and towns is available from www.airservicesaustralia.com
SCOPE for artists
The Australian Sports Commission and the Australia Council for the Arts have developed a professional development program for the dance, physical theatre and circus sectors.
Securing Career Opportunities and Professional Employment (SCOPE) promotes a balanced approach to career development for professional performing artists.
Applications to the program close on 24 May 2009, with further information available from www.ausport.gov.au
