AUSTRALIAN MILITARY COMMUNICATION GLOBALISED

Defence Minister Hill today announced that global defence giant General Dynamics will co-ordinate creation of the Australian Defence Force's new communications system.



General Dynamics claims it " has leading market positions in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. It is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, and employs approximately 70,800 people worldwide

The company is to be assisted by the Adelaide-based international defence corporation Tenix (whose consultants have included former Defence Minister Peter Reith) with ADI, Tenix founders Transfield share ADI in a consortium half-owned by European communications group Thales. The two goups have previously proposed merging aspects of their businesses. Thales acts as recruitment centre for ADI.

It's possible to guess who will look after the subcontracting work, but that would be pure speculation


Here's Minister Hill's medoa release:

Preferred Tenderer FOR BATTLESPACE COMMUNICATIONS PROJECT

General Dynamics, in partnership with ADI and Tenix, has been selected as the Phase One Preferred Tenderer for the design, development and implementation of Defence’s future digital communications system, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

Senator Hill said the Battlespace Communications Systems will increase the efficiency and capacity of the Army and land-based Air Force elements to rapidly share information on the battlefield.

Phase One is approved for $97 million, and will focus on the development of the overall systems design and architecture for future procurements of communications equipment for the Land Force. This will provide enhanced Voice and Data communications capabilities and enhanced technology upgrades to equip a digitised Joint Task Force.

"This project is a key component in the delivery of network centric warfare to the land environment," Senator Hill said.

"This project will deliver state of the art digital voice and data communication, including video and multimedia, as well as an upgrade plan to ensure that the ADF’s equipment remains at the forefront of technology.

"Equipment will span the majority of field deployable units in both the Army and Air Force and is likely to range from small hand held radios to larger vehicle mounted communications equipment."

Estimated at up to $800 Million, the project has been broken up into three phases that are currently programmed over the next 10 years. Under this project, equipment will be introduced into service from 2007/2008.

"The preferred Prime Systems Integrator, General Dynamics, has significant experience in the design and development of complex communications systems through previous work on similar projects with the Canadian and British Armies," Senator Hill said.

"General Dynamics’ involvement in this project will enable the ADF to leverage this experience to strengthen Australia’s systems integration and communications expertise and further develop this critical capability."

General Dynamics has established a new company, General Dynamics Systems Australia (GDSA), as part of this project and will progressively transfer management and engineering work from General Dynamics Canada to GDSA. This will generate new jobs and further enhance the specialised skills needed in Australia’s Electronic Systems sector.

As the Prime Systems Integrator, General Dynamics will embed employees from ADI and Tenix into their team to work on the project and support system definition and design, speciality engineering, life cycle cost modelling, and the interface of the new architecture with existing systems.

"ADI and Tenix involvement will increase in later stages of the project to include delivery of training and logistics support," Senator Hill said.

"This will result in opportunities for Australian industry including, small-to-medium enterprises, to participate in vehicle installations, supply of equipment and through life support activities."

ENDS

Other Australian defence companies with signifigant global activity include BAE Australia, Boeing Australia and KBR Australia.

$2.6 MILLION FISHERIES PATROL VESSEL

Surveillance of the state’s significant fisheries and the capability to respond to emergencies at sea will be boosted with the launch of a new $2.6 million fisheries patrol vessel.

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister, Rory McEwen said the new vessel, the ‘Southern Ranger’ would be based at North Haven to enable rapid deployment into Gulf St Vincent and adjacent waters.

Speaking at the launch, Mr McEwen said ‘Southern Ranger’ would patrol all State and Commonwealth waters from the Western Australian to Victorian borders.

“The ‘Southern Ranger’ has a range of 800 nautical miles – three times the range of the current patrol vessel it will replace –has a faster cruising speed and will provide twice the sea coverage out to 200 nautical miles,” he said. “The operation of the offshore patrol vessel is an essential component of PIRSA Fisheries compliance operations aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the State’s fish stocks for the future".

“With continued sustainable development of the fishing industry over the next decade, the role of the offshore patrol vessel is expected to become even more strategically important in managing this valuable resource in waters adjacent to South Australia,” Mr McEwen said.

Capabilities of the ‘Southern Ranger’ include:

• A tactical on-water response to reports of suspected illegal fishing activity, including FISHWATCH reports and vessel monitoring;
• An operational presence in specific fishing zones based on intelligence analysis;
• Assisting in the collection of intelligence on suspected illegal fishing activity;
• Responding to shark threats where logistically possible
• Patrolling the State’s marine parks;
• Contributing to the education of fishers and the community about fisheries management and fisheries legislation;
• General surveillance of fishing zones under service level agreements with industry and other Government agencies including Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), The Australian Customs Service, The Department for Transport, Energy & Infrastructure and The Department of Environment & Heritage (State and Commonwealth);
• An emergency response to disasters at sea as part of a formal arrangement with the South Australian Police Department and the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.

The new vessel replaces the 14-year old fisheries patrol vessel, the ‘Tucana’.

The ‘Southern Ranger’ has a state-of-the-art navigation system with the capacity to track vessels for considerable distances.

The long-range patrol vessel complements the department’s fleet of 23 smaller vessels that patrol rivers, gulfs and in-shore areas.

SA DEPORTEES IN "COVER-UP" ROW

Senator Amanda Vanstone and a senior immigration official have defended their decision to send an Adelaide-resident refugee family to Pakistan despite complaints of a cover-up by politicians and a refugee advocate.

Amidst calls by the Australian Democrats for an inquiry, DIMIA Deputy secretary Bob Correll said that "Any claims that the Bakhtiari family have a formal right of residence in Afghanistan do not affect the refugee assessments made in their cases, or the appropriateness of their return to Pakistan"

Refugee advocate Marylin Sheppard, whose research exposed the Vivian Alvarez scandal, asked today "When on earth is someone going to ask [Senator Vanstone} just how the hell Afghans get Pakistani citizenship without ever applying for it? Afghans are not allowed to have Pakistani citizenship."

‘The Government of Pakistan confirmed that the family are citizens of Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan confirmed this in writing and provided Pakistan travel documents for the family,’ Mr Correll said.

‘When the family was removed, they had no legal right to remain in Australia. Having pursued at least 20 different court appeals, all visa and court matters had been finalised. Pakistan had formally confirmed that they were citizens of Pakistan and so the department returned them to that country." he said. ‘If members of the family now choose to live in Afghanistan, that is their decision."

‘This does not create any basis for reopening their cases in Australia" he said

The Australian Democrats have called for an inquiry into the department's handling of the Bakhtyari case

Democrats Deputy Leader Senator Andrew Bartlett said that "One of the biggest features of the widely acknowledged cultural problems in D.I.M.I.A was a refusal to admit mistakes."

" The only way to get to the bottom of this is an independent investigation that can look at all the documents and all the evidence." Senator Bartlett said.

Senator Amanda Vanstone defended her department on Adelaide radio yesterday, saying that "I believe that proper processes were followed... it wasn't conclusive at the time, and they were unable to convince the department they were Afghanis, and they were unable to provide the department with appropriate documents."

"They were recognised by Pakistani authorities as Pakistani citizens so they were sent to Pakistan" Senator Vanstone said

Adelaide refugee advocate Marylin Sheppard said that "One woman [Senator Vanstone) transposed western values onto a poor girl from Afghanistan and called her a fraud and a liar." and asked "Did she apply for her baby boy to be a Pakistani citizen after registering his birth in SA as the child of Afghan parents?"

Ms Sheppard told ABC Radio that "No matter what Senator Vanstone says no one has the right to treat this girl and those children in the manner they've been treated by Australia "

DENTURE SERVICES DECAY

A decision to reallocate funding away from denture repair services may lead to elderly patients finding it difficult to get treatment, warned Kris Hanna MP, Member for Mitchell.

“A recent end to denture repair subsidies means that pensioners are now faced with the stark choice of either paying a lot of money for private treatment or waiting a potentially long period of time to see a technician at a community dental clinic” Mr Hanna said.

The decision to reduce funding for the State’s denture repair scheme was taken by the South Australian Dental Service. From the beginning of this week (Monday 26th), patients eligible to claim subsidies for treatment will only be seen at a community dental clinic, rather than at their local practice.

“If elderly people who require subsidised treatment are no longer permitted to be treated locally, the strain on community dental clinics could increase dramatically and waiting times could shoot up" said Mr Hanna.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WINES SHOWCASED IN INDIA

Some of South Australia’s best-known and most successful wines are being showcased in India this week, as part of a major South Australian business and trade mission.

As many as 50 Indian wine importers, wholesalers, retailers, hoteliers and media organisations will have a chance to sample the wines and talk with the winemakers, at a series of "Great Australia Wine Adventures."

The South Australian winemakers involved include Primo Estate, Bleasdale Wines, Grant Burge, Langmeil Winery, Heath Wines and DiGiorgio Wines, with more than 20 award winning wines on display and available for tasting.

Speaking from Bangalore, Industry and Trade Minister Paul Holloway says it’s hoped future wine sales to India will match the export success to countries such as Great Britain and the United States.

“South Australia’s wine industry has grown to become one of the leading producers of the world, with close to 50% of Australia’s wine grapes crushed in SA, and 60% of Australia’s wine exports from SA wineries,” said Mr Holloway.

“South Australian wines are now sold in 113 countries, with the U.K. continuing to be the biggest single market.” he said. “Right now, Australia lags behind France and the United States in terms of being a major wine supplier to the India market. However, the Government and our local wine industry are determined to increase SA’s share of what is a potentially huge market.”

The travelling wine exhibition opened in Mumbai on Monday night, continues tonight in Bangalore, and will end in Delhi on Friday.

RURAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION SUBSIDY TO BE SCRAPPED

The Government is considering scrapping motor vehicle registration subsidies for country South Australians, resulting in extra costs for motorists, the Liberal Party has warned.

Liberal transport spokesman Robert Brokenshire said a delegation from the Provincial Cities Association of South Australia (PCA) had been warned by Transport Minister Pat Conlon that the subsidy could be cut if they continued to fight for the State Government to fully-fund regional bus services.

Mr Brokenshire said the intimidation tactic was unacceptable. “Country drivers are already paying record prices for petrol – much higher than people in the metropolitan area – and travel greater distances." he said. “Imposing an extra charge will further hurt all country families and individuals.”

Mr Brokenshire said the Liberal Party would stand-up for regional South Australians, and that a future Liberal government would not withdraw the subsidy, sayig that “The Liberal Party will wholeheartedly support the PCA in its attempts to have this plan overturned.”

DEMOCRATS OPPOSE TERRORISM LEGISLATION

The South Australian Democrats State Parliamentary team will vote against the Howard-Rann State Terrorism Bill.

“We oppose any such Bill, strongly, vigorously, and public" said S.A. Democrats Parliamentary leader Sandra Kanck MLC. " “If we pass this legislation, the terrorists will win,”

The Democrats have urged Liberal and Labor MP’s in State Parliament to vote with their conscience when the draconian Bills are introduced.

The Liberal-Labor/Federal-State agreement requires all Australian State and Territory Parliaments to pass the legislation for it to become national law.

“Any laws which lead to racial profiling, force citizens to wear tracking devices on their ankles or wrists, and put people in jail for two weeks without being charged, are anti-Australian and anti-democratic. These are the very freedoms we need to protect. If we take them away, Australia loses and the terrorists win.” Ms Kanck said.

The South Australian Democrats have urged Liberal and Labor MP’s in State Parliament to vote with their conscience when the draconian Bills are introduced.

“The Democrats will also exercise a conscience vote – and our conscience is clear,” Ms Kanck said.

SA SEAFOOD REVENUE DIVES

The State Opposition has claimed that fishing revenue has fallen 20% in the last three years.

A leaked government report shows Fisheries Minister Rory McEwen is in denial about the disastrous export performance of South Australia’s seafood industry.

“Last week we received a leaked copy of the SA Food Scorecard which shows seafood revenue has fallen by 20% under Labor,” Mr Kerin said.

Mr Kerin claimed that SA’s seafood revenue has fallen from $856 million to $679 million under the Rann Government. Despite this, Mr McEwen today claimed the industry would be worth $2 billion if it doubled in value. Mr Kerin said that "The report also says that 10,000 jobs have been lost from the food industry in 12 months. That means we now have to triple the value of the industry to reach our target, not just double it" .

LIBS CALL FOR TRAM FLIP PROBE

Liberal Transport spokesperson has called for an inquiry into the safety of Adelaide’s tram tracks after the third tram derailment in 10 days.

Mr Brokenshire said Transport Minister Conlon had been highly visible during the announcement of new trams in King William St but less vocal in relation to a series of derailments on the government’s recently refurbished tram lines.

“This tired repetition of TransAdelaide tram derailments can no longer be blamed on drivers,” Mr Brokenshire said. “A high level inquiry is needed to get to the bottom of the problem. We have just had a nine-week tram service closure to allow a track refurbishment project to proceed. The main outcome seems to be an unprecedented spate of derailments.

He said that “We now need a full inquiry into the entire tram refurbishment project, which has already blown out by $13 million before the $50 million for new tracks to North Adelaide and a further $11 million for extra trams is factored in.”

Mr Brokenshire said there appeared to be something wrong with the tram track upgrade.

“The Rann Government can’t keep blaming the tram drivers when it didn’t even complete the track renovation into the Glengowrie tram depot,” he said

CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT

The State Government will host a summit later this year focusing on how to tackle climate change.

“This will be a comprehensive summit bringing together experts, policy-makers, business and industry representatives, green groups and a whole range of people to really focus on the challenge that climate change will confront us with, and to look at ways that we can tackle it,’’ he said.

“This week governments across Australia are focusing on terrorism, but climate change has been identified as just as significant a threat to our lives. South Australia is doing something about it – this State Government is acting by developing our own climate change strategy to guide how we will deal with climate change.

A wide variety of interest groups will be invited to attend the summit, as well as the Economic Development Board, Social Inclusion Board and Premier’s Roundtable on Sustainability.

Minister Hill said as well as developing a Greenhouse Strategy, and setting the targets of the Kyoto Protocol in South Australia’s Strategic Plan, the State Government had already introduced practical measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in South Australian homes.

“We have mandated greener hot water systems for all new homes from July next year with the aim of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. We are also moving towards renewable energy for our public buildings, including Parliament House, and our schools,’’ he said

SA RECRUITING IN MUMBAI FOR DEFENCE AND RESEARCH WORKERS

The S.A. Government is attempting to recruit workers to the State from the commercial centre of India.

Addressing a seminar on ''Living, Working and Studying in South Australia'' in Mumbai this week, S.A. Trade and Industry Minister Paul Holloway said bio-science, automotive, manufacturing, medical research and hospitality were sectors where his country could employ people from the developing countries.

Mr Holloway said that South Australia offers varied job opportunities for overseas workers across a range of key industries including defence, healthcare and engineering.

''If you have skills in these areas, South Australia invites you to be a part of our cutting-edge defence industry,'' he enthused.

The Trade Minister referred to S.A. as the high technology centre of Australia's defence industry, leading the country in shipbuilding, submarine support, aerospace and defence research and development.

In a statement released last March, S.A. Premier Mike Rann said his Government had set a target to boost the number of people employed in the State’s defence industry from 16 000 to 28 000.

Mr Rann said that" Positioning ourselves to win more contracts will help us to achieve so many of South Australia’s Strategic Plan targets on job creation, economic growth, investment, interstate migration, exports, strategic infrastructure and establishing co-operative research centres and centres of excellence."

He said that “To win more defence contracts, we have to demonstrate that South Australia has the skills, the infrastructure, and the full-throttle backing of the SA Government."

Mr Holloway and the South Australian delegation will also travel to Bangalore and Chennai, with the aim of the mission to promote the South Australian education, wine, water, toolmaking and information technology sectors, as well as promoting SA as a migration destination.

Premier Rann will lead a trade delegation to India next month.

The head of the state's peak information and commutications technology lobby group told The Australian the government of "not looking in its own backyard" for skills.

ICT Council for SA chairman David Raffen, told the newspaper that the Premier was "wasting taxpayer's money" and should be paying more attention to the state's existing capabilities.

The Council has previously expressed concern at a suggestion by Administrative and Information Services Minister, Jay Weatherill, that industry development will not be a dominant factor in the Government's future ICT services procurement.

P.M. FUNDS NATIONAL TERROR INITIATIVES

Prime Minister John Howard today announced funding for a new counterterrorsm package.

The funding will support measures agreed upon between the Federal Government and the nations' State Premiers.

Following today's meeting of the Council of Australian Governments’ meeting (COAG) to discuss national counter-terrorism arrangements Mr Howard announced $40 million in additional funding for a range of measures "to deliver increased safety and security to all Australians."

These measures are in addition to the Government’s recent commitment of $200 million to further tighten security at Australia’s major airports.

Initiatives announced today include:

• $17.3 million over five years to establish an Australian Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Data Centre located within the Australian Federal Police (AFP);
• $2.4 million over five years to support the establishment of a Chemical Warfare Agents Laboratory Network, which will provide a network of laboratories across Australia for the analysis of chemical agents;
• $9.2 million over four years for the enhancement of Australia’s national counter-terrorism exercise regime - the enhanced programme will provide a greater focus on exercising Australia’s ability to manage mass casualty incidents, particularly in places such as major city precincts and transport hubs;
• $1.3 million over four years to support the development of a national strategy to explain to the public, through a set of clear, concise messages, the arrangements set out in the National Counter-Terrorism Plan and improved, centralised communication with the media during a crisis;
• $5.9 million in 2005-06 to support the development of a national action plan to build on the principles agreed at my recent meeting with Islamic community leaders and to undertake a range of related work including Muslim community liaison, community partnership projects, a national youth summit and leadership and media training;
• $1 million over three years for Commonwealth aspects of the implementation of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee’s review of urban mass passenger surface transport security arrangements; and
• $700,000 to assist Commonwealth participation in the National Counter-Terrorism Committee review of closed circuit television capability and development of a national code of practice.
• Further, the COAG has agreed to establish a unified policing model at each of the 11 counter-terrorism first response (CTFR) airports including: an Airport Police Commander, a dedicated Joint Intelligence Group, a CTFR capability and a permanent community policing presence, and at each of the major international airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide), a Joint Airport Investigation Team.

The Australian Government has agreed to fully fund under the unified model a full-time community policing presence of AFP officers wearing AFP uniforms and under AFP command at all major Australian airports, with officers seconded or recruited from State and Territory police forces. The funding details for this initiative will be settled and announced shortly.

The COAG communiqué can be found at: www.coag.gov

Australian Lawyers Alliance president Richard Faulks told ABC News that the laws are totalitarian and un-Australian.

"Depending on what the final version is, I think it is a retrograde step, and one that we didn't need," Mr Faulks said.

"Australians value their freedom and even though everyone is concerned about terrorism and rightly so, there are steps that can be taken that are still consistent with proper safeguards which are part of our everyday life."

The union for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has told the ABC that it does not have enough officers to take on the new airport security functions approved today.

Spokesman Jim Torr said that more than 600 employees have been redeployed to counter-terrorism functions since the September 11 terrorist attacks.

"The AFP has to grow proportionately to the scope of the increase of its role," he said.

South Australian Premier Mike Rann told the Financial Review he was confident the leaders would convince Mr Howard to include a sunset clause as part of the package. "I think that a sunset clause after 10 years would be a smart thing."

He said that terrorism was just another word for mass murder, and the new laws should reflect the seriousness of the crime.

SA WATER DEAL MAY MEAN SUMMER BAY DUSTBOWL

A deal by SA Water to sell recycled water to Adelaide Airport has led to a 1600% price rise in water sold to local community groups.

The arrangement is claimed to threaten the future of major sports grounds and golf courses in the West Beach-Glenelg recreation precinct.

Local MP Duncan McFetridge said SA Water had already told some of the clubs that as result of a new deal to supply the airport with treated effluent from the Glenelg WWTP, the cost of recycled water for existing customers in the local recreation precinct would skyrocket from 2.5c per kilolitre to 41c per kilolitre

He said that Adelaide Shores, the Glenelg and Kooyonga golf courses, Glenelg Baseball Club, the Metropolitan Showjumping Club and Holdfast Bay Council will all be severely affected by SA Water ending a decades-old agreement to supply recycled water from Glenelg Wastewater Treatment Plant.

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Dr McFetridge said SA Water’s ultimatum meant the clubs and facilities faced the stark alternative of turning off the water and turning the area's golf courses and sports grounds into "a summer dustbowl.," concluding that it was "incredibly disappointing and disloyal that SA Water – a 100% government-owned corporation – should choose to leave the community high and dry in this way.”

INDEPENDENT COMPLAINTS COMMISSION

A high-powered independent Complaints Commission established by the Rann Government will begin investigating Health and Community Services complaints next week.

“For the first time in South Australia an independent commission will now delve into the heart of complaints across the public and private sectors.” says Health Minister Ms Lea Stevens.

Ms Stevens says the Commission will be a catalyst for improving services and accountability using its unprecedented powers to make system-wide recommendations.

“We’re knocking down the barriers because it’s vital that the Commission be able to investigate all areas of the health and community services sector which often cross paths" she said, adding that

“South Australia’s Commissioner carries the widest and most comprehensive powers of any other Commissioner in Australia with the ability to force extensive cooperation including the hand-over of documents.

Other Commissioners also have no say over the full extent of community services.

“The Commissioner will not only assess these cases, but also help parties negotiate a mutually acceptable outcome and has the option of making recommendations for change.”

South Australia’s Complaints Commissioner also has the power to identify and instigate investigations into a range of cases or system issues where no public complaints have necessarily been lodged.

The Act establishing Commissioner Leena Sudano’s powers allows her to start taking complaints from the public next Tuesday (October 4^th).

SWEDISH ROYAL VISIT

South Australia is to host a royal visit in November by the King and Queen of Sweden, also attracting a high level Swedish business delegation.

Premier Mike Rann announced details of the two-day visit by His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf and Her Majesty Queen Silvia.

“The tour will showcase our State’s defence and wine industries. It will also highlight South Australia’s leadership in solar power technology and in key areas of science and research." Mr Rann said.

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The royal couple will arrive on the 10^th of November.More than 200 of South Australia’s business, industry and education leaders as well as representatives from Swedish and regional communities will be invited to meet the royal couple at a State Dinner.

The King will examine Origin Energy’s revolutionary Sliver technology, maximising the benefit of solar panels, and tour SAAB Systems in Salisbury.

“South Australia has a special link to Sweden. Not only are the Swedes big consumers of SA wine, but our submarine project down at Osborne utilised Swedish technology and Swedish designs The Swedish defence company will be a strong contender to win high-tech work on the $6 billion Air Warfare Destroyers to be built in South Australia. . " Mr Rann said.

The royal couple will also spend time with Governor Marjorie Jackson-Nelson before continuing their Australian visit which takes in Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Uluru and Perth between the 7^th and 12^th of November..

$50,000 REWARD FOR ROCK THROWERS

Police Minister Kevin Foley says a reward of up to $50,000 will be offered to members of the public who come forward with information that leads to the conviction of anyone causing injury by throwing rocks into traffic.

``Anyone who throws a rock into traffic is an idiot, a thug and a coward,’’ Mr Foley said , continuing ``The Government, the Police and the community are sick of this dangerous activity and will work closely to bring these rock throwers to justice.

``The reward is the same as that on offer for information leading to the conviction of anyone lighting a bushfire and is an indication of how serious the Government views this matter.

`

`While a $10,000 reward had already been on offer for information after rock throwing incidents earlier this year, we hope that by raising it to a possible $50,000 might persuade people with information to come forward to the police as soon as possible. There has already been one serious injury through this stupidity, we do not want to see anyone die.

Those that are throwing these rocks also need to know their action could land them a lengthy jail term. If convicted of throwing a missile you can be fined $10,000 or face a two year jail term, or you could also be convicted of an act to endanger life, which could result in a jail term of between 5 and 15 years" said Mr Foley

Mental Health Committee visits Adelaide

Submissions to the Senate Mental Health Inquiry say there has been deterioration in mental health services in SA and the reduction in beds in psychiatric hospitals has not been matched by places in the community.

Senator Lyn Allison chairs the Inquiry which will hold a hearing today in Adelaide. The SA Public Advocate (OPA), St Vincent de Paul Society and the SA Department of Health are amongst those giving evidence.

"The OPA criticise the siege mentality of service provision, the adhocery that results from tendering services and short term funding strategies, that they say cause costly problems down the track," Senator Allison said.

"With most mental health funding now allocated to the soon-to-be-closed Glenside, Adelaide's only adult residential treatment facility, the OPA warns that decentralising services could mean funding is contingent upon the goodwill of the Government of the day and regional organisations."

Other key points made in SA submissions:
The current level of mental health services in prison 'must be regarded as inadequate and borders on the dangerous'. 'the number of available beds has declined from 30 down to 8' OPA;
The OPA has no right of access to detainees at Baxter or ability to provide advocacy. Extended periods of incarceration when there is no certainty about the future can only serve to exacerbate or create mental health problems potentially resulting in longer term or permanent disability OPA;
The St Vincent de Paul Society called for government buck passing to stop and criticised the incarceration of an immigration detainee for 14 months, now in solitary confinement, saying the appropriate assessment from the Mental Health Review Tribunal has been neglected for 8 months;
'. between 14 and 18% of children and young people aged 4 to 16 years experience mental health problems of clinical significance but receive only 7% of the mental health dollar' - Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association; and
'South Australia has identified a significant lack of long term supported accommodation options for people with disabilities, particularly psychiatric disability' - SA Government.

The mental health public hearing will be held in the Old Chamber Room of SA Parliament House today from 9.00am.
The committee will also visit Baxter detention centre on
Wednesday.

WOMAN LEFT IN AGONY AS AMBULANCE FAILS TO ARRIVE

A woman with no feeling in her legs had an operation cancelled because her pre-booked ambulance was diverted to another site, and was later told there were “no other ambulances available in South Australia”.

Liberal health spokesman Dean Brown said Robyn Stanbury of Mt Torrens had an ambulance booked to be transported from Gumeracha Hospital to the Wakefield Hospital for her operation.

“Ms Stanbury was badly injured in a car accident three-and-a-half years ago, and has since had on-going spinal problems and surgery,” he said, continuing:

“A few weeks ago, she lost feeling in her legs and was taken to Gumeracha Hospital where she remained in the lead-up to a scheduled operation at the Wakefield Hospital on September 21. The ambulance had been pre-booked by SA Ambulance headquarters on September 16 – five days before the procedure.
It was scheduled to arrive at Gumeracha at 12 noon on September 21, but when it was 20 minutes late a ward clerk contacted SA Ambulance to check where it was.
Only then were they told the ambulance had been diverted and that there was not another one available anywhere in South Australia to send. As a result, Ms Stanbury’s operation was cancelled because the anaesthetist at Wakefield Hospital could not wait.”

Mr Brown said he found it extraordinary that there were no ambulances available in South Australia. “My concern is that too much money is being spent by the Rann Government on bureaucrats for SA Ambulance, instead of providing basic services for the public,” he said.

Ms Stanbury’s partner Jason Dunn said the situation was totally unacceptable.
“Robyn is in extreme pain every minute of the day, and it is devastating to see her like this. If Ambulance SA had notified us there was a shortage of ambulances, we might have been able to arrange alternate transport” he said.

CROSSBOWS COME UNDER FIRE

South Australia is set to outlaw the manufacture, sale, distribution, supply or possession of crossbows without lawful excuse by declaring them a ‘dangerous article’.

Crossbows are currently treated as an ‘offensive weapon’ which means it is against the law to carry it without lawful excuse.

“Now the Rann Government is going one step further so that crossbows can’t be manufactured, sold, or even possessed without lawful excuse in S.A.,” says Attorney-General Michael Atkinson.

“That means legitimate businesspeople servicing legitimate archery competitors can continue their business, but they can also be held responsible if they were to sell a crossbow to some dodgy character who clearly has no legitimate use for the crossbow.

“Certainly backyarders who have knocked together a crossbow and sold it to someone else for their criminal purposes will now be caught up by this change because the law will make them accountable for the role they played. It will apply to anyone who gave or lent a crossbow knowing it was to be used for a crime.

“The new Regulations will also carry far greater penalties, with an offender facing a fine of up to $7,500 or 18 months gaol. Current penalties for carrying an ‘offensive weapon’ are one third of that.

“It is important to note that we do not have a history of offences of violence using ordinary crossbows in S.A. however a South Australian manufacturer has admitted manufacturing and supplying a crossbow to a New South Wales teenager who deliberately injured two girls.”Mr Atkinson said

In 2003 the 16-year-old schoolboy threw a Molotov cocktail and fired a sharpened crossbow bolt at his former girlfriend from a distance of 2.5 metres, injuring them. He was found not guilty of attempted murder, but was convicted of two offences of malicious wounding with intent and with an offence of using a prohibited weapon.

The ban will come into effect next year.

YOUNG SOUTH AUSTRALIANS WANTED

At least five positions on the State’s Ministerial Youth Council (MYC) are now on offer to young people right across South Australia.

Minister for Youth, Stephanie Key, is calling for nominations from young people aged between 12-22* years, to fill the three-year term vacancies.

Made up of fifteen people from across the state, the Council provides regular advice to the Minister and State Government on policy areas and issues that affect young people.

Minister Key said that young South Australians with a passion for being involved in decision-making processes are encouraged to apply.

“The MYC ensures that young people have a greater say in Government and in areas that matter to them,” she said.

“It’s also a fantastic way to keep the Government informed of issues that influence the younger generation of our state.

“As Minister for Youth, I am committed to making sure that young people are provided with real opportunities to learn about, and take an active role in political, economic, social and cultural life.”

Established in 1999, the MYC formally meets once a month to provide advice on policy areas being considered by Government, as well as on items raised by the Council’s membership. Members sit on the Council independently and are not representatives of specific groups or agencies.

Current Council Chairperson, Dale Foody, said that the MYC is currently undergoing a revamp, including the development of a new constitution.

“This is a great time for new members to apply,” he said.

“Adelaide recently hosted a meeting of all ministerial council chairs across Australia – the first of its kind. We are also putting into place a rotating membership system where five members will be replaced each year to ensure continuity.

“The MYC gives young people an excellent opportunity to have direct contact with the Minister for Youth and to influence Government policies. We really can make a difference and help to make changes for the better.”

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Ms Key said that applicants do not need to have specific formal experience, but should possess an interest in issues that affect young people.

“Members are selected on their ability to represent the views of their peers to the Government,” she said.

“The Council seeks to have its membership based on a mix of young people of various ages and life experiences.

“This is a once in a lifetime chance to be involved in decisions that that not only affect them, but also their families and the wider community.”

Applications close on Friday 21 October 2005. Application forms can be obtained from the Office for Youth’s website at www.officeforyouth.sa.gov.au OR by contacting the Minister’s Youth Council Executive Officer on 8207 0676.

HICKS SEEKS U.K. CITIZENSHIP FOR FREEDOM

An Adelaide man is seeking to alter his citizenship in a bid for release from U..S imprisonment.

David Hicks was arrested in Afghanistan in 2001, and has since been imprisoned at the U..S.'s Halliburton-constructed Guantanemo Bay installation.

Hicks is one of only five Guantanemo prisoners to be charged of the 500 currently incarcerated there.

Hick's U.S. lawyer Major Michael Mori says that Hick's application would be granted automatically because he has an English mother. This information only came to light when Hicks was discussing the recent Australia-England cricket matches. David's father, Adelaide resident Terry Hicks said that on being asked how he felt about Australia's recent match loss"David's answer was that he didn't feel that patriotic as far as the Australians and the English go because his mother was still a British national and still carried a UK passport. It threw Major Mori."

While Prime Minister John Howard has refused to comment on the matter, Foreign Affairs minister Alexander Downer said that ""If Mr Hicks and his lawyers want to try to circumvent justice by going to some other country and they think that will help them, that's a matter between him and that country,"

Mr Downer has revealed that he has been aware of Hick's intention since the start of the month. and told ABC Radio that the issue was raised in his meeting with U.S. Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

Shadow Attorney-General Nicola Roxon has accused the Government of trying to pre-empt Mr Hicks's application, saying that "Have they actually been making comments in the last month urging the US to speed up Mr Hicks' trial, all along thinking that they had to get this going before some embarrassing story like today's revelations came out?"

Federal Oppoition Leader Kim Beazley said that Hick's trial should occur in the U.S., but not by the military. He said that "In the case of the United States that's a civil jurisdiction, they've got very good courts, and that is where David Hicks should be tried."

"Our Government has abandoned him" Democrats' Attorney-Generals Spokesperson Senator Natasha Stott Despoja said. "Unlike other countries such as Spain, France and the United Kingdom, Australia has left its citizen to rot in Guantanomo Bay without adequate support or rights. It is a tragedy that the Government has allowed the situation to come to this an Australian realising the only chance he has of obtaining a fair hearing is to change citizenship>

Hick's Adelaide lawyer David McLeod said that "He's not abandoning his Aussie citizenship, Customs can't send away an Australian citizen- I don't think there's any way they can currently resist his return to Australia, because he's not guilty of any breach of Australian law."

The Pentagon has announced that Hicks will face trial on November 18,
possibly coinciding with the visit of three U.S. Cabinet Ministers to Adelaide.

GREENS AND LIBS MOVE TO PROTECT FREE SPEECH

In Parliament this week, Greens MP Kris Hanna proposed a new law to protect the public’s right to voice their views to government.

“The essence of the Bill is to put some obstacles in the way of those who are criticised in the course of public debate, perhaps because of their actions in public office, perhaps because of their proposed developments, or perhaps because of the way in which they run their business.” Mr Hanna said.

“It is an essential part of our democracy that members of the public should individually or collectively be able to criticise the behaviour of corporate entities in that way. The Bill I have introduced specifically protects public participation from spurious defamation claims.”

This form of litigation has been termed a SLAPP – Strategic Lawsuit against Public Participation.

The most high profile SLAPP case in Australia is an action by forestry company Gunns Limited against 20 activists and environmental organisations who protested against the logging of old-growth forest in Tasmania.

“Although environmental activists have thus far been the target of SLAPPs, a wide variety of groups – such as animal rights organisers, unionists fighting for workers' rights or a local community group fighting for better consultation -could be caught up in this type of litigation.” Mr Hanna said.

“The growing use of SLAPP law suits is a threat to democracy. To protect the right of the public to participate in social and political activity, the Rann Government must support this Bill.”

Mr Hanna's move follows the Governments' introduction of anti-defamation legislation, based on a planned national standard intended to become national law by being proclaimed in all States.

The bill will limit the capacity of corporations or com­panies to sue for defamation. As originally proposed, this bill when introduced into this parliament prevented any company, a for-profit corporation, namely a business which is incorporated, to sue. We are glad that the Labor attorneys and the commonwealth government have come to an agreement on this to the extent that they will allow small businesses to sue
The national model provides for the States and Territories to change the laws by"

• inserting an objects clause that recognises the need to protect both personal reputation and freedom of expression;
• ensuring that truth is a stand-alone defence (as is already the case in South Australia)
• ruling out defamation of dead people (as proposed by the Commonwealth)
• removing the right of corporations to sue individuals
• shortening time limits for the ini
  tiation of litigation to 12 months
• capping damages so that they are not more than the awards for personal injury
• streamlining offers of amends – i.e. withdrawal of allegation and apologies and encouraging speedy settlement

Shadow Attorney General Robert Lawson said in Parliament this week that "defamation laws in this state seem to have been operated, certainly so far as the reported cases are concerned, for the benefit of politicians, union officials and police officers."

Mr Lawson went on to say that " It is extraordinary that so many of the cases which reach the courts in this state are really members of parliament or union officials squaring up in relation to matters of public interest. The case of Ralph Clarke v the Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson, which led to a settlement—the full details of which have never been satisfactorily disclosed to the public—is yet another case where we have politicians using the defamation laws of this state."

The bill will limit the capacity of corporations or com­panies to sue for defamation. As originally proposed, this bill when introduced into this parliament prevented any company, a for-profit corporation, namely a business which is incorporated, to sue.

Mr Lawson said he was " glad that the Labor attorneys and the commonwealth government have come to an agreement on this to the extent that they will allow small businesses to sue."

LIBERAL CANDIDATES URGE GOVERNMENT ON BUS SHELTERS
Friday, 23 September 2005


State Liberal candidates in the northern and north-eastern suburbs have urged the Rann Government to reinstate the funding it withdrew for the construction and upgrading of public bus shelters.

The six local candidates have called on Transport Minister Hon Pat Conlon to instruct the Public Transport Division to resume negotiations with the City of Salisbury, and other local government bodies, about a funding partnership for bus shelters.

In conjunction with the former Passenger Transport Board, metropolitan councils funded the installation of public bus shelters on the basis of passenger loadings at particular bus stops. This partnership was established under the previous Liberal Government.

In 2003-04, the Rann Government – through the Office of Public Transport (now the Public Transport Division of the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure) – withdrew funding for this joint venture. Many councils continued the program of installing shelters in good faith, despite the withdrawal of State Government funding.

Candidates Stephen Ernst (Wright), Ron Watts (Little Para), Tom Javor (Playford), Linda Caruso (Taylor), Damien Pilkington (Ramsay) and Pat Trainor (Florey), along with Liberal MLC John Dawkins, are supporting Salisbury Council’s quest for the State Government to resume the bus shelter partnership that previously existed.

In a letter to Mr Dawkins, the council wrote: “the State Government again in 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 did not allocate any funding for the provision of bus shelters or upgrading stops to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. Despite council’s request to both the Minister for Transport and the Public Transport Division, no funding is to be allocated towards the installation or upgrade of bus shelters”.

Mr Dawkins said that“The council feels that, because it is not the operator of the public transport system, this should be the role of the State Government. That is why it has not allocated any funds for the installation or upgrade of bus shelters within the City of Salisbury”

“The City of Salisbury, like many other metropolitan councils, has been keen to pursue a funding partnership for bus shelters with the State Government. Unfortunately it would seem that Salisbury’s lobbying of the Minister for Transport and the PTD has been fruitless” he said.

The Liberal candidates have also urged Minister Conlon to take action, in the interim, to ensure the provision of appropriate bus shelters for public bus passengers, particularly those with a disability.

Media release here

EXTRA PATROLS FOR ADELAIDE'S BEACHES

The Rann Government will more than double funding for shark patrols along metropolitan beaches this summer - including those conducted by Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA).

In the wake of the tragic loss of two lives to shark attacks off our metropolitan beaches in the past nine months, the Government will provide funding for SLSSA’s Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, as well as fixed-wing beach patrols this summer.

The Government has allocated $100,000 for the SLSSA helicopter service – representing an extra 100 flying hours – allowing the service to operate up to six hours a day between 12 noon and 7 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, between November 2005 and March 2006.

The funding will also help SLSSA to operate the helicopter service during special summertime community events, such as open water swims.

SLSSA has advised the helicopter service will operate from North Haven to Goolwa (which is more than 120 km of coastline), enhancing the beach patrols and surf rescue operations already provided during summer by the organisation’s 4,500 volunteers.

Funding has also been allocated to operate fixed-wing beach patrols during the summer school holidays – from December 12^th to January 30^th. The selection process to determine the provider of the fixed-wing service is underway.

Emergency Services Minister Carmel Zollo says enhancing safety on Adelaide’s beaches has been a top priority for the Rann Government.

“Adelaide’s beaches are a major focus for summer holiday-makers, especially during the school holidays, and the Government understands that local and visiting families want to feel as safe as possible when they go to the beach,” said Minister Zollo.

“Therefore the Government has made increasing beach patrols a top priority – evidenced by the more than doubling of last year’s beach patrol allocation.

“The Government already provides more than $1.1 million in annual funding for Surf Life Saving SA, to help its dedicated and highly-skilled volunteers to continue to play their vital safety role on South Australia’s beaches. The extra $100,000 for the helicopter service will further boost SLSSA’s ability to patrol our beaches and respond to emergencies.”“The fixed-wing service, which has been provided by the Government for the past three summers, will support and complement the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter,” said Minister Zollo

AFFORDABLE HOUSING INNOVATIONS UNIT

Housing Minister Jay Weatherill has launched the Affordable Housing Innovations Unit, which will facilitate affordable local housing developments.
The Unit will work liaise with the urban development and housing industries, infrastructure and planning agencies and public and private organisations.

“We are now seeing a whole generation of young Australians who could be forever locked out of the housing market, stuck paying rent with no hope of leaving a bricks-and-mortar legacy for their children,” Mr Weatherill said.

“Affordable housing is no longer an issue just restricted to lower income households.

“Members might be staggered to learn that 60 per cent of South Australians can't afford to buy a home worth more than $200,000.

“This Government has acknowledged that we need to take action if we are to combat the crisis facing housing affordability in this State.

“To address housing affordability, we have set targets in our State Strategic Plan and have established a system within the Department for Families and Communities to fulfil the objectives of the Housing Plan.

“So we have kick-started our Affordable Housing Innovation Fund with $15 million through the Housing Plan, and established the new Unit to run it.

The Unit will:

• develop investment strategies to create affordable homes
• broker arrangements between social housing agencies, planning, land owners, private industry, local government, not-for-profit organisations and communities
• provide expertise in the development of new opportunities for affordable housing (financing, planning, policy)
• promote affordability objectives within the planning system so that development processes support an appropriate supply of affordable housing

“This Government wants to put South Australia back in the forefront of housing policy nationally,” Mr Weatherill said.

“We have started this by pushing for work to be done on a National Affordable Housing Plan through Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers" he said adding that the Government was “.... implementing the Housing Plan through innovative projects and partnerships with local governments, private developers and community groups."

The S.A. Government is already in negotiation with major property and development groups such as the Pickard Group, Delfin Partners, AV Jennings and Pacific Real Estate with "positive results. The Housing Unit will be holding nine regional and metropolitan information sessions over the next couple months to explain the program and identify agencies interested in participating.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR PETROL PRICES AVOIDED BY PROFITING GOV'T- LIBS

The Rann Government has shirked responsibility for lowering South Australian petrol prices while generating more revenue from increased fuel prices, according to the S.A. Opposition

Liberal transport spokesman Robert Brokenshire said the government had used its numbers to amend a Liberal motion for a special sitting day in order to shift responsibility to the Federal Government

Mr Brokenshire said the State Government would be swimming in cash because of the recent surge in prices at the petrol pump..
.

“For every 10 cent increase at the bowser – sustained for a year – the government will collect an extra $20 million in revenue,” he said, .adding that “... if we continue to see prices hover around the $1.30 mark, the government can expect an extra $60 million-plus windfall next year."

Mr Lawson accused the Government of "attempting to shift the responsibility to the Federal Government," and of wiping its hands of the issue.

Media release here

LACK OF CONSULTATION IN I.R. JUDGE APPOINTMENT- LIBS

Attorney-General Michael Atkinson has today been forced to admit that he failed to comply with the law when the government appointed the sister of a Labor faction leader as judge of the Industrial Relations court without "proper consultation>". Mr Lawson said that newly appointed Industrial Relations Court judge Leonie Farrell is the sister of Labor right-faction convenor and union secretary Don Farrell. He said the Fair Work Act requires that “before” a judge is assigned to be a judge of the Industrial Court: “the Attorney-General must consult with the Senior Judge of the [Industrial] Court and the Chief Judge of the District Court about the proposed assignment”. “A proclamation appeared in the Government Gazette on 14 July stating that the assignment was made ‘after consultation by the Attorney-General’ with both judges, Mr Lawson said. “However, today in Parliament, under questioning in the House of Assembly from Opposition frontbencher, Vickie Chapman, the Attorney-General admitted that he did not consult as required. “The government attempted to overcome the difficulty by issuing another proclamation on July 21 which acknowledged that the earlier proclamation ‘may have been ineffectual’.” Mr Lawson said. In Parliament, Mr Lawson said the requirement to consult with the two judges “is an important provision because the judges … may have some view about the capacity, the impartiality, the incompetence and the integrity of persons assigned to the Court”. “The State’s first law officer either doesn’t know what the law is or he is not sufficiently diligent to obey it. Media release here

DANGEROUS DRIVERS TARGETED BY GOV'T

People driving recklessly or dangerously on South Australian roads can be sent to jail for up to two years under the Rann Government’s latest reforms to be introduced to Parliament this week.

The new penalty is in line with a recommendation by the Kapunda Road Royal Commission that there be an intermediate step in South Australia’s serious driving offences – between Drive without Due Care and Dangerous Driving Cause Death.

Attorney-General Michael Atkinson says Dangerous Driving without death or injury currently attracts a fine and this change will deliver an eight-fold increase on the maximum three-month penalty for a second offence.

This fits between the 10-year penalty for Dangerous Driving Causing Death or Injury and a fine for Drive Without Due Care.

“Drivers are on notice that reckless driving on our roads will lead to a jail cell,” said Mr Atkinson.

Many of the Royal Commissioner’s Recommendations affecting police operations are being considered by a dedicated SAPol project team that is due to report soon.

“Although SAPol is still considering a range of proposed reforms, it has already taken some significant initial steps,” Mr Atkinson said.

“They include:

• Re-training Major Crash personnel in forensic procedures, investigation and disclosure;
• Skilled investigators overseeing investigations in the interim;
• Enhanced investigative experience within Major Crash;
• Major Crash’s outstanding cases being audited and all incoming cases to include a case consultation/review process;
• Developing an ongoing refresher-training program in forensic procedures for all SAPol officers.”

The amendments to the Criminal Law Consolidation (Serious Vehicle and Vessels Offences) Amendment Bill 2005 will be introduced to Parliament’s House of Assembly this week.

The Bill has already been introduced to:

• Deliver a ten-fold increase in the maximum jail penalty (to 10 yrs) for failing to stop or give assistance after causing an accident where a person has been knocked down in a road accident;
• Requires a person to present himself or herself to police within 90 minutes of an accident to provide particulars and submit to an alcotest or breath analysis;
• Increase maximum penalty to 15 years for causing death or serious injury by dangerous driving where the offence is ‘aggravated’ – aggravating factors include flee from police, b.a.c. of 0.15 or more, exceeding speed limit by 45km or more, drive under influence of drugs or driving while disqualified;
• A subsequent ‘aggravated’ offence carries a maximum 20-years jail.

The Rann Government will also introduce its Statutes Amendment (Criminal Procedures) Bill 2005 to:

• Implement Duggan Report recommendations for criminal trial reform;
• Avoid criminal trials being ‘ambushed’ by the last minute use of undisclosed expert evidence;
• Introduce sanctions to deal with any failure to comply with disclosure obligations;
• Where expert evidence about an accused is proposed, give courts the authority to require the accused to submit to an examination by an independent expert retained by the other side;
• Clarify section 5 of the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Act 1998 to remove any perceived ambiguity in relation to the Road Traffic Act 1961.1 Media release here