This edition contains a summary of blog items published by Greg McLean in the previous calendar month. Items cover the areas of local government, energy and water, rail and public transport, international news including trade agreements, privatisation and general public sector matters.
The articles all relate to the blog of Greg McLean, ASU Assistant National Secretary
Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET) posted in Rally: FAIR DEAL or NO DEAL in the TPP
The Leaders of the 12 TPP countries will meet on November 10-11 at the APEC Leaders’ meeting. They want to announce the outlines of an agreement to be finalised early in 2015. The danger is that foreign investors will gain the right to influence our laws and sue our governments, reducing our rights to affordable medicines, internet freedom, local culture, labour rights and the environment. Protests are being organised in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra, and in TPP countries around the globe. Sydney When: 11 am Saturday November 8 Where: Meet at the TPP banner on the seaward side of Sydney Cove, South of the Opera House, opposite the Dendy Cinema. This spot enables pics both of the Opera House and of the bridge in the background. What: bring anti-TPP signs, your organisation’s flag or banner for pictures. If you are from another city, let us know if you want to organise there. We will circulate details... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/australian-fair-trade-and-investment-network-aftinet-posted-in-rally-fair-deal-or-no-deal-in-the-tpp-1
Public Service recruitment rethink as redundancy bill explodes
http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2014/09/public-service-recruitment-rethink-redundancy-bill-explodes/ Industrial umpire the Australian Public Service Commission has moved to stem a ballooning bill for big redundancy payments for 16,500 public servants being jettisoned by the Abbott government after it quietly relaxed rules for public service recruitment....
ALGA welcomes debate on natural disaster funding
The Australian Local Government Association has welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission's draft report on Natural Disaster Funding, as it provides an ongoing focus and forum for discussion on the many significant issues surrounding natural disaster funding. The draft report recommends a major restructure of Australian Government funding for natural disasters. Among the issues of significance for local government is the Commission's focus on the need for increased investment in mitigation, with a proposed funding increase from $40 million to $200 million per annum, with the funding to be matched. ALGA President Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis said while local government strongly supports more being done in the mitigation space, this recommendation will have implications for councils and raises questions about the capacity of councils to be able to match the increase funds as proposed in the report. "ALGA has campaigned strongly for an increased focus on disaster mitigation funding, so to... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/alga-welcomes-debate-on-natural-disaster-funding
New report shows local government outsourcing costs communities much more
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/localgovt/140925-report-shows-outsourcing-costs-communities New report shows local government outsourcing costs communities much more - Australia - Many of the arguments around regional employment, community money spend , local jobs etc are just as relevant, for Water , Electricity , Railways and Public Transport , State and Federal Govt Services. The community has been told over many years that outsourcing council work results in savings that the community benefits from. However, yet another independent report has revealed those savings to be "often illusory" and the exercise accompanied by "a host of unforseen problems". In the wake of these findings (that add to a growing body of research questioning the benefits of privatisation) the ASU calls once again for the return and retention of council work to the in-house workforce. "The ASU commissioned this important and independent study to examine our belief that, on balance, road work performed by in-house employees as opposed to contractors is far better for local communities from the point of view of quality, reliability, skills enhancement, job creation and local community economic sustainability," said ASU Assistant National Secretary Greg McLean. Although the report, by Professor Brian Dollery "Outsourcing and Insourcing in Australian Local Government:...
Brief on the results of the ASU child care industry survey and the role of local govt and its growth in the child care sector
http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/brief-on-the-the-results-of-the-asu-child-care-industry-survey-and-the-role-of-local-govt-and-its-growth-in-the-child-care-sector Yesterday I meet with the ALP Federal Shadow Minister, immediate past Minister, the Hon Kate Ellis ... to brief the Shadow Minister on the the results of the ASU Child Care Industry Survey and the role of Local Govt and its growth in the Child Care sector. The meeting was a great opportunity to show case members views, survey feed back as well as the ASU presentations to the Productivity Commission around child care . ASU Members who participated in the survey or would like to know more on the ASU Child Care submissions can be located at - http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/localgovt/140912-asu-submission-child-care-sector
International WaterCentre scholarships
The International WaterCentre (IWC) is offering up to two full-tuition domestic* scholarships (each valued at $49,920) for full-time or part-time/distance study of the Master of Integrated Water Management (MIWM) program commencing in Semester 1, 2015. SCHOLARSHIPS CLOSING SOON! Master of Integrated Water Management The International WaterCentre (IWC) is offering up to two full-tuition domestic* scholarships (each valued at $49,920) for full-time or part-time/distance study of the Master of Integrated Water Management (MIWM) program commencing in Semester 1, 2015. Applications will close next Wednesday! (1 October). * Domestic scholarships are available for Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens who want to join the MIWM next year (new students only). The program is designed to equip future water leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to create innovative, ‘whole-of-water-cycle’ solutions to local and global water challenges. The degree is co-badged and co-taught by IWC's four founding member universities: The University of Queensland, Griffith University, Monash University and The University of Western Australia. Three specialisation streams are available including 'International development'; 'Urban water' and 'Water, land and people'. • Apply for...
One in four aged care places is in community-based care
The shift from residential aged care to aged care that is provided in the community is continuing, according to new information released on 9 September by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The information, available at http://www.aihw.gov.au/agedcare , shows that 25% of government subsidised aged care places in June 2013 were for community-based care, up from 20% five years ago. 'This is consistent with our understanding that most older Australians prefer to remain in the community as long as possible,' said AIHW spokesperson Mark Cooper-Stanbury. And the shift is expected to continue, with long-term aged care planning set to see one in three aged care places allocated to community care by 2025. Advice from ALGA bulletin www.alga.asn.au http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/one-in-four-aged-care-places-is-in-community-based-care
Productivity Commission hearings highlight lack of childcare services in regional areas
The Productivity Commission (PC) has been hearing evidence from around Australia on its childcare inquiry. The Commission has received 659 submissions and 982 comments since releasing its draft report on childcare in July. The PC has also released a technical supplement to the draft inquiry report into Childcare and Early Childhood Learning which provides an interim model to gauge the potential impacts of policy scenarios proposed in the report - referred to as the Productivity Commission Microsimulation Childcare (PCMC) model. The technical supplement was released on 28 August 2014 as well as a consultant's review on the technical supplement. Evidence given by Victorian organisations have raised concerns about lack of services in regional areas, as well as the fact that councils are withdrawing from providing child care services. Councils often provide the most affordable care for low income earners. In NSW there was evidence that fewer low income families were making use of... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/productivity-commission-hearings-highlight-lack-of-childcare-services-in-regional-areas
AFTINET BULLETIN September 2014
http://aftinet.org.au/cms/bulletins BULLETIN September 2014 Inside this edition: Farewell Jemma TPP: International day of action November 8 TPP negotiators meet as website reveals US Congress could rewrite our laws Senate Inquiry reveals community opposition and dangers of ISDS ALP and Greens MPs reject Korea Free Trade Agreement WTO: India criticised for putting food security first Pacer-Plus Trade and Aid in the media AFTINET AGM November 19: save the date Take Action: Email Shadow Trade Minister Penny Wong TPP International Day of Action on Saturday Nov 8: Save the date We are planning an event in the CBD to coincide with actions in other TPP countries leading up to a possible meeting of TPP Trade Ministers after the APEC meeting. More details to come. TPP negotiators meet as website reveals US congress could rewrite our laws after negotiations are completed TPP negotiators are meeting in Hanoi from September 1-10...
Draft Emission Reduction Fund methods released for public consultation
Last Friday afternoon, the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Greg Hunt MP announced the release of the first set of draft methodologies developed under the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF). These will be used to determine the baselines and the mechanisms to ascertain the extent of reductions achieved. Local government will be affected by the changes proposed and the areas chosen for the first set of draft methodologies are those with which councils have the greatest exposures. Landfill gas recovery; Alternative waste treatment method; and Coal mine waste gas method. The Government is seeking submissions on these methodologies and information on them and how to provide a submission are available here. Submissions close at 5pm (EST) on 1 October 2014. The Bill to create the Emissions Reduction Fund has not been considered by the Senate since the new Senate first sat in July. Advice from ALGA bulletin ... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/draft-emission-reduction-fund-methods-released-for-public-consultation
The September Edition of Words from the Water Operators Association
The September Edition of Words is now available to download from our website. Coming Events/Opportunities Call for Papers & Posters for the 2015 NSW Conference the event will again be held in Orange, and the closing date for abstracts is Monday 20 October 2014 NSW Advisory Committee Water Interest Day Last chance to register for this event next Tuesday 23 September in Port Macquarie ... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/the-september-edition-of-words-from-the-water-operators-association-is-now-available-to-download-from-their-website
WA amalgamations under pressure
Greens, Labor, Nationals Oppose Forced Council Amalgamations Tuesday, 16 September The Greens, Labor and National Party joined forces on a vote in parliament today to bring forward a motion tomorrow opposing local government amalgamations. Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple MLC said the Barnett government's attempt to sidestep the Dadour Provisions by changing council boundaries was an abuse of the Local Government Act 1995. Under the Dadour Provisions, electors may demand a poll in the event of a merger proposal to ensure there is majority community support. Mr Chapple said given parliament's response today it was obvious nobody was buying the Premier's "amalgamations by deceit". "This government thinks it is above the law," he said. "The Barnett Government's attempt to force council amalgamations totally strips away any opportunity for community input on the matter. "The Dadour Provisions were included in the act for this very reason; local... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/wa-amalgamations-under-pressure
Preschool funding confirmed
The Abbott Government will commit $406 million to ensure Australian families can continue to access up to 15 hours of preschool per week in 2015. Federal Assistant Minister for Education Sussan Ley said the Commonwealth would offer state and territory governments an extension of current national partnership arrangements for preschool funding for a further 12 months after they expire in December 2014. She said the Abbott Government was also improving access to preschool by ensuring the new national partnership arrangements made funding available to all types of accredited preschool programmes - regardless of whether they were delivered through schools, standalone preschools or long day care centres. The current national partnership arrangements provide funding to support the provision of preschool for up to 15 hours per week for families. However, currently state and territory governments have discretion over what type of preschool programmes they fund, meaning some service types, such as preschools... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/preschool-funding-confirmed
Tony Abbott’s unfair changes to workplace laws are likely to come before the Senate on Monday. So far close to 20,000 people have emailed or called Cross-Bench Senators asking them to vote NO
Yesterday Tasmania Senator Jacqui Lambie was asked about how she will vote on the Bill. While she said the Palmer United Senators had yet to make up their minds, she did say: “I believe it's one of Eric Abetz's babies and anything that usually Eric Abetz comes up with stinks, bottom line.” So we are definitely in with a shot. With one week to go the Senators are turning their minds to how they will vote. This makes every letter, email and phone call even more crucial. Ged’s recorded a great one minute rundown of exactly why the laws are terrible and how we can stop them. The wider we can spread this message--and the more people that take action--the more chance that we have of securing crucial votes like Senator Lambie and the other Palmer Senators. Click here, watch the video and call a cross-bench Senator: http://www.australianunions.org.au/stop_abbotts_laws http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/tony-abbott-s-unfair-changes-to-workplace-laws-are-likely-to-come-before-the-senate-on-monday-so-far-close-to-20-000-people-have-emailed-or-called-cross-bench-senators-asking-them-to-vote-no
Regional Roads - private sector costs double the price and then takes the money spend back to other communities
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-11/outback-way-seal-dirt-road-millions-dollars-price-difference/5735650 " Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan also said NT road works were more expensive because they were done by private contractors, while in Queensland and WA, every local government had its own road-works gang." The article is must read for local government , it also explains that the private sector costs so much more and the Councils in the NT no longer have the equipment to do the job . The article is well researched and worth reading and passing on --- http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/regional-roads-private-sector-costs-double-the-price-and-then-takes-the-money-spend-back-to-other-communities
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New Federal Govt policy will de-skill the Australian workforce
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/securejobsbetterfuture/140911-fed-govt-policy-will-de-skill The Federal Government's new industry policy panders to big business and strips away national recognition of skills for workers. Industry Minister Ian McFarlane outlined the policy in a speech at the National Vocational Education Training conference in Brisbane today. "The Minister talks about the value of a trade but then in the same breath suggests that it's ok for workers to just do bits and pieces of a trade instead of achieving a nationally recognised qualification," said ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver. "This completely fails to create a workforce of skilled Australians who can fill long term and sustainable jobs," said Mr Oliver. "Instead the Government plans to use tax payer's money to pay for courses designed by employers that only give workers the skills to work in their particular business, rather than nationally recognised trade qualifications they can use anywhere." Mr Oliver said this is yet another example of Abbott...
ASU lodges final submission into Productivity Commission review of child care sector
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/localgovt/140912-asu-submission-child-care-sector Following the fantastic response to the ASU's survey inquiring into your views of the Productivity Commission's Draft Report on Childcare and Early Childhood Learning, we were well equipped to provide the Union's final response to it via a submission lodged last Friday. We now await the Commission's final report due at the end of October. The ASU submission argues once again that additional Government investment in quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) is critical for the best possible future of our children and that of the nation generally. Government funding of ECEC is a crucial part of encouraging workforce participation of parents/carers and that participation in turn yields a stronger economy to benefit all. "Proper funding of quality child care should not be seen as simple handouts for the lucky few, but an investment that we all benefit from, whether we have children or not," said Greg McLean, ASU...
ASU national energy division meets
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/energy/140912-national-energy-division-meets Last week ASU electricity industry delegates and union Branch officials from all over Australia met in Sydney to discuss a broad range of issues facing the industry. The meeting brought together delegates from generation, transmission and distribution with a range of ASU classifications from operators to technical officers, administrative staff and more. Delegates and ASU full time officials who work in the industry each day also participated including from Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland. Day one covered industrial relations, the Fair Work Act, enterprise bargaining outcomes and significant decisions from current issues at ASU energy corporation/company level. Day two included a keynote address and presentation from Professor Stephen Thomas of the Greenwich School of Business PSIRU at Greenwich University London (via Skype). His address covered privatisation, energy poverty and the failures of privatisation in the UK, plus future energy sources and challenges in the...
Poor families locked out of child care
Private operators opening centres that target parents who can most afford to pay, not where there is greatest need, and long waiting lists are among the factors being blamed. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/more-poor-nsw-families-locked-out-of-childcare-20140906-10dajb.html#ixzz3Cc8wutvW ...
ARA update
Update from ASU affiliate ARA. QUARTERLY UPDATE view in browser | unsubscribe A Message from the CEO Welcome to your next instalment of the ARA Quarterly Update. Featured in this edition is your complete wrap up of the Australasian Rail Industry Awards, held on the 17 July. I would like to congratulate all of the winners on their outstanding achievements and for contributing to the prosperity of the industry. I was incredibly encouraged by the amount of talent in rail recognised on the night, across a broad range of professions and sectors of the industry. Read all about each winner and see photos from the night on pages 8-12. In this edition you’ll also be brought up to date on: ARA’s most recent submissions, reports and program updates in our Advocacy section; Government announcements impacting rail in Tracking across the Nation with our Budget wrap up; The latest national activities occurring in... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/update-from-asu-affiliate-ara
NSW - Council Amalgamations are back on the Agenda - advice from USU - USB
The below media report from the SMH, highlighted by the USU --- If accurate should place the issue where it is, with state governments for too many years reducing councils incomes through rate pegging and now a federal government reducing ifs grants to local government, both governments need to get realistic in allowing councils to place rates where they should be or to give councils a share of GST ...the size of council work , will only grow with aging population, an increasing population and a population whose standards of living are growing . - lets have councils list what services they need for communities and letting be funded by their rate payers... ....mergers or amalgamations are not going to save the day there are a distraction only " - Greg Mclean http://www.usu.org.au/news/local-government/985-council-amalgamations-are-back-on-the-agenda An article appearing in the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday the 8th September 2014 raises questions about... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/nsw-council-amalgamations-are-back-on-the-agenda-advice-from-usu-usb
TrackSAFE's latest newsletter edition - September 2014
TrackSAFE e-Newsletter September 2014 TrackSAFE is a not-for-profit, rail industry initiative endeavouring to reduce incidents on the rail network. In doing so the aim is to minimise trauma caused to rail employees resulting from witnessing near collisions, injuries, and fatalities whilst simply doing their jobs. Share Tweet Forward RAIL SAFETY WEEK – A WEEK IN REVIEW With 1,000 near hits taking place each year it is evident that we all must continue spreading the word that people need to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings near tracks and trains are around. ‘Near Miss? Near Hit’ was the focus of this year’s annual campaign in Australia and New Zealand, held from 11-17 August 2014. Events and activities were held all across Australia and New Zealand by industry members in a united effort to raise awareness about the importance of being safe around railway lines. Participating... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/tracksafe-s-latest-newsletter-edition-september-2014
Electricity network spending plans spark debate - news item from PAIC bulletin
PIAC recently made a submission to the Australian Energy Regulator’s revenue determination for the three NSW electricity distribution networks (Ausgrid, Essential Energy and Endeavour Energy). These networks transport electricity around the state to households and businesses, and in NSW, the costs they charge make up around 50% of household electricity bills. The distribution companies are proposing that the costs of building and maintaining poles and wires and financing these works in 2014 should be two to three times what they were in 2004. Continued high levels of revenue proposed by the networks mean continued high prices and an increasing financial burden, especially for low-income consumers. PIAC is not convinced that network revenue needs to continue to be so high and is very concerned about many of the assumptions made in the proposals. PIAC scrutinised the network’s spending proposals in terms of the proposed capital expenditure, operating expenditure, borrowing costs, consumer engagement... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/electricity-network-spending-plans-spark-debate-news-item-from-paic-bulletin
ARA Courses – Signalling, Rolling Stock, Track, Understanding Rail
Insight into Railway Signalling Course – 10 September, Melbourne Insight into Rolling Stock Engineering Course – 23 September, Brisbane Insight into Track Engineering Course – 24 September, Brisbane Understanding Rail Course - 29-30 October, Adelaide Your final chance to attend these courses in 2014 - further information on all courses, including registration forms, is available on the ARA website, or contact Janet Cameron, ARA Events Coordinator, on 02 6270 4527 via events@ara.net.au Advice from ARA .. "ASU is an affiliate of the ARA" ... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/ara-courses-signalling-rolling-stock-track-understanding-rail
Update on Advice to ALP Shadow Minister for Local Government – green army schemes for 2015-16
Dear Colleagues I have whiten to ASU local government branches seeking advice on the impact of the work for the dole program . This issue was discussed the ASU Local Government industry division meeting earlier in the year. Whilst we have expressed our concerns over the scheme, and lodged a submission with the Senate Committee (see below advice) we know from history that some ‘Local Government employment schemes‘ have generated long term direct local government employment, both due to schemes and ongoing or new council activities, in some cases guarding against some contracting out, or 45 visa’s etc . The schemes have also generated additional skills and training opportunities for some employees and communities etc. The federal government has now advertised the schemes for 2015-16 at http://www.employment.gov.au/employment-services-2015 We do however need to be watchful to ensure these programs do not remove jobs, or positions from the general local government work force... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/update-on-advice-to-alp-shadow-minister-for-local-government-green-army-schemes-for-2015-16-1
ASUnews by email - urgently participate in this email campaign -- URGENT: Act now to stop Tony Abbott rushing through laws to take away your rights at work
URGENT: Act now to stop Tony Abbott rushing through laws to take away your rights at work The Amendment Bill will go before Parliament on Wednesday, so we only really have today and tomorrow to flood the email accounts of the cross bench Senators with requests that they protect our rights at work by voting against the Bill. Email form: http://bit.ly/stop-anti-worker-laws More at news item: http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/securejobsbetterfuture/140829-act-now-stop-abbotts-bill
The Amendment Bill: http://bit.ly/amendbill ** Please share this campaign with your networks! Thanks! http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/asunews-by-email-urgently-participate-in-this-email-campaign-urgent-act-now-to-stop-tony-abbott-rushing-through-laws-to-take-away-your-rights-at-work