24 July, 2007
Unplanned Leave Goes
Against the Plan
The Community and Public Sector Union has revealed that confusion over the definitions of planned and unplanned leave is causing staff in at least one Agency to become “confused.”
According to the union, some of the staff of the Agency have been required to take Flex leave or Annual leave to attend medical appointments because management has deemed the appointments to be “planned” events.
“This is incorrect,” the Union says.
“The Australian Public Service Commission has clear definitions available to all Departments in the APS which outline which type of leave should be taken in certain circumstances and how to define it.”
According to the union, planned leave is leave that is planned or approved in advance, and is provided to give employees regular breaks from work and opportunities to balance work and personal life commitments.
It says these include:
* Recreation/annual leave;
* Long service Leave;
* Maternity Leave;
* Parental/supporting partner leave;
* Adoption leave;
* Purchased leave;
* Sabbatical/career interval leave;
* Flex-time;
* Study leave; and
* Miscellaneous leave such as graduation, jury duty, Defence reserve etc.
“Unplanned leave is an absence from work in recognition of circumstances that arise unexpectedly or irregularly, making it difficult to plan, approve or budget for in advance, and which is inclusive of planned medical appointments.The union says examples of unplanned leave include:
* Sick Leave
* Carer's Leave
* Compensation
* Miscellaneous leave such as bereavement, household emergency etc.
It advises its members: “You should never be directed to use your flex or annual leave in order to attend medical appointments, except in the case that your sick leave entitlements have been exhausted.
“If you know in advance that you will be having medical treatment requiring an absence from work, it is appropriate to tell your supervisor when you expect to be off work, however you are not required to disclose the nature of the treatment or the condition unless you choose to.”
For staff still unclear about the rules, the union can be contacted on 1300 137 636.
The explanation of planned and unplanned leave is accessible from the Australian Public Service Commission at: www.apsc.gov.au/publications06/fosteringattendance2.htm
24 July, 2007
Water Managers In
The Deep End
Australia’s water managers are to be “upskilled” in a $2.6 million program of education, training and knowledge-building.
Minister for Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, announced the plan saying the money would come from the Raising National Water Standards program and pay for three projects aimed at improving Australia’s water management and use.
He said one aspect plan would be a $1.35 million National Water Commission-sponsored Fellowship Program to enhance the integration of scientific expertise into the policy arena.
“Offering up to four fellowships per year this program will help water sector leaders advance their knowledge, build capacity and develop new skills,” Mr Turnbull said.
He said the first year would be run as a pilot scheme with an evaluation used to shape the second year.
“I am also announcing that Public Service Skills Ltd will be funded $1.2 million to develop training standards for the water industry.
“This project will develop and implement nationally consistent standards for the delivery and assessment of competency-based training programs across different water enterprises, training providers, States and Territories.”
Mr Turnbull said the final part of the package would be an $80,000 review and rewrite of the Australian Groundwater School Notes.
“The key objective of the project is to ensure the 30-year-old Groundwater School delivers groundwater management education that is updated with the best available groundwater science and knowledge.”
He said by funding the programs, the Government was ensuring that the management of water resource was supported by best available knowledge and expertise.
24 July, 2007
Breast Cancer Claims
Taken to Heart
Comcare has accepted workers’ compensation claims from nine women who contracted breast cancer while working in Brisbane for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
An independent expert investigation confirmed evidence of an increased incidence of breast cancer at the ABC’s Toowong studios between 14 and 2006, compared with women of equivalent age in Queensland. The experts were unable to find a link between the cancers and the work environment, however.
According to the acting Chief Executive of Comcare, Martin Dolan, the workers’ compensation scheme included a provision to cover exceptional circumstances.
“ABC employees who worked at Toowong and lodged compensation claims with Comcare for breast cancer now have access to a range of workers’ compensation benefits,” Mr Dolan said.
He said the benefits included weekly payments for time off work; occupational rehabilitation; medical treatment costs; and payment for household services including attendant care costs and aids or appliances as required.
Mr Dolan said Comcare, as the occupational health and safety authority for the ABC, would continue to monitor developments and handle claims for compensation as quickly and effectively as possible.
The decision was welcomed by Human Services Minister, Joe Hockey.
24 July, 2007
Cyber Crackdown to
Net Net Criminals
The Federal Government has targeted cyber-crime by increasing funding to the Australian Federal Police for investigations and strengthening Government systems.
Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock has announced the upgrade saying that with more Government services online and more money being transacted over the Internet, the level of cyber-crime had increased.
Mr Ruddock said computer users could expect to benefit from the e-security projects the Government had in store which were aimed at protecting them and their information from cyber-attack
“Increasingly, major attacks are being carried out by professional cyber-criminals, politically motivated groups, or possibly, nation states,” Mr Ruddock said.
“By taking a coordinated approach, identifying weaknesses and working together, we can protect our vital electronic systems from those who want to damage or destroy them.”
He said the Government had allocated $73.6 million for a range of e‑security initiatives under the E-Security National Agenda, which initiatives to raise awareness of e-security among home users and small businesses and the expand the national and international e-security exercise program.
He said Agencies involved in the E-Security National Agenda included the Attorney-General’s Department, Defence Signals Directorate, the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, and the Department of Finance and Administration’s Australian Government Information Management Office.
More information on ways to protect yourself online were available from the Government’s e-security website www.staysmartonline.gov.au.
24 July, 2007
Lawyers Raise Bar
At Legal Academy
An Australian Academy of Law has been established in Brisbane on the recommendation of the Australian Law Reform Commission.
Stemming from an ALRC report in 2000 which highlighted the problems associated with a lack of cohesion and direction in the legal profession, the AAL will have the task of strengthening the ‘legal culture’ of the profession.
President of the ALRC, Professor David Weisbrot, who is a Foundation Fellow of the AAL, said the 2000 report made it clear that ethics, education and accountability played critical roles in shaping the Australian legal culture. This, in turn, determined how well the legal system operated in the public interest.
“The Australian legal profession has changed dramatically over the past three decades,” Professor Weisbrot said.
“The profession is now subject to competition and consumer laws; incorporation and multidisciplinary partnerships are now permitted (and) legal practice has gone national.”
He said lawyers had been asked to be ‘more businesslike’ and they had responded accordingly.
“But this puts tremendous pressure on the ‘service ideal’ that traditionally distinguished ‘professions’ from businesses,” he said. “We now desperately need to rethink and rearticulate the core ethics and principles that bind lawyers together.
“I don’t think that it’s overly dramatic to say that we need to fight for the soul of the profession.”
Professor Wesibrot said the AAL would bring together the leading thinkers in the various branches of the profession, including senior Judges, practitioners and academics, to consider issues of legal scholarship, education and training, and national ethical and practice standards.
“The desperate need for the Academy of Law can perhaps best be seen in the strong endorsements received from eminent members of the legal profession,” Professor Weisbrot said.
The Chief Justice of the High Court, Murray Gleeson had agreed to be Patron of the new Academy and strong support had also been offered by the Council of Australian Law Deans; State and Territory Chief Justices; law societies, bar associations; and law reformers.
24 July, 2007
18 New Police Is
Fair Cop for Capital
Canberra’s police force has been increased by 18 with new general duties recruits being officially sworn in by Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Keelty.
The 18 new constables will be deployed as general duties police officers at the City, Belconnen, Woden and Tuggeranong stations.
Commissioner Keelty said the 14 men and four women came from a variety of backgrounds and brought a wide range of qualifications to their new careers, including degrees in information technology and criminal justice.
He said a number of the recruits spoke a second language, including Bahasa, Japanese, Russian, Italian, French, Polish and Pidgin.
“General duties policing remains one of the most challenging and difficult facets of police work,” Commissioner Keelty said.
“I am sure the graduates are looking forward to joining their colleagues in serving the Canberra community.”
The Commissioner’s Award for Excellence in Recruit Training was presented to those recruits who had demonstrated excellence in all elements of the program, including teamwork, leadership, communication, academic achievement, health and safety and commitment to the values of the AFP.
Commissioner Keelty said the diverse backgrounds and world class training of the graduates would equip them well for the challenging role they were about to undertake.
24 July, 2007
Interest Shown in
New Bank Head
The next Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund should be the best person for the job without regard for his or her nationality, according to the Federal Treasurer, Peter Costello.
Mr Costello was responding to the announcement by current MD of the Bank, Rodrigo de Rato, that he intended to stand down this year.
Mr Costello said a 60-year-old unwritten convention that a Western European take the post should be set aside and the relative merits of all candidates considered for appointment.
The same convention has also led to the United States nominating the president of the World Bank. All nine IMF Managing Directors have been citizens of Western European countries and all 11 World Bank Presidents have been US citizens,
Mr Costello said that over recent years, many members of the IMF and World Bank have drawn attention to the inconsistency of the convention with the multilateral character of the Fund and the Bank, and with good corporate governance principles.
“Responding to these concerns by removing nationality restrictions would enhance the institutions’ legitimacy and effectiveness by giving all member countries, whether advanced or developing, an effective voice in the selection process,” a statement from the Treasurer said.
“Moving to a more inclusive process will also be important for the credibility of other reforms being developed by the IMF and World Bank aimed at modernising their governance arrangements, strategies and operations.”
Mr Costello welcomed the IMF Executive Board’s announcements this month that there would be an open, transparent process for selecting Mr de Rato’s successor, with candidates being considered regardless of nationality.
He emphasised that the process would need to genuinely consider the relative merits of all candidates.
24 July, 2007
Rock’n’Roll Campaign
Hits Right Vote
The Australian Electoral Commission and ABC Radio’s Triple J have joined forces to take the ‘Rock Enrol’ message around Australia by touring a rock concert across the country featuring some of the nation’s most popular performers.
.A joint initiative of the AEC and Triple J, ‘Rock Enrol’ aims to encourage young people to enrol to vote before the Federal election later this year.
Billed as the AWOL concert and staged in the Northern Territory’s Humpty Doo, Western Australia’s Karratha, Queensland’s Innisfail and Burnie in Tasmania, the show will feature the talents of Missy Higgins, Something for Kate, Blue King Brown, Zenith ASP and a local unearthed winner.
Missy Higgins said it was vital that young people enrol to vote now or they may miss out.
“Voting is a key way of letting politicians know how you feel about issues – and you can’t vote if you’re not enrolled,” Ms Higgins said.
“So if you’re over 17, get on the roll now and make sure you’re ready to have your say when you turn 18.
Paul Dempsey from Something for Kate said it is essential for young people to get on the roll now.
“You need to ensure you are prepared and get on the roll now, before you miss out altogether,” Mr Dempsey said.
Rock Enrol staff will be on hand at the events to provide enrolment forms, check enrolment details and provide information for people wishing to enrol to vote.
Australian Electoral Commissioner, Ian Campbell said Rock Enrol had travelled all around the country with music festivals and the Commission was particularly excited to be visiting regional areas to talk to young people about the importance of enrolling to vote.
“Enrolling to vote is your democratic right,” Mr Campbell said, “yet many 18 year olds are not enrolled.”
He encouraged anyone 18 or over who was not enrolled to fill in an enrolment form today.
“You can also enrol if you’re 17, so you’re ready to vote when you are 18,” he said.
“It is such a simple thing to do, and it is so important that young people have their say in elections, rather than let others decide your future.”
The Rock Enrol tour will continue until 13 October
Mr Campbell said voting enrolment forms were available from any Australia Post Office or Electoral Commission Office.
24 July, 2007
Defence Recruiting
Is All In the Game
Defence Force Recruiting has launched an on-line games website to capitalise on the success of the internet in attracting potential new Army, Navy and Air Force recruits.
The site ‘Defence Jobs Games’ will build an active community around the ADF’s current suite of casual games.
Director-General of Recruiting, Brigadier Simon Gould said the games had been remarkably successful in attracting people to look at careers in the Defence Force.
“We’ve built the Defence Jobs Games site to act as a portal for the expanding suite of games we’ve produced,” Brigadier Gould said.
He said the new site would pull together a wide range of games – including Extreme Battleships, Supreme Air Combat and a new Army game – and would offer potential candidates as much of an experience as they wanted, without demanding a great investment of time.
“Putting all the games on the one site will also offer the user the ability to play from a range of online games with others while earning points, awards and advancing through the ranks of the Navy, Army and Air Force,” Brigadier Gould said.
He said users could also build avatars of themselves to add a personalised touch to the experience.
The games site was accessible at http://games.defencejobs.gov.au/
24 July, 2007
DSD Opens Windows
For Security Check
The Defence Signals Directorate is to assess the security of Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 5 and 6 systems.
Acting Director of DSD, Lynwen Connick said the Microsoft products had been formally accepted into DSD’s Australasian Information Security Evaluation Program.
“The evaluation of Windows Mobile 5 and 6 is an important step in evaluating emerging technology for potential use in Government systems,” Ms Connick said.
“The successful evaluation of these products will mean that Government can be assured that there will be greater choices available to work remotely.”
She said as the Government moved to provide greater on-line service and access options for Australians, there needed to be an assurance of protection for Information Communications Technology systems.
The assessment was welcomed by Microsoft with the company’s National Chief Security Adviser, Peter Watson saying it was a significant milestone.
“We are very pleased to be undergoing this process with the Defence Signals Directorate,” Mr Watson said.
“This highlights the co-operative relationship between Microsoft Australia and the Australian Government and reinforces both organisations’ commitment to the area of security accreditation.”
Ms Connick said that as Australia’s national authority for information security, DSD evaluated Information Communications Technology security products for use in the Australian Government’s official communications and information systems.
24 July, 2007
CASA Ties Down Air
Navigation system
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has commissioned a study to find the most suitable and cost effective technology to deliver improved navigation using the Global Navigation Satellite System.
It is hoped that by using the GPS system, Australian aircraft will have safer instrument navigation systems.
CASA expects the study to look at options for controlling aircraft approaches with vertical guidance, a system believed to be up to eight times safer than current, straight in approaches.
According to CASA expert on navigation systems, Ian Mallett, the proposed instrument navigation system built on the current satellite-based navigation system by giving pilots guidance about altitude during landings.
Mr Mallett said Australia had been involved in international work to develop standards for vertical guidance for a number of years, although there was no international decision yet made on which type of system was preferable.
CASA was asked to commission the study by the Aviation Policy Group which is the Government peak advisory body comprised of the heads of Airservices Australia, the Department of Transport and Regional Services, the Royal Australian Air Force, and CASA itself.
Mr Mallett said instrument approaches that gave pilots vertical guidance provided significant safety, operational and environmental benefits.
“Benefits include safer approach path guidance, simpler approach procedures and lower minimum descent altitudes in adverse weather,” Mr Mallett said.
He said the major airlines already had the technology in their ‘new generation' aircraft such as the Boeing 737-800 and were using the type of approach around Australia and overseas.
He said the time had come to make the vertical guidance available to anyone with the technology in their aircraft.
“But to do this the industry must decide on the types of augmentation systems to be deployed in Australia.”
The study was expected to take six months to complete.
24 July, 2007
Emergency Awards
On Safe Ground
Emergency Management Australia is calling for nominations for the Australian Safer Communities Awards.
Presented annually, the awards provide an opportunity for employees in State or Local Government, business, or a volunteer/community organisations to enter innovative projects into a national program.
Entrants must have been actively involved in emergency management, with State and Territory winners going on to be judged in the national awards.
Criteria for the awards include excellence in all aspects of emergency management, including risk assessment, research, education and training, information and knowledge management, prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
The seven streams, based broadly on the type of organisation which lodges an entry, are Federal and State Government Agencies; Local Government; volunteer organisations and community groups where membership is substantially voluntary; Private Sector organisations; researchers and research bodies; combinations of any of the above (such as joint projects); and projects which are of national significance or cross-jurisdictional.
The two categories covered in the awards are Pre-Disaster and Post-Disaster.
Pre-Disaster covers projects designed to prevent or mitigate disasters and emergencies or their efforts. Post-Disaster covers response, recovery and related activities.
Entry forms are available for download from the Victorian Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner website at www.oesc.vic.gov.au.
The closing date for entries is Friday, 3 August. Entries to this year’s awards must cover projects which were commenced after January 2006.
24 July, 2007
Mayors Go to Town
On Capital Projects
The Lord Mayors of Australia’s eight capital cities have drawn up a wish list of 23 projects they say would make a critical difference to national prosperity if they were supported by the Federal Government.
Part of a package of more than 70 across the main population centres, the new projects range from transport and infrastructure projects to environmental sustainability, global engagement, tourism and social infrastructure.
The wish list has been proposed by the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors as part of an initiative to seek a new alliance with the Federal Government.
The CCCLM believes that a collaborative program with the Commonwealth would see the projects realised faster, with important benefits for the nation as a whole.
In particular, they would lead to
* Lower traffic congestion;
* More efficient public transport systems;
* Improved opportunities for infrastructure growth;
* New world class cultural facilities;
* Reduced greenhouse gas emissions;
* Greater social cohesion; and
* Smarter water usage.
The CCCLM says the partnership would be driven by a new Capital Cities Policy aimed at boosting productivity and attracting capital, business investment, a skilled-up workforce and strategies to promote innovation.
According to the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, the projects were “vital” to recapitalising the nation’s most significant cities.
“Bringing them to fruition through a visionary and well resourced partnership with the Federal Government will allow the Prime Minister to take the lead on our ability to be more competitive, innovative and productive,” Ms Moore said.
“The cities are committed to playing their part, financially and through provision of expertise and knowledge, to help deliver initiatives in partnership with governments and the business community.”
Lord Mayor of Melbourne, John So said the projects would set the tone for development for the next century.
“It is recognised that in a global market, the city and the regions must work together to maximise national competitiveness and prosperity,” Mr So said.
The CCCLM is to present its plans to the Commonwealth in August.
The Projects:
Adelaide
Riverbank Events Space-Torrens Lake Bridge.
City Tram Loop.
Water-Proofing the City
Brisbane
TransApex Northern Link.
Australia Trade Coast South Recycled Water Scheme
Nation-wide Implementation of Alcohol Strategy 2006-09.
Canberra
Water Security for the ACT and surrounding NSW
National Convention Centre
City Bypasses and Peripheral Parkways.
Darwin
Interpretive Centre for the Bombing of Darwin.
Community Information and Resource Centre
Strengthening Darwin’s Future..
Hobart
Hobart Visitor Centre Extension
Reusable and Recycled Materials.
Hobart CBD to Kingborough Council boundary cycleway infrastructure.
Melbourne
Recycled Water for Inner Melbourne Parks.
Moving Freight.
Moving People
Perth
Northbridge Link
Old Treasury Buildings-Cathedral Square.
Sydney
Light Rail Pre-Metro Network
Re-use of Water within Green Square.
Integrated Bicycle Network
24 July, 2007
Election All Clear
For Blind Voters
Voters who are blind or vision-impaired will, for the first time this year, be able to cast a secret and independent vote in the upcoming Federal election.
Special Minister of State, Gary Nairn said a trial of electronically assisted voting.would be conducted at 29 locations across Australia.
“This is a trial that the Government strongly supports to enable people who are blind or vision impaired to have the opportunity for a secret vote,” Mr Nairn said.
“Electronic voting will be available for two weeks in the lead up to, and on election day, in 29 electorates.
He said the Australian Electoral Commission would be demonstrating the electronic voting machines to people with vision impairment and local support groups at each location before the election.
He said the electronic voting machines would not be available to people who did not have vision issues.
“The locations were selected by the Australian Electoral Commission after a careful process of consultation with relevant peak bodies and service organisations around Australia and an examination of potential locations,” Mr Nairn said.
He said electors who were blind or vision impaired, but who would not be near a site involved in the trial, still had the option of casting an assisted vote.
“There are many people in Australia whose vision impairment means they need assistance with voting,” Mr Nairn said.
“This trial is a step towards giving them the independence and privacy to cast a secret vote.”
The sites chosen for the trial are Melbourne, Kooyong, Ballarat, Shepparton and Warragul, Geelong in Victoria; Adelaide, Giles Plains and Noarlunga in South Australia; Wollongong, Parramatta, Enfield, Chatswood, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo and Albury in NSW; Darwin and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory; Brisbane City, Brisbane North, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay and Cairns in Queensland; Hobart and Launceston in Tasmania; Perth, Mandurah and Bunbury in Western Australia and Canberra in the ACT.
24 July, 2007
CSIRO Astronomer
Has Star Quality
A scientist with the Commonwealth Scientific, Industrial and Research Organisation is among a group to be honoured with the $500,000 Gruber Cosmology Prize for 2007.
Dr Brian Boyle, the Director of CSIRO’s Australia Telescope National Facility was part of a team based at the University of California Berkeley, that discovered that the expansion of the universe was accelerating.
He was joined on the project by Swinburne University’s Professor Warrick Couch and his team shared the prize with another from the Australian National University, led by Dr Brian Schmidt.
According to Dr Boyle, he and his researchers “Set out to refine conventional wisdom, but instead, we overthrew it.”
Although the discovery was an international effort, Dr Boyle’s project was based on observations made in Australia with the Anglo-Australian Telescope almost 20 years ago. The result of his, and the ANU team’s findings, were originally published in 18.
Astronomers had discovered as far back as the 1920s that the universe was expanding and were more interested in how long it would continue to do so.
Dr Boyle said the latest discoveries had led to the development of theories trying to explain it.
“Theoreticians have invoked a concept called Dark Energy,” he said, “which causes space to ‘push’.
“But while Dark Energy now appears to make up most of the ‘stuff’ in the universe, theoreticians are still struggling to explain why there’s as much of it as there is, or even why it exists at all.”
Professor Couch said it looked as if Dark Energy would doom the universe to expand on and on forever.
The Cosmology Prize was awarded jointly to Dr Saul Perlmutter at the University of California Berkeley and Dr Schmidt at the ANU and their teams, working independently on the Supernova Cosmology Project and the High-Z Supernova Search team respectively.
The Prize is awarded by the Gruber Foundation and honours a leading cosmologist, astronomer, astrophysicist or scientific philosopher for theoretical, analytical or conceptual discoveries leading to fundamental advances in the field.
24 July, 2007
Indigenous TV Adds
Colour to Industry
A National Indigenous television service has been launched in Sydney, an achievement Communications Minister, Senator Helen Coonan described as “a very proud first.”
“Today is a very important moment in the history of Indigenous broadcasting,” Senator Coonan said.
“Never before has Australia seen a National Indigenous Television service - this is a very proud first.”
Helping to launch the service, Senator Coonan said it built on the pioneering work of Indigenous Community Television and would target both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
She said it was a wonderful opportunity for all Australians to see and hear Indigenous stories.
“The service will provide Indigenous news, children’s television, drama and other entertainment reflecting the breadth of our Indigenous communities,” Senator Coonan said.
“It will initially be broadcast on Imparja's Channel 31 on the Aurora satellite and is expected to lead to ventures and programming with community television, pay television, SBS and the ABC.
She said NITV would support the development of Australia’s Indigenous television and production sector and facilitate the development of creative skills within Indigenous media organisations.
“Australia’s first national Indigenous television service is an enormous opportunity for Indigenous people to tell their story. I encourage both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to tune in to NITV,” Senator Coonan said.
17 July, 2007
Firmer Rules For
Former Staff
The Australian Public Service Commission has issued a Circular clarifying the rules governing conflicts of interest that may arise when staff leave the APS.
The guidelines replace Chapter 12 of the APS Values and Code of Conduct.
According to the APSC, there are no major policy changes involved, but the new guidelines aim to create a better understanding of the purposes of the policies, including the extent to which Agencies can legally restrict the employment of former officers and their use of information and contacts gained through their PS employment.
The Circular says there are benefits in former Public Servants taking employment with the private sector, and vice versa, including improvements in efficiency and effectiveness of industry due to the transfer of skills and experience; better understanding in the private sector of the culture of the APS; and better recruitment outcomes for the APS if staff know they can move on if they wish.
“The primary purpose of the policy is not to restrict the flow of skills, experience and information between the APS and other sectors, but to manage conflicts of interest when APS employees, including those about to take up appointments with the private sector, deal with outside organisations and a individuals,” the Circular says.
It says three key risks may arise when an APS officer accepts a job with an outside firm:
* That the employee, whiles still in the APS, would use his/her position to influence decisions in favour of the future employer;
* That the employee would reveal confidential information to the new employer that would give him a competitive advantage; and
* The former employee would use knowledge and contacts gained in the APS to advantage the new employer.
It says Departments and Agencies should put training and other procedures in place that ensure staff know the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest.
On the subject of restricting the activities of former PS officers, the Circular admits the Commonwealth has few enforceable powers.
“Legal advice indicates that it is not currently possible under Australian law to impose post separation employment restrictions on all or certain classes of APS employees and to ensure those restrictions are enforceable,” it says.
“There are also common law principles that prohibit ‘restraint of trade’ in employment unless it can be shown that such restraint is reasonable.”
There are also legislative restrictions under the Trade Practices Act.
The Circular says that because ‘reasonableness’ would depend on individual circumstances and cases, “it is not possible to set benchmarks of the types of restrictions (including their duration) that might or might not be reasonable.”
It says, however, that the Crimes Act makes it an offence for a former APS officer to pass on official information without authority, and jail terms of up to five years can be imposed.
The Circular is on the APSC website at www.apsc.gov.au
17 July, 2007
Super Movers Should
Get Good Oil: Union
Public Servants moving from one superannuation fund to another should be entitled to free expert financial advice according to the Community and Public Sector Union.
Representatives of the CPSU told the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee that recent changes to Public Sector superannuation arrangements created risks and that it was “critical” that they make informed decisions.
Assistant national secretary of the union, Margaret Gillespie, said most of the changes to PS superannuation announced in the Budget were welcome, although more could have been done to bring the PS schemes into line with the broader community.
“We particularly seek support for employer-funded financial advice to enable Commonwealth Public Servants affected by the changes to be able to make an informed choice,” Ms Gillespie told the Senate Committee.
“We think it is critical for the future adequate retirement income of those people that they make an informed choice.”
She said the removal of compulsory contributions from the CSS and the ability of members of the PSS defined benefits scheme to pull out could encourage many to reconsider their superannuation arrangements.
“The CPSU is concerned that the CSS is a complex scheme and believes that employees should be required to make an informed choice, and that informed choice is dependent on the provision of adequate information and necessary financial advice,” Ms Gillespie said.
“In the past, when the CSS was closed and the PSS defined benefit scheme was being proposed, there was extensive employer funded consultation with the affected employees. We would seek the same level of consultation and advice being given to people who may contemplate the changes made available to them under these amendments.”
She and CPSU Project Officer, Peter Feltham, told the Committee that there were also concerns over the inability of CSS and PSSdb members to salary sacrifice their superannuation contributions, a lack of transition to retirement measures that were available in almost every other scheme in Australia and the continuation of discrimination against interdependent same-sex partners.
“We are at a loss to understand why changes have not been made to prevent discrimination,” Ms Gillespie said.
She said cost was no longer an argument since the Future Fund had been established.
“The Government ahs now run out of excuses,” she said.
17 July, 2007
ABC Cancer Cases
Show More Growth
The number of cancer cases apparently linked the the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Toowong site in Brisbane has risen by four with another female worker being diagnosed with breast cancer and the revelation that three male workers had also contracted other forms of the disease.
The discoveries take to 14 the number of women workers at the site found to be suffering from breast cancer since 14 and the discovery of affected men has prompted calls for free screening of other men employed by the ABC.
An indepenedent report commissioned by the ABC found the incidence of cancer among ABC employees at Toowong to be 11 times that of the general population.
The ABC has abandoned its Toowong site for temporary accommodation at Brisbane’s Channel 10 studios.
Queensland State Secretay of the Media, Enetratinemnet and Arts Alliance, David Waters has called for cancer testing to be exteneded ato ABC sites other than Toowong and to include men.
“There is universal concern about the trisk of cancer,” Mr Waters was reported as saying.
“While the focus has been very much on the devastation caused by the breast cancer, the male employees also are concerned about any risk and as such are seeking access to free testing.”
ABC Managing Director, Mark Scott issued a statement saying the Corporation had had alerted Professor Bruce Armstrong, who headed the independent study, and was awaiting his advice.
"I want to make sure ABC staff know that everything possible is being done in this area of investigation," Mr Scott said.
"We have accepted the recommendations put forward by Professor Armstrong and the expert panel and a study of breast cancer epidemiology of staff will now be conducted in other capital cities.
"I acknowledge this has been a difficult period for staff.
Mr Scott passsed on his best wishes to the families of the latest victims.
17 July, 2007
Drawing Together
For PS Art Prizes
The winners of the Australian Public Service Commission’s Drawing Together art competition have been announced.
The competition was run by the APSC with support from 23
agencies to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Aboriginal Affairs referendum and to promote the Australian Public Service as a good employer of Indigenous Australians.
The theme of the competition was reconciliation and it attracted 570 entries for $82,000 in prize money.
The winners were:
Major Award $40,000
Shane Pickett for Travel Lines Crossing the Bunurroo Waterway.
Award sponsored by the Australian Public Service Commission, the Attorney-General’s Department, The Treasury and the Australian Customs Service
Indigenous Award $10,000
Daisy Loongkoonan for Bush Tucker in Nyikina Country;
Award sponsored by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Youth Award $10,000
Frances Parker for Forty;
Award sponsored by the Department of Health and Ageing
Caring for Country Award $10,000
Wattaru Artists for Kuka Kanyini
Award sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
Partnerships Between Community and Government $10,000
Michael Gaffy for An Ordinary Bloke Who Just Wanted to Say Sorry;
Award sponsored by Centrelink
APS indigenous Employees’ Award $1000
Jandamarra Cadd for United Journey
Award sponsored by the Attorney-General’s Department
Commissioner’s Choice Award $1000
Omborrin for Gullaroonari – Munja Country.
Award sponsored by the Australian Public Service Commission
The winners were announced at a function at the National Museum of Australia.
Prominent with the APSC as supporters of the competition were the National Archives of Australia, the National Museum of Australia and the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affair
17 July, 2007
Ageing Ombudsman
Marks 30th Birthday
The Commonwealth Ombudsman turns 30 this month
The Office that ensures high standards of public administration was established on 1 July 1977.
According to current Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan, the core functions of the office have survived “virtually unchanged” in its 30 years of existence.
“It is a privilege to be Ombudsman during the 30th Anniversary of the office,” Professor McMillan said.
“Much has been achieved over the past 30 years, but a lot still needs to be done.”
He said that over the past three decades the Ombudsman had dealt with more than 600,000 complaints and had helped Government Agencies change the way they go about their business to provide a better public service.
“The office has made a difference to every single Australian because everyone is affected in some way by Government and its actions’, Professor McMillan said.
He said each year the Ombudsman investigated complaints about more than 100
Australian Government Departments and Agencies.
“Around three quarters of those complaints focus on five agencies with high volume public contact:–Australia Post, the Australian Taxation Office, Centrelink, the Child Support Agency, and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.”
“As well as handling individual complaints about Government, the Ombudsman
investigates problems that may affect the public, including the Government administration of freedom of information laws and Government Agencies’ legislative compliance in the use of intrusive powers such as telecommunications interception and surveillance devices.”
Australians have access to a proven and necessary independent and impartial
complaint service through the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
Professor McMillan said the office delivered its services in a fair, ethical and efficient manner, free of charge.
He said Australia’s first Ombudsman was Professor Jack Richardson who opened the Canberra office in 1977. He was followed by six Ombudsmen: Geoffrey Kolts, Professor. Dennis Pearce, Alan Cameron, Philippa Smith, Ron McLeod and himself.
He said while the functions of the Ombudsman’s office hadn’t changed his responsibilities had expanded to cover areas of specific expertise such as Defence, Immigration, Law Enforcement, Taxation and the Postal Industry.
“In our 30 years we have dealt with nearly every kind of complaint made against Government. We will continue to work with Agencies to address and prevent systemic problems and to improve public administration”.
“Through our past successes, and the demands of the future, the Commonwealth Ombudsman continues to work towards better connecting Government and the public.’
He said as part of the activities to celebrate the 30th Anniversary, the Commonwealth Ombudsman is to hold a one-day seminar in Canberra on Thursday 9 August to look at today’s best practice in complaint handling and some of the challenges to improved public administration for tomorrow.
17 July, 2007
Army Cards Make
OHS a Big Deal
New and junior Army soldiers can now gamble with their safety after the Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety-Army has issued a set of playing cards featuring important health and safety messages.
Army News reports that 30,000 packs of the cards have been printed and distributed to new recruits, private soldiers and junior ranks.
Featuring the cartoons of Staff Sergeant Bob Dikkenberg (Dikko), each suit of cards addresses a safety theme such as weapons safety, manual handling, mental health etc.
The cards come packaged in a miniature replica of an ammunition box and the reverse design carries the DOHS-A message: “Spot the Hazard, Assess the Risk, Fix the Problem and Evaluate the Result.”
According to Army News, DOHS-A has produced the cards as a simple and effective way of keeping the health and safety message in front of soldiers – even in their leisure time. It warns that the cards have been produced specifically for the individual personal use of the soldiers they ware issued to and are not to be sold to collectors.
Supplies of the cards are being delivered direct to Army units around the country.
17 July, 2007
Scientists Find
HQ = Metres²
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation has moved it headquarters from Canberra’s Russell Offices to new, purpose-built facilities at the Fairbairn Business Park near Canberra airport.
Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Roger Lough, said the move was part of an exercise to consolidate DSTO sites in Canberra, including its facilities at Belconnen’s Fern Hill.
“At Fairbairn we will have state-of-the-art facilities for a range of advanced simulation and experimentation activities to support warfighting concepts and future force development,” Dr Lough said.
“These facilities will link with other industry simulation centres around Australia and allow DSTO to present Defence with the best options to help decision-making on investments in the future.”
He said the relocation coincided with DSTO’s new client-focused science and technology program, which was about delivering a more flexible, timely and relevant program to Defence and national security clients.
“There will be minimal disruption to program delivery, so it will remain ‘business as usual’ for our stakeholders and industry partners,” he said.
Dr Lough said the move came at a time DSTO was already in a celebratory mood as this year marked the centenary of the appointment of the first scientist to the Department of Defence in 1907.
“For 100 years science and technology has been playing a critical role in enhancing the effectiveness of the Australian Defence Force,” Dr Lough said.
“I see DSTO continuing that proud tradition into the future.”
17 July, 2007
Torrent of Payments
For Flood Relief
Centrelink has paid out more than $15 million in emergency assistance to people affected by NSW’s Hunter and Central Coast floods.
Minister for Human Services, Senator Chris Ellison announced the milestone saying Centrelink had paid nearly 13,000 claims totalling $15.67 million, since the Disaster Recovery Payment assistance package was announced on 10 June.
“The damage and impact of the floods has been widespread across the Hunter and Central Coast region and Centrelink staff have been working tirelessly to get help to those in need,” Senator Ellison said.
“Along with staff from the Red Cross, Samaritans and the NSW Government, Centrelink workers door-knocked houses in affected areas to check on residents’ wellbeing and ensure they’re aware of help available.”
He said processing staff were working well into the night to process claims as quickly as possible.
He said one Centrelink officer had her home and most of her possessions destroyed when her roof collapsed while she was in bed, but that did not deter her from turning up for work on time.
“She showed up for work on Tuesday ….wanting to help people who were worse off than her,” he said.
Senator Ellison said 30 Centrelink staff were flown in from around Australia to help with the recovery effort, many of them veterans of Queensland’s Cyclone Larry recovery last year.
“I commend Centrelink staff and their colleagues from the NSW Government and community organisations for getting help to people when they needed it,” Senator Ellison said.
17 July, 2007
Paper on Uni Offers
Is Going Places
A discussion paper canvassing options for a new, national data collection for university places has been released by the Minister for Education, Julie Bishop.
Ms Bishop said the current arrangements lacked consistent and comprehensive data on applications and offers, which meant there was a danger of incorrect conclusions being drawn about the availability of places.
“A new national database will benefit everyone who has a genuine interest in getting the best outcomes for student placements, including higher education providers, students and policy-makers,” Ms Bishop said.
She said confusion resulted earlier this year in Victoria when the early release of first round offers had the potential to mislead students into believing they had little chance of obtaining a place at university.”
“In fact, at that time, there were several Victorian universities calling for additional applications to fill vacant Commonwealth-supported places,” Ms Bishop said.
“If final round results were published, rather than incomplete data on early offers, students would be provided with an accurate assessment of the availability of places across the country.”
She said she expected the Department of Education, Science and Training to publish a range of reports analysing the data to make the system of applications and offers as transparent and useful as possible.
She said higher education providers, Tertiary Admissions Centres, peak bodies and other interested parties would be consulted over the changes.
Submissions are invited on the discussion paper until 20 August 2007, with specific focus on the best way to establish the new data collection.
Ms Bishop expected the new system to be in place for the 2009 academic year, with improved data reporting requirements reflected in new funding agreements with universities.
The discussion paper is available www.dest.gov.au
Stats’ School Plan
Is Class Attack
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has launched a series of innovative web pages to promote the understanding and use of statistics in schools.
According to the Australian Statistician, Brian Pink, the aim of the web pages is to assist educators bring data and statistics to life in the school classroom
Mr Pink said the web pages were divided into separate sections for teachers and students and offered a range of learning resources, including classroom activities, learning tools, professional development materials, games and specially selected ABS publications and datasets.
“The ABS has an important role to play in increasing statistical literacy in the community,” Mr Pink said. “And one way we can do this is by assisting schools in teaching the importance of good quality statistical information.”
He said the teacher's section included classroom activities for secondary school students covering commerce and economics, geography and mathematics.
He said the pages were designed by education professionals and linked activities to the curricula of each State and Territory to make it easier for teachers to incorporate them into their existing program.
The student area included a series of on-line learning objects produced by The Le@rning Federation, specially selected to explain statistical concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Mr Pink said students would also find an explanation of what the ABS did, including the background and purpose of the Census.
Other features included Statistic of the Week and Statistical Stories exploring real world examples of the important role data and statistics has played throughout history.
The new ABS Education Services pages are available free on-line and could be accessed from the ABS website at www.abs.gov.au/teachers or www.abs.gov.au/students.
17 July, 2007
ACCC Revs Up
Search Engine
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched Court action against the search engine, Google, accusing it of misleading and deceptive conduct. The charges relate to sponsored links that appeared on the Google website.
In the first action of its kind in the world, the ACCC alleges Google allowed an advertiser to promote a link to businesses where that association did not exist and that it also failed to adequately distinguish sponsored links from its "organic" search results.
As part of its claim the ACCC wants Google to implement trade practices compliance programs, publish a notice on its website admitting it had breached the rules and meet the Commission’s legal costs.
According to the ACCC, while Google had been taken to Court in a number of overseas jurisdictions, it had not been for trade practices issues, but generally for using trademarks.
“Although the US anti-trust authority, the Federal Trade Commission, has examined similar issues, the ACCC understands that it is the first regulatory body to seek legal clarification of Google's conduct from a trade practices perspective,” the ACCC said.
A spokesman for Google is reported as saying the ACCC’s claims were “without merit” and would be defended vigorously.
“They represent an attack on all search engines and the Australian businesses, large and small, who use them to connect with customers throughout the world," the spokesman sad.
The matter has been listed for a directions hearing in the Federal Court in Sydney, on 21 August 2007.
17 July, 2007
High Court Bench
Warms Heritage List
Australia’s High Court building from 1928 to 10 has been added to the National Heritage List, an honour welcomed by Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock and Environment Minister, Malcolm Turnbull.
Located in Melbourne’s Little Bourke Street, the building has been home to the Federal Court since its replacement was built on the shores of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin in 10.
Mr Turnbull said the building was a “significant addition” to the National Heritage List.
“This is hallowed ground,” Mr Turnbull said, “Not just for those with a legal background, but for all Australians.”
He said the building was the scene of many constitutional and other landmark judicial decisions which affected Australia’s social and political life for more than half a century.
Attorney-General Ruddock said the High Court was described by Alfred Deakin as the ‘keystone of the federal arch’.
“The Former High Court Building bears witness to a number of landmark cases, including the Uniform Taxation Cases (1942 & 1957), the Communist Party Case (1951) and the Concrete Pipes Case (1971),” Mr Ruddock said.
“The building is also important for its associations with people who have had a profound effect on the fabric of our nation. Former Justices include Sir Isaac Isaacs, the first Australian‑born Governor General, and Sir Owen Dixon, considered the greatest lawyer of his time.”
Both Mr Ruddock and Mr Turnbull thanked the people involved in securing Heritage Listing for the building, including the Australian Heritage Council, Former Governor-General and High Court Judge, Sir Ninian Stephen and former High Court Judge Michael McHugh.
They said the building takes its place on the list with other major heritage buildings such as Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building, the Sydney Opera House and Canberra’s Old Parliament House.
17 July, 2007
Steering Committee
Has Big Wheels
An Executive Steering Committee charged with implementing the Defence Industry Policy met for the first time last month.
Former chairman of the Australian Industry Group Defence Council Lucio Di Bartolomeo, has accepted a position on the steering committee which is expected to provide a whole-of-Defence approach to policy implementation.
Assistant Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson said the Executive Steering Committee would oversee implementation of the new policy, allocate resources within Defence stakeholder areas and provide advice to the Defence Ministerial Team on implementation issues.
He said the Committee was chaired by the Chief Executive of the Defence Materiel Organisation Dr Stephen Gumley with representatives from key stakeholder organisations in Defence and Defence Industry. Mr Di Bartolomeo has been appointed as an industry representative
Also among the steering committee members were the former chief executive of ADI, now Thales Australia and the Heads of Defence’s Capability Development Executive, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, the Defence Support Group and the Chief Information Officer Group.
“The new Policy Statement contains nine key strategies and 39 initiatives,” Mr Billson said “designed to optimise the level of industry support to ADF operational capability.”
He said the policy would also create a level playing field for Australian Industry to compete and win work on a best value for money basis.
“Significant work has already been taken on implementing the new policy initiatives, which include the creation of a Defence Export Unit, a new Defence Industry Advisory Council, an Australian Industry Capability Manual, procurement reforms and Increased Small to Medium Enterprise involvement in the Government’s Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry program.”
17 July, 2007
Council Builds Code
For Construction OHS
The Australian Safety and Compensation Council has released a national Code of Practice for construction work that standardises occupational health and safety across the nation’s construction industry.
Chair of the Council, Bill Scales, said the new code was part of a package of OH&S material that supported the National Standard for Construction Work.
Mr Scales said the National Code of Practice of Induction for Construction Work would benefit the Australian economy as it replaced a multitude of State systems currently in operation with a single national approach.
“Adoption of this code of practice by the Australian, State and Territory Governments will reduce inconsistency and confusion for employers and workers in the construction industry,” Mr Scales said.
“It will reduce the regulatory burden for employers by now having the one set of arrangements throughout Australia.”
He said that every year around 330 Australians lose their lives as a result of a work-related injury.
“Another 140,000 are injured so badly that they have a workers’ compensation claim accepted for a week or more off work. This equates to over 380 claims for every single day of the year.”
Mr Scales said the construction industry involves people, often sub-contractors, working in dynamic and ever changing environments.
“The code provides guidance on the recommended induction training required to ensure construction workers gain awareness and understanding of common hazards on construction sites and how they should be managed. It is relevant for all people involved in construction work.
He said the Code would be supported by a competency unit that would be included within the construction training package, enabling delivery within the Vocational Education and Training sector.
17 July, 2007
Information Sharing
is Turban-Charged
Australia has signed an Information Sharing Arrangement with India.
Aimed at facilitating the sharing of classified information between the two countries’ defence organisations, the new agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, signed during the Prime Minister’s visit to India in March 2006.
It makes particular reference to the agreed priority areas of maritime security, counter-terrorism and peacekeeping.
Defence Minister, Brendan Nelson was in New Delhi to witness the signing by Australia’s High Commissioner to India, John McCarthy, and the Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Defence, Shekhar Dutt.
Dr Nelson said the Arrangement would help facilitate increased practical cooperation between Australia and India by allowing the sharing of maritime security data. He said Australia would also benefit from India’s considerable experience in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations and the Arrangment would also assist information sharing on dealing with fragile states.
“This Arrangement reflects our shared interest in helping address challenges to security and stability in the Asia Pacific region,” Dr Nelson said, “where transnational problems, such as piracy, people smuggling and natural disasters, require a coordinated approach”
He said the Arrangement would support more comprehensive exercises and their associated planning, enabling the two countries’ forces to work together more closely in peacekeeping operations and other situations possibly requiring higher-end combat skills.
“The signing of the Arrangement marks another significant step forward in out two countries' defence relationship,” Dr Nelson said.
10 July, 2007
Retirees Irate At
Pension Rate Snub
Up to 300,000 retired Commonwealth and Defence staff are reportedly angry at a zero increase in their pensions, following the six-monthly adjustment for CPI.
According to John Coleman of the Superannuated Commonwealth Officers’ Association, they are once again suffering from discriminatory and unfair indexation of their pensions.
Mr Coleman said the treatment of retired Public Servants and Defence Force members differed starkly from that given to Age and Veterans’ Affairs pensioners who have received a 2.5 per cent increase in their pensions because their indexation entitlements were determined by the better of CPI or 25 per cent of Male Total Average Weekly Earnings.
The SCOA has been campaigning for some years to bring the schemes into line.
Mr Coleman said that contrary to the Government’s promise to make Australia a fairer place if it was re-elected in 2004, it denies its former employees and former Defence Force members income security in retirement.
He said that having their superannuation and lifestyles continually eroded will be an issue at the top of their minds on election day this year with 87,000 of them living in marginal seats, including almost 2000 in the Prime Minister’s own marginal seat of Bennelong.
According to the SCOA, the Government’s widely publicised “Simpler Super” initiative would provide little if any benefit to many Commonwealth and Defence Superannuants.
Mr Coleman said retired Public Servants and Defence Force members would not get the same “no tax on super” benefit that those aged 60-plus in taxed superannuation funds would receive and would instead receive a 10 per cent tax offset
“However, this would provide minimal benefit to those on low incomes who were paying little if any tax due to the operation of the Senior Australian Tax Offset, SATO,” Mr Coleman said.
He said the average Commonwealth superannuation pension was approximately $21,000.
Mr Coleman dismissed Government claims that the cost of changing would be too great pointing out that the first year’s cost would be less than one half of one per cent of the 2006/07 Budget surplus.
He also noted that longer-term Commonwealth superannuation liabilities would fall relative to GDP because of the Government’s closure of the unfunded public sector superannuation schemes in 2005.
10 July, 2007
Top End Bonuses
For NT Postings
Senior Executive and Executive Level officers are being encouraged to take postings to the Northern Territory to support the Government initiative to crack down on Indigenous child abuse.
Staff accepting the jobs will be entitled to a $25,000 a year emergency response allowance, $10,000 a year remote area allowance and $2000 settling in payment on top of their normal salary. They will receive free accommodation.
Under arrangements prepared by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, The Canberra Times reports that preference would be given to single officers or staff prepared to leave their family and friends for up to 12 months and work in emergency accommodation in remote communities.
They would be rewarded with three flights home per year and another three to either Darwin or Adelaide.
The staff being recruited are to act as business managers, playing a supportive role to the qualified medical, social and other professionals also being enlisted for the initiative.
According to the newspaper, enough staff to service over 50 communities are being sought but the size and make-up of project teams are yet to be determined.
Similar incentives are being negotiated for police.
Officers at the SES or EL 1 or 2 levels interested in serving in the Northern Territory should contact FaCSIA for more information.
10 July, 2007
Commission Pays Out
In Payrise Case
Australia’s lowest-paid workers are set to receive an extra $10 in their pay packets after a decision by the Australian Fair Pay Commission to increase the standard Federal Minimum Wage.
The Commission has granted an increase of $10.26 per week in the minimum wage and in all pay scales up to $700 per week. The
Commission said this would cover about 850,000 Australian workers who were reliant on pay scales, and therefore reliant on the Commission’s decisions.
The Commission also awarded an increase for those on more than $700 a week, or more than $36,000 per year, of $5.32 per week. It said this covered a further 350,000 workers.
Chair of the Commission, Professor Ian Harper, announced the increase as the second increase in a 10 month period.
“This decision I am announcing today is responsible and fair,” Professor Harper said.
“The Australian Fair Pay Commission acknowledges that Australia’s low paid and their employers need certainty. From this point forward, the Commission will announce an annual minimum wage-setting decision in July each year to be implemented in October,” he said
Professor Harper said that once again, the Commission had adopted a consultative approach to its wage review process. He said this was complemented by research conducted by the Australian Fair Pay Commission Secretariat and research presented in submissions.
He said the timing of the decision allowed the Commission to receive feedback from stakeholders about its first decision and its impact.
The Commission would continue to hear from stakeholders and monitor a range of economic and social indicators.
Professor Harper said that for its first decision in 2006 the Commission sourced information through public consultation, from submissions and through research conducted in-house and commissioned through external organisations. He said it undertook a similar process for its 2007 Wage-Setting Decision.
The consultations undertaken in the lead-up to the 2007 decision provided an opportunity for individuals and organisations representing the community, the business sector, Government and trade unions to put their views.
The combination of research, stakeholder meetings, consultations and submissions provided a range of opportunities for interested parties to contribute to the decision.
Professor Harper said the Commission’s next wage-setting decision is due in mid-2008. A public announcement would be made regarding the process for input into that decision.
10 July, 2007
Auditor Books In
Work Program
The Auditor-General has issued his Office’s work program for the coming year, targeting governance, border security, the environment and service delivery.
Auditor-General, Ian McPhee said the areas to be singled out for attention took account of the significant trends in today’s Australian Public Service which he saw as posing risks to sound administration.
“Identification of high risk areas is an important consideration when designing the ANAO’s audit program,” Mr McPhee said.
“The program is based on a sound understanding of portfolio and client agencies, their risks and how these are managed.”
He said he expected to table 51 performance audits in 2007-08 as well as issue four better practice guides. He has the power to audit 240 PS bodies.
“The ANAO’s primary client is the Australian Parliament,” Mr McPhee said
“(But) the public sector bodies we audit are also important clients and our reports are designed to assist them to improve their administrative practices and their performance.”
He said the trends he intended to target were derived from initiatives across the APS that were designed to address contemporary challenges including approaches that crossed portfolios, crossed jurisdictions or involved the private sector.
He said his interest in governance in 2007-08 would include looking into whole-of-Government initiatives, financial management, the integrity of information systems and compliance with policy and legislative requirements.
“A further input into the selection of audit topics is an assessment of risks to reputation and service delivery,” he said.
“ANOA ranking would therefore have regard to the degree of Parliamentary and public interest in the outcome of the audit.”
He said as a general rule, programs with total values of less than $30 million would be of low interest to the ANAO, while those between $100 million to $300 million would be of medium attraction and those of $1 billion and over would have “very high financial materiality.”
He said the work program outlined the ANAO’s plans for the coming year, important topics could emerge that would rank more highly than those on the list.
“Importantly, the Auditor-General’s judgment prevails,” he said.
Every Department can expect a visit from ANAO staff in 2007-08 and the work program is online at www.anao.gov.au
10 July, 2007
Circular Management
For Spending Plans
The Department of Finance and Administration has issued a Circular detailing how to determine whether a spending proposal will require authorisation under Regulation 10 of the Financial Management and Accountability Regulations 17 and, if so, how to obtain that authorisation.
FMA Regulation 10 prohibits the approval of a spending proposal that is not fully supported by an available appropriation (either in an Act or proposed in a Bill before the Parliament), unless the Finance Minister has given written authorisation for the approval.
The new Circular 2007/01 incorporates changes to a 2004 Circular and was prompted by an amendment to the Finance Minister’s FMA Regulation 10 delegation, which had effect from 1 July 2007.
The Circular directs that where FMA Regulation 10 authorisation is required for a spending proposal, that authorisation must be obtained before approving the spending proposal and before entering into any contract, agreement or arrangement under which public money is, or may become, payable.
The need for FMA Regulation 10 authorisation is most likely to arise (but not exclusively) in relation to multi-year spending proposals, where the relevant appropriation is an annual appropriation.
FMA Regulation 10 says that “if any of the expenditure under a spending proposal is expenditure for which an appropriation of money is not authorised by the provisions of an existing law or a proposed law that is before the Parliament, an approver must not approve the proposal unless the Finance Minister has given written authorisation for the approval.”
In addition to obtaining approval, agencies are warned to check that there is sufficient uncommitted appropriation available to cover the maximum amount that would or could become payable under the spending proposal.
FMA Regulation 10 authorisation is also required when there is insufficient uncommitted appropriation available to support the maximum amount that would or could become payable under the spending proposal.
10 July, 2007
APEC Security
Goes to Water
The Commonwealth has equipped NSW Police with high performance jet skis and rigid hull inflatable boats in a bid to boost security for the upcoming APEC conference in Sydney.
“APEC brings together our regional partners and some of the world’s most important powers,” said Attorney-General Philip Ruddock. “The recent attacks in the UK and the link to Australia emphasise the need to work closely with our Federal security agencies and NSW Police to ensure appropriate security arrangements.”
Mr Ruddock said the Australian Government had allocated $169.1 million over six years for APEC security, including $91.3 million for Federal security agencies and $77.8 million for NSW Police to meet the needs of APEC Leaders Week.
Mr Ruddock, NSW Deputy Premier John Watkins and NSW Police Minister David Campbell were guest at a marine display involving the jet skis and RHIBs.
“The jet skis and RHIBs will be used to patrol and enforce marine exclusion zones on Sydney Harbour during APEC Leaders Week,” Mr Ruddock said.
“The Australian Government has recognised the unique security requirements associated with Leaders Week and that’s why we have provided NSW Police with this extra support.”
He said NSW had identified capabilities that it considered necessary for providing security for Leaders Week.
“Items, such as the jet skis and RHIBs, will become a ‘legacy to the nation’ and will further enhance counter-terrorism measures around the country,” Mr Ruddock said.
10 July, 2007
New Centre Fires Up
Terrorist Response
The Australian Federal Police’s new Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Data Centre has been opened in Canberra.
Built at a cost of $19 million, the state-of-the-art Centre will significantly boost Australia’s capability to combat the international threat of CBRN terrorist incidents.
According to Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, the new data centre was the first in the world to bring together the technical, intelligence and law enforcement capabilities related to CBRN threats.
“It will be staffed by Australian Federal Police scientific and technical experts who will collect and analyse information on CBRN incidents and threats throughout the world,” Mr Ruddock said.
He said when the centre was operating at full capacity it would support technical, investigative and intelligence activities by Federal and State authorities and provide advice on prevention, preparedness and response issues related to CBRN threats.
In addition, he said, the Centre would be complemented by two cutting-edge laboratories: a mobile analysis facility known as a MobiLab, and an Evidence Recovery Triage Laboratory based at the AFP’s Weston Creek, Canberra, complex.
The MobiLab would be deployed at Sydney Airport to support security operations for the APEC Leaders’ Week, highlighting its ability to be transported to crime scenes to assist with sophisticated chemical and biological analysis.
“The Centre was established as the result of a resolution at a Council of Australian Governments meeting in September 2005 to create a national repository of CBRN information,” Mr Ruddock said.
“The Data Centre is the younger sibling of the Australian Bomb Data Centre, which has collated, analysed and disseminated technical intelligence on explosive devices and assisted with major investigations around the world since its establishment in 1978.”
10 July, 2007
Ombudsman Locks Up
Immigration Case
The Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman has issued his final report into the inappropriate detention and deportation of people by the Department of Immigration since 13.
The report is the last of six that were prompted by the detention of Cornelia Rau in 2004 and the wrongful removal from Australia of Vivian Alvarez in 2001.
The Ombudsman discovered that 247 people were wrongly treated by the Department.
“The loss of freedom through detention can have grave consequences for the individuals and their families,” Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan said.
“There should be nothing short of a careful and lawful exercise of the power to detain a person.
He said this was characterised by thorough attention to detail and ongoing review of any decision to detain someone and that these requirements had not been met in the majority of cases he examind.
“It is inexcusable that there were such frequent errors leading to the detention of people who had a lawful right to live unrestrained in the community,” Professor McMillan said.
He said the reports highlighted the deficiencies in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s administration which led to the detention of 226 people, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and lawful visa holders. His reports recommended a range of administrative, systems and policy changes which were aimed at addressing the issues of concern.
DIAC has accepted the recommendations outlined in the reports.
The Ombudsman said he would monitor the Department’s response to the individual cases and its progress in addressing the systemic issues identified in the consolidated reports.
Professor McMillan acknowledged that DIAC had been working to address many of the issues identified in his and other reports for the past two years and was making significant headway in its process of reform.
“The issues arising from the investigation of these matters provide many valuable lessons for effective public administration across all areas of Government,” he said.
The Secretary of DIAC, Andrew Metcalfe said the Department has made major advances during the two-year overhaul of its business processes, client service and stakeholder engagement.
“As my predecessor and I have done many times, I acknowledge these clear and substantial mistakes, for which we have apologised fully and frankly,” Mr Metcalfe said.
“The Department is now well advanced in implementing the Government’s reform and improvement program, which has cost about $800 million, and I am delighted by the commitment to it by staff in the department. The program focuses on improving client service, immigration enforcement, compliance, case management, training, detention arrangements, health services for detainees, identity verification and record keeping.”
He said the Government had made, or will consider making, reparations to those affected.
10 July, 2007
Voters’ Campaign
Is Poll Driven
The Australian Electoral Commission is encouraging all Australians, particularly first time voters, to exercise their democratic right to vote and enrol before this year’s Federal election is announced.
The Electoral Commissioner, Ian Campbell, said new Australian citizens would be able to enjoy one of the benefits of their citizenship when they voted for the first time at the Federal election. To support this, the AEC has translated print advertisements into 20 languages and radio advertisements were running in 26 languages.
“Federal elections are your chance to have your say and your democratic right as an Australian citizen, so don’t miss out,” Mr Campbell said.
He said the AEC’s current advertising campaign extended across the community to highlight the changes to the enrolment deadlines.
Mr Campbell said translated information was also available at www.aec.gov.au, or by visiting an AEC office. Enrolment forms can be downloaded from the AEC website or available at any AEC office or Australia Post outlet.
He said the phone numbers for the foreign language information were:
Arabic, 1300 720 132; Cantonese, 1300 720 135; Mandarin, 1300 720 142; Greek, 1300 720 137; Korean, 1300 720 468; Spanish, 1300 720 148; Vietnamese, 1300 720 152; Italian, 1300 720 138, Macedonian, 1300 720 139; Turkish, 1300 720 149; Serbian, 1300 720 147; Croatian, 1300 720 136; Khmer, 1300 720 134; Polish, 1300 720 143; Russian, 1300 720 146.
10 July, 2007
CASA Policy is Air,
There & Everywhere
The first-ever policy statement on managing Australia’s airspace has been issued by the Minister for Transport, Mark Vaile.
Mr Vaile said it was a crucial element in the decision to transfer airspace regulatory functions from Airservices Australia to the
Civil Aviation Safety Authority, CASA.
He said the Australian Airspace Policy Statement was the blueprint for the future administration of a critical national asset - airspace - and brought together current policy with existing and planned initiatives to meet the demands of airspace users.
“CASA is now assuming its new function as Australia’s airspace regulator,” Mr Vaile said.
A draft of the Policy Statement was released for stakeholder comment by the Department of Transport and Regional Services on 25 May. Sixteen comments were received and improvements have been made to the document as a result.
“I wish to thank all those who contributed and provided feedback,” Mr Vaile said.
He said the Airspace Act 2007 and the Airspace Regulations 2007 became effective on 1 July.
In accordance with the Government’s previously announced position, the Department would soon commence consultations with the aviation industry on the preparation of a more comprehensive statement.
The Australian Airspace Policy Statement, the Airspace Act 2007, the Airspace (Consequentials and other measures) Act 2007, and Airspace Regulations 2007 and other related documents can all be found on the DOTARS website at www.dotars.gov.au/aviation/airspace_reform/
10 July, 2007
Victoria Reigns On
Constitution Party
The Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery, conferred citizenship on 10 newcomers to Australia as part of celebrations marking the nation’s constitutional birthday, 9 July, the date on which Queen Victoria gave Assent to the Act creating the nation’s Constitution in 1900.
To further commemorate the day and to encourage Australians to reflect on and celebrate the meaning and importance of their Constitution, the National Archives organised a series of landmark events.
As well as the citizenship ceremony, highlights of the day included a visit from Australia’s first Prime Minister Edmund Barton who showed visitors the original founding documents of Australia and a public lecture from Professor John Williams from the University of Adelaide. There was also a forum of constitutional experts and educators who collaborated in a “creative conversation”, discussing the future of Constitution Day during the afternoon.
Archives Director-General, Ross Gibbs said Australia differed from many countries inasmuch as its constitution was drafted and adopted peacefully.
Compared to other countries around the world, he said that was a “remarkable achievement.”
The National Archives of Australia is proposing that 9 July be celebrated as Constitution Day, a day for Australians to reflect on the living documents that unite them all.
The parchment originals of the constitution are now on permanent display in the Federation Gallery at the Archive, affording all Australians the chance to examine the nation’s “birth certificates”.
The documents can also be seen on the website dedicated to Australia’s key constitutional documents www.foundingdocs.gov.au.
10 July, 2007
Artists To Be Drawn
For (Second) Life
The Australia Council for the Arts has launched an artists-in-residency project for the internet cyber-world, Second Life.
Three artists will be commissioned to explore the possibilities of literary, music/sound art and real time 3-D arts practices within the virtual realm and will include a writer, musician/sound artist and digital visual media practitioner.
In collaboration with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the Council is to host a forum of artists wanting to learn more about Second Life.
Australia Council chief executive officer Kathy Keele said the partnership with the ABC was a great fit with the Australia Council’s Second Life initiative.
“The ABC was the first Australian media organisation to establish a presence in Second Life and we are excited about working with them on this project,” Ms Keele said.
In an open forum on 12 July, Paris-based artist and architect Brad Kligerman, one of the first artists in Second Life to complete an in-world residency, will present his work, discuss ideas and answer participants’ questions. The event will be streamed live at http://slcn.tv and a vodcast of the event would also be available on the ABC Sunday Arts website abc.net.au/sundayarts. Sunday Arts screens Sundays at 5pm.
Ms Keele said the residency was open to Australian citizens and permanent residents with applications closing on 27 July 2007. More information is available from visit www.ozco.gov.au/rez
Second Life is a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown extensively and is “inhabited” by a total of 7,869,718 people from around the globe.
It can be found at www.secondlife.com
10 July, 2007
DAFF Uses YARN to
Untangle Web
Young people involved in agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries have the chance to develop their website management skills and strengthen their industry and community networks with the offer of two $10,000 grants.
Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Sussan Ley, said that the grants would give two young people an exciting opportunity to play an active role in managing the Young Australian Rural Network (YARN) website for up to 12 months.
“The successful grantees will receive website management training and support, and will source new information and promote the website to other young people,” Ms Ley said. “As a result, rural youth will have a sense of ownership of YARN and it will be their website of choice.”
The young people currently working on YARN were enthusiastic about their involvement. A content manager said, “I’m very proud of what we have achieved so far on the website, and I’m excited to hand it over to another passionate young rural person to drive it forward.”
Ms Ley said that the YARN website (www.yarn.gov.au) was an interactive online community which allowed people living and working in rural areas to communicate directly with each other, with the Government and industry.
“The Australian Government wants to help bring young rural people from around Australia together - YARN provides a place where young people can keep in touch, share ideas and strengthen their networks online,” she said.
Ms Ley said YARN was successful because it was relevant to the needs of young people who lived and worked in rural areas.
“YARN has been championed by the YARN content managers and other young rural Australians who take part in online discussions and who visit the website to discover new opportunities locally and nationally.”
More than 31,000 people visited the website last month - averaging about 1000 visits per day.
The YARN website was part of the Advancing Agricultural Industries Program. For further information, including eligibility criteria, or to access the online application visit www.yarn.gov.au email aai@daff.gov.au
10 July, 2007
Floods Wash Down
The True Relievers
Staff from Centrelink in Queensland who coordinated the Cyclone Larry recovery effort have been called in to NSW to provide emergency assistance to residents in the Hunter Valley hit by flooding and severe storms.
A team from throughout Central and Northern Queensland flew south to help with the NSW recovery efforts and process the thousands of claims for assistance that flowed in.
Cairns-based Centrelink officer, Lyn Faulkner said the floods had devastated many communities through the Hunter Valley and NSW Central Coast and the experience gained from Cyclone Larry would be invaluable on the ground.
“Perhaps more importantly, it’s a chance for us to give back to a community which was one of many that helped so generously during our hour of need - many Centrelink staff from the Hunter Valley volunteered last year to travel to the Far North in the wake of Cyclone Larry,” Ms Faulkner said.
She said while local staff were doing a fantastic job, the severity of the disaster meant Centrelink had to bring in staff from around the country.
“As with Cyclone Larry, many local Centrelink staff have personally suffered damage to their property but they’re still turning up for work to help others.”
Centrelink and other Government and community agencies were door-knocking residents to check on their wellbeing and offering financial and emotional support.
She said over $4 million in assistance had been distributed to more than 4000 people affected by the floods.
Ms Faulkner said the Central and Northern Queensland Centrelink team was working at several locations around the Hunter Valley.
“From what we experienced in Innisfail last year, the team sent down has a strong understanding of what people are going through and their need for simple, fast, practical support,” Ms Faulkner said.
“It’ll be a bumpy road for a while, but like Innisfail, we’re confident the Hunter Valley community will soon be well on its way to recovery.”
3 July, 2007
Statistician Makes
Census Of Numbers
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released the results of the 2006 national Census of Population and Housing.
Australian Statistician, Brian Pink described the Census as one of the most challenging ever undertaken by the ABS due to problems hiring Census workers and difficulties distributing and collecting Census forms.
“In spite of these increasing stresses on its operation, the Census was highly successful and produced high quality data,” Mr Pink said.
“However there are real risks to the future conduct of the Census. We are already examining ways of dealing with these challenges in the 2011 Census.”
He said an important achievement of the 2006 Census was the successful first use of an Internet Census option, the eCensus.
“The ABS was proud to receive the 2007 e-Government award in Excellence for the eCensus,” Mr Pink said. “The eCensus will undoubtedly play a greater role in the 2011 Census.”
Mr Pink said the first release of data included a large amount of information about Australia, with much more to come over the next 12 months.
“The data in this release reveals important changes occurring in Australian society, including further ageing of our population; increasing cultural diversity, with English slightly less likely to be the language spoken at home; families more likely to be buying their own homes; and a decline in the number of family households, with more people living alone,” he said.
Mr Pink thanked the community for its ready participation in the Census, which he described as not so much an exercise in gathering information, as one of giving back to Australia the data which each household or individual had provided.
“The Census is about putting vital information into the hands of users right across the nation.”
He said good decisions were based on good information, and the Census was a very powerful source of high quality information for Governments, businesses, community organisations and individuals.
Some interesting facts to come out of the Census included:
* Canberra’s suburb of Forrest is the statistical local area with the highest concentration of adults with gross personal incomes of $2000 or more per week (24 per cent), with the Shire of Peppermint Grove in Perth also 24 per cent.
* Just over 39 per cent of males and almost 29 per cent of females aged 15-19 years did no housework in the week prior to the Census.
* The suburb of Pullenvale in Brisbane had the highest Internet connection rate of 92 per cent for its occupied private dwellings, slightly ahead of the Canberra suburb of Fadden (91 per cent) and the Brisbane suburb of Chapel Hill (91 per cent).
* Of people attending TAFE institutions and university, 52 per cent and 57 per cent respectively were women.
3 July, 2007
Corruption Fighters
Lock In Meeting
Australia’s first Public Sector anti-corruption conference is to be held in Sydney in October.
The Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption (APSAC) Conference 2007 is a joint initiative of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption,, the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission and the Western Australian Corruption and Crime Commission.
ICAC Commissioner, Jerrold Cripps, said the latest in anti-corruption trends and strategies will be showcased and Australian and international delegates would have the opportunity to learn from and be challenged by leading experts and practitioners.
“Delegates will be provided with relevant and up-to-date information to improve their understanding and their ability to deal with corruption risks facing the public sector,’ Commissioner Cripps said.
‘This inaugural conference will be highly relevant to senior police, Local Government, policy advisors, internal auditors, Public Sector officers, human resources specialists and universities.’
He said conference topics would explore areas such as managing identity fraud, guarding against corruption risks in contracting and offshore operations, best practice for managing whistleblower complaints and strategies for dealing with conflicts of interest.
Sessions had also been tailored for the higher education sector, Local Government, police and the Public Sector.
“Many organisations will benefit from attending this conference particularly in a continuing environment where our communities expect more and more of the public sector when it comes to integrity,” Queensland’s Mr Needham said.
Among the speakers for the conference will be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW, Justice James Spigelman, Commissioner Cripps, Hong Kong’s ICAC Commissioner, Fanny Law, and the Maynard Knox Professor of Government and Law at Hamilton College, New York, Frank Anechiarico.
Mr Needham, WA’s Len Roberts-Smith and NSW Police Integrity Commissioner John Pritchard would also be active participants in the conference.
The Conference partners are the NSW, Queensland and WA Departments of the Premier and Cabinet, and the NSW Police Integrity Commission (PIC).
“We are very grateful for the support of our Conference Partners,” Commissioner Roberts-Smith said.
“Their endorsement of the inaugural APSAC Conference, which aims to promote public sector integrity, shows how committed NSW, Queensland and WA are to working together to combat corruption.”
The APSAC Conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney from Tuesday 23 to Friday 26 October 2007 with conference sessions on 24 and 25 October.
More information is available from www.icac.nsw.gov.au/conference2007
3 July, 2007
Contracts Shrinking
PS Performance
Performance pay and employment contracts for senior Public Servants are affecting their advice to Government and performance pay at least, should be scrapped, according to former Commonwealth Departmental Secretary and Public Service Commisioner, Andrew Podger.
Writing in the journal of the Institiute of Public Administration Australia – of which Mr Podger is President – the former Secretary of Health says the move to contract employment for Department Heads had affected their behaviour and impacted on the advice they offered Government.
He said the past 25 years had seen a shift towards Public Service ‘responsiveness’ to elected Governments and away from the apolitical focus on long term public interest that had traditionally been the role of the bureaucracy.
He said the reason for the change was that Governments now appointed Department Heads on short-term contracts and then paid performance pay based on their perceived ‘responsiveness.’
“Balancing the values of responsiveness and apolitical professionalism is a perennial issue in public administration,” Mr Podger said. “There is no golden era when the balance was evidently right.”
He said however that the shift in the past 25 years “has been substantial” with “steadily increasing political oversight.”
He said five-year contracts for senior management were initially introduced by the Hawke Labor Government with the expectation that at the end of their terms, appointees would continue as secretaries but be rotated to other Departments.
This, he said, was to move secretaries to fresh challenges and rejuvenate and cross-fertilise the ‘secretary pool.’
In recent years, he said, the move had been toward three-year contracts which were seen as “not consistent with either good management practice or a professional apolitical Public Service.”
Mr Podger called for the return to fixed-term, five year contracts.
“The risk of excessive responsiveness, or ‘politicisation’ does need to be addressed, primarily through a return to five-year contracts.”
He also called for the abolition of performance pay for Heads of Departments, saying it reinforced a principle of Ministerial control of the Public Service.
“There are legitimate concerns about providing performance pay to Secretaries,” he said.
He said assessments of performance pay at that level were made by the Prime Minister and “inevitably focus primarily on responsiveness to the Government … at the expense of possibly more important factors such as building organisational capacity and developing and implementing reforms of longer term public interest.”
“My advice was, and remains, that performance pay for Secretaries should be abolished.”
Mr Podger said the issues he raised were common across all Departments and all States and Territory Governments.
“All secretaries are affected and they are being dishonest or fooling themselves if they deny it,” he said.
Mr Podger’s article can be read in the Australian Journal of Public Administration.
3 July, 2007
Federal Laws Won’t
Stand Up in Court
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has found that there are 58 Federal laws currently in force which breach fundamental human rights.
Commissioner Graeme Innes said that many of those most affected by the situation were same sex couples. Commissioner Innes said many of the laws denied same-sex couples and their children basic financial and work-related entitlements available to opposite-sex couples and their children.
“As one man told us during our Inquiry - same-sex couples are first-class tax payers but second-class citizens - and we have certainly found this to be true,” Commissioner Innes said.
The Same-Sex: Same Entitlements report was based on HREOC’s 2006 National Inquiry into discrimination against people in same-sex relationships in the area of financial and work-related entitlements. The Inquiry held public hearings and community forums around Australia and received 680 submissions covering a range of topics, many of which described first-hand the impact of discriminatory laws on same-sex couples and their children.
Commissioner Innes pointed out that same-sex couples often paid more tax than opposite-sex couples because of discrimination in tax law, yet they could not expect the same entitlements in return.
He said they lost out in such areas as workers’ compensation, veterans’ entitlements, health care subsidies, family law, superannuation, aged care and immigration law.
“Simple amendments to the definitions in a raft of federal laws would end this discrimination,” Commissioner Innes said.
The President of HREOC, John von Doussa, who led the Inquiry, said the discriminatory laws also had a negative impact on children.
“The Inquiry found that the best interests of children would be better protected if Federal, State and Territory laws changed to recognise the relationship between a child and both parents in a same-sex couple,” Mr von Doussa said.
In a submission to the HREOC Inquiry, the Community and Public Sector Union addressed the use of the “spouse” definition in agreements, awards and legislation which excluded same sex partners from accessing entitlements.
The CPSU was concerned at the increased push for terms and conditions to be moved from highly transparent and legally enforceable collective agreements into less transparent and unenforceable policy. It also identified that the increased use of Australian Workplace Agreements, which were not subject to public scrutiny, could increase the risk of discriminatory arrangements.
CPSU’s submission drew attention to discriminatory provisions in the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme and the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme which do not allow an interdependent person, including a same sex partner or any children, to receive a reversionary superannuation benefit.
The CPSU said it was time for the Australian Government to “catch up” on the issue of equality for same-sex couples.
3 July, 2007
Watchdog Bites Dust
In Lost Court Case
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has vowed to continue the fight against insider share trading despite losing an important Court case.
ASIC failed to convince the Federal Court that a company that traded in the shares of another company it was advising to takeover a third, had in fact, been guilty of insider trading.
The Chairman of ASIC Tony D’Aloisio said the Commission would continue to take Court action where it considered insider trading may have occurred.
“Strong enforcement action against insider trading reinforces market integrity and confidence,” Mr D’Aloisio said.
“The regulator does from time to time have to take these issues to Court and get guidance. As a regulator, you have to always reserve your right to make that judgment.”
The case referred to allegations that price-sensitive or inside information passed from one area of a company working on a takeover bid (the company’s private side) to a share trader working for the company’s own interests (its public side).
At the centre of the case was ASIC’s claim that questioned the effectiveness of the so-called ‘Chinese wall’ that was intended to separate the company’s own interests from the advisory services it offered, which regularly dealt with information that could send a company’s share price up or down.
Such a passing of sensitive or inside information, in ASIC’s view, amounted to insider trading.
The Court did not agree with ASIC and found that the necessary knowledge did not pass to, or the necessary supposition was not made by, the company’s share trader.
In handing down its decision, the Court clarified important aspects of insider trading law, particularly the operation of ‘Chinese Walls’ and the passing of sensitive information.
Mr D’Alosio said the clarifications would assist ASIC in pursuing insider trading actions.
“Where ASIC feels that clarification of the law by a court is important, it will as a matter of policy, commence proceedings,” he said. “The significance in the outcome for ASIC lies in the guidance provided on the circumstances when a Court will imply the existence of a fiduciary duty.”
Mr D’Alosio said the ASIC was pleased that a case of this complexity was completed with judgment in a relative short time and said that it reflected well on Australia’s Court processes and all those involved.
3 July, 2007
Scientists Dial In
For E-Government
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and the Australian Government Information Management Office have announced a collaboration to explore advanced delivery models for e-Government.
Special Minister of State Gary Nairn said the move was a significant early step towards delivering the Australian Government Online Service Point.
“The AGOSP initiative will usher in a new era of responsive Government services,” Mr Nairn said.
“AGOSP will enhance the australia.gov.au website to provide simple, convenient access to Government information and services for individuals.”
Director of the CSIRO ICT Centre, Dr Alex Zelinsky said that current service delivery models did not take into account the tasks a person was trying to accomplish or the context in which they were working.
“To deliver a service that meets a citizen’s needs and expectations, the system has to capture and adapt to these important inputs and that is what CSIRO will contribute to AGOSP,” Dr Zelinsky said.
“Our expertise in search, information delivery, privacy and networked web services will allow us to make significant contributions to this complex project to imagine and build the future services that Australians will use to interact with their Government.”
Dr Zelinsky said Australians were increasingly turning to online transactional services to conduct their day-to-day affairs. He said CSIRO’s goal was to contribute to developing e-services for Government that were easy to use, met the real needs of people and ensured security and privacy.”
AGOSP would be delivered over four years, with the first major release scheduled for December 2008 and a second major release in December 2010.
The partnership follows a previous successful collaboration between CSIRO and AGIMO to develop the first whole-of-government search service at australia.gov.au
3 July, 2007
Migrant Assessment
An Offshore Trade
A new system has been introduced for assessing the trade skills of people overseas hoping to migrate to Australia.
The Ministers for Employment and Workplace Relations, Joe Hockey and for Immigration and Citizenship, Kevin Andrews, have jointly announced that a consortium of Victorian and Western Australian registered training organisations would provide the new service to start in the second half of this year.
“All prospective migrants with trade skills will be tested to agreed Australian standards before coming to Australia,” Mr Hockey said.
“The new service is a world first for skills recognition and means more certainty for migrants and more certainty for employers.”
He said the new arrangements were developed after extensive consultation with industry and the State and Territory Governments.
Mr Andrews said the new service would include an assessment of qualifications, skills and licensing requirements to make it easier for skilled migrants to work immediately upon arrival in Australia.
“This will also assist in meeting industry demands,” Mr Andrews said.
“General electricians, cable joiners, electrical power line persons, general plumbers, motor mechanics, refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics, carpenters and joiners and bricklayers from India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the Philippines will be able to access the service.”
The lead member of the consortium is Victorian company VETASSESS with other members including Kangan Batman TAFE, Box Hill Institute of TAFE, Victoria University, Swan TAFE, Great Southern TAFE, South West Regional College and Central Gippsland TAFE.
Applications from prospective migrants would be accepted from 1 September 2007.The Ministers said VETASSESS and Trades Recognition Australia would work with the Commonwealth Government to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements.
3 July, 2007
Floods Wash Down
The True Relievers
Queensland Centrelink staff who coordinated the Cyclone Larry recovery effort returned to the front line recently, providing emergency assistance to residents in the NSW Hunter Valley hit by flooding and severe storms.
A team from throughout Central and Northern Queensland flew south to help with NSW recovery efforts and process the thousands of claims for assistance that flowed in.
“The floods have devastated many communities through the Hunter Valley and Central Coast and there’s a strong need for the experience gained from Cyclone Larry on the ground,” said Cairns-based team member Lyn Faulkner.
“Perhaps more importantly, it’s a chance for us to give back to a community which was one of many that helped so generously during our hour of need - many Centrelink staff from the Hunter Valley volunteered last year to travel to the Far North in the wake of Cyclone Larry.”
Ms Faulkner said while local staff were doing a fantastic job, the severity of the disaster meant Centrelink had to bring in staff from around the country.
“As with Cyclone Larry, many local Centrelink staff have personally suffered damage to their property but they’re still turning up for work to help others.”
Centrelink and other Government and community agencies were door-knocking residents to check on their wellbeing and offering financial and emotional support.
She said over $4 million in assistance had been distributed to more than 4000 people affected by the floods.
Ms Faulkner said the Central and Northern Queensland Centrelink team was working at several locations around the Hunter Valley.
“From what we experienced in Innisfail last year, the team sent down has a strong understanding of what people are going through and their need for simple, fast, practical support,” Ms Faulkner said.
“It’ll be a bumpy road for a while, but like Innisfail, we’re confident the Hunter Valley community will soon be well on its way to recovery.”
3 July, 2007
Defence Housing
Fires Single Round
Accommodation designed with independent lifestyles in mind is to be built at 17 key Defence bases around Australia in an effort to recruit and retain young singles.
The new accommodation will feature self-contained apartments with telephone and internet access, secure storage for personal possessions and undercover parking for motor vehicles.
More than 3500 rooms will be built under Phase 2 of the Single Living Environment and Accommodation Precinct (Single LEAP) project in every State and Territory except Tasmania, including Central Sydney (650 rooms), Lavarack Barracks, Townsville (540 rooms), and Robertson Barracks, Darwin (686 rooms).
, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Peter Lindsay said the initiative followed the success of Phase 1 Single LEAP, a Public Private Partnership project announced in October 2006, which would provide 1395 permanent living-in accommodation rooms at Holsworthy, RAAF Base Amberley and Enoggera.
“Single LEAP is a vital initiative in helping the ADF recruit and retain young singles,” Mr Lindsay said.
“This is a major initiative for the ADF.
“I am particularly pleased to be engaging industry in this innovative solution.”
Mr Lindsay said better singles’ living-in accommodation facilities and services were among measures being taken to boost morale, recruitment and retention of Australian Defence Force personnel in all three Services - the Navy, Army and Air Force.
3 July, 2007
Sporting Network
On the Ball
The Australian Sports Commission is to recognise the Coffs Harbour Swans Australian Football Club as the 9000th member of its Club Development Network program to benefit from involvement.
The program provides clubs with free online resources to improve management and to deliver better club services to members.
Despite winning the AFL North Coast grand final last year, the Coffs Harbour Swans have struggled to retain and attract members and players, an issue faced by many regional and rural sporting clubs.
Director of the Australian Sports Commission’s National Sports Programs, Greg Nance said he was pleased the Coffs Harbour club was set to benefit from the program.
“Sporting clubs hold a unique position in many regional and rural Australia communities,” Mr Nance said.
“They are often the lifeblood and foundation of their regions. Coffs Harbour is no different.”
President of the Swans, Steve Shelley welcomed the assistance of the ASC’s Network and hoped it would have a beneficial impact on the club and its members.
“We will use the strategies and resources of the Club Development Network to attract new members, but also to provide better services and resources to retain our loyal existing members and continue to build a strong and vibrant club,” Mr Shelley said. The Club Development Network’s free web-based program supports the development and management capacity of sporting clubs.
3 July, 2007
Businesses Win Gold
From Olympic Sport
Austrade’s Business Club Australia program, set up to support the Sydney Olympics, has now set its sights on the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, staging a series of networking events in China and Australia for international and Australian-based members.
“Given the impressive growth of the Chinese economy, closer economic ties between our countries are essential,” said the Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, who launched Business Club Australia’s push towards the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
“China’s emergence as a major industrial powerhouse is one of the most significant and positive global developments in the world today,” Mr Truss said, “And Australia is well positioned to take advantage of this exciting and prosperous time.”
He said there was a high-profile business audience at the launch including the President of the Australian Olympic Committee, John Coates, and Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Shaofang Qiu.
Mr Truss highlighted several Australian-based companies that had experienced business success in China and through the Business Club Australia program.
He said Sydney-based PTW Architects had designed infrastructure for the Beijing Olympics including the main Olympic Village and ResMed’s Asia Pacific operations were growing dramatically, while the MOX Group produced software automation products used by the Chinese Government.
With more than 8500 members, including almost 40 per cent from overseas, BCA had already helped facilitate $1.7 billion in export deals against the backdrop of major sporting events including the Rugby World Cup 2003, Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, 2006 Spring Racing Carnival and the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships.
Mr Truss said membership offered businesses the opportunity to promote their products and services and establish new business contacts through business matching, networking events, corporate hospitality, and international business information.
HE said BCA was also currently developing programs around the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France and the 2007 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
3 July, 2007
ASIC Withdraws
Man From Bank
A Victorian man from Nar Nar Goon has been banned from providing financial services by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Self-proclaimed Governor of the Principality of Camside and the State of Sherwood, David Robert Siminton was investigated after he conducted and promoted an unauthorised bank known as ‘Terra Nove Cache’.
An ASIC investigation found Mr Siminton made statements which were untrue and deceptive in relation to the unauthorised bank, of which those statements exposed investors to high risks.
The bank was allegedly described on an internet website as the official bank of the Principality of Camside and according to the website; Camside considered itself the only legal Government of Australia.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority obtained orders in the Federal Court to restrain individuals associated with the bank in December 2005, for receiving money from members of the public as deposits or representing that it was a ‘bank’.
Information presented to the Court revealed more than $6 million could have been deposited by 118 investors.
In some of the cases, APRA said investors were unable to withdraw funds on request and money which had been lent by the bank was not properly accounted for.
ASIC was concerned Mr Siminton was of the belief he was entitled to disregard the regulatory laws applicable to his current or proposed financial activities in Australia.
3 July, 2007
UN Supporters
Unite Nation
Australia has celebrated 60 years as a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO.
The Australian National Commission for UNESCO, which is the nation’s focal point for involvement with the organisation, hosted a reception for representatives from Australian educational, scientific and cultural institutions as well as community groups and prominent members of the community.
Chair of the Commission, Susan Pascoe, said Australia was one of the first nations to become a member of UNESCO in 1947 and since then had worked with other states to build a vision of peace through the dissemination and sharing of knowledge and the promotion and preservation of the world’s heritage and cultural resources.
Thereception was held at the Sydney Opera House, the latest Australian addition to UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention.
“The National Commission, comprising experts in the fields of education, science, culture and communications provides advice to the Government, liaises with organisations and individuals on matters relating to UNESCO,” Ms Pascoe said.
“(It) conducts activities in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region in support of UNESCO’s objectives and ideals. It also gives high priority to UNESCO programs in the Pacific.”
She said one of the Commission’s recent achievements was to have Australia’s nominations to UNESCO’s Memory of the World International Register accepted - convict records dating from 1788 to 1868 have been added along with the 1906 film The Story of the Kelly Gang, the world’s first feature-length film.
The 60th Anniversary celebration coincided with the meeting of the World Heritage Committee in New Zealand where the listing of the Opera House was confirmed.
3 July, 2007
Desert Elders In
Museum Search Party
A number of the nation’s leading cultural institutions in Canberra have hosted a group of Pitjantjatjara elders on a mission to examine important cultural items for possible repatriation to their Central Australian homelands.
The National Film and Sound Archive, National Museum of Australia, National Library of Australia and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies invited the nine men to Canberra to explore audio-visual recordings, artefacts and other materials of cultural heritage currently held in the collecting institutions.
Director of the NFSA, Paolo Cherchi Usai, said the Archive was committed to the restitution of Indigenous audio-visual culture to its legitimate owners.
“I am a strong believer in the role of the NFSA in preserving the Indigenous cultural heritage and in engaging with the traditional owners in a spirit of respect and reciprocity,” Mr Cherchi Usai said.
During their stay in Canberra, the elders spent time at each institution working with collection materials of Pitjantjatjara relevance and provided a cross-institutional cultural awareness workshop for the male staff of the NFSA, NMA, NLA and AIATSIS. The workshop provided instruction in the appropriate management of culturally restricted Pitjantjatjara material.
Mr Cherchi Usai said the delegation included elders Wilton Foster and Lance Eddy from Wingilina, Mark Reid and Wongin from Docker River and Norman Tjalkaliri, Sammy Wilson and Reggie Uluru from Mutitjulu. The men were accompanied by Ushma Scales, Executive Advisor to the Pitjantjatjara Council and Mick Starkey, Chief Ranger
3 July, 2007
Authorities Talk On
Communications
The Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have joined forces to publish a report into the state of communications facilities in Australia.
The report Communications Infrastructure and Services Availability in Australia 2006-07 discusses the availability of broadband, fixed voice, mobile voice, mobile data, broadcasting infrastructure and services.
ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman, welcomed the report, which he said took extensive cooperation between the two agencies to produce.
ACCC Chairman, Graeme Samuel, said it laid the foundation for future joint reporting on communications markets.
They said the report made use of data already collected by ACMA as part of its annual data request to industry, and drew heavily on publicly available sources including Australian Bureau of Statistics data, listed company reports, news items and media releases.
Key findings identified in the report included:
* There were 19 Internet Service Providers providing broadband services via DSLAM in exchanges across Australia (the same number as at 30 June 2006)
* There was growth in the availability of ADSL services, with an additional 323 exchanges enabled between 30 June 2006 and 31 January 2007
* There was growth in the availability of ADSL2+ services, with 412 exchanges providing ADSL2+ services (compared to 309 at June 30 2006)
* Internet connections with download speeds of 1.5Mbit/s or greater increased to 1.56 million at the end of March 2007, compared to 1.09 million subscribers at the end of September 2006
* Increased mobile data rates were available with all four mobile carriers upgrading their 3G networks to the High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) protocol, and
* Increased interest in provision of voice services using Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), which is a service enabled by broadband, drawing some 369 providers into the voice market.
Mr Chapman and Mr Samuel said the availability report series reflected ACMA’s and the ACCC’s continuing interest in joint collection and analysis of data on the availability of services and infrastructure throughout Australia. This will assist ACMA in its input to the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, which is to be convened in 2008, to review the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia.
The report will be available on the ACCC website and the ACMA website, www.acma.gov.au.
3 July, 2007
Land Reserves Cool
Global Warming
Australia’s National Reserve System celebrated its 10th anniversary with a gathering of farmers, business leaders and conservationists on the banks of the River Murray in Victoria.
“The National Reserve System is a great environmental partnership, envied around the world,” said the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull.
“Since 17, the Australian Government has worked with all levels of Government, Indigenous communities, private landholders and conservation NGOs to help build a network of nearly 9000 reserves across the country.”
The celebrations were held at Ned’s Corner, a 30,000 hectare property near Mildura, which was purchased in 2002 by conservation NGO, Trust for Nature, with help from the NRS Program. Every reserve the NRS Program helps to fund is owned and actively managed by a partner, so that threats like weeds, feral animals and fire are controlled.
“The reserves are the country’s natural safety net against the impacts of climate change,” Mr Turnbull said. “Resilient, well-managed protected areas are havens where plants and animals can adapt - and by connecting these havens across the reserve network, we are providing opportunities for species to move as the climate changes their existing habitat.”
He said the reserves ranged from the lush rainforests of Queensland’s Wet Tropics to Mt Kosciuszko’s icy peaks, from huge desert properties in the Red Centre to vital river reserves like Ned’s Corner on the Murray.
“In the face of dwindling water supplies and threats from climate change, we’re making sure our unique landscapes, plants and animals are conserved for future generations.”
“Ten years on and 88 million hectares – equal to 880 million housing blocks, or 11 per cent of the continent - are now protected in the National Reserve System.”
Mr Turnbull said that the essential services that the reserves provided, such as purifying air and water, protecting water catchments and keeping soil healthy, were estimated by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation to be worth more than $1,300 billion a year.
“It has been a great investment.
“The Australian Government has spent $97 million to establish new reserves over the last 10 years, but we have leveraged $98 million from our partners - increasingly from conservation NGOs and a groundswell of business and community supporters.”
The National Reserve System is made up of all national parks, 23 Indigenous Protected Areas, hundreds of privately-owned reserves managed by conservation NGOs, and thousands of private properties under perpetual conservation covenants. Since 17, the Australian Government has added 25.6 million hectares to the National Reserve System, with more than 18 million hectares of Indigenous lands.