16 December, 2008

Grant reforms not funds and games

Reforms to the system of administering Government grants that will impact on all Departments and Agencies have been announced by the Minister for Finance, Lindsay Tanner.
   Mr Tanner said the Government-wide reforms would improve decision making, transparency and accountability around the allocation of grants.
   “It is critical that we improve practices in the administration of grants across the Australian Government to ensure better outcomes for taxpayers and as part of our ongoing reform of government administration,” Mr Tanner said.
   “The Government intends to put an end to what has clearly been a systemic problem with the administration of grants over the last decade.”
   He said the problems were highlighted by the Auditor-General’s 2007 report into the administration of the Regional Partnerships Program which he described as “highly critical.”
   He said there were three key elements to the reform agenda for grant programs, including policy framework, eliminating unnecessary processes through regulatory changes and a public reporting requirement.
   Mr Tanner said the Government’s new Commonwealth Grant Guidelines would provide clear rules and guidance to Ministers and Government Agencies.
   “These reforms are a long-term investment in greater accountability for this and future Governments,” he said.
   “Parliament and Australian taxpayers have a right to know how their taxes are being spent.”
   He said his Department would develop the guidelines over the coming months in consultation with other Agencies and they would take effect from 1 July 2009.
   He said a common criticism of the administration of grants had been the assumption that the same approach would suit all circumstances, regardless of the scale or purpose of the grant in question or the performance record of the grant recipient.
   Mr Tanner said the new framework would encourage Agencies to ensure that grant programs were fit for purpose.
   He said the new guidelines would be underpinned by regulatory changes that would make it a legal requirement for Ministers and Government officials to follow them.
   There would also be a legal requirement for Ministers and Officials to record the basis on which they were satisfied that approving particular grants was an efficient and effective use of public money and Ministers would be required to inform the Minister for Finance whenever they approved grants to organisations in their own electorates.
   Mr Tanner said mandatory public reporting requirements would also be established with Agencies required to publish the details of individual grants on their website.
   He said that new requirement would come into force on 1 January 2009.


16 December, 2008

Online communication comes to bloggerheads

The Australian Public Service Commission has issued a Circular setting out guidelines for staff and Agencies involved in on-line communication.
   Interim Protocols for Online Media Participation establishes the ground rules for APS staff engaging in online activities including the recently trialled public consultation blogs and the growing practice of using the internet to disseminate information.
   According to the Circular, the rules governing online participation are generally the same as for participating in other public forums.
   “The official use of online media comes under the same general policies and guidelines that apply to the use of other media and forums to explain and provide information on Government policies and programs,” the Circular says.
   It says these are the APS Values and Code of Conduct and Finance’s guidelines on campaign advertising.
   It warns however that the online environment has particular characteristics that make the need for detailed guidance more pressing.
   “Information and views can be spread very quickly and very widely through online media and can easily be subject to distortion and misrepresentation,” the Circular says.
   “Once online material is in the public domain, there is little control or influence over how it might be used or modified.
   “For this reason Agencies should have specific guidelines in place covering online participation.”
   The Circular says at the very least Agencies should develop guidelines that require official communications to be authorised; that staff disclose their position and status when communicating online; that they behave with respect and courtesy; comply with all applicable laws; protect confidentialities; and uphold the Values, integrity and reputation of the APS.  
   “Staff should be receptive to ideas and comments provided online by stakeholders [but] they themselves should avoid any statement that could be perceived as advocating or criticising Government policies.”
   The Circular also warns staff against using the internet for their own purposes.
   “In relation to the private use by APS employees of online communication, the fundamental principle is that it should not be done in the APS’s time using APS resources,” the Circular says.
   It says APS staff who blog in their own time using their own resources are covered by the same broad principles as apply to those who comment in a private capacity on public issues.
   “APS employees are entitled as citizens to do so, but they must avoid comment that might be interpreted as an official statement on behalf of their Agency.”
   The Circular says the guidelines are interim at the moment and will be trialled alongside the consultation blogs they cover.
   It says final guidelines will be issued sometime in 2009.
   The interim guidelines can be accessed on the APS Commission website: www.apsc.gov.au


16 December, 2008

Senator clocks on to PS day off

Tasmanian Senator, Helen Polley, has called for all Public Servants to spend one day every month participating in charity work.
   Senator Polley said the community needed people to get involved in charity work to help reduce homelessness, poverty, illiteracy and other ailments that “plague” society.
   She said many charities were trying to help people in need, but that they needed help to do so.
   “If we can make this happen I am sure many of our society’s ailments will improve rapidly” Senator Polley said.
   “This program not only benefits the needy, it will make Public Servants grow and understand the challenges our society faces.”
   State President of Tasmanian St Vincent De Paul Society, Peter Lyall, welcomed the proposal.
   “I think it is an excellent idea, as charities are forever looking for volunteers,” Mr Lyall said.
   “I am glad that a politician is setting a good example.”
   Senator Polley’s office has been leading the way, with staff volunteering at Sacred Heart School and the Door of Hope.
   Senator Polley said other charity groups that would benefit from the program included Meals on Wheels, St Vincent De Paul and local school literacy programs.
   “I would like to challenge my State and Federal colleagues to match me and my staff’s dedication to the community and begin volunteering,” she said.
   “Everyone benefits when they volunteer.”
   Senator Polley said she hit upon the idea on a recent visit to Massachusetts in the United States, where all Public Service workers were released from their normal duties once a month to work in prisons, schools, aged care homes and for charities.
   She said she was impressed by the idea and would be recommending to Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, that Australia implement a similar program.
   “I think it's fantastic idea,” Senator Polley said.


16 December, 2008

Mass audit program unqualified success

The Auditor-General has issued unqualified audit reports for all Government Agencies whose audits have been completed as well as the Commonwealth’s Consolidated Financial Statements for 2007-08.
   The Auditor had issued qualified reports of the CFS prior to 2006-07 because the Government of the day had failed to recognise the GST as a Commonwealth tax.
   Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner said the unqualified audit reports were a significant step forward for financial reporting and accountability within the Australian Government context.
   Mr Tanner said the CFS showed the Australian Government recorded a consolidated net result of $18.9 billion for 2007-08 ($31.3 billion in 2006-07), while the net asset position was $67.6 billion in 2007-08 ($43.6 billion 2006-07), and a positive net cash position of $4.8 billion in 2007-08 ($5.0 billion in 2006-07).
   He said the CFS provided information on events that had occurred after the reporting date of 30 June 2008, which were particularly significant this year.
   Mr Tanner said the escalation in the severity of the global financial crisis and associated weaker global economic outlook had impacted on the Government’s fiscal outlook, through the operation of automatic stabilisers and the discretionary measures to strengthen the economy.
   He said the Government had introduced a range of measures in response to global developments, including a $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy, a guarantee of eligible deposits and wholesale funding of authorised deposit-taking institutions, and a plan to invest up to $8 billion in AAA rated residential mortgage-backed securities.


16 December, 2008

Online consultation trial goes on trial

An 18-day trial of on-line policy consultation is being conducted by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
   Minister for BCD&E, Senator Stephen Conroy, and Minister for Finance, Lindsay Tanner, launched a blog jointly, canvassing their first trial consultation on the future of the digital economy as the way of the future.
   “These trials will inform future policy development in the area of online consultation and improve the processes for e-democracy in Australia,” Mr Tanner said.
   Senator Conroy said the enthusiastic uptake of online communications tools such as blogging indicated it made sense for the Government to experiment with the new methods of engagement, particularly on a topic such as the future of the digital economy.
   “Independent research suggests that citizen and community engagement can make policy more practical and relevant,” Senator Conroy said.
   “The online environment provides new opportunities for the Government to make this engagement.”
   He said the public ‘conversation’ would regard the potential of the digital economy in Australia and range from environmental and social opportunities to regulatory frameworks and skills shortages.
   Mr Tanner said Government Agencies and Departments were already using some modern technologies and were engaging in online consultation.
   However, he said there was a need for a whole of Government policy approach to ensure a consistent, cost effective and efficient approach to online consultation.
   “In response to our recent consultation about online citizen engagement we are launching a series of online consultations in a trial program,” Mr Tanner said.
   “Each of the online consultations has a different citizen focus and the trials are intended to test issues around registration, participation, levels of engagement, the use of blogs and ideas forums and different levels of moderation.”
   He said the trials would be conducted by Agencies and monitored and evaluated by the Australian Government Information Management Office, which would report back to the Government on the trial.
   The Digital Economy Blog could be accessed from www.dbcde.gov.au until 27 December.


16 December, 2008

Budget transparency opens to sunlight

The Government has issued a detailed response to the enquiry into Budget transparency conducted by former Australian Democrats Senator, Andrew Murray
   Senator Murray undertook the non-partisan review called Operation Sunlight prior to completing his term as a Senator in June 2008.
   Minister for Finance, Lindsay Tanner said Senator Murray’s review contained 45 recommendations on ways to improve transparency and the Government’s relationship with Parliament.
   Mr Tanner said the Government had considered former Senator Murray’s recommendations, the vast majority of which would be taken up in their entirety or incorporated into other initiatives.
   “Operation Sunlight is a long-term investment in greater accountability for this and future Governments,” Mr Tanner said.
   “Australian taxpayers have a right to know how their taxes are being spent.”
   He said Departments had received extra funding to assist with the implementation of the reforms within each portfolio.
   Mr Tanner said some of the future reforms recommended by Senator Murray and were now incorporated under Operation Sunlight included:
  • A requirement that Agencies report expenditure and non-financial information at the program level in their Portfolio Budget Statements from the 2009-10 Budget;
  • Issue by the Department of Finance, in consultation with other Agencies of revised guidance on the Administered/Departmental classification system to improve transparency and consistency in budgeting and accounting
  • Inclusion of a register on the use of Special Accounts in Budget Paper 4 from the 2009-10 Budget as well as financial estimates;
  • Phasing out the current practice of funding depreciation;
  • M comprehensive reporting on the use of Advances to the Finance Minister and the Presiding Officer from the 2008-09 financial year
  • Producing the Intergenerational Report once per Parliamentary term.
  • Implementing newly devised, or revised, outcome statements for Government programs.
    “Andrew Murray has been a leading campaigner on Parliamentary accountability and reform, and I greatly appreciate his contribution to reviewing and improving the Operation Sunlight transparency and accountability reforms,” Mr Tanner said.
   He said copies of former Senator Mr Murray’s report, together with the Government’s response and the updated Operation Sunlight document could be found at www.finance.gov.au


16 December, 2008

Santa’s website sleighs ‘em

Airservices Australia has taken delivery of Santa Claus’s flight plan for his round-the-world flight on Christmas Eve.
   Spokesman for the air traffic authority, Rob Walker, said Airservices had been working closely with Santa for some time to ensure his Christmas Eve flight went as smoothly as possible.
   “Teams of our most experienced controllers have already begun work on Santa’s complex flight plan in preparation for the busiest night of the year,” Mr Walker said.
   “Santa works with Airservices to ensure his flight goes well and his flight plan gives him access to every house around the country.”
   Mr Walker said this year Santa had provided Airservices with unprecedented authorised access into his workshop and onboard his sleigh so they could chronicle all of the preparations in the lead-up to the big journey.
   He said Airservices would share all the details of this special inside scoop with kids the world over via its Santa08 interactive website, which went was now live on air.
   “Airservices has been hard at work liaising with Santa to provide the public with all the behind the scenes action and we have even worked with Santa to develop a few fun games for the holiday season as well,” Mr Walker said.
   He said the new site would be updated every day and could be accessed at www.airservicesaustralia.com/santa08


16 December, 2008

Secrecy report is out in the open

The Australian Law Reform Commission has released a discussion paper on Australia’s secrecy laws, calling for comment on the balance between society’s right to an open and transparent Government and the Government’s need to keep some of its documents secret and confidential.
   ALRC President, Professor David Weisbrot, said the federal statute book had become riddled with secrecy provisions, making unauthorised disclosure of Government information a criminal offence.
   “So far the ALRC has identified over 370 distinct secrecy provisions scattered across 166 pieces of legislation - many more than we expected to find,” Professor Weisbrot said.
   He said while some laws related to “matters of national security” and seemed appropriate, other provisions in laws such as the Dental Benefits Act, the Dairy Produce Act or the Port Statistics Act did not seem as necessary.
   “We seem to be caught in a time warp, between an old culture of secrecy in Government and more modern ideas about the fundamental importance to democracy of ensuring openness and accountability,” Professor Weisbrot said.
   The Commissioner in charge of the Inquiry, Professor Rosalind Croucher, said the mapping exercise highlighted the lack of clarity and consistency across Secrecy laws.
   “Why would disclosing the identity of a person in the witness protection program carry up to 10 years imprisonment, when disclosing the identity of an ASIO [Australian Security Intelligence Organisation] agent has a maximum penalty of only one year?” Professor Croucher asked.
   “This is both very confusing and potentially damaging to the person who has to decide how to treat the information they have received.
   “A wrong call could lead to heavy fines and severe penalties, including a jail term.”
   She said the ALRC’s task was to develop a clearer and more workable system that distinguished between circumstances in which strict confidentiality and secrecy were warranted, and those in which openness should be the rule.
   Professor Croucher said on 11 and 12 February 2009 the ALRC would hold a phone in as part of its consultation process and on 2 February 2009 would be launching a blog.
   The final report and recommendations will be submitted to the Attorney-General in October 2009.


16 December, 2008

Maternity review is mother of a program

The Department of Health and Ageing’s Maternity Services Review has attracted over 900 submissions with the first 400 now available on the Department’s website.
   Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, said health professionals, researchers, Governments, non-government organisations and other representative organisations made submissions but the majority were from individual consumers.
   “Their personal accounts of experiences with maternity care sound a strong note of concern that our maternity system has become too focused on medical intervention,” Ms Roxon said.
   The publication of submissions coincided with the release of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Report. Australia’s Mothers and Babies 2006 which showed the number of births has continued to rise, as has the proportion of cesarean section births.
   The report found caesareans increased to 30.8 per cent in 2006 compared to the 2004's Organisation for the Economic Cooperation and Development average of 22 per cent of births.
   There were 282,169 births reported in 2006, an increase of 3.6 per cent on 2005.
   Ms Roxon said the report also noted that 52.2 per cent of Indigenous mothers smoked during pregnancy and the Indigenous foetal death rate, while improved, was still 1.6 times as high as for non-Indigenous babies.
   She said the remaining public submissions would be progressively posted on the website as they were processed.
   “I expect to receive a report from my Department by the end of this year,” Ms Roxon said.
   “The report will be publicly released in the New Year.”
   The comments were available for viewing at www.health.gov.au  


16 December, 2008

Aircraft website makes big noise

A new website allowing residents living near airports to track local aircraft movements and the noise they make has been commissioned by the Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese.
   Mr Albanese said the residents could now see in near “real time” the exact location of the aircraft on inbound and outbound flights as well as the noise they were making. There is a 40-minute delay for security reasons, however.
   “Our airports are vital to the national economy and it is important that the communities around them have access to timely information about their operations,” Mr Albanese said.
   “We are using technology to make the operations at our major airports more transparent, one of the themes of the Aviation Green Paper.”
   Mr Albanese said WebTrak was part of the world's largest nationwide integrated Noise and Flight Path System and was the product of a $20 million investment by the Government-owned corporation managing the nation's skies, Airservices Australia.
   He said the information on the website was sourced from the air traffic control radars displaying movements within 55 kilometres of the airport and up to a height of 3,000 metres.   Mr Albanese said the project also involved introducing more portable noise monitors and replacing more than 40 existing noise monitors.
   He said upgrades to the service in April next year would further improve the public's access to the information.
   The information was available from www.airservicesaustralia.com/webtrak


16 December, 2008

Sports campaign scores points

The Australian Sports Commission has tapped into the age-old rivalry between Australia and Great Britain to encourage athletes to enter its National Talent Identification Program in the lead-up to the London Olympics in 2012.
   The Commission has urged athletes to join the talent ID program and “rip the Brits to bits in London 2012."
   The 80-second internet video shows a British bovver-boy taunting Australians over the lack of medals they won at the Beijing Olympics earlier this year.
   According to the ASC's website the video was aimed at the 10 per cent of Australians thought to have sporting talent, around 280,000 people aged 12 to 29.
   People are invited to “meet the cocky Brit” by viewing the video before visiting the online talent identification tool which provides pathways into elite sport, and scholarships at the Australian Institute of Sport.
   The ASC said it was vital for Australia to be smart in talent identification and development in order to maintain a competitive edge on the international stage.
   The Commission said based on the 10 per cent national average for talented sportspeople, Australia’s talent pool was quite small compared to America’s 4 million and China’s 22 million.
   The ASC said Australia needed to be innovative in its approach and search for our top sportspeople in order to remain one of the top sporting nations in the world.
   The video could be viewed at www.ausport.gov.au  


16 December, 2008

Universities to get degree of funding

Universities across Australia are to receive significant funding grants to encourage greater specialisation and promote diversity.
   Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, announced the plan saying over 30 universities would receive funding for 49 projects in the latest round of the Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund.
   Ms Gillard said successful projects would help the higher education sector respond better to student and employer demand and assist universities to develop their distinctive missions.
   “Projects will promote innovative arrangements with partners in higher education and in vocational education and training, to create new pathways for students across the tertiary sector,” she said.
   “Many of the projects will also promote access to universities for students from low socio-economic status backgrounds, regional and remote Australia and Indigenous students.”
   Ms Gillard said there was $111.5 million worth of funding grants up for grabs.
   The University of Melbourne received the most financial support with $14.53 million in grants for clinical models, followed by the University of Tasmania with $11.55 million for a new regional campus, creative arts education, a national network in marine science, and a primary industry centre for science education.
   Deakin University received $8.21 million for the Deakin at your Doorstep project; James Cook University received $7.98 million for its tropics program; the University of Western Sydney was granted $7.05 million for a community justice centre, creating new student experience at Nirimba and an Indigenous graduate attribute; and the Australian National University received $7 million for Hubs and Spokes projects.
   Ms Gillard said a list of successful projects and further information on the Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund was available at www.deewr.gov.au


16 December, 2008

ABC not easy for Defence families

Twenty-one ABC Learning Centres owned and leased by the Department of Defence will continue to operate with Government support following announcements that 55 other ABC Centres would close by the end of the month.
   The Director General Defence Community Organisation (DGDCO) said no Defence owned or leased centres had been earmarked for closure and most Defence expansion centres were also in the clear.
   DGDCO said ABC Learning receiver, McGrath Nichol, announced 720 centres, including 15 Defence expansion centres, were profitable, but they yet to indicate the way forward for the Centres.
   The Department of Defence has acknowledged the uncertainty faced by Defence families and said Defence Childcare Program staff were working with the receiver and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to try and find a solution.
   The Department said Defence Representatives had met with the receiver at the beginning of the month to discuss options for the continued operation of Defence childcare centres.
   It said the meeting was “productive.”
   The Federal Government has provided 241 currently unviable centres that could be feasible under alternative management arrangements with $34 million funding while options to keep them open are explored.
   Five Defence expansion centres are expected to receive the additional support - ABC Lower Plenty, ABC Medowie, ABC Stuart Park, ABC Rockingham North and ABC Golden Grove.
   DGDCO said its data showed there were 49 Defence children currently enrolled in the five centres, and that it was working on a “long term solution to this issue.”
   It said the Defence Child Care Task Force was investigating options to ensure all Defence families were given every option.
   Defence personnel experiencing childcare access problems were encourage to contact defence.childcare@defence.gov.au


16 December, 2008

Health bodies grow together

Medibank Private and Health Services Australia are to merge.
   Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner, said the newly merged entity would develop a national health prevention and management capability including private health insurers and health service providers.
   Both organisations are wholly Government-owned companies.
   “This move will place Medibank in a better position to support the Australian Government’s preventative health agenda while enhancing the value of these two businesses for the taxpayers,” Mr Tanner said.
   “As the Shareholder Minister of Medibank and joint Shareholder Minister of HSA with Minister [Senator Joe] Ludwig it is appropriate that we ask our Boards to look into ways to maximise shareholder value and meet the Government’s policy objectives, which ultimately provide value to taxpayers.”
   He said it would give Medibank and HSA greater opportunities to diversify into health related sectors such as health prevention and management, creating potential value for both entities.
   Senator Ludwig said the HSA Board had already signalled its intention to enter the market for health prevention and management
   “A merger between these entities is one of the steps the Australian Government will take to achieve health reform in the private sector,” Senator Ludwig said.
   He said prior to the merger, HSA would return $27 million of its retained earnings to the Commonwealth, which accounted for approximately three years’ worth of HSA’s future dividend stream that would no longer flow to the Commonwealth.
   Discussions were being held with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the merger would be subject to its final approval.


16 December, 2008

Public accolade for privacy contributors

The Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner has thanked the participants in a major round of consultations designed to pave the way for an overhaul of the Commonwealth’s privacy laws.
   Senator Faulkner said the consultations with non-Government stakeholders were prompted by the Australian Law Reform Commission, which recommended a set of Unified Privacy Principles (UPPs) be established to underpin the new laws.
   He said consideration was also given to re-writing the credit provisions in the Privacy Act.
   Senator Faulkner said participants represented 69 consumer groups, privacy advocates, organisations and industry groups, whose views would inform the Government as it prepared exposure draft legislation for release next year.
   “Privacy laws for public and private sectors are at variance in the current Act,” Senator Faulkner said.
   The ALRC report, For Your Information, was released in August this year and recommended the privacy laws be harmonised through the UPPs which would become the building blocks of a new Privacy Act.
   “The ALRC also recommended inclusion of positive information in credit reports,” he said.
   Senator Faulkner said in August the Government had announced a two stage process for considering the ALRC's recommendations, with UPPs and credit reporting being considered in stage one over the next year.
   “In late November, the Government also conducted the first round table for private sector organisations with an interest in the credit reporting provisions,” he said.
   “Over 22 organisations including banks, telecommunication providers and credit reporting agencies were represented at that meeting.”
   He said interest in the ALRC's recommendations could be registered at www.pmc.gov.au   
   Submissions identifying any perceived problems or gaps with the ALRC's recommendations in relation to the UPPs or credit provisions could be lodged until the end of January 2009.


16 December, 2008

Award winners blaze trail for Indigenous

More than 80 Indigenous staff of the Australian Public Service were recognised for their achievements at the 2008 Pathways of Success presentation ceremony in Canberra last week.
   The staff had all been involved in graduate and trainee programs overt the past year and were presented with their awards by the Secretary of the Department of Families, Housing , Community  Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jeff Harmer and the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Bill Burmester. The event was hosted by the Australian Public Service Commission.
   APS Commissioner, Lynelle Briggs said Pathways of Success was an initiative of the APS Indigenous Employment Strategy, Public Calling which had recruited over 300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians via a number of programs since its establishment in 2006.
   Among those to receive achievement awards were 28 who had completed the Indigenous Entry Level Recruitment Program; 34 who completed the Indigenous Australian Contract Management Development Program and had earned themselves a Diploma in Government (Contract Management); 24 who completed the APS Indigenous Graduate Program; and the first graduates of 30 who had taken on the APS Indigenous Cadetship Program.
   Other awards were presented to five participants in the APS Indigenous Secondment Program ‘Horizons’; two winners of the Executive Leadership Dimension Scholarship; three who won the Public Sector Management Program Scholarship and one – awarded to Leon Donovan from FaHCSIA – to study at ANZSOG for the Executive Masters in Public Administration.


16 December, 2008
Kirby resigns
Justice Michael Kirby has announced his resignation from the High Court of Australia, effective from 2 February 2009.
   Justice Kirby has served as a Justice of the High Court of Australia for the past 13 years.
   He spent 12 years as President of the New South Wales Court of Appeal and was a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia during 1983 and 1984, and Deputy President of the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission from 1975 to 1983.

Dividend plan supported
 The Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory has welcomed the recommendations of a Federal Parliamentary Accounts Committee that would save national institutions from funding cuts such as the Commonwealth Government’s efficiency dividend.
   The Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, said if adopted, the Committee’s recommendations would bolster the ACT community since most of the major national institutions were located in Canberra.
   Mr Stanhope said the Public Accounts Committee recognised the concerns that the Government’s “efficiency dividends” were having a greater impact on small Agencies than large ones.

Visa wins Excellence Award
A joint initiative by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Australian Customs Service has won a Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management.
   The Maritime Crew Visa (MCV) program allowed Australian authorities to screen seafarers through visa processing and security checks before they arrived on Australian shores.
   DIAC Secretary, Andrew Metcalfe, credited cross-Agency cooperation and industry support for the MCV’s success.

Internet report shows growth
A joint report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has found the number of people subscribing for broadband and taking up mobile and 3G options has increased.
   The report, Communications Infrastructure and Services Availability in Australia 2008, found the number of broadband subscribers increased by 1.1 million in the 12 months to June 2008 and that broadband connection speeds were rising with a 25 per cent increase in subscribers during the year.
   It reported there were 8.55 million 3G services in operation at June 2008 (an increase of 88 per cent) and that the number of fixed lines remained stable in the year.
   ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman, said the report provided a “concise and objective account of communications infrastructure.”

Navy goes for rowers
The Royal Australian Navy has officially been named the naming rights sponsor of the Australian Surf boat Rowers League.
   The inaugural Navy, The Team Works, Surf Rowers National League will showcase Surf Boat racing around the nation with 24 event days and venues planned until February 2009.
   The events will culminate in the annual interstate Surf Boats Teams Challenge, and the 2009 Australian Open Surf Boat Championships at Broulee in February.

New Department in ACT
A new Department Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water is to be established by the Government of the Australian Capital Territory.
   It would become the central agency in leading and coordinating the ACT’s innovative responses to climate change.
   Minister for the Department, Simon Corbell said it would cost and additional $10.4 million over four years to set up and run.
   Mr Corbell said theDepartment would develop and oversee a range of nation-leading environmental policies and programs.

Defence in drug deal
Sydney-based business, Anspec, has won the tender to supply the Australian Defence Force with pharmaceuticals and medications under a new arrangement which consolidates 28 individual contracts.
   Valued at $93.5 million over five years, the contract includes individual supply and warehousing and distribution.
   Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, Greg Combet said the new deal would improve pharmaceutical supply chain efficiencies, apply modern business practices and market mechanisms to improve quality, reduce costs and stock wastage and increase responsiveness to Defence needs.

Building book wins Stanner Award
A landmark publication on Australian Aboriginal architecture has won the 2008 Stanner Award for its unique contribution to understanding Australia’s rich and diverse Indigenous cultural heritage.
   In Gunyah, Goondie & Wurley: the Aboriginal Architecture of Australia, Australian architect and anthropologist Professor Paul Memmott presented a ground-breaking study on Aboriginal architecture.
   Gunyah, Goondie & Wurley represented over 30 years of research by Professor Memmott and includes more than 200 photographs, paintings and drawings.

Computer funds open
Schools are being invited to apply for funding in the Federal Government's Computers in Schools program.
   Schools that did not apply in round one or round two of the National Secondary School Computer Fund are encouraged to take the opportunity now.
   Schools have until 11 February 2009 to lodge an application, with further information available from www.digitaleducationrevolution.gov.au  

Carols washed out
The Australian War Memorial was forced to cancel its annual Christmas Carols this year due to poor weather.
   A spokeswoman for the Memorial said it was looking forward to hosting the event next year, and that those who braved the bad weather were treated to a sing-a-long with the event’s stars in an undercover area.


9 December, 2008

MPs vote to pay out efficiency dividend

The Parliamentary Joint Public Accounts Committee has recommended smaller Agencies be exempt from the efficiency dividend.
   The Committee examined the impact of the dividend after it was increased by the new Government from 1.25 per cent to 3.25 per cent for the current financial year as a cost-saving measure.
   Committee Chair, Sharon Grierson MP, said it was important to understand whether the dividend was having a greater impact on small or large Agencies and whether it could be leading to service reductions rather than genuine efficiencies.
   “The evidence proved that these concerns are well-founded,” Ms Grierson said.
   “It is clear that the smaller Agencies have greater difficulty in attracting funding for new policy proposals, and we heard repeated instances of small agencies reducing services or delaying initiatives as a result of the dividend.”
   She said there were concerns that budget pressures exacerbated by the efficiency dividend had restricted Agencies that were independent of executive Government, such as the Courts and the Australian National Audit Office.
   Ms Grierson said major cultural institutions like the Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and National Library were being compromised in their ability to fulfill their growth requirements.
   “Reduced functions in regional areas and a diminished capacity for innovation were other consequences that small Agencies reported during the inquiry,” she said.
   “While the committee supports efficient and effective Government spending, it is very concerned about the unintended consequences of the ongoing efficiency dividend on small Agencies.”
   The Committee made a number of recommendations including additional safeguards to reinforce the independence of restricted Agencies from the Executive be put in the Budget process; a new funding model for cultural Agencies be developed to account for their growth mandate; and that the first $50 million of Agencies’ appropriations be exempt from the efficiency dividend (excluding Departments).
   The Community and Public Sector Union welcomed the recommendations, saying the efficiency dividend was a “blunt instrument” that “undermined service provision and public sector jobs”.
   CPSU National Secretary, Stephen Jones, said the proposed funding measures were important steps but more needed to be done to tackle the challenges facing the Public Service.
   “It is particularly good news for restricted Agencies and Courts, as well as some of Australia’s important cultural institutions which have suffered disproportionately when compared to larger Agencies,” Mr Jones said.


9 December, 2008

Ethics service is a matter of principle

The Government is set to establish an Ethics Advisory Service for the APS.
   Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner, announced the plan, saying the new Service would be operational by April next year.
   Senator Faulkner said the new Service, which was an election promise, would be set up within the Australian Public Service Commission and would enhance ethical awareness and decision-making capabilities within all APS Agencies.
   He said the new Service would provide advice to Agencies on ethical issues and problems, develop publications, establish and maintain an ethics advice website and phone line and set up Agency networks for the exchange of views and experiences on ethical issues.
   “There will be an annual report to Parliament, which will identify and analyse ongoing and emerging ethical trends and issues,” Senator Faulkner said.
   “This is an important and very long overdue initiative.”
   He said the Public Service Commissioner would establish a new ethics team in the APSC to assist rather than direct, and that funds for the initiative would be provided in the 2008-09 additional estimates.
   “While emphasising the Service-wide standards expected of all Public Servants, the team’s approach will recognise that individual Agencies face particular challenges and acknowledge that some Agencies already have arrangements in place for providing advice specifically relevant to their circumstances,” Senator Faulkner said.
   “In conjunction with the Commissioner, it will also handle queries from Agency heads,
State Emergency Services employees and other staff.
   “Although much of its work will be public, the team will be able to handle sensitive issues with appropriate confidentiality when that is required.”
   Senator Faulkner said although Australia was well-served by its Public Service, it should never become complacent.   He said the legislation would provide the framework while the right culture and
leadership needed to be carefully nurtured and consistently reinforced.


9 December, 2008

PS to profit from new business guide

A guide for Public Servants making decisions that affect businesses has been issued by the Administrative Review Council.
   Launched by Attorney-General Robert McClelland, the ARC’s ‘Administrative accountability in business areas subject to complex and specific regulation’ is the Council’s 49th report and investigates the increasing complexity of regulatory regimes applying to Australian business and proposes a set of guidelines to ensure their accountability and transparency.
   Mr McClelland said the report covers regulation by Government Agencies as well as self regulation by industry bodies and other non-Government entities.
   “The report provides a useful framework for those involved in drafting and making decisions on the basis of business rules,” Mr McClelland said.
   “If followed, it should help bureaucrats from both the business and public sector become facilitators.”
   He said that while the report focussed primarily on business regulation, its findings would also be relevant to other complex regulatory areas.
   “The administrative law values of lawfulness, fairness, rationality, openness and efficiency should be elements of all business rules, not only those housed in legislation applied by Government Agencies,” Mr McClelland said.
   He said the ARC played an important role in monitoring and advising the Government on matters relating to the Commonwealth’s administrative law system.
   He said it did this mainly through the publication of reports and best practice guidelines.
   Mr McClelland said the Council also advised Government on the sorts of decisions that should be subject to tribunal and judicial review.
   Copies of the report could be obtained by calling the ARC Secretariat on (02) 6250 5800 or from its website: www.law.gov.au/arc


9 December, 2008

Prompt performance pays off for business

A new Finance Circular issued by the Department of Finance and Deregulation requires Agencies purchasing goods or services from small businesses to pay their bills within 30 days.
   Effective from 1 December, the Circular applies to Agencies subject to the Financial Management and Accountability Act and requires them to adopt maximum payment terms not exceeding 30 days from the date of receipt of an invoice.
   “For payments valued up to and including A$5 million (GST inclusive), Agencies are to make payments within 30 days of receiving a correctly rendered invoice,” the Circular says.
   “In addition, for written contracts up to $1 million (GST inclusive), Agencies are to pay interest on late payments.”
   The Circular defines a small business as an enterprise with less than 20 full time equivalent employees.
   It says the Agency may agree to make payment within a shorter period.
   It says that interest payable must be calculated using the simple interest method, must amount to at least $10 and be correctly invoiced by the contractor before it is paid.
   The Circular says the policy does not apply to procurement of real property including leases and licenses, ‘administered’ items, procurement of items where the nature of the items would make it impractical, or where a written contract or standing officer was already in place or in the process of being negotiated.
   “Agencies must provide potential suppliers with the opportunity to identify themselves as a small business prior to entering into a written contract with them,” it says.
   “Agencies may seek a statement from a successful tenderer to this effect prior to entering into a written contract for them.”
   The Circular sets out examples of the types of clauses that may be appropriate to include in a contract to establish the 30-day payment period and the basis for payments of interest.
   The Government has requested a report on the effectiveness of the policy within 12 months. 


9 December, 2008

Statistician does a number on releases

The Australian Statistician has revealed that selected Public Service and Ministerial staff have been granted exclusive access to statistical releases prior to their public release.
   In his 2007-08 Annual Report, the Statistician, Brian Pink, said although standard policy at the Australian Bureau of Statistics was to release information to all users at the same time to protect the impartiality and integrity of the statistics, he had introduced the scheme for a limited range of releases and only via a secure ‘lockup’ arrangement, similar to the Federal Budget.
   Mr Pink said he would only authorise the pre-embargo releases when there was high public interest in an issue of direct relevance to the statistics being released; a relevant Government Minister would most likely be asked to provide public comment on the statistics; and/or the release was so complex that advanced analysis of the statistics by officials was considered essential.
   “This is to ensure that initial comments made by relevant Ministers regarding the headline features are well informed, thereby minimising the risk of misleading the public or, particularly, the financial markets, on an issue of national importance,” Mr Pink said.
   He said access to the products could also be facilitated by means of a restrictive pre-release arrangement with the Treasury.
   “The new arrangements are only provided to authorised Government Officials and Ministerial staff,” he said.
   “Authorised persons attending a lock-up are required to remain in the secure room managed by ABS staff, and are prohibited from communicating any information from the statistical release to anyone outside the room, until the embargo is lifted.”
   Mr Pink said attendees at the lock-ups were required to sign security undertakings, including provisions for prosecution under the Crimes Act, 1914 for breaching the lock-up conditions.
   “Although these arrangements have not been universally welcomed, Government Agencies do understand the rationale for the change, and are adapting their briefing processes accordingly,” he said.
   Mr Pink said he would review the operation after six months and would consult with all Agencies that had participated.
   He also reported that the ABS was forced to make some difficult decisions for the 2008/09 financial year and was considering its longer-term work program as its current budget did not have sufficient funds to sustain its current work program or take on new projects.
   “As a consequence, I have had no option but to reduce our planned work program, as well as cut back the administrative budget,” Mr Pink said.
   He said the ABS had to reduce the sample size for the Labour Force Survey, cancel the
Job Vacancies, Motor Vehicle Usage and Trade Margins 2008-09 surveys; reduce the range of information collected for the Annual Integrated Collections; decrease administrative expenses, and abandon  publication of the 2009 Year Book Australia.
   “In total, the initiatives will result in savings of around $22m and involve staff reductions of around 180 staff,” Mr Pink said.
   “I do not anticipate any staff redundancies will be required”
   He said the reductions would be accommodated by natural attrition, redeployments and reallocation of work between offices.


9 December, 2008

Code of Conduct cracked for MOPS

A Code of Conduct for Ministerial Staff has been tabled in Parliament by the Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner.
   In a Public Service Commission Circular the Commissioner, Lynelle Briggs, said the guidelines would emphasise the importance of an effective working relationship between APS employees and Ministerial staff.
   Commissioner Briggs said the Code would apply to Ministerial staff employed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984, and covered all Ministerial employees.
   “The Code sets out the standards of personal integrity, professionalism and behaviour that are expected of Ministerial staff, including a requirement to treat with respect and courtesy all those with whom they have contact in the course of their employment,” she said.
   “Together with the APS Values and Code of Conduct, the Code of Conduct for Ministerial Staff helps set the framework for the working relationship between Agencies and Ministerial Offices.”
   Commissioner Briggs said all APS employees who worked with Ministerial staff in any way should be made aware of the Code and keep their responsibilities under the APS Values and Code of Conduct in mind.
   She said the Code stated Ministerial staff, consultants and electorate officers must behave with honesty and integrity; avoid conflicts of interest; make themselves aware of the APS Values and Code of Conduct; acknowledge that APS employees were not subject to their direction; and maintain appropriate confidentiality at all times.
   Commissioner Briggs said all Ministerial staff were also required to make themselves familiar with the Code as soon as they commenced employment.
   Further information on the Code of Conduct and its requirements was available from www.smos.gov.au


9 December, 2008

Commissioner in the groove on PS records

The Public Service Commissioner has reminded Agencies to ensure their staff keep appropriate and adequate records to help increase the transparency and accountability of Government decision making.
   In a speech delivered by Karin Fisher on behalf of the Commissioner, Lynelle Briggs, Commissioner Briggs said the need for “excellent record management practices” was paramount.
   Commissioner Briggs said every Public Servant had an obligation to ensure the records they kept were appropriate and useful.
   “Over the past few decades, recordkeeping in the Public Sector has been influenced by an increase in public scrutiny through administrative law reform and Parliamentary oversight, and an increased emphasis on achieving results,” she said.
   “This increased scrutiny means that recordkeeping needs to be an important part of every job.”
   Commissioner Briggs said the latest Management Advisory Committee report number 8, Note for file: A report on recordkeeping in the APS, found Public Servants needed to be more focused on keeping records.
   “This report has an intentionally practical focus, providing clear advice to APS employees on what a record is and reminding us that not all documents created are of high value or need to be managed corporately,” she said.
   “The good news is that most employees continue to consider good recordkeeping practices to be very important.”
   Commissioner Briggs reminded APS staff that a record was anything they could read or obtain information from.
   She said a performance audit conducted by the Australian National Audit Office found managing electronic records continued to pose challenges for Agencies.
   “While the use of electronic systems has improved many aspects of work in the Public Sector, it has also made it easy for Agencies to adopt more ad hoc or substandard recordkeeping practices,” Commissioner Briggs said.
   She said there was a strong emphasis on improving recordkeeping across the APS, with 98 per cent of Agencies reporting they took at least one measure to improve their recordkeeping performance and 86 per cent reporting they used four or more.
   “Most progress has been made in Agencies identifying vital records (both paper and electronic) as part of their business continuity planning processes,” she said.
   However, in spite of the high priority given to improving processes, Commissioner Briggs said many employees did not have enough time to appropriately perform the functions or did not think recordkeeping within their Agency had improved.
   During her speech, Commissioner Briggs said she would like to see an increase in the amount of publicly available information regarding Government decisions and more open debate on policies.
   “However, this requires more responsible behaviour on the part of the media, lobbyists and Opposition political parties,” she said.
   “And it requires Public Servants to ensure that they continue to provide comprehensive advice in writing, and for Ministers to accept that that advice should properly be made public as a true test of Government accountability processes.”


9 December, 2008

Lewis checks in at security desk

The Deputy Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Duncan Lewis, has been named as National Security Adviser to the Australian Government.
   Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, announced the appointment as part of the National Security Statement, saying the position had been created as a first step in the Government’s new security structure.
   Mr Rudd said the NSA would be his source of advice on all policy matters relating to Australia’s security, and would oversee the implementation of all national security policy arrangements.
   He said the National Security Adviser position would provide a new level of leadership, direction and coordination among Australia’s national security and intelligence Agencies. 
   The new position is at the Associate Secretary level within PM&C and will report to the Secretary of PM&C, terry Moran, who would continue as Chair of the Secretaries’ Committee on National Security and as principal departmental officer attending the National Security Committee of Cabinet. 
   The NSA will interact directly with Agency and Department heads and his responsibilities will complement the roles and responsibilities of the current heads of agencies by enhancing whole-of-Government coordination. 
   Mr Rudd said Mr Lewis was qualified for the job as he had served as an Australian Army officer for over 30 years, was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for his services as commanding officer of the SAS Regiment, the Distinguished Service Cross for his command of Australian and New Zealand peacekeeping forces and appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service as the inaugural commander of the Special Forces Command.
   Mr Lewis was First Assistant Secretary of the National Security Division in 2005 before being appointed to his current position as DepSec at PM&C
   Mr Rudd said Australia’s security was facing “non-traditional” threats such as natural disasters, energy shortages, disease epidemics, economic crises, organised crime, people and drug trafficking, cyber warfare and food shortages.
   “Climate change represents a most fundamental national-security challenge for the long-term future,” Mr Rudd said.
   In the National Security Statement, Mr Rudd also formally abandoned the plan for a Department of Homeland Security and a US-style coastguard.
   Instead, the Australian Customs Service is to be strengthened and rebadged as the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.


9 December, 2008

Cartel watchdogs to hunt in pack

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions have entered an agreement to work together to investigate and prosecute illegal cartels.
   The move was prompted by Government plans to amend the Trade Practices Act 1974 to make cartel conduct a criminal offence.
   According to the Agencies, they intended signing a Memorandum of Understanding that would outline the roles that each would play, from investigation by the ACCC to prosecution by the DPP. 
   The MOU was expected to be signed after amendments to the Act received Royal Assent and before the new offences commenced.
   Chairman of the ACCC, Graeme Samuel, said the Agency had issued its revised Immunity Policy and Guidelines that would apply to applications for immunity from cartel conduct under the proposed civil provisions.
   “Changes to the Immunity Policy and guidelines have been made in a way that incorporates amendments necessary in the proposed criminal cartel environment whilst continuing to maintain certainty for potential immunity applicants, one of the cornerstones of the ACCC's immunity program,” Mr Samuel said.
   He said the introduction of jail terms for individuals involved in cartel conduct meant companies should fear being reported to the ACCC by not only their competitors, but their own staff as under the immunity policy, staff could avoid jail by reporting their involvement in cartel conduct to the ACCC.
   The DPP issued its Annexure to the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth, outlining its policy relating to applications for immunity from prosecution by a person implicated
in a serious cartel offence.
   The DPP is to apply the same criteria as the ACCC when considering a recommendation from the ACCC that an applicant be granted immunity.
   The Annexure aims to ensure consistent handling and operation of each Agency’s immunity policies and the continued provision of upfront immunity.


9 December, 2008

Disability scheme found to have issues

The Auditor-General has released a report on the effectiveness of the disability employment services and the roles played by two Government departments in administering the programs that come under them.
   In his report, Auditor-General, Ian McPhee said the Departments of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) , and Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) had not reported on performance adequately but had responded effectively to the changing environment.
   Mr McPhee said the audit was conducted to assess how effectively FaHCSIA and DEEWR had undertaken their roles and responsibilities for specialist disability employment services under the current (third) Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA).
   He said COAG reforms had developed a new National Disability Agreement, which was expected to replace the current CSTDA from 1 January 2009, but the audit considered whether FaHCSIA and DEEWR had effectively planned, managed and implemented policies for the provision of specialist disability employment services under the current policy and whether the two Departments had met relevant reporting requirements.
   “During the third CSTDA, FaHCSIA and DEEWR have responded to the changing environment and effectively planned, managed and implemented policy initiatives in the disability employment sector,” he said.
   Mr McPhee said there were issues that needed to be addressed with regard to disability employment services, which arose from the complexity of the funding model and balancing the accountability and administrative workloads on service providers.
   He said there was a risk that some providers were not fully complying with their contract requirements and that DEEWR’s IT system did not give them the assurance that the payments they received were accurate.
   “This places an unnecessary administrative workload on providers as the complexity of … funding models does not facilitate a straightforward determination of this amount by service providers,” he said.
   “DEEWR’s model has resulted in providers raising concerns about administrative workload, particularly around duplication of information provision requirements.”
   Mr McPhee said the inadequate reporting of performance data was of concern.
   “The reporting of performance data remains fragmented, is significantly delayed in its public release and does not fully address the requirements set out in the CSTDA,” he said.
   “As such the Australian National Audit Office considers that the reporting requirements under the CSTDA have not been fully met.”
   The Auditor-General made four recommendations to assist FaHCSIA and DEEWR address the issues identified.


9 December, 2008

ABC-TV success is out of the box

ABC Television has reported its most successful year yet – if TV ratings are taken as a guide.
   The ABC said its “share” of the television audience reached 17 per cent in 2008, a 2 per cent increase on 2007.
   ABC Television Director, Kim Dalton, said it was ABC1’s highest share and overtook the previous record of 16.9 per cent set in 2004.
   “This is a very exciting moment for us in what has been a very tough but successful year,” Mr Dalton said.
   “I am delighted that it is our best year and that our audience has clearly demonstrated their love of Australian programming, with 7 of the top 10 programs on ABC1 being locally made.”
   He said ABC had re-launched ABC2 earlier this year, introduced iView, and consolidated on-line efforts.
   “2008 has been about offering our audiences more opportunities to view our content, and they have responded enthusiastically,” Mr Dalton said.
   He said ABC1 held its highest share yet of TV audiences in Sydney, at 17.7 per cent, and Brisbane, at 16.8 per cent.
   Mr Dalton said it was the channel’s second highest in Melbourne with 16.8 per cent compared to 17 per cent in 2004, Adelaide with 16.2 per cent compared to 16.9 per cent in 2004 and equal second in Perth at 17.1 per cent compared to its record share of 18.7 per cent in 2004.
   He said the top ABC1 program in Sydney was The Gruen Transfer, in Melbourne it was Enough Rope, in Brisbane and Adelaide Doc Martin was the favourite and ABC News came in tops in Perth.
   The Cook and the Chef had the biggest growth with an 81 per cent increase in viewers since 2005, reaching 792,000 on 18 June 2008.
   ABC 7pm News also increased its audience peaking at 1.35 million followed by Four Corners at 1.2 million viewers.
   Among children aged 0-4 and children 5-12 ABC1 achieved the highest audience of all Free To Air networks and Pay TV channels in the Monday to Friday children’s TV slots.
   Mr Dalton said the top 20 ranked children’s programs among were broadcast on ABC1


9 December, 2008

Industry program is all in a day’s work

The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research’s AusIndustry group has been given a nod of approval from the Auditor-General, following his review of the administration of an important assistance program for the textile, clothing and footwear industry (TCF).
   Auditor-General, Ian McPhee said the TCF Post-2005 Strategic Investment Program Scheme was being administered effectively by the Department.
   Mr McPhee said the Scheme was part of a 10-year assistance package for the industry, aimed at securing the jobs of 48,000 workers and helping in its rationalisation and restructuring program.
   “There are sound processes and controls in place to assess the eligibility of entities to receive assistance and for calculating and paying grants within the funding limits of the Scheme,” Mr McPhee said in his audit report.
   “The Department’s approach to program management is responsive to the experience it gained in administering this and other large industry assistance programs.”
   He said the introduction of self assessment for selected entities would provide opportunities for DIISR to target its program of site visits better.
   Mr McPhee said there was scope for DIISR to extend the benefits of the self-assessment of claims for some selected entities.
   “This includes refining its program of site visits to target higher-risk entities during the claim assessment stage, and providing additional feedback and guidance to entities on the types of claims that are not supported, to minimise the risk of future mis-claiming,” he said.
   The auditor said DIISR faced a challenge to verify expenditure claimed on some innovation activities because they were not defined under the legislation and were open to interpretation by entities.
   Mr McPhee said the Department was not in a position to assess by reference to key performance indicators whether the statutory objective of the Scheme was being met.
   DIISR welcomed the audit report.


9 December, 2008

Industry program is all in a day’s work

The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research’s AusIndustry group has been given a nod of approval from the Auditor-General, following his review of the administration of an important assistance program for the textile, clothing and footwear industry (TCF).
   Auditor-General, Ian McPhee said the TCF Post-2005 Strategic Investment Program Scheme was being administered effectively by the Department.
   Mr McPhee said the Scheme was part of a 10-year assistance package for the industry, aimed at securing the jobs of 48,000 workers and helping in its rationalisation and restructuring program.
   “There are sound processes and controls in place to assess the eligibility of entities to receive assistance and for calculating and paying grants within the funding limits of the Scheme,” Mr McPhee said in his audit report.
   “The Department’s approach to program management is responsive to the experience it gained in administering this and other large industry assistance programs.”
   He said the introduction of self assessment for selected entities would provide opportunities for DIISR to target its program of site visits better.
   Mr McPhee said there was scope for DIISR to extend the benefits of the self-assessment of claims for some selected entities.
   “This includes refining its program of site visits to target higher-risk entities during the claim assessment stage, and providing additional feedback and guidance to entities on the types of claims that are not supported, to minimise the risk of future mis-claiming,” he said.
   The auditor said DIISR faced a challenge to verify expenditure claimed on some innovation activities because they were not defined under the legislation and were open to interpretation by entities.
   Mr McPhee said the Department was not in a position to assess by reference to key performance indicators whether the statutory objective of the Scheme was being met.
   DIISR welcomed the audit report.


9 December, 2008

Experts witness Court reforms

A range of reforms to the Federal Justice System has been introduced to improve the operation of Courts and Tribunals.
   Among the recommended reforms was a proposal to allow Federal Court Judges to refer questions arising in proceedings to a referee for inquiry and report.
   Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, said this power would slash the costs and length of trials for litigants and enable the Court to manage large litigation cases more effectively.
   “Such efficiency is important if we are to ensure that the cost of justice remains proportionate to the relief being sought,” Mr McClelland said. 
   “In difficult economic times, it is also important that commercial disputes be resolved as expeditiously and economically as possible.
   “Expert referees will be useful in many cases, particularly those that involve complex technical issues or where detailed examination of financial records is necessary to assess damages.”
   Mr McClelland said the changes would allow Federal Court judges to refer all, or part, of a proceeding in the Court to an appropriately qualified person for inquiry.
   He said that person would then provide a report to the Court on the matter.
   Mr Clelland said requiring Judges gain the necessary in-depth expertise in particular areas was not time or cost effective.
   He said the Federal Justice System Amendment (Efficiency Measures) Bill (No. 1) 2008 would also amend the Federal Court Act to allow a single Judge to make interlocutory orders in proceedings that would otherwise be required to be heard by the Full Court.
   Mr McClelland said this would allow the Court to manage cases more efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays for litigants. 


9 December, 2008

ACMA’s thumbs down for terrorists on TV

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has clarified the rules governing community television services to make it harder for terrorists to access airtime.
   ACMA has replaced its anti-terrorism standards for narrowcasting television to help licensees determine whether a particular person or organisation was a "listed terrorist", and to meet their obligations to ensure prohibited programs were not put to air.
   The Authority said the standards addressed a significant community concern and aimed to prevent transmission of programs that directly attempted to recruit people or solicit funds for a terrorist organisation.
   The major change to the standards was the replacement of the term “terrorist organisation” with “listed terrorist”, as defined in the Criminal Code Regulations 2002 or listed in the Commonwealth Gazette.
   ACMA has developed guidelines to help licensees understand practical applications of the concept “recruiting for a listed terrorist”, and the concept of “financing terrorism.”
   In amending the standards and adopting the guidelines, ACMA considered submissions received from members of the public, narrowcasters and other interested persons.
   It said the new standards reminded licensees that it would be prudent for them to view programs, especially those that might breach the standards, and assess their suitability for broadcast.
   ACMA said there was an exception to the prohibition to allow an excerpt from a prohibited program be broadcast if it was included in a news report, current affairs program or
documentary as part of a report or comment on a matter of public interest.
   The Authority said complying with the standards did not mean licensees could stop complying with other relevant anti-terrorism laws.


9 December, 2008

Defence enlists new agreement with US

A Defence agreement between Australia and the United States has been amended to cover the exchange of personnel.
   Minister for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon, and US Ambassador, Robert McCallum Jr, met to discuss and exchange documents to amend the Chapeau Agreement.
   “Personnel exchange and liaison programs are vital to expanding and strengthening the Australia – US Alliance,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
   “The exchange of personnel allows Armed Forces from both countries to gain a greater
understanding of each other’s training and culture.”
   He said the shared experience of training and operating together would build close professional relationships and networks between members of the Australian and US Defence Forces.
   “This allows for more effective knowledge exchange and cooperation between the two countries,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
   He said amendments would improve integration of the two Armed Forces at the tactical, operational and strategic levels.
   “Our work on the Chapeau Agreement strengthens the longstanding partnership between Australia and the US, and provides a stronger platform from which to meet future challenges,” he said.
   Mr Fitzgibbon said the agreement would come into force once the treaty had been tabled in Parliament and approved by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.
   The Chapeau Agreement between Australia and the US is a binding agreement covering a range of cooperative and joint activities undertaken by the two countries.


9 December, 2008
Tax panel to report early
The Future Tax System Review Panel has been asked by the Government to bring forward its consideration of the retirement income system and provide a report by the end of March 2009.
   The Panel is to make recommendations on the adequacy of retirement income arrangements and the appropriateness of the current taxation arrangements.
   The Panel would also look at the three pillars of the retirement income system – the aged pension, the compulsory superannuation guarantee system and voluntary savings.

Customs course wins award
The University of Canberra’s Centre for Customs and Excise Studies has been honoured with a national export award.
   The Centre, which started out training Customs Officers five years ago and now exports its programs to 170 countries, won the National Export Award for Education and Training.
   The Awards are presented jointly by Austrade and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Defence kids to study overseas
An annual joint scholarship initiative between the Australian Defence Force and the American Field Service Intercultural Programs Australia will see eight students from Defence families live and study overseas next year.
   Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, said the students would be given a chance to “see the world” and “to live and study in another country and culture.”
   He said the scholarships were presented by Major General Graig Orme on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston.

ACT honours top PS performers
The ACT Government Service has recognised nine of its staff in its 2008 ACT Public Service Executive Awards.
   Chief minister Jon Stanhope presented the awards to Brett Phillips (Department of Justice and Community Safety); Megan Cahill (ACT Health); Ian Hubbard (Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services); Rodney Bray (Department of Education and Training); Leanne Cover (Canberra Institute of Technology); Stuart Friend (Department of Treasury); Philip Mitchell (Land Development Agency); Jeremy Lasek (Chief Minister’s Department); and Sue Dever (Department of Territory and Municipal Services).

Tax Office shutdown
The Australian Taxation Office will shut down all IT and communications systems and applications from 24 December to 5 January to complete maintenance at its data centres.
   The systems and services affected would include the tax agent portal, business portal, electronic lodgment service, e-tax lodgment service, call centres, telephone services, the Tax Office website and internal business systems.
   The Office encouraged anyone needing to contact them to do so before Christmas.

Portrait gallery opens
The National Portrait Gallery has re-opened in its new premises on King Edward Terrace in Canberra.
   The Gallery opened with two exhibitions, Open Air: Portraits in the Landscape and My Favourite Australian.
   To celebrate the opening, the Gallery hosted the Festival of the Face and displayed several works for the first time, including a multimedia portrait of actress Cate Blanchett, a video portrait of surfer Lane Beachley and portraits of motorcyclist Casey Stoner and cyclists Cadell Evans and Stuart O’Grady.

Questacon wins
Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre, Questacon, has won the Tourist Attraction Award at the Canberra and Capital Region Tourism Awards.
   The award acknowledges Questacon’s contribution to tourism in Canberra.
   The annual Awards presentation encouraged and celebrated excellence, quality, professionalism and innovation within the tourism industry.

Voyager claims mopped up
Twenty-four of the 25 previously unresolved claims stemming from the collision between HMAS Voyager and HMAS Melbourne in 1964 have been finalised, according to Attorney General, Robert McClelland and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon.
   The collision cost 82 lives, and has involved court action for the past 44 years.
   The Government appointed Jeremy Gormly SC to review the mediation of the outstanding damages claims and help in the alternative dispute resolution in July this year.

Pay input invited
The Australian Fair Pay Commission has invited interested groups and individuals to make submissions to the 2009 Minimum Wage Review.
   The Commission said submissions should address the capacity for the unemployed and low-paid to obtain and keep employment, employment competitiveness, safety nets for the low-paid and minimum wages.
   Further information was available from www.fairpay.gov.au  

New uniform for Navy
A new uniform for Royal Australian Navy personnel has been introduced for the first time in Darwin.
   The new uniform, which has replaced the one-piece grey overalls, was designed to be more comfortable and practical for personnel, particularly in warmer climates.
   The grey, green and black patterned pants and jacket are to be rolled out to all 16,000 Navy personnel nationwide.

Progress on disability protocol
The Government has proposed Australia become a party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
   Attorney General, Robert McClelland, said the Protocol would show the international community Australia was “back in business” on human rights.
   Under the Protocol, complaints regarding Australia’s compliance with the Convention could be lodged with a specialised United Nations Committee.
   The National Interest Analysis is to be considered by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.

Funds to improve aid
The Government is to contribute $38 million through the United Nations to improve the impact and positive effects of Australia’s humanitarian aid.
   It will contribute $26 million over four years to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and $12 million to the UN’s Central Emergence Response Fund.
   The contributions would go towards immediate responses to global humanitarian disasters and ensure the needs of affected communities were addressed and improving international assistance coordination.

Eye doctors documented
The experiences of the Aboriginal members of the original National Trachoma Eye Health Program led by Dr Fred Hollows in the 1970s have been documented in a new book.
   Beyond Sandy Blight: Five Aboriginal Experiences as Staff on the National Trachoma and Eye Health Program, by Jilpia Nappaljari Jones, Trevor Buzzacott, Gordon Briscoe, Reg Murray and Rose Murray described how the program, in a radical departure from previous health programs, was characterised by respect for Aboriginal people and culture.
   The book launch came as the Medical Journal of Australia reported trachoma remained endemic in many remote Aboriginal communities.

Navy women learn to be leaders
Moves to enhance the leadership skills of women in the Royal Australian Navy have been welcomed by Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon.
   The Navy has implemented a Women’s Leadership Program to give six women the opportunity to participate in symposiums and events by the Australian Women and Leadership Forum.
  Mr Snowdon said if the 2009 program is successful, the number of women taking part in future forums could be increased.

Pilot flies to Oxford
A pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force has been awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to attend Oxford University.
   Flying Officer Matthew Brown will travel to Oxford in October next year to study Politics and Economics, specialising in International Relations.
   Flying Officer Brown graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2004 with a number of awards, including ADFA’s highest military award, the Commander in Chief Medal.


2 December, 2008

Service Report is in state of its own

Australian Public Service Commissioner, Lynelle Briggs has tabled her 2007-08 ‘State of the Service’ report, revealing that the typical APS employee is a 42-year-old female APS6 with graduate qualifications working in service delivery outside Canberra. The typical new starter is a 32-year-old female at APS3 level.
   In her report, Commissioner Briggs said APS numbers had grown 3% to 161,011 employees during the year but that growth was slowing.
   She said women now comprised 57.6% of all APS employees with more making it into the Senior Executive Service – up to 37% from 36.1% last year - and holding 45% of all Executive Level positions a figure also up from last year which was 43.5%.
   The Report revealed over half the APS workforce (52.5%) now possessed graduate qualifications, a level of talent likely to increase as 60.6% of newly engaged staff had them too.
   The age profile of the APS continues to be of concern with the 45-54s remaining the largest group at 29.9% and the median age stabilising at 42.
   “The ageing of the APS workforce raises significant workforce planning and succession management issues,” Commissioner Briggs said.
   “The past two years’ improvement in employment of young people was not sustained this year.”
   Her Report showed that APS6 was the most popular classification with 30,090 staff at that level but EL1 was the fastest growing with an extra 2,137 appointed during the year, an increase of 9.5%.
   Commissioner Briggs expressed disappointment at the results for employing Indigenous staff and people with disabilities saying Agencies needed to do more to attract and retain them.
   “While APS efforts to improve the recruitment of Indigenous employees appear to be producing some successes,” she said, “this group is much more likely to leave the APS than other employees.
   “It is important that Agencies find out why this happens and ameliorate this trend.”
   As for people with disabilities, Commissioner Briggs said the APS was having little success either recruiting or retaining them among its ongoing employees.
   “Employee survey results indicate that employees with disability are dissatisfied with Agencies’ support in the workplace,” Commissioner Briggs said.
   “There is significant room for improvement.”
   The State of the Service Report identified six key directions for the APS:
  • Further embedding ethics and integrity;
  • Improving the performance of all Agencies;
  • Building a unified, highly professional APS;
  • Making smarter policy;
  • Moving citizens to the centre and encouraging innovation; and
  • Getting workforce issues right.
   More details from the Report can be obtained from the APS Commission website, www.apsc.gov.au


2 December, 2008

Happy crew sailing the ship of state

Almost four out of five APS employees are happy in their jobs but many feel they could be paid more according to the latest State of the Service Employee Survey conducted by the Australian Public Service Commission.
   APS Commissioner, Lynelle Briggs released the survey results with her State of the Service report saying that satisfaction was at a high level in the APS despite the pressure the Service was under since the change of Government.
   “We’re maintaining high levels of job satisfaction,” Commissioner Briggs said, “with 77% of the APS satisfied in their jobs and 79% proud to work in the Australian Public Service.”
   “70% think they have a good work-life balance and 80% would recommend the APS as a great place to work.”
   She said the survey revealed that over 90% of APS staff were familiar with the APS values and the Code of Conduct in the Act and most agreed that they and their colleagues operated within those values as did the PS as a whole.
   Commissioner Briggs said a highlight of the year was a “rather dramatic” change in the relationship between the PS and the Government with far fewer Public Servants who had dealings with Ministers’ Offices reporting the experience as ‘challenging’ in terms of the Values and Code.
   She said of the 17% who reported they had dealings, only 20% found a problem compared with 33% who did so in 2005.
   “That figure is a dramatic change since we last tested,” she said.
   “I do believe that is because of some of the initiatives the Government has taken, the reduction in the number of Ministerial staff in particular, but also the work the APS Commission has done and various Agencies have done in helping our staff understand how to cooperate apolitically but also responsively to Government.”
   Commissioner Briggs said another highlight to emerge of the survey was its confirmation that the APS had become a Service that worked with and through others to cooperate to deliver Government policies and programs.
   Other findings included:
  • 82% of respondents who said they were motivated to do their best possible work;
  • 96% who said they were willing to put in extra effort to get the job done; and
  • 58% who saw themselves as employees of their Agency instead of the APS (42%).
   Commissioner Briggs said over 6,000 employees took part in the survey which was the most successful to date, recording a 65% response rate.


2 December, 2008

Auditor buys into Defence procurement

A report into procurement programs at the Department of Defence’s has found the “substantial” steps have been taken to improve transparency and public accountability.
   Auditor General, Ian McPhee, made the finding in his first yearly review that permits the Australian National Audit Office to review major defence projects managed by the Defence Material Organisation (DMO).
   “The review of the DMO’s 2007-08 Major Projects Report represents an important first milestone in this ongoing program,” Mr McPhee said.
   He said the review encompassed information relating to the cost, schedule and capability performance of nine projects under the DMO.
   “Next year’s DMO Major Projects Report is expected to report on the progress of 15 major projects, with the number of projects rising to 30 projects in subsequent years.”
   He said the review was conducted cooperatively by the DMO and the ANAO, with support from Defence and stakeholders.
   Mr McPhee examined the Project Data Summary Sheets for the projects, reviewed the procedures and documents used and interviewed staff to investigate whether the DMO had “procedures in place designed to ensure that project information and data was recorded in a consistent, complete and accurate manner for each project”.
   Mr McPhee said by their nature, the details surrounding major Defence projects involved uncertainty because they related to events, and depended on circumstances, that may or may not occur.
   He said systems limitations meant he was unable to obtain all the information he needed to be satisfied about the accuracy of prime contract expenditure.
   However, despite the limitations and the review providing “less assurance than an audit”, Mr McPhee said he was happy with the results.
   “Nothing has come to my attention that causes me to believe that the information in the Project Data Summary Sheets, within the scope of my review, has not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the Guidelines,” he said.


2 December, 2008

Same sex laws bedded down

Legislation outlawing discrimination against same-sex couples from almost all Commonwealth laws has been passed by the Australian Parliament.
   Covering superannuation, social security, taxation, Medicare, veteran’s affairs, workers’ compensation, and educational assistance, the new laws were welcomed by the Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes, who labelled the occasion “an historic day”.
   “Removal of discrimination against same-sex couples from Commonwealth laws means that same-sex couples and their children will now be treated in exactly the same way as all other families,” Commissioner Innes said.
   He said the laws recognised that human rights in Australia were for everyone.
   Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, said in areas such as social security and taxation, the reforms would be phased in to allow time for couples to adjust their finances and for administrative arrangements to be implemented.
   Mr McClelland said the reform was long overdue.
   “The changes provide for equality of treatment between same-sex and opposite-sex de facto couples,” he said.
   “I think that the general feeling within the Australian community is that these reforms are appropriate and should have been introduced a long time ago.”
   Commissioner Innes said the reforms were introduced following the Australian Human Rights Commission’s report, Same-Sex: Same Entitlements and an audit of Commonwealth legislation.
   He said they also followed the proclamation of the Government’s changes to de facto laws on 21 November 2008, which gave same-sex de facto couples the same rights as heterosexual couples to access Federal Family Law Courts on property and maintenance matters.
   Mr McClelland said people were entitled to respect, dignity and the opportunity to participate in society and receive the protection of the law regardless of their sexuality.
All changes were expected to be implemented by mid-2009.


2 December, 2008

Commissioner pushes mobility for future

Staff of the APS should be prepared to change Agencies and possibly go down in pay to get valuable experience for their future careers according to the Australian Public Service Commissioner, Lynelle Briggs.
   Delivering her State of the Service Report, Commissioner Briggs said staff movement between Agencies in the APS had been declining for the past 10 years and the Service was worse off because of it.
   “I worry about that,” Commissioner Briggs said.
   “I think we get more professional Public Servants with a greater depth of experience if they move more between Agencies.”
    She said she wasn’t sure if the recent trend against changing Agencies was due to the Government’s savings measures or was the continuation of the long term trend, but either way, it was not a good sign for the future.
   “The former head of the Prime Minister’s Department (Dr Shergold) was quite keen that people being promoted to the SES should have worked in at least a couple of Agencies,” Commissioner Briggs said.
   “We’ve got to encourage people to see these career opportunities and in particular the opportunity for them to develop their skills base by moving around.”
   She said salary differences between Agencies could be discouraging some staff from expanding their experience and this was something “we absolutely have to watch carefully.
   “What worries me about that is that this is a career Public Service,” she said.
   “When you have people moving between Agencies, they learn things and pick up different approaches to things.”
   She said as the APS became more involved in programs at the interstate, national and even global level, the personnel concerned needed a broader, PS-wide outlook.
   “It’s important that individuals in different Agencies see themselves as part of the one Australian Public Service and that our leaders appreciate that,” Commissioner Briggs said.


2 December, 2008

Community deposits welcomed for Budget

The Treasurer has opened up the Budget process to the community by inviting families, individuals, business and community groups to send in their ideas and suggestions for 2009-10.
   Treasurer, Wayne Swan, said while the fundamentals of the Australian economy were strong, the economy was facing an unprecedented set of economic challenges and the views of the community would be of central consideration in the Budget process.
   “The global financial crisis is impacting on our economy as well as on Australian households and businesses,” Mr Swan said.
   “At the same time we also face the long-term challenges of tackling climate change, reforming the pension, tax and retirement-incomes systems, delivering a world-class education system, and modernising our infrastructure.”
   He said more than 5,000 submissions from individuals and groups had been received for the 2008-09 Budget and they had provided valuable insights into the challenges being faced and opportunities for the Government to help improve the living standards of Australians.
   He said lengthy submissions should include an executive summary of less than two pages and written in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat format.
   Mr Swan said they could be emailed to prebudgetsubs@treasury.gov.au or posted, along with an electronic copy by Friday, 16 January 2009.
   Further information was available from www.treasurer.gov.au


2 December, 2008

Sports awards kick goals

The Australian Sports Commission has announced the winners of its 2008 Media Awards.
   Now in their seventh year, the ASC Media Awards recognise and reward excellence in sports journalism in print, broadcast media, photography and online.
   Acting Chief Executive of the Commission, Brent Espeland, said the awards were the only dedicated sports journalism awards in Australia.
   “Sport is integral to the Australian way of life and plays an important role in how we see ourselves and how we are seen internationally,” Mr Espeland said.
   “The men and women of the sports media are responsible for helping shape this perception and they deserve to be recognised for their efforts,” he said.
   Among the awards was the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award which went to popular television sports commentator, Bruce McAvaney.
   “Bruce has called some of the greatest Australian sporting moments of all time, including Cathy Freeman’s gold medal win in the 400 metres at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Tony Lockett’s 1,300th Australian Rules goal, and Makybe Diva’s third Melbourne Cup win in a row in 2005,” Mr Espeland said.
   He said the depth, breadth and quality of this year’s entries were outstanding; with 240 entries received for the eight categories.
   “The entries reflected the wonderful moments in sport that 2008 has given us, including Australia’s successful Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games campaigns, the launch of the national women’s netball and soccer championships, and the highs and lows of our football codes,” Mr Espeland said.
   The award for best reporting of an issue in Australian sport went to Gerard Ryle and Jacquelin Magnay from the Sydney Morning Herald.  The best contribution to the coverage of sport by an organisation went to SBS for cycling and the best contribution to the coverage of a sport by an individual went to Will Swanton at The Sun-Herald.
   Thebest profiling of an athlete, team or coach in print media went to Caroline Wilson of The Age and the best sports profiling of an athlete, team or coach in broadcast went to ABC TV’s “Australian Story”.
   The best sports journalism from rural, regional and suburban media went to Richard Schmeiszl of the Sentinel-Times, with the best journalism on community sport going to Paul Kennedy of the Independent.
   Michael Dodge from the Herald Sun took out the award for best sports photography and The Good Weekend Magazine won the Amanda Hooton Award.
   The Bendigo Advertiser took out the Raelee Tuckerman Award for their publication of Women in Sport.


2 December, 2008

Students numbered in Stats report

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed that more than 2.5 million Australians were studying for tertiary qualifications in May 2008.
   It said the figure represented 19 per cent of the population between 15 and 64.
   “Qualifications such as Bachelor Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates are being undertaken by more Australians,” the Bureau said.
   “The proportion of people with non-school qualifications has increased to 54 per cent, up from 42 per cent in 1998.”
   The Bureau said the proportion of Australians attaining a Bachelor Degree or higher had almost doubled, from 14 per cent in 1998 to 22 per cent in 2008.
   It said most people were studying courses that would lead to a qualification, while 968,200 people were attending higher education institutions.
   Nearly 30 per cent of those studying were at school and 22 per cent were at TAFE.
The Bureau reported nearly two-thirds were studying full time.
   The most common field of study was management and commerce followed by society and culture.
   The Bureau found that for those already with qualifications, 7.5 million had non-school based qualifications, with the most commonly reported fields of study being management and commerce followed by engineering.
   It said 83 per cent of people with non-school qualifications were employed and of those, more than three quarters worked full-time, while 65 per cent of those without-non school qualification had jobs and of those almost two-thirds were employed full-time.
   The Bureau said almost 33 per cent of people said their highest education level was Year 11 or below while almost half said certificate III or above was their highest attainment.


2 December, 2008

Gardens plant new climate strategy

Botanic gardens in every capital have joined forces to produce a national strategy to adapt to climate change.
   At a meeting in Sydney the gardens agreed to be among the first in the world to develop a national approach and their plan was approved by the Federal, State and Territory Environment Ministers during November.
   Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, is responsible for the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra, home to the country’s largest living collection of native plants, with 6,300 species, one-third of the Australian flora and 500,000 visitors a year.
   “Our botanic gardens have a proud history, dating back to the days when they helped the early European settlers find food crops and ornamental plants that would survive the harsh unfamiliar conditions,” Mr Garrett said.
   He said under the climate change strategy a seed bank collection would be coordinated for the first time as an investment against possible species extinction.
   “In the early 20th century the gardens began focusing on plant conservation, researching threatened species, investigating, propagation and restoration in the wild and establishing seed banks,” Mr Garrett said.
   “In the face of challenges from climate change, it is now time to muster all their resources, skills and activities in a coordinated strategy to support plant conservation.”
   Mr Garrett said the strategy would also look at what each garden was growing and whether they should concentrate on growing only what was appropriate for their specific area as water was scarce.
   He said a national education campaign would also be considered.
   “With 150 botanic gardens and more than 13 million visitors a year, there is fantastic potential for them to make a difference – from helping people with advice about what to grow in their own private gardens to increasing awareness of the importance of biodiversity and sustainable living,” Mr Garrett said.


2 December, 2008

UN treaty doesn’t skirt women’s issues

The Australian Government has formally moved to become a party to a United Nations protocol that outlaws discrimination against women.
   Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, said by becoming a party to the Optional Protocol, the Government was making a powerful statement that discrimination against women, in any form, is unacceptable.
   “Acceding to the Optional Protocol will send a strong message that Australia is serious about promoting gender equality and that we are prepared to be judged by international human rights standards,” Ms Plibersek said.
   She said under the Optional Protocol, women in Australia would be able to make a complaint to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) about alleged violations of Australia’s obligations under CEDAW.
Ms Plibersek said complaints could only be made to the committee provided all domestic legal options had been exhausted.
   She said the protocol also permitted a UN investigation process.
   Mr McClelland said the Government wanted to overcome the stereotypes and prejudices that could stifle women’s rights and weaken equality.
   “Becoming party to the Optional Protocol demonstrates our commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of women, both at home and abroad,” he said.
Ms Plibersek said Australia had been a party to CEDAW since 1983 but until now had not sought to sign the Optional Protocol, adopted in 2000.
   Mr McClelland said Australia’s instrument of accession would be lodged in New York, and would enter into force for Australia before International Women’s Day on 8 March 2009.


2 December, 2008

New teacher scheme is one for the book

A new scheme to encourage the nation’s best university graduates to take up teaching has been unveiled by the Minister for Education, Julia Gillard.
   Ms Gillard said high performing graduates in areas such as commerce, law and science would be able to undertake an intensive teacher training course, receive mentoring from experienced teachers and undertake further study as they completed their qualification.
   “At the end of their time in schools, graduates will have the option of taking up positions in the business sector,” she said.
   “This will require close partnerships between the Government, teacher employers and the business community.”
   Ms Gillard said the program would require graduates to give at least a two-year commitment to teach in schools.
   “A world-class education system needs well-trained and dedicated teachers,” she said.
   Ms Gillard said the Government was developing new and higher national standards for teachers as well as trying to match the right teachers and school leaders to specific schools.
   The program would be funded as part of the $500 million National Partnership between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories to improve quality teaching.
   Ms Gillard said the Government was following Victoria’s lead in implementing the program and cited the Chancellor of the New York Education Department, Joel Klein’s, support sharing his experiences with education reform in the United States.


2 December, 2008

Seniors iron wrinkles out of internet plan

A new program designed to connect seniors with their families via the internet has been launched by the Minister for Families and Community Services, Jenny Macklin, and MP for Canberra, Annette Ellis.
   Ms Macklin said the Broadband for Seniors program was expected to cost $15 million and would establish up to 2,000 free internet kiosks in community centres and clubs used by seniors over the next three years.
   “Only one in five Australians over the age of 65 currently use the internet,” Ms Macklin said.
   “Yet it is a great tool for learning more about personal interests, meeting new people, or staying in touch with friends and family.”
   Ms Macklin said pensioners and self-funded retirees would have access to the kiosks which would be operated by Information Technology supplier, NEC Australia, in partnership with Adult Learning Australia, Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association, and the University of the Third Age Online.
   Ms Macklin said NEC had called on local community centres and organisations interested in hosting a kiosk or who already provided similar services to seniors to register their interest at www.necseniors.net.au  
   She said NEC Australia will supply the broadband network reach via its Nexstep ISP business as well as the information communication technology and connectivity for the kiosks.
   The Adult Learning Sector would be responsible for developing training programs to help the seniors use and understand how the kiosks worked.
   Further information was available by phoning the NEC Broadband for Seniors hotline 1300 795 897.


2 December, 2008

Violence report strikes a blow

Australian aid agency, AusAID, has published a report into violence against women in the Asia-Pacific region.
   Launched by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith and the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, the report, Violence Against Women in Melanesia and East Timor, revealed high levels of domestic violence and sexual abuse in the region.
   “Violence against women is a serious human rights issue, causing trauma to women, their families and their communities across the region,” Mr Smith said.
   “It also poses significant development challenges.”
   He said the report provided a framework to address the issues by increasing women’s access to justice and support services and changing attitudes and practices that encouraged and condoned violence.
   Ms Plibersek said Australia was taking on a leadership role in the region, having now completed almost all of the necessary steps to accede to the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
   “Acceding to the Optional Protocol will send a strong message that Australia is serious about promoting gender equality and that we are prepared to be judged by international standards,” she said.
   “It will also add credibility to our offers of support to women across the region – such as those suffering high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault in East Timor and Melanesia.”
   Ms Plibersek said the Australian Government would use the report to build partnerships with local and regional stakeholders to address violence against women.
   A copy of the report was available from www.ode.ausaid.gov.au


2 December, 2008

New migrant rules get warm welcome

The Minister for Immigration has called on the States and Territories to back new Migration Regulations that would allow immigrants to settle in Australia permanently, even if they didn’t satisfy health requirements.
   Senator Chris Evans’s call followed his decision to grant a German doctor residency, despite his son having a medical condition that would normally disqualify him.
   “The waiver for the health requirement will be available on a case by case basis where an overseas worker in Australia is meeting a demonstrated skill need and where there are compelling or compassionate circumstances,” Senator Evans said.
   “This will assist people who are who are already living and working in Australia and providing a valuable service in their community but currently are not eligible for permanency because they do not meet the health requirement.”
   Senator Evans said if the States and Territories agreed, a waiver would be available for onshore applicants and their dependents who did not meet the health requirement for regional, State/Territory and employer sponsored visa categories.
   He said the waivers were currently only available for some family and humanitarian visa classes.
   “All applicants for permanent visas must meet the health requirement and any health or community care issue with significant cost implications can lead to the health requirement not being met and a visa being refused,” Senator Evans said.
   “When assessing the health requirement, the estimated cost to the public health system is taken into account, along with state-related costs such as special educational needs, assisted accommodation and community care.”
   He said the amended regulations would provide the Department with the flexibility and the discretion to waive the health requirement after seeking the views of the State or Territory.


2 December, 2008

Student income on the money

A new list of Masters by Coursework studies approved for Youth Allowance and Austudy support has been released by Minister for Education, Julia Gillard.
   Ms Gillard said the updated list of almost 400 courses included qualifications required for entry into a profession.
   She said the 2007-08 Budget had extended eligibility for student income support to students undertaking certain professionally oriented coursework masters degrees.
   Ms Gillard said courses were accepted to the list based on an assessment of whether they were required for professional entry into an area of work or provided the fastest pathway to professional entry.
   She said many professional bodies required Masters studies for entry into the field in areas such as Nurse Practitioner, Teacher-Librarianship and some specialisations in dental health.
   “This initiative was implemented at the beginning of 2008 and some 2,151 Masters students have been assisted through this measure,” Ms Gillard said.
   “The Australian Government is committed to supporting and encouraging students to undertake higher level studies in professional fields, given the long-term benefit to Australia’s society and economy.”
   She said the approval of Masters courses for the purpose of student income support was an ongoing process.
   Ms Gillard encouraged higher education institutions to submit Masters course applications to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to be assessed for the 2009 academic year.
   She said the list of courses was available from www.deewr.gov.au and that students could contact Centrelink on 13 24 90 for further information on their income support entitlements.


2 December, 2008

Women’s booklets turn over new leaf

The Office for Women has funded a series of booklets for the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat promoting and encouraging women’s involvement in government and decision making in the Pacific region.
   Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Community Development, Dame Carol Kidu, said the booklets were special as they were made for Pacific women by Pacific women.
   “Too often we get lengthy publications and complex publications, when all we need are simple guides to give us some quick tips on what to look out for and what to expect when we do campaign in national elections,” Dame Carol said.
   Australian Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, said the package included two booklets.
   Ms Plibersek said Getting STARTed for Parliament was a handbook for aspiring women Parliamentarians and women standing for elections and CEDAW: A pocket guide for Pacific Parliamentarians, was designed to familiarise parliamentarians with the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and to describe what parliamentarians could do to ensure its effective implementation.
   “Women generally comprise less than five per cent of Parliamentarians in the Pacific region - amongst the lowest in the world,” she said.
   Ms Plibersek called on women who loved their country and their community to participate actively in politics.
   The Office for Women offered funding through the Women’s Leadership and Development Program Grants - Pacific Region to non-government organisations for initiatives designed to promote women’s participation in leadership roles in the Pacific.
   The Office for Women and Ms Plibersek have been looking at further future possibilities for gender projects in the Pacific.


2 December, 2008
FoI certificates on way out
Conclusive Certificates allowing Ministers to deny access to information under the Freedom of Information laws are set to be abolished.
   Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner said the move in the Senate was an important step towards achieving greater accountability in Government decision making and strengthened the right to obtain documents under the Freedom of Information Act and the Archives Act.
   He said decisions to exempt information from disclosure under the Acts would now be subject to external review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
   The move was welcomed The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance which said it “welcomes this positive step toward strengthening the Freedom of Information laws.”

Curriculum and assessment body set up
New legislation has been passed to allow a single body to manage the development of a national curriculum and system of assessment and reporting for schools.
   The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority is to be led by a 13 member Board of Directors made up of experts nominated by the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments as well as the Catholic and Independent school sectors.
   ACARA will report to all Australian education Ministers through the Ministerial Council.

Annual report awards on
Nominations are open for the Institute of Public Administration Australia’s Annual Reports Awards.
   The Awards test the accountability, transparency and quality Commonwealth and ACT Government Department and Agency reports for 2007/2008.
   IPAA’s process puts reports through a rigorous assessment that review the content, presentation, tone and overall effectiveness of the document.

CPSU history offer
The university of Sydney is offering a PhD scholarship for an interested academic to write a thesis on the history of the Community and Public Sector Union.
   Applications are now open, with more information available from www.econ.usyd.edu.au  or by contacting Mandy Nelson at m.nelson@econ.usyd.edu.au  

Medicare employee arrested
In a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police and Centrelink, a 33-year-old Perth Medicare employee has been arrested for allegedly using the identities of deceased people to claim over $300,000 in Baby Bonus payments.
   The AFP was to allege in Court that the man used his position as a Medicare Australia employee to access the Centrelink records of deceased persons to obtain Tax File Numbers before creating false claims for payments for 58 fictitious children.
   The man was facing 48 charges.

Disability services enabled
Disability business services across the country are to come together under the name Australian Disability Enterprises.
   Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, Bill Shorten , said the endeavour would include a new logo and business directory.
   “The directory is a useful reference for Government Departments and Agencies, as well as the wider business community.”
   He said Australian Disability Enterprises provided supported employment for people with disabilities.

Aboriginal protection fails in Senate
A plan to restore protections to Northern Territory Aboriginal communities has been rejected in the Senate.
   Reinstatement of the public access land permit system for Indigenous communities was voted down, as was a move to relax the ban on pornographic pay television programs.
   The Bill would now go back the House of Representatives.

Austrac publishes resource
AUSTRAC, The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre has published a resource to explain financial reporting obligations under anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing legislation.
   Providers of financial, bullion, gambling or money transfer services would have to report suspicious matters, threshold transactions and international funds transfer instructions starting in December.
   The AUSTRAC Regulatory Guide explained new requirements and was available at www.austrac.gov.au

Post reveals travel plans
Four in 10 Australians are still planning to travel abroad in the next 12 months despite tougher economic times, according to the Australia Post Travel survey.
   Australia Post spokesperson, Alex Twomey, said over 50 per cent of younger Australians aged 18 to 24 were not worried, while three in 10 people aged 55-64 opted to travel within Australia to save money.

ASIO contract let
Bovis Lend Lease has been awarded the tender for the next phase of the new central office for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
   It is to provide purpose-designed and secure base building that would be fitted out for the specialised needs of ASIO.
   The building will be at Section 49, Parkes, ACT and is scheduled for occupancy in late 2012.

Energy stats reported
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released a report that found Australian households ranked energy star rating more important than price or brand when buying white goods.
   Water efficiency rating was ranked first for washing machines, but price was ranked the most important factor in buying a heater.
   In the last survey in 2002, price was the most important factor for the majority of goods.
   More than half of all Australian households were GreenPower aware in 2008, with 5 per cent paying for GreenPower.