Alison Xamon media release – Brunswick Dam must be rejected

Brunswick Dam must be rejected

Greens (WA) MP Alison Xamon has called on the Minister for Water Graham Jacobs to immediately reject the proposal by Southern Cross Water Infrastructure Company to dam the Brunswick River. The Minister has previously rejected plans by the Water Corporation to dam the Styx and Denmark Rivers on the south coast.

“The Minister must be congratulated for his quick and positive decision making with regard to the Denmark and Styx Rivers on the South Coast. Now he must show consistency and do the same for the Brunswick River proposal.”

“The Minister answered my question in Parliament today by recognising the SCWIC proposal is not consistent with the Government’s long term vision for water supplies to the Integrated Water Supply System.”

“Climate change is already impacting on the south west rivers and Perth’s drinking water supply dams. The Water Corporation have realised this and have identified climate independent sources as the long term future for water supply – including much more water recycling.”

The proposal as submitted by SCWIC involves an enormous amount of coordination with existing Water Corporation assets in order to be integrated. “It comes as quite a shock to the Greens that Southern Cross Water Infrastructure Company have not approached the Water Corporation to advise them that the proposal was being forwarded for environmental assessment by the Federal Government.”

“WA does not need any more marginal surface water catchments that rely on massive amounts of energy to pump water. We have enough and we must start recycling more water for industry, for irrigation for public open space and for drinking water.”

The web address for the referred proposal to the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts is:

www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5186

Kirsten Richards

Electorate Officer

Office of Hon Alison Xamon MLC

Member for the East Metropolitan Region

62 Eighth Avenue

Maylands WA 6051

PO Box 104

Maylands WA 6931

Ph: 9272 1718

Fax: 9272 1719

Email: kirsten.richards

Excellent info & resources for all west australians in the WACOSS Update – 12th November

social policy | organisation development | membership | training

Please distribute through your networks WACOSS Update Thurday 12th November 2009 News items listed in this bulletin include… ACOSS Community Sector Survey Now Open WACOSS Conference 2010 – Call for Abstracts GETTING GRANT READY Workshop, Thursday November 19th Productivity Commission Releases Draft Report into NFP Sector Western Australian Feed-In Tariff Discussion Paper – Opportunity for Interested Parties to Comment Consultation Period Following Publication of Social Housing Taskforce Report Now Open ACOSS Media Release: Historic Test Case Brings Wage Increases for Community Workers a Step Closer Emergency Relief Conference Fully Booked WA Not for Profit Day – Providing Tools and Skills for a Resource Challenged and Competitive Sector, Thursday 10th December NFPN Events: Unfair Dismissal Information Seminar, Tuesday 24th November How to be a ‘SUPER’ Supervisor, Wednesday 18th November The Project Manager’s Toolbox, Tuesday 1st December ACOSS Sector Survey Now Open The ACOSS Community Sector Survey has now begun The Community Sector Survey is an important nationwide survey that compiles vital information about the sector. This information is used to inform policy work and to highlight pressures on the sector. To ensure the survey reaches all those in the sector please distribute this email through your networks. Help WACOSS and ACOSS by clicking below to complete the ACOSS Community Sector Survey top WACOSS Conference 2010 – Call for Abstracts The WACOSS biennial Conference provides for the largest gathering of social service practitioners and policy-makers of its kind, with around 300 participants from across Western Australia. Abstract submissions are encouraged from volunteers and workers in community, business and government sectors, academics and other experts. The Conference committee is interested in applications regarding social policy and social sector considerations. The aim of the Conference is to provide a positive, constructive and enjoyable event for people involved with the community sector to network and gain practical information both formally and informally, and we would be delighted if you will submit an abstract to share your experience and expertise of communities at work. The Conference will feature: 90 minute concurrent sessions consisting of either 2 or 3 speakers each presenting for 25 or 40 minutes; All sessions will include 5 minutes per speaker for questions and discussion. Prospective speakers may choose whether they wish to present for 25 or 40 minutes, or indicate if they are flexible in their presentation time. The Conference sessions and activities should focus on achieving positive learning outcomes or enhancing practice and, in particular, should attempt to address current issues challenging the sector. Active discussion and sharing of ideas is encouraged in sessions and we invite you to think laterally and creatively in terms of session delivery. Interactive sessions, film screenings and workshops are encouraged. Examples of achievement, excellence, challenges and future directions will inform the selection of presentations for concurrent sessions. Our social policy interests include: social wellbeing, housing, youth, women, indigenous, disability, alcohol and drugs, child protection, mental health, law and justice, employment and training, culturally and linguistically diverse people, refugees and climate equity. Our social sector interests include: workforce planning, technology, finance, innovation, quality frameworks, collaboration and alliances, media, campaigning and advocacy, civil society, language, framing and future directions. Click here for more information, including the Conference Themes and Guidelines for Abstracts The online abstract submission must be completed by Friday 18 December 2009. Please address any queries to the Conference Secretariat: EECW Pty Ltd T: 08 9389 1488 F: 08 9389 1499 E: info@eecw.com.au top GETTING GRANT READY Workshop, Thursday November 19th The Bendigo Bank and WACOSS will be presenting a special 3 hour seminar entitled GETTING GRANT READY Date: Next Thursday November 19th from 9am – 12noon Venue: George Burnett Park, Manning Rd, Karawara, WA How to Register: Register today by emailing: louise@wacoss.org.au or call Louise or Gosia on 9420 7222 Cost: WACOSS Members: $90 Non Members: $120.00 Government/Corp: $150.00 Click here to learn more top Productivity Commission Releases Draft Report into NFP Sector The Productivity Commission has released a draft of its report into the not-for-profit sector in Australia. The report follows months of consultation with not-for-profits around the country. The Commission has given the sector a chance to provide feedback in response to the draft report. WACOSS intends to provide input to the joint Councils of Social Service submission being prepared by ACOSS. ACOSS has indicated that the submission will focus on the importance of the voice of the sector: the importance of sector’s non-financial contributions including advocacy, education and policy development; models of contracting; the potential and need for an innovation fund; the vital importance of a gradual process for any tax reform; and strengthening the relationship between the not-for-profit sector and government beyond the Compact. We would like to ensure that West Australian not-for-profit organisations’ views are adequately represented in submissions to the Commission. If you have any issues you would like to raise regarding the Productivity Commission’s draft report, your organisation has until 24 November to make a submission. The sorts of issues you might raise could include:support for or opposition to particular recommendations: examples of how particular recommendations would assist or harm your organisation; areas or issues you think the Productivity Commission hasn’t examined sufficiently, or given sufficient weight to. The Commission’s draft report is available at: http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/study/not-for-profit/draft The draft recommendations are available at: http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/91720/03-draft-recommendations.pdf top Western Australian Feed-In Tariff Discussion Paper – Opportunity for Interested Parties to Comment In September 2008, the incoming State Government announced its intention to introduce a feed-in tariff as part of the Liberal Party Plan for Environmental Sustainability and Water Management. The Government allocated ‘$13.5m towards a feed-in tariff for homeowners, and an investigation of the feasibility of extending the scheme to small business and commercial premises.’ The Government’s original intention was to implement a gross feed-in tariff scheme. However, an unprecedented system uptake rate meant the scheme was no longer affordable. In June 2009 the Government announced that it would allocate the $13.5 million equitably among owners of systems installed between the date of the 2008 State Government election and the date of the announced changes. The development of a residential net feed-in tariff to commence on 1 July 2010 was also announced. In October 2009 the Western Australian Feed-In Tariff Discussion Paper was released. The paper seeks to provide guidance to the public and key stakeholders who wish to provide input to developing design features of a net feed-in tariff scheme. Stakeholder submissions will inform the development of the preferred scheme design. While most scheme design features are yet to be determined, the Government’s intention is to design a feed-in tariff that: Is paid on net generation; and Applies to photovoltaic, wind, and micro-hydro technologies At this stage comment is sought on a residential scheme only. The Government has committed to conduct a feasibility study on the potential for a feed-in tariff scheme for small business and commercial premises. However, this will be conducted separately to the development of a residential tariff. WACOSS supports movement towards greater Environmental Sustainability and Water Management, and will focus its response around consumer protection, especially in relation to low impact consumers and financially vulnerable households. Written submissions of comments relating to this paper should be provided by 20th November 2009 and sent to: Manager, Feed-In Tariff Sustainable Energy Development Office Office of Energy Level 9, Governor Stirling Tower 197 ST Georges Terrace PERTH WA 6000 Email: fit@energy.wa.gov.au Fax: (08) 9420 5700 (Attention: Manager, Feed-In Tariff) Please note: All submissions may be made public on the Office of Energy’s website unless marked confidential top Consultation Period Following Publication of Social Housing Taskforce Report Now Open The consultation period following the publication of the Social Housing Taskforce report runs until December 4th. The report can be found here: The report includes a number of key themes: Reforming the provision of Public Housing, promoting growth of the social housing sector through the wider participation of the community and private sector, increasing the supply and range of affordable land and housing options, improving support and transition incentives. Sue Ash, WACOSS CEO, was a member of the taskforce and we are currently in the process of preparing our submission as part of the consultation process. WACOSS will be commenting in detail about all of the recommendations in the report. We will be placing particular emphasis on the need to ensure that adequate support services for social housing tenants is made an integral part of broader social housing policy formation. That submission will be available on our website once complete. The Department of Housing is encouraging any interested parties to make submissions and observations about the recommendations contained in the report. It is likely that the SHTF final report will play an instrumental part in shaping state government policy in relation to social housing issues in the state over the coming years. As such, WACOSS would urge as many community service providers as possible to contribute to the consultative process. Barry Doyle is currently working on the preparation of the WACOSS submission and you are invited to contact him if you would like to comment on any of the recommendations in the report for inclusion in the WACOSS submission. You can contact Barry at barry@wacoss.org.au or by telephone, 94207222. Alternatively, you can forward completed submissions to the Department of Housing directly. The contact details are as follows: Mr Julian Wright Principal Policy Officer Affordable Housing Strategy Department of Housing 99 Plain Street EAST PERTH WA 6004 Email: SPDfeedback@housing.wa.gov.au top ACOSS Media Release: Historic Test Case Brings Wage Increases for Community Workers a Step Closer Community sector workers around the country are one step closer to higher wages following the announcement of a landmark pay equity test case in the new Fair Work system. “ACOSS congratulates the Australian Services Union and Federal Government for setting in train a process to address the low wages of community sector workers,” said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service… Click here to continue reading the ACOSS Media Release top Emergency Relief Conference Fully Booked The Emergency Relief Conference being held on 25th & 26th November is fully booked and no further registrations can be accepted. top WA Not for Profit Day – Providing Tools and Skills for a Resource Challenged and Competitive Sector, Thursday 10th December This annual conference has become a significant industry event that addresses the unique SPAissues faced by not-for-profit (NFP) organisations. Gain invaluable insights to ensure you are keeping up in this competitive and often restrictive environment. This one-day conference will provide you with the tools to address the latest issues and trends facing NFP organisations while exploring the latest technical, governance and sustainability challenges facing the sector. Key benefits of attending: Receive a comprehensive update on the ever-evolving topics of Western Australian Workplace Law, Superannuation, Accounting Standards and OHS; Discover the impact and future of mergers and acquisitions in the NFP sector Hear from experts on how key industry issues will affect you To claim the member rate, WACOSS members will need to ensure they register using the registration form rather than online registration, as we need to put that special rate through manually. Click here for the event brochure and registration form top NFPN Events: Unfair Dismissal Information Seminar, Tuesday 24th November As all employers should now be aware a new unfair dismissal jurisdiction is now in operation. This session will be informational and highly interactive – bring YOUR QUESTIONS about this issue and our experienced presenter will address them for you. There are substantial changes to the previous Unfair Dismissal regime brought about by the removal of the 100 employee exemption (where employees working for an employer of less than 100 employees could not take a claim). Prior to the introduction of the 100 employee exemption unfair dismissal claims were the most frequent and costly claims for employers across Australia – the result of its removal means the likelihood of employers experiencing a claim and its associated costs has increased dramatically. This is information all employers must know. Our seminar will be tailored to providing the information you really need to know, and it will be provided in a simple, easy to understand manner. Issues covered will include: Which employers are covered by the unfair dismissal regime Which employees are covered by the unfair dismissal regime The difference between the ‘large’ and ‘small’ employer unfair dismissal regimes The threshold matters an employee must satisfy to get access to the unfair dismissal regime What Fair Work Australia considers an unfair dismissal to be The Small Business Fair Dismissal Code – how to apply and things to keep in mind What is ‘harsh, unjust or unreasonable’ and how is it considered What amounts to a ‘genuine’ redundancy What remedies can be ordered should an unfair dismissal claim be found to exist What organisations can do now to protect their liability and avoid claims Click here to learn more about presenter Andrew Jones Duration: 3hrs – including time especially for your questions The Perth seminar will be held in a CBD location on November 24 (numbers permitting) REGISTER NOW And take advantage of the special rates: - $140 for NFPN Members (WACOSS members, email info@wacoss.org.au to receive member discount rate) - $170 for Non Members Click here to register top How to be a ‘SUPER’ Supervisor, Wednesday 18th November Identify and explore the skills and knowledge needed to become an effective supervisor Do you want to know how you can get the best out of staff, volunteers or contractors you supervise? Want to understand the differences involved in managing, supervising and coaching others? Supervising staff involves more than just signing the time sheets and checking that the job is done and deadlines are meet. A truly effective supervisor knows how to develop the full potential of others whilst ensuring their duties are met. This workshop will cover these topics and more. WHAT DOES IT COVER? Differences between managing, mentoring, coaching and counselling Roles and responsibilities of supervising others Identifying staff development needs Effective approaches for dealing with staff performance issues How to enhance performance Key areas involved in delegation WACOSS Contact: Gosia Czarnomska - ssso@wacoss.org.au Further Information For the full details and to register CLICK HERE or visit the new WACOSS Organisation Development Services website at www.wacosstraining.org.au. top The Project Manager’s Toolbox, Tuesday 1st December Identify and explore the practical tools and methods for ensuring your projects achieve the desired outcome, with minimal stress along the way If you are involved in managing a grant program, or your organisation’s regular and special projects, this workshop will give you a working knowledge and the practical tools and methods for ensuring your projects achieve the desired outcome, with minimum stress along the way. WHAT DOES IT COVER? Understanding the terminology, tools and resources used in Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK) Developing project ideas and writing workable project plans The different phases of a project and methods for managing each stage Problem solving tools, techniques and templates Managing and assessing risk Developing and tracking a project budget Overview of common software to assist in the tracking and progress of projects and their advantages and disadvantages WACOSS Contact: Gosia Czarnomska – ssso@wacoss.org.au Further Information For the full details and to register CLICK HERE or visit the new WACOSS Organisation Development Services website at www.wacosstraining.org.au. top

Excellent items keeping tabs on mainstream & new media – New Extra!: The Need for Public Media; Health Industry Money

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