REPORT OF INTERSTATE AND OVERSEAS TRAVEL UNDERTAKEN BY MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FUNDED BY THE IMPREST SYSTEM

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2011

This report contains a summary of all interstate and overseas travel undertaken by Members of Parliament on official business funded by the Imprest system.

REPORT OF INTERSTATE AND OVERSEAS TRAVEL UNDERTAKEN BY MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2011 FUNDED BY THE IMPREST SYSTEM

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT PARLIAMENT TRAVEL - IMPREST SYSTEM INTERSTATE TRAVEL

R COOK MLA (M) 03-Jul-11 06-Jul-11ADELAIDE OPAL PREVENTIVE HEALTH $1,048 PROGRAM MEETING

HON L SAVAGE MLC (M) 17-Jul-11 19-Jul-11ADELAIDE VARIOUS MEETINGS $3,038 REGARDING SOUTH AUSTRALIAS CHILD CARE PROTECTION AND SERVICES

HON S ELLERY MLC (M) 17-Jul-11 20-Jul-11ADELAIDE, BRISBANEVARIOUS MEETINGS WITH - $5,069 MINISTERS, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND A RESEARCH CENTRE

T SIMPSON MLA (M) 03-Aug-1105-Aug-11 MELBOURNE 2011 'AWARD CEREMONY - $1,297

HON F LOGAN MLA (M) 09-Aug-1113-Aug-11SYDNEY VARIOUS MEETINGS WITH - $3,796 NEW SOUTH WALES OPPOSITION AND SHADOW MINISTERS FROM AROUND AUSTRALIA

HON M TRENORDEN MLC (M) 18-Aug-1124-Aug-11 BRISBANE CONFERENCE OF STATE $1,651 PARLIAMENTARIANS 2011 HON C HOLT MLC (M) 19-Aug-1123-Aug-11 BRISBANE, SYDNEY VARIOUS MEETINGS TO GAIN $1,857 KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING ON LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL ISSUES

L BAKER MLA (M) 21-Aug-1122-Aug-11 CANBERRA LEADING THE AUSTRALIAN $500 COMMONWEALTH WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS

M QUIRK MLA (M) 25-Aug-1102-Sep-11 SYDNEY AUSTRALIAN FIRE $2,021 EMERGENCY SERVICE AUTHORITIES COUNCIL AND BUSHFIRE CRC CONFERENCE

B JOHNSTON MLA (M) 26-Aug-1126-Aug-11 SYDNEY BELLWEATHER SERIES $3,788 AUSTRALIA 2011 CONFERENCE AND VARIOUS MEETINGS

HON M MCGOWAN MLA (M) 11-Sep-11 16-Sep-11 SYDNEY VARIOUS MEETINGS WITH A $1,727 NUMBER OF BUSINESS AND POLITICAL FIGURES

M COWPER MLA (M) 29-Sep-11 14-Oct-11 REGIONAL SOUTH SAVING WATER OPTIONS $3,750 AUSTRALIA MEETINGS

OVERSEAS TRAVEL

I BLAYNEY MLA (M) 04-Jul-11 08-Jul-11 CANADA SKA CONFERENCE $7,935

J HYDE MLA (M) 08-Jul-11 11-Jul-11USA SUPPORT FOR PERTH $4,300 ESTABLISHING A MAJOR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL AND MULTICULTURAL INTEREST MEETINGS

HON N GOIRAN MLC (M) 08-Jul-1101-Aug-11 UNITED KINGDOM INTERNATIONAL LEGAL - $4,800 CONFERENCE

HON K BASTON MLC (M) 30-Jul-1107-Aug-11 GERMANY WORLD RECREATIONAL $9,962 FISHING CONFERENCE (PARTIALLY FUNDED BY MINISTERIAL OFFICE - $7561.86)

HON N HALLETT MLC (M) 30-Sep-11 17-Oct-11CANADA GOVERNMENT $13,464 AGRICULTURAL POLICY, GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL WELFARE, FOOD SECURITY, RISK MANAGEMENT, TRADE, GRAINS AND RESEARCH MEETINGS

TOTAL FOR PARLIAMENT TRAVEL - IMPREST SYSTEM VISITS: 17 $70,002 5-57,o(

Your Ref: D1107381

ATTN: Laurie Birrell Mr Peter Conran Director General Department of Premier and Cabinet 26th Floor, Governor Stirling Tower 197 St Georges Tce PERTH WA 6000

Dear Peter

I write further to correspondence from your department to request payment from the Imprest System for Members of Parliament Travel for a visit to Adelaide during the period 3 to 6 July 2011. The purpose of this letter is to provide a report on the cost, purpose, and benefits derived from the travel.

The travel was to meet with members of Department of Health, South Australia and Ministers to discuss the OPAL preventive health program. The OPAL program is licensed under the Epode program as developed in France. EPODE has delivered sustained health benefits in the communities in that country.

The program involved meetings with Departmental staff and a tour of two local government districts where the program is being rolled out. The tour also involved meeting with representatives of the local government authorities, and schools and businesses in the area. The findings of the trip will be used in developing benchmarks in assessing WA Government programs.

Attached is an itinerary for the meetings held on the 4 July 2011.

Information on travel expenses and other related costs have been provided. The 5 July 2011 was used for personal business.

I trust this is sufficient for the purposes of processing the application. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require a further inform

You{ sincerely

Roger Cook, Member fwinana

2 1DEC2011

Pho7:e.: (08) 9439 6444 i Fax: (08) 9439 6499

E [email protected] i Webstte-: www.rogercook.org Post: PO Box 428 Kwinana WA 6966 OPAL visiting program Monday 4 July MemberRoger Cook for TimeKiwana, MLA Western Australia Location Personnel 9.00 ActivitWhat is OPAL and how does it fit? 4thSquareBuilding,Health Floor, PromotionCiti 11 Centre Hindmarsh Branch MicheleServiceSineadMichelleMark O'Brien,WilliamsStrategy)Herriot Jones (Director(Executive (OPAL (OPAL StateHealthEvaluation Director, Manager) Promotion Manager)Statewide Branch) 11.0010.30 TravelOPAL in action discussion of local government involvement. City of Charles Stud MaryKirstenManager)Jo Williams/Lisa Duncan Alexander (OPAL Weir (Mayor, Manager(OPAL Charles Social Charles Stud) Marketing Stud) HowOpen- discussionpresentationare has Space,they OPAL integrating with Environmental show influenced staff OPAL their Healthgoals thinking into & Environmental into about their work and casing examples fromfrom CCSCCS Council& Playford Advisory Group (reps from their Business Units Management): how MarkLisa Atwell Williams (OPAL (OPAL Manager State Manager)Playford) 1.1512.00 OPALLunchprogram? in action hosted by Mayor Kirsten Alexander local community examples: City of Playford Operations GlenLisa AtwellDocherty (OPAL (Mayor, Manager Playford) Playford) 1.30 MeetparticipatingMobile Playford food stafflofficialscoop:in a healthy observe eating a Year education 4 class session of 25-30 run by students OPAL and CentreJohn Hartley School AsMarkKen above Daniel Williams (Group (OPAL Manager, State Manaer)Life Long Learning) 2.00 thatEnvironmentaltheand mobile have ve occurred andfood meatandcoop to policy roductsvan.improve changes: access viewto quality and discussand affordable fruit changes DavorenIGA Park shops and As above 2.303.00 Docherty,Conversation:Travel Mark afternoon Williams, teaKen and Daniel conversation and Lisa Atwellwith Mayor about evaluation and social marketing. GlennOPAL (MayorsPlayfordHealth rooms) CivicPromotion Centre Branch Prof Tim Olds (Deputy Chair, OPAL Scientific 4.304.00 ClosePillars of OPAL by EPODE AdvisoryDrMark Michelle Williams Committee) Jones (OPAL (OPAL State Evaluation Manager) Manaer) OPAL visiting program Tuesday 5 July There(frominvolvementFor the youris a OPAL possibilityinformation, in Aboriginal staff inthat Whyalla):the Rogeraffairs day couldinCook recent becould developedyears. visit Whyalla further to (more see OPAL Council in action.discussions It would etc) require but at anotherthe very least, flight but would be interesting given his the following would be a starting point A lotconductlocalWhyalla of organisationsCommunity anhas 'Eat a NAIDOC a Foodies Rainbow' from funWhyalla (volunteers ofday fruit that will activity. OPALbe who involved developItis should involved community be with quite on a Tuesdaybigmembers' day with the food schools5th preparation July keen10am-3pm. to skills) get involved.The and funpromote day is the to celebrate there will be cultural dancing, activities for children and a healthy barbeque. OPAL will have a stall with the OPAL healthy snack theme. OPAL will also NAIDOC week and Aboriginal culture. IMPREST TRAVEL REPORT 17 -19 JULY 2011

Cost, Purpose and Benefits

Cost

Airfare: $2,537.50 Hotel: $ 410.57 Taxi: $ 55.28

Purpose

The purpose of the travel, with my colleague the Shadow Minister for Child Protection, was to see firsthand services that have been established in South Australia specifically in the area of early childhood. In addition, a one to one meeting was held with Professor Leah Bromfield Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Child Protection, to discuss the role the centre plays and the latest research about child protection.

Programme and Benefits

Sunday 17 July Perth Adelaide5.15pm

Monday 18 July

Meetings with:

1. CaFE Enfield Children's Centre Joan GilbertDirector, Early Childhood Education and Care Trish WinterExecutive Director, Early Childhood Services Andrea McGuffogEarly childhood Strategy, Early Childhood Development Strategy, DECS

2.Forbes Children's Centre Merridee DangerfieldCommunity Development Coordinator Andrea McGuffogEarly childhood Strategy, Early Childhood Development Strategy, DECS

1 3. Kids'N'You ® Penny MunroActing Director of CaFHS ® Debra Jeffs Director of Nursing, Clinical Nursing Services ® Janet Robson Manager

Benefits

South Australia is at the forefront of providing early childhood services in Australia. Following the appointment of Dr Fraser Mustard as Adelaide Thinker in Residence 2006-2007, and the appointment of the Hon Mr Jay Weatherill as Minister for Early Childhood Development, South Australia has embarked on an ambitious program to help all children and their parents and carers get the help and support they need within their own communities. The establishment of Children's Centres for Early Childhood Development and Parenting have been a key initiative. The opportunity to visit a number of these centres namely CaFE Enfield, Forbes Children's Centre and Kids'N'You, and speak directly to staff about how services were developed, how they were tailored to meet the needs of the local community, what they had learnt and would recommend or do differently was an important insight.

Children's Centres, of which there are already 23 operating and 38 in development in South Australia, are located on school sites. They are all funded by the South Australian State Government apart from 4 that are Federally funded through the `Closing the Gap' partnership known as Indigenous Children and Family Centres.

At both CaFE Enfield and Forbes Children's Centre discussion included the benefits of locating on school sites. Identified were the advantages of being sites where everyone comes to and so parents and carers are comfortable accessing them, as well as the cost advantage because of the existing infrastructure. Development ofa Children's Centre typically began by appointing a Community Development Coordinator to engage with the community and identify existing services and particular needs. Following this, a Family Services Coordinator would be appointed and the Centre built, bringing together care, education, health, community development services for families and their young children from birth toup to 8 years of age.

Located next to CaFE Enfield in the primary school we had the opportunity to hear first-hand about the SAGE Program. This enables young mothers to complete high school by undertaking courses that focus on their role as mother and the crucial parenting skills that ensure their child gets off to the best start. In addition, childcare facilities are provided to enable these young mothers to undertake studies in IT and other vocational skills. The correlation between completing high school and future employment prospects and well-being is well established. The strengths based

2 approach runs for one and a half days each week, usually over a 2 year period for each young mother.

The visit to Kids'N'You with Penny Munro the Acting Director of CaFHS was particularly useful as the entire staff spoke to me about their roles as part of the multi-disciplinary team. Kids'N'You is an early intervention service that provides centre based programs for families and children ages up to 5 years who have experienced the effects of domestic violence, mental health problems and childhood abuse. Children are assessed and a tailored program developed to suit their needs. The services includes active outreach to 'hard to engage' families with complex needs. Family home visiting by child health nurses throughoutpregnancy and for up to at least 2 years of age is also provided meaning a baby may beseen as often as necessary.

Tuesday 19 July

1. Australian Centre for Child Protection ® Professor Leah BromfieldDeputy Director of the Australian Centre for Child Protection

Benefits

The Australian Centre for Child Protection located in Adelaidewas founded in 2005 by the University of South Australia and the AustralianGovernment. It is now recognised as a key driver in advancing innovation in child protectionpolicy and practice. The meeting was with Professor Leah Bromfield, who isregarded as one of Australia's foremost child protection researchers. ProfessorBromfield outlined the research she was undertaking and how better data and long termstudies would assist in more effective policy responses. Itwas of particular benefit to understand the role the Centre played as a resource and centre of excellencebecause of its engagement with non-government organisations, peak State and Commonwealth advisory bodies. This enables it to help close thegap between research and action. Specific information was sought about the number of child deaths forchildren in the care of the Minister for Child Protection compared to children who were not.

Linda Savage

3 Mr Peter Conran Director General Attention: Laurie Birrell Department of the Premier & Cabinet 26tn Floor, Governor Stirling Tower 197 St Georges Terrace PERTH WA 6000

Dear Mr Conran,

Please find attached 2 copies of my written report formy trip to Adelaide and Brisbane during the period of 17 to 20 July 2011,as required by the lmprest System guidelines.

Yours sincerely,

SUE ELLERY MLC Member for South Metropolitan Region

25th November 2011

Shop 20, South lands Boulevarde Shopping Centre, Cnr Burrendah Boulevarde & Pine Tree Gully Road,Willetton WA 6155 Telephone (08) 9312 1566 eFacsimile (08) 9312 1499 ®Email sue.ellery©mp.wagov,au IMPREST TRAVEL REPORT FOR 17 JULY - 20 JULY 2011

COST, PURPOSE AND BENEFITS

Cost:

Flights: $4,318.59 Accommodation: $513.00 Other Expenses: $250.00

Purpose:

The purpose of the trip to South Australia and Queensland was to meet with Ministers in my Shadow Portfolio areas and to meet with community groups and a research centre.

Benefit:

In South Australia I was accompanied by my colleague the Hon Linda Savage for part of the visits. We visited two early childhood centres, one purpose built at a school site and one in existing buildings attached to a community child health centre. These two centres were examples of the different packages of services to young children and their parents that are delivered in SA; including literacy programs for parents with children under 4. Some of the programs were directed at those families hardest to reach who are not otherwise engaged in children and family services. Other programs included pre SA Certificate of Education certificates in child development for parents. Health and education services; developmental programs and community support groups for children are delivered alongside formal child care and kindy type programs.

Also in SA I visited the Netley Disability Warehouse which is the central distribution centre for all home modification services and specialist equipment for the Novita Children's Service, Disability SA and Domiciliary Care SA (a HACC service). This service includes very strong clinical assessment of needs rather than having the clinical assessment done by a separate agency. The service also includes a scheduled maintenance program for all equipment and a repair service. It also provides the services state wide including into the remote communities in the lands. 2.

We met with Professor Leah Bromfield from the Australian Centre for Child Protection based at the University of SA. Professor Bromfield outlines the range of research projects being undertaken by the centre including one on the Empirical Support for the Signs of Safety, a practice framework for child protection used in WA by the Department for Child Protection and Uniting Care West. The Centre is also doing work on the different models of Intensive Family Support and has identified a research gap in the area of high risk families and children in care.

We also met with Minister Jennifer Rankine, Minister for Families, Communities and Disabilities and discussed SA programs across the child protection and disability portfolios.

In Queensland I met with Minister Phil Reeves, Minister for Child Safety and senior officers of the Department of Child Safety on their intensive family support program, "Helping Out Families" based on a partnership between the NGOs and the Department which includes a regional intake service across 7 regions. The program included changes to legislation to allow referrals to the Family Support Alliance (the NGO component of the partnership) without having to seek individual consent each time to share private information.

I also met with Di Harvey and Lindsay Wagner, representatives of the Queensland Family Support Affiance who are engaged in providing Intensive Family Support services to indigenous families. They have put in place a hub and spoke model in 11 sites across the state; each service needs to be accredited in Parenting programs, Family and Domestic Violence programs and Substance Abuse programs. The funding formula for each site is based on the number of child concerns recorded for that area. I recently attended the 2011 iAwards ceremony, which honours and recognises the leading organisations and individuals in the ICT industry. The night was held on the 4th of August 2011 at an amazing venue in Melbourne for the award presentations. The iAwards started in 2005 and have continued to grow within the Australian ICT industry.

The Australian Computer Society, the Australian Information Industry Associaton and The Pearcey Foundation all joined forces to deliver the most comprehensive awards program the Australian ICT industry has seen to date.

The iAwards honour the Information Communication & Technology industry's finest organisations and individuals through subjects such as sustainability, tourism and e-Government to name a few. There were seven organisations that were nominated from Western Australia, one of these being Australia e-Health Research Centre for Remote-i, who took out the award for e-Health.

It was an honour to be invited to watch such outstanding achievements get rewarded after being judged by over 100 people.I can imagine that judging would have been a hard task because this year the nominations were up 32% from last year, from 41 to 60 nominations!

This was a very successful trip and Western Australia held their heads high.I was very proud to be a part of the 2011 iAwards and proud to represent Western Australia at this event.

The total cost of the trip was $1298.04 being $1048.04 in airfares and $250 for travel allowance. Francis Logan Member of the Legislative AssemblyDistrict of Cockburn 230 Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre, Cnr Beeliar Dr & Wentworth Pde, SUCCESS WA 6164 PO Box 3483, SUCCESS WA 6964 Telephone: 08 9414 3266 Facsimile: 08 9414 3299

Mr Peter Conran Director General Department of the Premier and Cabinet 26th Floor,governor Stirling Tower 197 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000

Dear Sir, 8/12/2011

Re: Travel ReportSydney 9th -13th August

In accordance with the guidelines of the Imprest System of Travel a written report on the cost, purpose and benefits derived from such travel is required to be lodged with you. The following is a summary of my short visit to the NSW Parliament in Sydney this year:

Cost: In total, including flights and hotel costs, $3,795.70

Purpose: To meet with members of the NSW Opposition and attend a meeting of other Shadow Ministers from around Australia.

Benefits: Significant benefits have been gained from these meetings in NSW, both from a personal viewpoint on how I carry out my role as a Shadow Ministerial spokesperson and for the future of WA by way of the information I gathered for the creation of policy initiatives for a future Labor Government.

urs Sincerely,

Hon Francison MLA HON. MAX TRENO EN MLC Member for the Agricultural Region

13 October 2011

Mr Peter Conran Director General Department of Premier & Cabinet 15m Floor Governor Stirling Tower 197 St George's Tce PERTH WA 6000

Attention Laurie Birrell

Dear Mr Conran

Report on the Conference of State Parliamentarians (COSP) 2011Brisbane

Departed Perth for Brisbane on Thursday 18 August 2011 and attended the Welcoming Function hosted by Queensland Liberal National Party Members.

I attended the full programme as attached and returned to Perth on Wednesday 24 August 2011.

Yours sincerely

enorden MLC for the Agricultural Region

Electorate Office: Entrance Northam Boulevard Fitzgerald Street, (PO Box 118) Northam 6401 Telephone: (08) 9622 2871Facsimile: (08) 9622 1668 Email: [email protected] au CONFERENCE OF STATE PARLIAMENTARIANS (COSP) 2011

PARLIAMENT HOUSE, BRISBANE, OLD

Thursday, 18th August, 2011

6:30pm-8:00pm Welcome Cocktail Party at Strangers Dining Room, Parliament House (enter via Parliamentary Annexe in Alice Street) No chargehosted by Queensland LNP Members

Friday, 19th August, 2011 (Conference Program)

8:30am Conference Registration Red Chamber Old Upper House (enter via Parliamentary Annexe in Alice Street) $35/head BBQ Lunch, morning & afternoon tea

9:00am Conference Commences AGENDA

1.Welcome

Campbell Newman, Leader of the LNP

2.Appointment of Chair for Meeting

3.Appointment of Minute Secretary

4.Apologies

5. Minutes of Previous COSP Meeting

6.Matter Arising from Minutes

7.Report from Each State

Issues to be discussed by Each State:

New South WalesThe Hon Andrew Stoner

Strategic Lands Policy Coal Seam Gas Mining Royalties Regional Kickstart Policy

Western AustraliaThe Hon Brendon Grylls & The Hon Terry Waldron

® Southern Inland Health Initiative Super Towns Sports for All Program Sporting Infrastructure in WA

QueenslandCampbell Newman, Leader of the LNP

® Carbon Tax ® Federal Infrastructure Fundingespecially for roads COAG VictoriaThe Hon Peter Walsh

® Carbon Tax

® Victorian Regional Growth Fund

® Murray Darling Basin Plan

12 noon Lunch

2:00pm Conference Resumes Red Chamber Old Upper House

Continuation of State MattersGeneral Business

3:30pm Queensland Summer DisastersReport and Response

eHoward Hobbs MP, South Western Queensland

G Mike Horan MP, Toowoomba Tsunami

® Ian Rickuss MP, Lockyer Valley Flood

® Campbell Newman, Brisbane City

O Andrew Cripps MP, Cyclone Yasi

4:20pm Presentation of Ken Jasper Award

4:30pm Close

6:30pm COSP Dinner Tattersalls Club (Edward Street, Brisbane) $130/head3 course meal, drinks & entertainment Friday, 19th August, 2011 (Partner's Program)

9:OOam- 9:45am Guided Tour of Parliament House, Brisbane

11:00am-12 noon Virtual Tour of City Hall Renovation

12 noon Walk to City Cat TerminalNorth Quay

12:15pm-12:44pmCatch City Cat to New Farm Park

12:45pm Walk to Brisbane Powerhouse

1:00pm-2:30pm Lunch at Bar Alto $35/head2 course meal & a glass of wine

2:40pm-3:05pm City Cat to South Bank Precinct

3:15pm Surrealism Exhibition at Gallery of Modern Art $16 -$20 entry fee Afternoon Tea at own discretion, free time to view Qld Art Gallery, South Bank etc

6:30pm COSP Dinner Tattersalls Club (Edward Street, Brisbane) $130/head3 course meal, drinks & entertainment

Saturday, 20 August, 2011

Whale Watching in Moreton Bay with Captain Kerry Lopez aboard the MV EyeSpy from Redcliffe. Coach transfers to and from hotel in CBD. 02 September 2011

Mr Peter Conran Director General Department of the Premier and Cabinet 26th Floor Governor Stirling Tower 197 St George's Terrace PERTH WA 6000

Attention: Laurie Birrell

Dear Director General

RE: IMPREST REPORT FOR PERIOD 1923 August 2011

I recently requested funds from the Imprest System for Members of Parliament to attend the Conference of State Parliamentarians in Brisbane, August 2011.

I acknowledge receipt of the updated Imprest Policy which was released in late

August 2011. However, I had already booked the trip prior to receiving the updated policy and was unable to meet the requirement of requesting approval prior to the trip, in this instance. For all future Imprest Claims this condition will be met.

I confirm that this travel was related to and for the benefit of my Parliamentary and electorate duties and will assist the formulation of State Government Policy.

The purpose of this trip was to liaise and consult with fellow parliamentarians from around Australia. Enabling me to increase my knowledge and understandings on legislative and political issues.

This in turn, contributes towards the development and discussion of policies that affect regional Western Australia and Western Australia generally.

While at the Council of Sate Parliamentarians had meetings with the following

1. National Party Members of Parliament from Victoria: a.Hon Hugh Delahunty, Minister for Sport and Recreation, Veterans' Affairs b.Mr Tim Bull (MLA) c. Mr Tim McCurdy (MLA) d.Mr Damian Drum (MLC) e.Dr Bill Sykes, Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Industries

2.National Party Members of Parliament from QLD: a.Mr Mike Horan (MLA) b.Mr Jeff Seeney, Leader of the Opposition c.Mr Howard Hobbs (MLA)

f- colin.holt©mp.wa.gov.au www.colinholt.conau PO Box 5250, Albany WA 6332 Unit 12a The Link Building, Aberdeen St, Albany WA 6330 08 9841 7144 08 98417188 0418 902 204 1800 758 458 I also travelled to NSW to meet with Nationals Party Members of Parliament to discuss and view the LiberalNational Transition into Government.

On this occasion I met with the Following Members of that Government: 1.Mr Andrew Stoner, Deputy Premier Minister for Trade and Investment Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services 2.Mr Don Page, Minister for Local Government, North Coast 3.Ms Katrina Hodgkinson, Minister for Primary Industries, Small Business 4.Mr Kevin Humphries, Minister for Mental Health, Healthy Lifestyles, Western New South Wales 5.Mr Adrian Piccoli, Minister for Education 6.Mr George Souris, Minister for Tourism Major Events Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts 7.Mr Kevin Anderson MLA 8. Mr John Barilaro MLA 9.Mr Steve Cansdell, Parliamentary Secretary for Police 10. Mr Thomas George MLA 11. Mr Paul Toole, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier and for Asia- Pacific Trade 12. Ms Jenny Gardiner MLC 13. Ms Sarah Mitchell MLC 14. Ms Leslie Williams MLA

While there I was able to actively promote the LiberalNational State Government alliance, the strengths of the relationship and the Governments achievements through sound management.

My itinerary for the travelis attached for your information. I claimed travel allowance to cover accommodation and flights.

Yours sincerely

Hon Colin Holt MLC MEMBER FOR THE SOUTH WEST REGION TripPerth Brisbane SydneyPerth

Departure Date 19th August 2011

Departure Airline & Flight No.QantasQF650

Departure Time07:35am

Arrival Time01:50pm

Return Date23rd August 2011

Return Airline & Flight No.Qantas QF575

Return Departure Time08:10am

Return Arrival Time11:20am

Flight Cost$717.70

Accommodation Cost$728.61

Travel Allowance $1000.00 Number of Days Travel Allowance5 days

Private or Commercial Components

with Nationals Friday COSP various meetings and forums Members of Parliament from otherStates. Saturdaymeeting with Tim Bull and TimMcCurdy SundayTravel to Sydney fieetingSchedule NSW Members of Monday Meeting with NSW State Director, Parliament PARLIAMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

BAKER : A Member for May lands

2 September 2011

The Director Mr Peter Conran Department of Premier & Cabinet 15th Floor 197 St Georges Terrace PERTH WA 6000

Dear Sir,

re: Imprest Travel Report: Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians - `w.comm forum' Canberra, August 21 -22, 2011

For the purpose of leading the Australian Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians' "w.comm forum" (women.commonwealth.politics/connect), I travelled to Canberra on zo August 2011.

In 2011 we are celebrating aoo years of the Commonwealth and also 100 years of International Women's' Day; accordingly, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) considered it appropriate to design a project that would include agendas relevant to these celebrations and, target young women from diverse communities across this state.

` w.comm` is an innovative new project run by the Australian Commonwealth Women Parliamentarian's Committee of the CP. Itsaimisto promote the work of the Commonwealth to young women from diverse communities across Australia.

The forum invited young women from all Australian States and Territories to enter an online competition submitting their reasons for wanting to be involved in w.comm.

Ten finalists were selected to attend the two day forum in Canberra to meet high profile women parliamentarians and women in related industries and discuss how to turn their ideas into action for their communities.

946 Beaufort Street, Inglewood 6052 (P0 Box 907, Inglewood 6932) Phone: 9370 3550 Fax: 9272 4291Email: [email protected] Page 2

Participants were invited to identify three specific outcomes they would like to achieve from this forum in order to feel that the journey has been rewarding for them. The forum encouraged them to turn their energy into action, directed towards tangible outcomes, followed by identifying what they want to improve in their communities and/or existing networks and seek ideas from the group for ways to achieve their desired outcomes.

The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, aimed to reach out to young women in the community, to find out what they were thinking, and engage them in the political process.

These remarkable women came from all over Australia to spend two days in Parliament House in Canberra and were keen to learn about what it takes to become involved in politics because they are committed to changing the status quo.

We were also enthusiastic to learn from them how parliaments can better relate to young people and be more relevant and accessible.

Discussions were wide ranging and included debates on affirmative action, the treatment of female politicians by the media, and how to break down barriers which prevent more women from taking up politics as a career.

The group met with many federal MP's during their time in Canberra, including the minister for the status of women, Kate Ellis, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party Julie Bishop.

The young women were inspired by first-hand knowledge from the MP's they spoke to about why being in parliament can be a fulfilling career where you can make a difference and we in turn were inspired by their enthusiasm, intelligence and points of view.

We hope to hold similar events in the future.

While the w.comm forum was funded through agrant from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's Secretariat, Australian Commonwealth Women's Parliamentarian Committee, there were not sufficient funds included in the grant to meet the cost of the Australian CWP members' travel and attendance at the forum and to that end, I elected to use my imprest account to meet the costs of attending the w.comm forum in my role as the leader of the forum and the Chair of the Australian CWP.

I have attached copies of the programme, and other documents that relate to the w.comm forum.

Lisa Bake LMLA Member for MAYLANDS _ August 21-22, Parliament House, Canberra women.commonwealtpolitics/connect

Saturday Augth, L 20

7:00pm Informal dinner at Banana Leaf Restaurant, Garema Place, City. Group to meet Jeremy Kennett in hotel foyer to walk to restaurant nday August 21

8:30am 9:00am Travel from Crowne Plaza to Parliament House Jeremy Kennett or Emma O'Sullivan will travel with the group . Passes will be collected at main entrance

9:00am9:30am Committee Room 2R3

Official welcome speech by Lisa Baker, MLA, CWP Australia chair . After the speech other CWP members present will introduce themselves with a short speech 9:30am10:15am Tour of Parliament House To he conducted by APH guides. Group will gather in main foyer 10:15am 10:30am Morning Tea

10:30am 11:15am Setting the Agenda: Turning empowerment into real action in your community Session chair: Lisa Baker, MLA, CWP Australia chair

11:15am 12:00pm Getting involved: Political activism and community engagement Session chair: The Hon Robyn Parker, MR Maitland Guest speakers: . The Hon Mary Porter, AM, MLA, Ginninderra . Ebony Bennett, director of strategy and liaison, The Greens . Louise Morris, campaign manager, Markets for Change

12:00pm 1:00pm Lunch Mural Hall

1:00pm2:00pm Workshop Putting it into practice Participants, MPs to break into groups

2:00pm 2:45am Our Say video presentation and discussion Session chair: Christine Fyffe, MR Evelyn

2:45 3:00pm Afternoon Tea Participants then depart to the National Portrait Gallery

3:30pm 5:00pm National Portrait Gallery guided tour

5:00pm Travel back to Crowne Plaza

6:30pm Travel from Crowne Plaza to Parliament House

7:00pm 9:30pm Dinner Members' Dining Hall Speakers: Nationals Senator Fiona Nash, NSW Sashikala Premawardhane, Sri Lanka High Commission

:.'.11.Tve.altli Women Parliamentarians w.comm forum c/- international and Cot Relaii0f15 Suite R1-37, Parliament Houser Canberra ACT 2600 Phone: 4-61 2 6277 4349 ax: +61 2 6277 2000 V Email: tivcommtill)aph.gov.au Website: WWW.W COm.org iament House, Canberra

Y.A I ornert. Lwea olitics/connecE

Ions ay August 22

7:00am Travel from Crowne Plaza to ParliamentHouse, Group to collect passes from main entrance 8:00am9:00am BreakfastMembers' Dining Hall Speaker: Julie Bishop, Liberal Party Deputy,Opposition spokeswoman for foreign affairs 9:15am 9:30 Committee Room 1R3 Opening of day two of forum by Lisa Baker, MLA,CWP Australia chair for Status of Women, Employment Participation,Childcare 9:30am9:45am Speech by The Hon Kate Ellis, MR Minister 9:45am 10:30am Panel discussionFemale politicians and the media Session chair: The Hon Mary Porter; AM, MLA,Ginninderra Guest participants: Virginia Haussegger, ABC TV news presenter,Canberra Meghan Hopper, media researcher 10:30am 10:50am Speech by Gai Brodtmann, MR Canberra 10:50 11:00am Morning Tea 11:00am 11.30am A conversation with Sarah Hanson-Young Speakers: Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Senator, SA Melissa Clarke, journalist, ABC News 24 11A0am 12:15pmCommittee Room RG 43 Being an 'independent' Session chair: Christine Fyffe, MR Evelyn Speaker: The Hon Ruth Forrest, MLC, Murchison Responses by other CWP members 12.15 1 :45 LunchReps Alcove Guests: Amanda Rishworth, MP Sophie Mirabella, MP Julie Collins, MP Natasha Griggs, MP Note: CWP Australia Steering Committee toattend meeting in 2R2 1:45pm2:50pm Attend Question Time 2:50pm3:00pm Afternoon Tea Committee Room RG 43 3:00pm3:30pm Question Time discussion Session chair: Lisa Baker, MLA, Maylands,Chair of Australian CWP 3:30pm4:00pm politics Debate/workshop: Electoral issues, Affirmative action,voting age, attracting more young women to Session chair: to be appointed 4:00pm5:00pm Workshop: The wrap up 5:00pm Travel to hotel 7:00pm Informal farewell dinner; Tongue andGroove, Sunda St Jeremy Kennett to escort group to dinner

C o nione a lii.iof of On Pa w.comm forum House, Canberra ACT 2600 a/- international and. CommunityRelations O1(ice, Suite R1-37, Parliament Website: www.weomm.org Phone: +61 2 6277 4349 Fax: +61 2 6277 2000 C wcommPaph.gov.au women.commonwea I fh.politicsiconnect

cRpants

DPiecT2,-ec members

Ms Alexia Fulier - ACT Ms Lisa Baker MLA - WA Ms Veronica Hayes - QLD The Hon. Ruth Forrest MLC -TAS Ms Lucy junghans - WA Mrs Christine Fyffe MP -VIC Ms Ashleigh LLstica - SA The Hon. Robyn Parker MP NSW Ms Nyaciol Nyaon - VIC Ms Mary Porter AM MLA - ACT Ms Tegan Pearce TAS Ms Vidya Ramachandran - NSW Ms NhiTran - NT Ms Suzanna WrightNorfolk Island Ms Ashleigh mama VIC

Conan onwealth Women PortiamentoriartS C 0 nun forum , International and Community Relations Office, Suite R1-37, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 Phone: ÷61 2 6277 4349 :lax: +61 2 6277 2000 e= Email: vvcommPaph.gov.auWebsite: www.wcommtorg Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians w.comm forum

August 21 22

Program session and workshop notes

*These are notes for all the parts of the program to be run by the CWP steering committee. It does not canvass other speeches/presentations to be conducted by federal MPs or scheduled events.

Further details on the full program are on a separate document

Sunday August 21

10.30am11.15am

SETTING THE AGENDA

Facilitator: Lisa Baker, MLA, Maylands, Chair of Australian CWP

The key theme of this session is: Turning empowerment into real action in your community

Participants will be invited to introduce themselves and, in doing so, to identify three specific outcomes they would like to achieve from this forum in order to feel that the journey has been rewarding for them.

The forum encourages them to turn their energy into action, directed towards tangible outcomes. This will involve the young women in identifying what they want to improve in their communities and/or existing networks and seek ideas from the group for was to achieve their desired outcomes.

At least two scribes will be needed to take a few words down and record what each young women reports as their three expectations for a successful forum and any other details.

Note: At the completion of this first session the Lisa as the facilitator will call for or nominate one participant for each session to be responsible for summarising the discussions and outcomes from each session. Those reporting will be encouraged to use their own words and to be hones in their reporting. As part of the program wrap up Lisa will ask each person to provide their report at the final session of the forum.

SOCIAL MEDIA: The secretariat's Jermey Kennett and Emma O'Sullivan may also report some proceedings on Facebook and Twitter.

w.comm c/- International and Community Relations Office, Suite R1-37, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 Phone: +61 2 6277 4349Fax: +61 2 6277 2000 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wcomm.org Sunday August 21

11.15am 12.00pm

GETTING INVOLVED

Political activism, volunteering and community engagement

Chair: The Hon Robyn Parker, MP, Maitland

Speakers: Mary Porter, Robyn Parker, Louise Morris

This session is designed to give the participants ideas from those with extensive experience in a variety of areas of how to put their thoughts into action.

Guest speakers will give a brief description of what they do before going on to describe an idea they had, how they planned to achieve a good outcome and how the process wentwhat went right and what went wrong.

Specifically:

Mary Porter will speak about her extensive background in volunteering and why she thinks that's so important in making a difference at a grassroots level Ebony Bennet will speak about her work as the Greens campaign manager Louise Morris will talk about how she seeks to influence governments as part of an environmental lobby group

After the short presentations the sessions can be opened up for general discussion.

Note: Ebony and Louise are both attending lunch so there will be an opportunity for participants to continue chatting informally over the break.

VV.COMM c/- International and Community Relations Office, Suite R1-37, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 Phone: +61 2 6277 4349Fax: +61 2 6277 2000Email: [email protected] Website: www.wcomm.org Sunday August 21

1:00pm2:00pm

Putting it into practice

Each MP teams up with a group of participants and starts work on:

clarifying their desired outcome planning the best way to achieve this

O identifying potential barriers they may meet and; solutions to overcome these

o Alternative pathways forward

O How to celebrate the achievement of their goal

Scribes will need to be appointed to record discussions.

The separate sessions will finish with 20 minutes remaining to allow each group to prove a report back to all participants and MPs.

Sunday August 22

2:00pm2:45pm

Our Say

Facilitator: Mrs Christine Fyffe, MP, Evelyn

The w.comm partnership with the Our Say group (www.oursay.org) involves the CWP secretariat obtaining answers to three key questions on the theme of women in politics prior to the forum. Responses will be recorded on camera from federal MPs Kelly O'Dwyer, Deb O'Neill and Larissa Waters. An edited version of approximately 10 minutes in duration of their pre-recorded responses will be played at the forum.

w.comm c/- International and Community Relations Office, Suite R1-37, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 Phone: +61 2 6277 4349Fax: +61 2 6277 2000 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wcomm.org OUR SAY CONT:

A facilitated discussion will then take place on the various issues raised. Ten minutes before the end of the session the facilitator will summarise discussions to complete the session.

Note: During the afternoon tea break, Emma O'Sullivan of the secretariat will interview some of the participants on camera about their views on the issues raised. This will then be used by Our Say in a vide o package on their website. Permission will be sought from those interviewed to have their responses used on the Internet.

Monday August 22

9:45am10:30am

FEMALE POLITICIANS AND THE MEDIA

Facilitator: The Hon Mary Porter, AM, MLA, Ginninderra

Guests: Virginia Haussegger, ABC TV, Meghan Hopper, Media researcher

Canberra ABC TV newsreader Virginia Haussegger and media researcher Meghan Hopper will attend to help set up this session with their own experience and views. (Meghan's area of research includes the media treatment of female politicians during election campaigns.

Discussions on a whole gamut of issues can be canvassed including;

Are women treated differently, if so, why? Are women also prone to using sexist attacksesp in Q Time? Coverage of Julia Gillard during the 2010 election campaign Views from the CWP MPs on their experiences Views from Virginia from the perspective of a journalist Views from Megan she has gained in her research

This session may also use various multimedia examples (to be sourced by Emma O'Sullivan) either in video, print and to prompt further discussion.

wicomm c/- International and Community Relations Office, Suite R1-37, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 Phone: +61 2 6277 4349Fax: +61 2 6277 2000 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wcomm.org Monday August 22

11.45am 12.15am

BEING AN 'INDEPENDENT'

Facilitator: Mrs Christine Fyffe, MP, Evelyn

The Hon Ruth Forrest, MLC, Murchison

As the only independent MP in attendance at the forum, Ruth Forrest will give participants an idea of what it's like gain a seat in a Parliament without the backing of a major party and how she conducts her work effectively. Ruth can speak about the challenges and opportunities, both positive and negative, of being an independent MP.

Our CWP members who are members of major political parties can in turn contribute their perspectives on what it's like to be part of a party.

Key points and conclusions will be documented on the whiteboard.

Monday August 22

2:00pm2:50pm

ATTEND QUESTION TIME

Participants will attend Question time in the House of Representatives

w.comm c/- International and Community Relations Office, Suite R1-37, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 Phone: +61 2 6277 4349Fax: +61 2 6277 2000Email: [email protected] Website: www.wcomm.org Monday August 22

3:00pm3:30pm

QUESTION TIME DISCUSSION

Facilitator: Lisa Baker, MLA, Maylands, Chair of Australian CWP

Participants and MPs will have a general discussion and debate about what they have justseen in Question Time, including:

® How does it work

® What does it achieve

o Comments on general behaviour o Is it too "blokey"

As part of the discussion we can show examples of particularly funny highlights of recent federal Question Times.

Monday August 22

3:30pm4:00pm

ELECTORAL ISSUES

Affirmative action, voting age, attracting more youngwomen to politics

Facilitator: to be appointed from among the participants

Depending on how the afternoon is going, we may break peopleup to work in small groups on these loosely connected topics. We can then use the wholegroup to feedback on the issues.

w.comm c/- International and Community Relations Office, Suite R1-37, Parliament House, CanberraACT 2600 Phone: +61 2 6277 4349Fax: +61 2 6277 2000 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wcomm.org Monday August 22

4:00pm5:00pm

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Facilitator: Lisa Baker, MLA, Maylands, Chair of Australian CWP

Lisa will lead a wrap up of everything covered over the forum. Reporters appointed for each of the sessions give their feedback on the session they covered.

A review of the original expectations of the participants will be discussed what has been met, what has been missed out?

Evaluation from the participants will be posted on Facebook and they will have an opportunity to add to that in their own time once the forum finishes.

w.comm c/- International and Community Relations Office, Suite R1-37, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 Phone: +61 2 6277 4349Fax: -F61 2 6277 2000 Email: wcommpaph.gov.au Website: www.wcomm.org d 0 Pi=:$177,11rk P;-,V:`,I I1 17,i1":-.)/.';\, 17-4Y111-4111,' '1'7 -7,'Fil.'''7:' r(7,i-(,::r--.1 -: .cii.',1-4,r-ii-cyt--1' r-,1 i Biographies Biographies Lisa wasBaker born MLA in Perth and grew up in the city's eastern hills region. Before she CWP steering committee members was SheRobynThe islion awas formerRobyn elected teacher Parker to the andMP NSW a strong Legislative advocate Council of childhood in 2003 aseducation, the Member early for intervention Maitland. 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Council She of isSocial the Opposition Services. She Mayto BurnieMemberRuth 2005 grew to Ruth for do up theher wasin Tasmaniaelectorate general elected nurseto andof the Murchison. completed training.Legislative She Sheher Council has midwiferywas worked re-electedof Tasmania degree as a in midwifein Mayas Adelaide the 2011. sinceIndependent before Ruth 1989. maintainsreturning In Workingfarms.Christine A together, fewwas years born they afterin Staffordshire, developed arriving in the Australia England award-winning inin 1967,a beautiful Yarra Christine Burnvalley met Winery comprised and andmarried Restaurantof small David. family andMelissaRutha childbirthstrong is married Parkeinterest services MPand in health hasand fourcontinues policy children, and to service provide two boys delivery, care & two to especiallya girls, very agedsmall with 18 caseload regardyears to toof 25 maternitywomen. years. 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Comm onweallh Women Parliamentarians w.comm forum Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians w.comm forum 3 Biographies Biographies Gai Brodtmann MP Federal MPs JulieThe HonBishop Julie has Bishop lived inMP the Deputy electorate Leader of Curtin of the for Opposition over 29 years, but she grew up federalGeneralBeforeGai Brodtmann public entering department. servant wasparliament with elected Gai the is she Departmentpassionateto parliamentran her own aboutof at Foreign smallthe many 2010 business Affairs women's election and for issues inTrade10 the years seatandincluding and theof Canberra. 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28 August 2011-1 September 2011

Purpose

I attended the Australian Fire Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) and Bushfire CRC Conference emergency management conference between 28 August 2011-1 September 2011.

AFAC represents all fire, land management and emergency service agencies in Australia and New Zealand. The Bushfire Co-operative Research Centre is the peak research body for the fire industry in this region.

Whilst in Sydney Ialso met with NSW Shadow Police Minister on matters of mutual interest.

Benefits

The conference program (attached) addressed key issues facing the emergency services sector. Discussions were held on the latest scientific research, communications issues such as the use of social media, presentations on a wide range of matters including and management , leadership, use of personnel, attraction of volunteers, risk management and developments in technologies which would assist in emergency management.

The 2011 conference, held in Sydney, attracted more than 1400 delegates from across Australia, New Zealand, the Asia-Pacific Region, the US and Europe. A trade show was also held concurrently which showcased new and state of the art technologies and equipment used in emergency management.

As part of the conference I attended a day long master class with US expert, Ben Self on the use of social media for fire and other emergency events. As Shadow emergency services Minister it was of great assistance not only to expand my technical knowledge in an area which is dynamic and subject to constant change, but also to have the opportunity of meeting and hearing from a number of practitioners from across Australia and overseas.

Cost

An amount of $2,020.70 was advanced for the purposes of 5 nights' accommodation and economy airfare Perth-Sydney return. For personal reasons noted above I did not avail myself of one night's accommodation I claimed forofficial purposes and have reimbursed the sum of $250 accordingly. The total cost of the travel therefore was $1770.70.

I personally met the costs of conference delegation and master class fees.

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Outcomes- learningWhatvolunteer does the rights, youth engagement Emergencytechnologies ManagementMapping andfor use Location in productsdevelopedprocessesundertakeneffectivean insight are procurement into managed. how and cost Cost900 $440.00 FOC $150.00 $150.00 $150.00 $150.00 $150.00 $150.00 1000 930 16301600 1700 AFAC/BCRCWelcome to Country Awards 1800 Program may be subject to change flew Thinhing afac MurdayDu,nuTA(..5...nur Hata ruA.,uput r Au, yennucut.onendrrtno candle thus., I &rrzurtur Ccremunco "Olt ri bushfire L uc Stream 1 Stream 2 AFAC/Bushfire CRC Conference Day 2 Stream 3 Tuesday 30 AugustStream 4 2011 800 C Naomi Brown, CEO, AFAC PARKSIDE AUDITORIUM (Lower Level) PARKSIDE 110A PARKSIDE 110B PARKSIDE G04 (Lower Level) 915845 President.Commissioner,LeeThe Johnson, KeynoteFuture AFAC AFSM Queensland for - Emergency' Fire & Rescue magernent Service iii... stralia KentuckyFounder,BenUsing Self Internet USABlue Slate &Digital Social Media to engage the community 10301000 Poster Sens ion -Expo Hall BiSclk r 5as 5 tine 5 OW 1100 DeanneCPANEL.: Bird, Social Flooding Facebook - the use of social media during the Oki and Vic floods intl., Fire & Rescue NSW d AC st commissionerPANEL: Re Steve Lancaster Tons Rogers, AIPM on' Leadership Chair:PANEL Neil Prescribed Cooper, Burning-ACTm ParksFogarty, the & Department5 Conservation % challenge of Sustatnabildy & Environment SIC ChiefChair:PANE Supt Mark Rob WI McNeil ybro Fire Fire & Rescue NSW. 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Arrive Sydney

Monday 29 August

io.00am AFAC Conference: Ben Self Master Class

Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre Darling Harbour, Sydney

6.00pm Note: AFAC Opening Ceremony - trade centre

Tuesday 3o August

Full day AFAC Conference

Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

7.00pm AFAC Dinner - Bayside Grand Hotel

Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

Wednesday 31 August

Full Day AFAC Conference

Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

Meeting with Nathan Rees MP Parliament House - Sydney Thursday 1 September

Full Day AFAC Conference - Science Day

Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

Friday 2 September

Depart Sydney Arrive Perth Member for Ca rtrt[ngtort Unit 4, 10 Cecil Ave CANNINGTON, WA 6107 cc-4 S PO Box 1171 CANNINGTON, WA 6987 7 8 Ph 08 9356 5011 Fax 08 9356 5077 Mr Peter Conron [email protected] Director General RECEIVED Department of Premier and Cabinet 7 °CT 20i1 Governor Stirling Tower r' °CPC...Iatelat FM .1, Pi 5f; 197 St Georges Terrace Cab'.ir6-- ,/ PERTH WA 6000

if1 Dear Mr/Conron

RE: Imprest Travel

I am writing to provide you with a report on my recent travel to Sydney from 22 to 26 August 2011, in accordance with the approval previously granted to me by the Premier, Hon Colin Barnett.

22 August 2011

I flew to Sydney, arriving at night.

23 August 2011

I attended "The Bellweather SeriesAustralia 2011" conference conducted by The Economist newspaper. I have attached a copy of the conference programme, anda copy of the conference executive summary.

24 August 2011

On this day my consultations included:

® Hon Greg Donnelly MLC, Labor Member of the NSW Legislative Council ® Sam Dastyari, General Secretary, NSW Labor

25 August 2011

On this day my consultations included:

® Hon Eric Roozendaal MLC ® Mr Justin di Lollo, Managing Director, Hawker Britton 26 August 2011

Following some private meetings, I returned to Perth in the evening.

I found the "Bellweather" conference to be particular useful. This is the second time that I have paid to attend a conference arranged by The Economistnewspaper, and once again I found their choice of speakers very good. In just one day they are able to distill a large amount of information, on this occasion relating to the economic situation of Australia, now and into the medium term (over a five to ten year horizon).

Further, I am pleased that the Premier saw consultation with the NSW Labor Party members and staff to be important, and I gained an insight into a number of issues, including prostitution laws and campaign finance reform.

In respect of the acquittals of my allowance, I enclose the receipt for my airfare and continue to claim for 3 nights' accommodation, which means my advance of $3,788.00 is balanced by my claim.

I appreciate that the Premier believed this travel to be relevant to my duties as a Parliamentarian. If there are further issues that need to be dealt with by me, please call me at my office on 9356 5011.

Yours sincerely

Bill Johnston MLA Member for Cannington

5 October 2011 Programme

August 23rd, 2011

Conference Moderators: Andrew Palmer, Finance Editor, TheEconomist Tom Easton, Asia Business Editor, The Economist Robert Milliken, Australia Correspondent,The Economist

8.15 am Registration and refreshments C.F.;

9.00 am Welcome remarks

9.10 am Keynote opening speech An overview of the future of Australia's financialsector and key policies for theyear ahead.

Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Finance andDeregulation, Australian Government

MODERATOR: Andrew Palmer, Finance Editor, TheEconomist

9.40 am Economist Group briefing: A global economicand financial outlook Although 2010 marked a year of broad recovery from the financial crisis, fears ofa double-dip recession have heightened withrecent market volatility. How will growth and recovery play out? We examine scenarios for theyear ahead, including conclusions from a recently conducted EconomistIntelligence Unit survey of institutional investors sponsored by BNY Mellon.

Lost confidencehow seriousare the current market conditions? What happens if China's growth slows? What will. drive global economic growth in theyear ahead? Is Asia on the right track towardsmore balanced and sustainable growth? What inflation trends can we expect?

Andrew Palmer, Finance Editor, The Economist 10.00 am The rise of the East: Asia and the world in 2011 The global crisis has forced Asian countries tore-assess their export growth models and make structural changes to boost domestic demand. Theyare no longerjust catching up; they are driving changes in the rest of the world. Havewe reached a new chapter in the development of the global economy? What does itmean for Australia?

a In the year ahead, how will Asia's participation in the globaleconomic and financial system evolve? Will Australia's economy continue to benefit from the rebalancingof the global economy towards Asia's emerging markets? What is the future for ASX? How can key exchangesacross Asia be linked?

Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist,Austrade Keith Pogson, Asia-Pacific Financial Services Leader,Ernst & Young Michael Wesley, Executive Director,Lowy Institute Jennifer Elliott, Group Managing Director, Asia-Pacific,Moody's

!MODERATOR: Tom Easton, Asia Business Editor, The Economist

11.05 am Networking break

11.35am Financial innovation: The good, the badand the future? The global debate on the value and costs of financial innovationcontinues. What counts as good and bad innovation, and what turns an innovation fromone into the other?

a Are the country's regulators doing enough to monitor andcontrolinnovation? a Capital controls: worrying trend or necessary evil? Does innovation increase or reduce the risks of bubbles inassets like property? a Do financial institutions innovate for their customersor themselves? Will we see financial services innovationmove to emerging markets?

Jeremy Cooper, Chairman, Retirement Income,Challenger Limited Brian Johnson, Analyst,CLSA Martin Fahy, Practice Leader, Asia Pacific,The Hackett Group Lee White, Executive General Manager, Members,The Institute of Chartered Accountants

MODERATOR: Andrew Palmer, Finance Editor, The Economist

12.40 pm Luncheon tttull\_)

2.00 pm Featured presentation by the Reserve Bank: Economic and financial conditions

Ric Battellino, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia

MODERATOR:Tom Easton, Asia Business Editor,The Economist

2.35 pm Currency markets: hot air or impending crisis? As increased inflows and currency appreciation persist, countries are turning to unorthodox measures to preventtheir currencies from appreciating. Will beggar-thy- neighbour policies and "currency wars" be the defining trends of 2011 or can a new era of global consensus still emerge?

Is the rhetoric more out of hand than the reality? Capital controls: worrying trend or necessary evil? Will we see increasing intervention in a wider range of markets? What should we expect from Asian currencies?

Mark Delaney, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Investment Officer, AustralianSuper Terry Campbell, Senior Chairman, Goldman Sachs Australia and New Zealand Michael Knox, Chief Economist and Director of Strategy, RBS Morgans Huw McKay, Senior International Economist, Westpac

MODERATOR:Tom Easton, Asia Business Editor, The Economist

3.30 pm Networking break

4.00pm The changing climate in financial markets The debate is no longerif our climate is changing but how quickly. In the Asia-Pacific region, with its high concentration of economic activities in coastal areas, and heavy reliance on agriculture and natural resources, the economic repercussions will be far reaching for governments, companies and investors. How are the financial markets evolving to meetthe risksand capitalise on the opportunitiesposed by climate change?

How can financial markets help to meet the economic challenges of climate change? What new business opportunities are being created? What can we expectfrom policy-makers in the year ahead? How are carbon markets likely to evolve in Australia?

RussellThomas, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Financial Services Institute of Australasia Brian Redican, Senior Economist, Macquarie Group John Connor, Chief Executive Officer, The Climate Institute Paul Verschuer, Managing Director, Foreign Exchange, Commodities, Carbon, Energy, Equities, Westpac

MODERATOR: Robert Milliken, Australia Correspondent,The Economist 4.50 pm Growth and investment opportunities in Asia: Theyear ahead The shift away from export driven growth in Asian economiesis creating up new opportunities for investors. So too are changing consumptionpatterns and rapid urbanisation. This panelwill examine Asia's changing investmentlandscape and debate the best opportunities forinvestors in the year ahead.

® Which countries and industries will offer the most excitingopportunities in the next 12 months? ® What will be the biggest risksfor investors in 2011? ® Will Asia's appetite for Australian investment continueto grow?

Alan Harden, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon AssetManagement, Asia- Pacific Ben Ford, Senior Economist, Export Finance and InsuranceCorporation Gerard Doherty, ManagingDirector, Australia, Fidelity

MODERATOR: Tom Easton, AsiaBusiness Editor, The Economist

5.45 pm Closing summary remarks Looking back over the day's discussion, debate and analysis,what were the keyissues raised? What is the government's outlook for the future of financefor Australia?

Andrew Palmer, Finance Editor,The Economist Tom Easton, Asia BusinessEditor, The Economist Robert Milliken, AustraliaCorrespondent, The Economist

6.00 pm Cocktail reception u

n,

11.4.1.414ELE

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A

z The Bellwether Series: Australia August 23rd 2011Sydney, Australia

Spea kers

Andrew Palmer, Finance Editor, The Economist

Tom Easton, Asia Business Editor, The Economist

Robert Milliken, Australia Correspondent, The Economist

The Honourable Penny Wong, Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Government of Australia

Ric Battellino, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia

Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist, Austrade

Mark Delaney, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Investment Officer, AustralianSuper

Alan Harden, Chief Executive Officer, Asia-Pacific, BNY Mellon Asset Management

o Jeremy Cooper, Chairman, Retirement Income, Challenger

Brian Johnson, Analyst, CLSA

Keith Pogson, Financial Services Leader, Asia-Pacific, Ernst & Young

Ben Ford, Senior Economist, Export Finance and Insurance Corporation

Russell Thomas, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Financial Services Institute of Australasia

o Terry Campbell, Senior Chairman, Goldman Sachs Australia and New Zealand

Michael Wesley, Executive Director, Lowy Institute

o Brian Redican, Division Director and Senior Economist, Macquarie Group

Jennifer Elliott, Group Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Moody's

Michael Knox, Chief Economist and Director of Strategy, RBS Morgans

Carson Scott, Correspondent, Sky Business

John Connor, Chief Executive Officer, The Climate Institute

o Martin Fahy, Practice Leader, Asia-Pacific, The Hackett Group

Lee White, Executive General Manager, Members, The Institute of Chartered Accountants

o Huw McKay, Senior International Economist, Westpac Institutional Bank

Paul Verschuer, Managing Director, Foreign Exchange, Commodities, Carbon, Energy, Equities, Westpac Institutional Bank

© 2011 The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited The Bellwether Series: Australia August 23rd 2011. Sydney, Australia

In looking across the world economy, Europe is "absolutely" the most worrying place. It is plausible to see the eurozone breaking up, and if that happens it would be very difficult to manage. Mr Palmer cited a recent survey of institutional investors conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, sponsored by BNY Mellon. It showed that Australian investors had a "sunnier outlook"than elsewhere. Inflation pressures in Asia seemed to have peaked, but there were still reasons to worry about developments in China. The climate of market volatility and nervousness made China's growth uncomfortably important forthe rest of the world.

Amid the broader world outlook, Mr Palmer sensed that it would be better to be sitting in Australia at this point than in Europe or the United States. That said, Australia is by no means immune from economic developments in both those places.

The topic sparked a lively discussion among four panellists about the impact of China's rise as an economic power. From their different perspectives, they looked at how China's growth affects the Asia-Pacific regional economy, Australian attitudes towards Chinese investment and China's capacity to cope with its own success. Moderator Tom Easton opened the discussion with the suggestion that 14 years after the Asian financial crisis of 1997, the two big winners are China and Australia.

Looking at China's emergence on financial markets, Keith Pogson, Asia-Pacific financial services leader at Ernst & Young, said China has moved close to harmonising its accounting with international standards; but the accounting profession and the country's economy as a whole are still quite young. "We're concerned about the reputation of the market place because of some bad apples in China/' he added. Jennifer Elliott, group managing director Asia-Pacific at Moody's, expressed cautious optimism. The caution comes from the fact that China faces a hard task in achieving the growth it has set foritself. The optimism hinges on the belief that China has both the willingness and the ability to achieve that growth.

Michael Wesley, executive director of the Lowy Institute, a Sydney-based think tank, expounded on themes from his recent, widely acclaimed book "There Goes the Neighbourhood", in which he discusses how prepared, and unprepared, Australia is for the rise of Asia. He believes China and other emerging economies in Asia are "a bit stunned" by the path they have reached. They are proud, even complacent, about their economic success. "They're completely unprepared for a world where everyone is looking at them. They're psychologically unprepared for a world where Europe and the United States are economic basket cases." Equally, there is a sense in Australia that its economy is on a winning streak, with a terms- of-trade boom, and with people wondering how long it will last. In such circumstances, there is a tendency to become risk-averse. And yet, while Australia is very much linked to Asia through trade, in a financial sense the vast investment flows are still directed at Europe and North America.

Tim Harcourt, chief economist at Austrade, the Australian government's trade agency, said Australia had progressed from being an inward-looking economy to an open one. Its old "tyranny of distance" with its traditionaltrading partners in Europe and North America has been replaced by a "power of proximity" to markets in Asia. A lesson from the past decade is that having an economy such as Australia's, thatis underwritten by commodities, is not a bad thing.

© 2011 The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited The Bellwether Series: Australia August 23rd 2011. Sydney, Australia

Ric Battellino, deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, looked atthe forces that had shaped Australia's economy over the past year, and their impact on the central bank's thinking on monetary policy. The effects of Australia's mining boom turned out to be stronger than expected in August of 2010. Consequently, the terms of trade are now "noticeably higher", and forecasts for nationalincome and mining investment have been revised upward.

Despite this, overall economic growth is turning out to be weaker: the Latest forecast puts GDP growth in 2011 at 3.25% compared with 3.75% last November. The downward revision reflects the higher exchange rate for the Australian dollar, consumer caution, the impact of Australia's floods and cyclones in early 2011 and a slower growth in the tabour force. Growth of Australia's working-age population has been running recently at little more than 10/0 a year compared with 2.25% a few years prior to the 2011 Bellwether event.

Mr Battellino described the environment for monetary policy over the past year as "challenging ". In November 2010, the Reserve Bank raised the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.75%, but has otherwise held rates steady. Mr Battellino said the divergence between the mining and non-mining sectors of the economy has increased, while the mix of growth and inflation has turned out to be less favourable than a year ago: there has been less growth and more inflation. The recent volatility in financial markets has added to uncertainty about the economic outlook. "It does not took Like the challenge will become any easier over the months ahead," he concluded.

From the audience, Mr Battellino was asked about Australia's manufacturing sector being hurt from two sources: big investment diverted into the mining sector, and the high currency exchange rate. Was there a case for intervention to manage the exchange rate? "I don't think current circumstances would warrant intervention," he replied. Measured against Australia's good terms of trade, the currency is not out of tine. Mr Battellino concluded that many countries overseas have embarked on currency interventions; most of them seem to have been ineffective.

Among a panel of economists and currency specialists, there was a fait/ bullish outlook for the Australian dollar remaining at current high values against the United States dollar and other currencies. The discussion took place against a backdrop of public debate about the impact of Australia's high currency value on the country's manufacturing industries. On August 22nd Bluescope Steel Australia's biggest steelmaker, announced it was scaling down operations, with a toss of 1,000 jobs, and exiting the export business. The company blamed its decision party on a record high Australian dollar.

Huw McKay, senior international economist at Westpac bank, told the session that the "extraordinarily high" prices Australia is receiving for its commodities, and the country's very favourable terms of trade, are the two key inputs to its currency al value. Michael Knox, chief economist and director of strategy at the stockbroking firm RBS Morgans, believed fears about America heading for a double dip recession are also affecting the value. Mr Morgan believed a double dip would not occur; but meanwhile, the state of Australia's budget deficit was also driving the currency movement: at 2.7% of GDP, Australia's deficit is about a quarter the relative size of America's. © 2011 The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited The Bellwether Series: Australia August 23rd 2011Sydney. Australia

session's two speakers were optimistic on most fronts. Ben Ford, senior economist at the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation, an Australian government agency, believed Asia was in a "great place". Still depending on the rest of the world for exports, it was nevertheless ramping up activity in private consumption. When many people think of Asia today, he said, they think China. Pushed harder they think of India, where there is a hunger for infrastructure development. Indonesia has made great steps in economic development over the past two years, and there are yet more opportunities in countries as diverse as Mongolia and Vietnam.

Alan Harden, chief executive officer of BNY Mellon Asset Management, Asia- Pacific, suggested Australia is a great example of a country tapping into China's growth through big resource companies such as BHP-Billiton: "There are many ways of getting exposure to the world." Thailand's market for asset management is developing fast. Mr Harden also noted that Asia's ageing population offers opportunities for investmentin health care and retirement income products. Japan's population is actually falling: who is going to provide support services for its ageing population?

Inevitably, the conversation came back to China. Both speakers saw critical milestones approaching for its economic boom. For Mr Ford, a new crop of leaders due to take charge in China in 2012-13 will be important, although itis too early to say how that would affect things, if at all. Mr Harden argued that China has now reached a tipping point for individual wealth creation. "The shock would be ifthat were to be wound back in any way. It would reverberate right through Asia," he said.

Alice Wong Client Relations Executive Tel: (852) 2585 3312 Fax: (852) 2802 7007 E-mail: [email protected]

© 2011 The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited .AJ5 E-Ticket Itinerary, Receipt and Tax Invoice

5IXZY5 Important Information

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Passenger Name Frequent Flyer No. Ticket No. Issued Ticket Total*

Mr William Johnston QF1876546 081-2406401157 29 Jul 11 3,045.70 Frequent Flyer Gold / oneworld Sapphire

Ticket Total for all passengers* 3,045.70

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Date Flight Number Departing Arriving Status Flight Information

22 Aug 11 QF582 Perth Sydney Business Est journey Time: 03:45 1435, 2:35PM 2020, 8:20PM Confirmed Non-Stop Terminal 2 22 Aug 11 Aircraft Type: Boeing 747 Terminal 3

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Laurie Birrell Department of the Premier & Cabinet Level 26, 197 St Georges Tce PERTH WA 6000

Dear Laurie,

RE: SydneySeptember 2011

Please find enclosed my Imprest application for reimbursementfollowing my recent visit to Sydney on Parliamentary business.

I have enclosed receipts as discussed for reimbursement. Ifthere are any difficulties please call and I will be happy to discuss and make adjustmentsas necessary. I have never used this claim method before.

I have also enclosed a copy of my itinerary anda report on my trip.

Yours sincerely,

Hon. Mark McGowan MLA Member for Rockingham Manager of Opposition Business Shadow Minister for State Development; RegionalDevelopment; Housing

20th September 2011

C/Documents/2011/Im prest/Sydney - Sept 2011 Imprest.clocx ItinerarySydney, NSW Hon. Mark McGowan MLA 11th 16th September 2011

Sunday, 11th September

° Travel to Sydney

Monday, 12th September

business meetings (finance industry) meet Leader of the Opposition meet Caucus

Tuesday, 13th September

meet representatives of finance, banking, law and non-governmentsectors

Wednesday, 14th September

meet energy sector meet Shadow Ministers meet communication sector representative

Thursday, 15th September

meet banking sector representatives

o meet Geoff Gallop Sydney University

o address student group

Friday, 16th September

o catch train to airport

o travel to Perth

CIDocuments/2011/Imprest/Itinerary Sydney - Sept 11.docx Visit to Sydney on Parliamentary business th 11September16th September 2011

Between the abovementioned dates Ivisited Sydney, New South Wales and met witha number of business and political figures.

The political situation in NSW is very different to Western Australia,with a new State Government having only been in office for six months. Itwas elected after 16 years in Opposition.

As itselection was widely seen as inevitable,itdid not have a large, detailed or comprehensive agenda on arriving in office. In regard to its lack ofan agenda, it is similar to the current WA Government.

The NSW government has a huge majority and the Opposition is smalland has some considerable way to go before assuming Government again.

Because of its majority it has ministers who have acted arrogantly and hasa restless backbench.

The biggest political issue is the inquiry into electricity privatisation beingconducted by a former judge. The general view is that he will recommendsome form of sale. At the same time outside parties, notably former Premier Greiner,are advocating a sale of all electricity assets irrespective of the outcome of the inquiry.

It is unclear whether he is suggesting the sale of generation and transmissionto the same buyer. It is expected the Government will sell the assets but theexact form of sale remains to be seen.

Sydney is a major financial, services and tourism centre and hasa large number of banks and other corporations headquartered there.

There is a great deal of interest in WA and various political and investmentissues there.

There was significant concern about the level of state debt. in WesternAustralia and amazement of the way the WA Government has grown that debt in three shortyears.

There was also concern expressed about the interventionist approachto business decision making taken by the WA Government. The view of business in Sydneywas that government should stay out of business decision making.

Hon. Mark McGowan MLA Member for Rockingham Manager of Opposition Business Shadow Minister for State Development; Regional Development; Housing

CiDocuments/2011/Imprest/Sydney Sept 2011 report.thec Murray Cowper 1:\/ Member for

Electorate Office Shop 1 Pinjarra Shopping Centre Pinjarra t(08) 9531 3155 f(08) 9531 3166 e [email protected]

PO Box 480 27 February 2012 Pinjarra WA 6208

The Director General Department of the Premier & Cabinet Governor Stirling Tower 26th Floor, 197 St George's Terrace PERTH WA 6000

Dear Sir

IMPREST TRAVEL REPORT -SOUTH AUSTRALIARIVERLAND AND EYRE PENINSULAR September 29 to October 13 2011

INTRODUCTION

I report having travelled by vehicleto South Australia from 29th of September 29th to October 13th 2011.

The purpose of the travel was toexamine a number of issues affectingthe Murray Wellington Electorate, thestate of Western Australia and in myrole as Parliamentary Secretary, to the Minister forTraining and Indigenous Affairs.

Prior to departureI engaged with a number ofMinisters on the proposed travel and was requested toexamine a number of programs theSouth Australian Government and South AustralianCommunity has implement with a view to adoptingsimilar initiative in Western Australia.

Attached is a list of people I held meetingswith and places visited.

COSTS

During the course of this travel no airfares wereincurred. Flat rate of $240 per night x 13 =$3120 debited to imprest account, which had not been drawn on since taking upthe position in 2005.

C:\ Documents \Files\imprest report trip to SA.mht

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2.

OUTCOMES

1.Peel Water Resource Scheme to supply fit for purpose water for mining, industry, agriculture to stimulate new investment into region.

2.Negotiations underway to reopen export abattoir in Nambeelup.

Yours sincerely

MURR OWPER LA MEMER FOR MURR Y-WELLINGTON

CADocuments \ Files \imprest report trip to SA.mht IMPREST TRAVEL REPORT -SOUTH AUSTRALIA RIVERLAND AND EYRE PENINSULAR September 29 to October 13 2011

Date Person/s visited Place Issue/s 29/30thTravel Perth Mannum Hotel 1700 kilometres

1st Darren Thomas Murray Bridge Reopening T&R abattoir at Nambeelup/ Water Reuse Scheme 2nd David Ridgeway MLC Victor Harbour Shadow Minister Police /Planning

3rd Adrian Pederick MLA Adelaide Shadow Minister Agriculture Tim Whetstone

4th Ian Zadow/Jeff Howie Caloote Local Councilor/Irrigators Water Richard Reedy Murray Bridge Dairy Farmer Water Issue Phil Withers/Wellington Weir Murray River Basin project to dam McFarlane Lake Alexandrina the Murray River Langhorn Creek Groundwater usage John Pargeter Water pipeline project Tom Kee lan MurrayDarling Basin Authority Di Davidson presentation

5th Tim Whetston MLA Berri Visit Electorate Office Gavin McMahon Bamera Irrigation Trevor Brown Yamba Quarantine Inspection Service Tony Sharley Chowilla Environment/Recreational Prof Timothy Reeves Renmark Border LAP AGM

6th Steven Marshall Adelaide Shadow Minister for Environment Affairs 7th Steven Wade Adelaide Shadow Attorney General

8th Terry Stevens MLC Angaston Shadow Minister Tourism

9th Charles Irwin Goolwa Water Issues Colin Grundy Hindmarsh Island Indigenous Issues

10th Sen Simon BirminghamAdelaide Office Workplace Training/Manufacturing

11th Depart Adelaide Whyalla Port Operations Cowell Fishing operations

Peter Treloar MLA Port Lincoln Local Radio / Royalties for Regions

12th Depart Port Lincoln Fisherman's Co Op Coffin Bay Fisheries Issues Forum/Peter Treloar Ceduna New Fishing Laws

13th Depart Ceduna Travel

14th Southern Cross Perth Home Report on Attendance at Square Kilometre Array Forum, Banff, Alberta, Canada, 4-8 July 2011

Ian Blayney MLA, Member for Geraldton

Please find following notes made from the conference.

The format was the first two days spent going over current research in thearea of Radio Astronomy, the next day was a public forum devoted to presentations from the two competing countries for the full SKA, and the final 2 days were given over to the engineering issues that surround theproject.

I came away confident that Australia has done as well as it could to presenta credible proposal. I thought the Australian presentation was superb. I came away convinced that the Australianproposal could achieve the aims of the project, and was technically and operationally achievable.

The feasibility of the project was proven I think in the technical workshops. In worldterms this is not a huge project, but a useful one for companies in that it pushes boundaries, and has considerable prestige associated with it.

Radio Astronomy has a number of attractions- it attracts good students to science, and hasprovided technological spin-offs in areas such as wi-fi, optics, detectors, signal processing, and dataintensive science. For Western Australia, one of the main spin-offs from the ASKAP, and full SKA, will be the increase in the area of work in vast amounts of data, which is also relevant to oil/gas, and mining.

an Blayney MLA, Member for Geraldton. SKA Conference, Banff, Alberta, Canada. 4-8 July 2011.

Ian Blayney MLA

Member for Geraldton

The conference ran over 5 days.

The first two days went over up-to-date research, with presentations by researchers, the middle day was the SKA Public Forum, and the last two days were workshops and reporting back on technical and engineering issues that surround the SKA.

List of Attendees:

Kim Carr, Australian Federal Minister for Innovation, Science and Research

John Day, WA State Minister for Science and Innovation

Naledi Pandor, S.African Minister for Science

Minister for Education, Northern Cape Province, S.Africa

CSIRO- Lisa Harvey-Smith, Ray Norris, Phil Diamond, Brian Boyle

ICRAR- Steve Tingay, Peter Quinn

Lyn Beazley Chief Scientist of WA

Why Astronomy.

Interesting point was made about a particular pathway that exists. Astronomy is valuableas a hook to attract good students into science via engineering. They frequently end up in Business. But the initial attraction was astronomy.

Areas where work in astronomy has spun off into other areas of value include optics, detectors, signal processing, wi-fi, and data intensive science. In Australia data rich work is particularly relevant to oil/gas, and mining. Governance Issues.

-Prof. John Womersley, SKA Founding Board chair

Founding Board- interim body, est. 2.ApriI.2011, 1 government rep, 1 science rep from each country.

-Observers from Japan, Canada, Korea and India.

-Operates under UK Co. Ltd. by guarantee, for construction phase- to be in place by Oct 2011.

Monitor and control group, security plan over operations.

-Industry has to know rules.

Outcome has to have defined processes- needs to be clear.

Specific Areas for the SKA to work in:

Neutron hydrogen from the Epoch of Re-ionization to now.

When did the first stars and galaxies form?

When did galaxies evolve?

Dark Energy, Dark Matter

-Fundamental forces, pulsars, general relativities, gravitational waves.

ASKAP Projects :

EMU Evolutionary Map of the Universe. How galaxies form and evolve. Goes half way back through the universe. Evolution of black holes. Aim to produce the most complete map of the galactic plane. Survey starts in early 2013, for 1.5 years.

WALLABY. ' ASKAP Hi All-Sky Survey'. ASKAP can see more than two thirds of the sky, it is proposed to do the rest of the sky with APERTIF at WSRT. Power Issues

-Excellent presentation by Horizon Power

renewables- have to be costed over whole of life of project.

-Does the SKA organisation want to own its power supply?- Probably not.

-Strategic tender for green energy- attractive proposition for a company- stable load, long term contract

Power requirements not yet stabilized, need idea of backup required

some tolerance of outages.

Necessary to put stage 2 infrastructure into stage 1 build.

Core design and reticulation- better handled by SKA's own people,best to avoid too many interfaces, work out industry's point of connection.

-Construction- need to balance up-front cost versus long term maintenance.

Roads a significant item.

RFI mitigation standards. Need to be set.

needs a 'policeman' role, constant monitoring of RFI

-Need to share info on RFI standards, between Australia and S.Africa once decision has been made, Australia has strength in remote generation mitigation, SA has strength in powerline mitigation. Data and Signal Transport

Requirements can be met, but may exceed budget.

-Phase 1- smallish size, not worth companies spending money on adaption.

-Companies would want limited number of interfaces.

Companies would require clarity of requirements and functional specs.

Willingness to lightly customize depends on size of project volume, also large company versus SME.

-If specs can be flexible, then costings better, need to use high volume/low cost components as much as possible.

-Again the need to emphasise requirements for phase 2 to be considered in phase 1.

-Need to look at commercial partnering, along with SPO procurement policy.

Timescales- quite small project, needs early engagement, early detailed specs, need to simplify and minimise number of interfaces.

Value to companies is from innovation.

Antennas

Currently ASKAP antennas being built in China. MeerKAT antennas being built in S.Africa.

-Not a large number of suppliers in the world.

-Needs legal entity and legal agreements with Work Package (WP) contractors.

-Who owns liability for performance, WP main contractor, SPDO, or subcontractor. Timeline

2012-site selection, has defined site selection process, timeline and request for info.

January- report will be submitted to new legal entity's Board of Directors.

Decision to be made by end of February (suggestion could be slippage to end of June).

2013-2015.-detailed design in pre-construction phase.

-pre-construction phase- SPO E15 million, E81 million for whole process.

2014-approval, start construction- Phase 1, E350 million.

2018- E1.2 billion, Phase 2.

2020-phase 1 operational

2024- phase 2 operational.

Phase 1- 10% of dishes (250), 50 sparse aperture arrays.

parallel technical development for phase 2

-Phase 2, 3000 dishes, 250 sparse aperture arrays Computing Issues

On site- Central signal processing facility

Perth or Cape Town, Science Computing Facility

Pawsey centre- $80 million. Support high end computing.

ALMA volume= 1 (another new radio telescope in the Andes)

MWA, ASKAP volume= 10-100 ( 5-10 GB/sec, 10-20 TB/day)

Full SKA, volume =100-1000 (1-10 PB/year, to archive)

MeerKAT 10 PB storage on site, 3 PB in Cape Town.

Nereus. Citizen science.

donating idle CPU capacity.

zero to install, just click link.

completely background, no access to HDD.

Skynet- start at Curtin and UWA.

-5000 in UWA- =50 Tflop. This makes it about no.200 in top 500 super computers.

-Curtin- 10 Tflop.

Useful Computer Definitions:

Moore's Law. Describes a long-term trend in history of computer hardware. States that the number of transistors that can be placed inexpensively on an integrated circuit doubles approximately every 2 years. Processing speed, memory capacity, and senses are strongly linked to the law, and the law is used by the semi-conductor industry to guide long-term planning and to set long-term targets for R&D.

Kryder's Law. States that magnetic disc areal storage capacity storage density doubles annually. This was true from 1995-2005.A study by Kryder in 2009 suggested that by 2020 a 2 disc, 2.5 inch hard drive, will be capable of storing more than 14TB and will cost about $40. Other new antennas under development:

ALMA: Funded by N.America, East Asia and Europe. 66, 12m antennas, 84-950 GHz. Cost $1.3 billion, 15 km baselines. 1 T/B per day to archive. Located at 5000m in the northern Atacama Desert, Chile.

E-ELT. European Extremely large Telescope. 40m class ground based telescope. Single aperature mirror of 42m diameter. To be located at Cerro Armazones, Chile. Will take in 15 times more light than current largest optical telescopes operating today.

James Webb Space Telescope. Large, infrared-optimised space telescope. Working to a 2018 launch date.Designed to work primarily in the infra red spectrum, but has some capability in the visible range. 6.5m mirror, with sunshield the size of a tennis court. Will reside in an orbit, 1.5 million km from earth.

LOFAR. Low frequency array. Thousands of antennae spread across Europe, headquarters in Netherlands, run by ASTRON, To operate in the poorly explored 30-240 MHz band, opening up a new phase of radio astrophysics,

IXO X-ray. International X-ray observatory. To be launched in 2021 as a joint effort by NASA, European Space Agency, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Not yet given full go ahead. Will be designed to operate for min of 5 years, to a goal of 10 years.

LSST. Large Synoptic Survey Telescope. Uses a 8.4 m ground-based telescope. Has a 3200 megapixel Camera (world's largest), will produce 30 terabytes of data every night. Will scan the the entire visible sky, every 3 nights. Located at Cerro Pachon, Chile. LSST and ICRAR have signed an agreement to work together to design a common data base system for optical and radio astronomy and research tools that will enable direct comparisons of objects they observe. This will help prepare for the enormous data challenges of the SKA.

APERTIF. Uses an array of detectors, a'phased array feed' increases field of view of radio telescope 30 times. From Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope, Netherlands.

ALFA Arecibo L-Band Feed Array. 7 feed system that allows large scale surveys of the sky using the 305m diameter telescope in Puerto Rico. Largest and most sensitive single dish radio telescope in the world.

VLBA. Very Long Baseline Array. System of 10 25m radio telescopes. Span from Hawaii to St Croix in the Virgin Islands, dedicated in 1993. It is run from New Mexico. It is the largest dedicated full time astronomical instrument using the technique of very long baseline interferometry. IMPREST REPORT: John Hyde MLA. Austin, Texas Music festivals meetings; Multicultural Interests meetings in Skopje, Macedonia: July 2011.

As Member for Perth and then Shadow Minister for the Arts I have been closely involved with support for Perth establishing a major contemporary music festival and

conference. After the 2008 election, the original model I supported was changed. Despite a commitment from the State Government of nearly $3m, the One Movement model in Perth has failed and your Tourism Minister has now agreed to cease funding One Movement while looking at a better model to fund.

SouthBySouthWest is regarded by many as the most successful contemporary music festival in the world. It not only succeeds on cultural and musical development grounds but is also a successful economic driver in the regional city of Austin.

Prior (and since) One Movement, WA's Department for Culture and the Arts, along with WAM, have recognised the benefit of sending WA musicians and bands to South by South West.

DCA's Quick Response Funding program provides funding for musicians and people in the industry to access the many last minute opportunities available in contemporary music. A partnership between WAM, Austrade and the South by South West festival was also established.

Austrade (the Australian Trade Commission) first included two West Australian acts for an Australian Music (BBQ) Showcase coordinated by the Australian Music Collective during SouthBySouthwest. A Department of Culture and the Arts report in 2007 stated that "Attendance at the Western Australian Showcase has been excellent, and reports and media releases on the outcomes are very positive."

I have used the extensive meetings and research I undertook in Austin to write a new Contemporary Music Policy which WA Labor will release before the next State election.

Specific Meetings in Austin Day 1:Met with Casey Monahan, Director, Texas Music Office, Governor's Office, regarding Texas State Government involvement and support of the SouthBySouthwest Music Festival. The TMO receives just $230,000 in annual funding. A Government project to produce Texas Music numberplates at a cost of $30 sees $8 going to licensing, $22 for musical instruments in primary schools.

SouthBySouthwestMusicFestival is a privately owned festival and for the first 18 years itlost money however the owners believed in investing in the concept and the industry.

The key to the success of the SxSW and the other music, film and arts festivalsis the c, ENJOY TEXAS MUSIC c, branding of thecity of Austinitself. The tourism destination is just as important as the festival content. I undertook a tour with Mr Monahan and Michelle Elliott, front officemanager, of the historic Driskill Hotel in Austin heritage venues play a big part in the live music scene and reinforce the importance of music, tourism, arts, heritage, transport and other activities all working together. LBJ awaited elction results for vice-President in 1960 and President in 1964 at the Driskill.

At the Driskill and other hotels, there is a room tax with 7.2% normal City tax, and the remainder up to 15% goes to Austin Convention Bureau for promotion.

Mr Monahan spoke highly of the contribution of WAM and its director Paul Bodlovich in promoting WA music in Austin and the US.

I also had briefings on a range of State legislation dealing with music and live band issues; the SxSW Film and Interactive festivals; the Texas Film Commission.

Meeting with Caroline Burruss, Director of Business Development, Austin City Limits Live and Kelly Mosser, Business Development officer.

There are three branches to the Austin City Live brand. The venue company owning ACL and also the W Building; ACL TV showthe KCLU PBS affiliate producing the Friday show; Austin City Limits festival in September the private promoter also does Papapalooska in Chicago and other US festivals.

The ACL studiois an 1800 seat auditorium with perfect sightlines and acoustics hall.It has built-in sound and video recording studios so bands don't have to bump in;live performances can be HD videoed for release, etc. Venue also value adds to Austin as a convention town Microsoft launched Internet Explorer 9 here.

Day 2: Met with Rose Reyes, Director of Music Marketing, Austin Music Marketing Office, Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Austin Music Office promotes the Live Music Capital of the World as a premiere business and travel destination. With more than 100 live music venues, Austin caters to a varietyof music stylesincluding blues, rock, jazz, Latino, classical or country.

The Austin Music Office also works to value add to conventions, receptionsandtrade showsby sourcing live music for any event from the 1,500 musical acts living in _IBLASDT.L, thecity through their Have You Hired a Musician Today program. There are four live music stages at Austin Airport and public art which reinforces the Live Music Capital of the World branding. Music is a driver of the "creative economy" that translates into millions of dollars annually for Austin. Austin City government recognizes that music is one of the things that makes Austin special, and has several programs to help musicians and promote their music. "Live Music Capital of the World" became the City's official slogan in 1991.

Ms Reyes said one of the top three requests year-round from tourists is how do they get tickets to go to the broadcast of the Austin City Limits live TV show on Fridays.

The AMMO also works closely with convention colleagues in the Film and Sports Commission. During my visit Davis Cup matches were playing played in Austin and music figured prominently in much of the promotion over 30 local music artists were hired for gigs such as the live draw; live bands playing at the venue concourse each day.

Her pitch to all convention holders is: "You can't have a meeting in Austin without live music". AMMO also works strongly with international media promoting Austin and the music links. They host hundreds of media at special events during SxSW but they work on relationship building to get these music journos and travel writers back again to Austin for other events.It is estimated that music gives Austin a $1 billion economic impact each year.

They also worked on a Sounds Music Taskforce which advocated for dedicated parking for musicians eg dedicated free bays in inner-city parking lots to assist in delivering instruments etc; affordable housing in the inner-city for musicians.

The 10th annual Austin City Live festival this year sold out.

Day 3:

Visited the Austin Music Memorial at the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the PerformingArts.Thishonors deceasedindividuals who have made important contributions to the development of music and the Austin music community.

AttendedtheHartmanFoundation's "Concerts in the Park" outside the Long Center for the Performing Arts, presented by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, which is funded by a private foundation. (pictured left)

This helped me to appreciate how the riverfront in the capital city of Austin could be activated for the arts without losingriverside access and vistas. Stunning space management - very similar to Perth's Concert Hall,if a major amphitheatre was added on the riverside. A road, like Riverside Drive cuts the Center from the river/Lady Bird Lake but enables water activation and still preserving riverside access for joggers, cyclists, wildlife etc. Visit to the Austin Children's Museum. This is a private, non-profitmuseum funded in part by the City of Austin (Cultural Arts Division), the Texas Commission for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts and other private donors.

I also visited the Gibson St Artists' Market which seesan inner-city public space taken over for a weekend market where 100% of the products are handcrafted by local artisans and craftspeople. I have been involved in previous efforts to establish weekend markets in the Perth Cultural Centre and was keen tosee how private sector involvement secures positive outcomes through use of public, inner-cityspaces.

I also visited the excellent museum at the University of Texas, the Harry Ransom Centre. This museum has free entry and a great archives collection, which is well presented.Their collection includes the first photograph ever made in the whole world; an original Gutenberg printed Bible, 1455; an original Frieda Kahlo self-portrait. Harry Ransom is considered one of the world's finest cultural archives. WA hasa major crisis in the storage of its archives. The Harry RansomCenterhouses 30million literarymanuscripts, 1 millionrare books, 5 million photographs, and over 100,000 visual artworks. The Center is usedextensivelyforresearchand presentsnumerousexhibitions and events each year showcasing its collections.

The Blanton Museum ofArt(right) features an amazing entry statement: Teresita Fernandez, from Florida, "Stacked Waters" cascading blue tiled piece. This certainly made me appreciate the possibilities for an entry statement like that in the new WA Museum of Contemporary Art at the East Perth Power Station.

It was also informative to see the engagement with private donors, specially those of contemporary art. Author James A. Michener was so impressed when he did his research there for the novel "Texas" he donated a new wing and lots of bequests for paintings.

These museum buildings were also impressive as structuresthis has helped me in my focus on achieving the best possible outcome for a new State museum in my electorate of Perth.

Day 4:

Met with Don Pitts, Music Program Manager, at the City of Austin, and other City officials, to discuss among other things:Austin Music Economic Impact Studies: The Role of Music in the Austin Economy Study (2001). This major study describes how music affects the economy of Austin. The study also describes various ways that the music community can be enhanced and promoted by the City and others.

The Cultural Sector Economic Impact Study (2005), looks at the overall economic impact of culture on Austin and contains more current music economic impact information. The Creative Industries Loan Guarantee Program the City of Austin established a Creative Industries Loan Guarantee Program to help individuals, companies, and nonprofits involved in music, film, art, and technology.

Music on HoldThe City of Austin proudly promotes local music in the City's telephone

hold music system. This is an issue I have pursued in WA to establish a Statewide policy. City Council MeetingsWeekly Regular Sessions of the Council include live music, starting at 5:30 p.m. The Council Agenda includes who's playing before each meeting.

I also attended the "Esthers Follies" Revue. The successful branding of Austinas a Convention town also enables other arts activities, such as a year-round, nightly satiric revue to provide employment and operate profitably.

Macedonia

I am a member of the WA Parliamentary Friends of Macedonia. As the Member for Perth,I have a large grouping of constituents who are culturally linked and/or born in Macedonia. A number of WA mining companies operate in Macedonia and Macedonian food and other products are imported into WA. As Shadow Minister for Multicultural

Interests I also have many contacts withthe Macedonian community and the Macedonian churches in WA.

The City of Vincent in my electorate has also established acultural economic agreement with the Macedonian city of city of Prilep, which Iwill visit and undertake meetings to look at strengthening the cultural and economic relationship. As the former Mayor of Vincent I am also able strengthen the close relationship.

Meet with Zoran Kostovski, Honorary Australian Consul in Macedonia, and members of the Macedonian Parliament.

Day 1, Skopje:

Meetings with Mr Milorad Dodevski, Australia's directly elected Member of the Macedonian parliament.Briefingsonhisroleand the formationof the new GovernmentinMacedonia.Met withIgorPaylovski,publisherofAustralian Macedonian Today, based in Melbourne. Also with AEA Publishers' editor, Skopje, Antonio Pavlovvski.

I also met with Goran Torbakov, President of Macedonian Community Council of Victoria and discussed issues of concern for multicultural communities in Victoria. Also met new Minister for Works and Social Affairs, Spiro Ristovski, in the incoming Government.

Day 2, Skopje:

Meetingsat the Macedonian Parliament withcurrent Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki; meeting with Trajko Veljanoski, Speaker of the Macedonian Parliament; meeting with Mr Koce Trajanovski, Mayor of Skopje; Marjan Madzovski chief of staff of the President; Ms Sanja Ugrinovska, Adviser to the President and interpreter. Visit to the Ministry of Culture and meet with officialsto discuss cultural policies and programmes. Picturedat left with Mr Zoran Petrov, Deputy Culture Minister.

Visit to the cultural monuments at the Church of the Holy Resurrection and the Tomb of Macedonian 1903 Republic (10 days) hero in the Old Skopje Centre. Visit to the Daut Pasha Aman National Gallery.

Day 2 - Skopje Prilep.

Depart Skopje and drive to visit the city of Prilep, which has established a cultural economic agreement with the City of Vincent, in my electorate.

MetwithMayorMarjanRisteskifordiscussions regarding links with the City of Vincent and economic opportunitieswith WA. Ialso Prilep District 4 MPs, and former Councillors: Ane Lashkoska, DimitarStevanandzija. I undertook a number of media interviews with Prilep TV andnewspapers.

Viewed contemporary art from Prilep Art Community. Iwas very impressed with how public art is integrated with heritage; Roman ruins alongside contemporarystatues.

We also visited the monastery complex of St Michael the Archangel beforedeparting by road for Ohrid.

Ohrid

Visited the Churches St Pantelejmon and St Kliment in Plaosnik.First built 300BC, rebuilt after earthquakes.The current church was built in 1200AD, ina Byzantine style.

Ampitheatre 2100 years old, built by the Macedonians. Romans adapted it, building cages underneath for the animals for gladiator fights. Capacity of 5000. Now used for music, hip hop concerts.

St Sofija Church built 1037AD.Previous Roman and other layers of ruins, baths, viewed through archeology tunnel.It features some of the oldest frescos in the Orthodox world.

I also met with Perth Macedonian businessmen, who have hotel developmentsin Skopje. We also had meetings with local MPs Alexander Nlkolovski,Haralampie Sokarovski and Mitre Veljanoski.

Day 3

Visited Lake Ohrid's outer archeological sites and visited cultural monumentsin the City including Sv Naum. Lake Ohrid is the site of a Decade) Deep Waterexchange. A research project here was being undertakeninassociation with Jarg Imberger, Professor of Environmental Engineering, Centre for Water Research, at theUniversity of Western Australia. Visited the stone-age waterfront museum on stilts, Bay of the Bones, which is a UNESCO site, built between 1000-800BC ancient Macedonians lived in a gated small village on stilts, strong piles in the waterwooden floors, huts, covered in mud. This was a brilliant museum display and gave me a lot of information to feed into our eventual Indigenous Museum on the Waterfront. In an interactive move, people can also hire scuba gear to look under the water at the original piles, artefacts etc.

Struga

Struga is a river city en route between Lake Ohrid and Skopje. I was very keen to visit the Bridge of Poetry, which is used during the Poetry Festival nights.

The Struga Poetry Evenings started in 1962 with a series of readings by a number of Macedonian poets in honor of the two brothers, Konstantin and Dimitar Miladinov, great intellectuals, teachers, and writers, born in Struga in the beginning of 19th century.

Australia poet Tom Keneally read last year; Thomas Shapcott in 1989.

The festival also features two multimedia events (poetry, music and video) called "Nights without Punctuation", will also be held, thus opening the festival for new, rather experimental forms of poetic presentations.

Every year, a day before its official opening, the festival also organizes a symposium on different and attractive topics. It attracts the attention of many literary expertsfrom all over the world.

During all these years of its existence the festival has hosted about 4.000 poets, translators, essayists and literary critics from 95 countries of the world

In 2003 the SPE and UNESCO established a close cooperation and jointly promoted a new award called "The Bridges of Struga" for the bestfirst poetry book by young authors from all over the world.

Return to Skopje.

Day 4: Skop le

WitVisit to the Mother Teresa memorial house and the Holocaust Memorial Center for the Jews of Macedonia.

DiscussionswithAnaKulevanova,fromtheResearch Department, Holocaust Fund of the Jews from Macedonia.

This was very moving. Original cattle rail-car used to transport the 7144 Macedonian Jews to the camp and gas chambers in Treblinka. 44 rail cars of the occupying Bulgarian National Railways were usedonly two survived, this is one of them. The Memorial Center is being opened in three stages March 2011, March 2012, March 2013. The railcar will feature in the 2013 opening, but I was able to inspect it. Deeply moved me. The Center is built on the original Jewish -- quarter of Skopje. The 98 per cent of Jews exterminated from Macedoniais claimedto be thehighest per capita percentage in the world as part of the Holocaust. Skopje is one of four major Holocaust Memorial Centers, along with Washington, Israel and Berlin.

Artwork by Israeli designers is fascinating foyerinstallationof photos features traditional photos, digital changing pictureswithinframes;emptyphoto _ _ frames, frames with mirrors so you can see yourself, or anyone. Incredibly powerful artwork.

Major three story installation Sculpture of the Burning Bush. Amazing collection of separate glass pieces, 7144 beaded strands, each one unique, representing each victim. But together they form a tapestry "joining together as one image of struggle and survival". The theme is based on Exodus III, where God appears to Moses as a voracious fire within a lowly bush. The Bush burns intensely but is not consumed.

Depart Skopje.

End of Imprest travel. ovEc c HON NICK GOIRAN MLC c-,

0 (-) ,L4 ,-. MEMBER FOR THE SOUTH METROPOLITAN REGION

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REPORT ON Ti Fifth' Excel Conference

Being:

An International legal conference organised by Continuing Professional Education

Held 20 27 July 2011

At Kings CollegeStrand Campus London England

Region contains -the Legislative Assembly electorates of: Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. INDEX

1. Introduction Page 3

2. Meetings

2.1 CARE for Scotland Page 4

2.2 Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Page 5 Young People

3.Summary on Keynote Speakers and Topics

3.1 Can the family trust survive a divorce? Page 7

3.2 Using law to guard life Page 8

3.3 Misconduct issues for medical & legal practice Page 9

3.4 Managing and learning from adverse events Page 10

3.5 The catastrophically injured: aspects of care, Page 11 equipment & house modifications

3.6 Legislation and Latin Page 12

3.7 The Eurozone crisis Page 13

4.Additional meetings

4.1 CARE Westminster Page 14

4.2 England's Commissioner for Children and Page 15 Young People

4.3 Eaves Housing Page 16

S. Conclusion Page 17

The is,outn Metropolitan Region contains Legislative Asserabh electorates oii Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee, INTRODUCTION

This is the report of my attendance at the 5th Britain Pacific Legal Conference ("the Conference") which took place from 20 July 2011 to 27 July 2011 in London, England.

In addition, whilst in Europe, I took the opportunity to meet with both the Scottish and English Commissioners for Children and Young People.I also had the opportunity to meet with CARE for Scotland and CARE at Westminster. Finally, I was able to follow up on my meeting from last year with representatives from Eaves Housing in London regarding prostitution exit programs.

The Conference was organised by Continuing Professional Education Pty Ltd.It was held at the Strand Campus of Kings College in London.

The keynote speakers for the Conference covered a range of areas.In particular the areas

covered were:

1.Medicine and the law;

2.Professional misconduct;

3. Workers' Compensation;

4. Family law; and

5.The European Union.

As a member of the Joint Standing Committee for the Commissioner for Children and Young

People, I have an ongoing interest in the functions and roles of Commissioners from other jurisdictions. Accordingly, it was beneficial prior to the Conference to briefly visit Edinburgh and meet with the Scottish Commissioner, whilst post-conference meeting with the English Commissioner in London.

I am also grateful that representatives from CARE both in Scotland and England were able to meet with me on separate occasions to brief me on their advocacy efforts in the United Kingdom, especially on key social issues.

Lastly, following the Conference, I met with the representatives from Eaves Housing in London.

This was a follow up meeting to that which I had with Eaves in April 2010 and had direct relevance to the issue of prostitution law reform in Western Australia.

My report seeks to provide a summary to Parliament of the topics discussed by the keynote speakers at the Conference and an outline of my additional meetings.

Hon Nick Goiran MLC Member for the South Metropolitan Region

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The :)outti metropolitan Re,gion contains the Lozisiative Assembly electorates oh Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. MEETING 1 Care for Scotland

Meeting with: Gordon Macdonald

Since the founding of the Scottish Parliamentin1999, Dr Macdonald has worked as Parliamentary Officer for Christian Action Research and Education (CARE).

In addition, he works for the Care Not Killing Alliance as its Policy Officer in Scotland. Care Not Killing is the leading anti-euthanasia coalition in the UK, consisting of over 40 human rights, faith-based, disability and pro-life organisations.

Dr Macdonald led the campaign to oppose the End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill which was defeated by a massive majority in the Scottish Parliament in December 2010.

Dr Macdonald has a PhD in Political Economy and is currently completing an M.Th degree in Christian Ethics.

About the meeting

Having first met Dr Macdonald at the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition's international symposium in Vancouver in early June 2011, I was keen to meet with him whilst in Edinburgh to better learn of the work of CARE within the United Kingdom.

We met near the Scottish parliament on Thursday 13 July 2010. Amongst a broad range of social issues discussed, I was interested to hear Dr Macdonald's perspective in the Scottish parliament having twice rejected prostitution "reforms" which had at their centre the notion of "tolerated zones".

The first attempt was in or around the years 2004-2006, where the "reform" Bill was referred to a Local Government committee which rejected the Bill.

The second attempt was after the 2007 elections and led to the establishment of a working group. That group's recommendation led to the criminalisation of "kerb-crawling".

Dr Macdonald also mentioned that Debbie from Streetwatch in New Zealand had been called upon and briefed both the Scottish and UK parliamentarians.

An additional outcome of this meeting was Dr Macdonald's arrangement of a meeting for me with representatives of CARE Westminster at a later date during my time in the United Kingdom (see further report below).

fh, ;,outh l inirl lean ReLlion contains the Le,zisLtive Assemble ,ftlectorates of: Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. MEETING 2 Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People

Meeting with: Commissioner Tam Baillie

Tam Baillie is the current Commissioner for Children and Young People.

He took up his post in May 2009, after a selection process which included him being interviewed by children and young people. The Commissioner isindependent of Parliament and Government, but is accountable to the Scottish Parliament for the work done.

Tam has worked as a manager and practitioner with children and young people for 30 years, primarily with young offenders, young people in, and leaving care and young homeless people. Working in Scotland and England and in both the statutory and voluntary sectors, Tam moved into the policy field, working as the Director of Policy and Influencing for Barnardo's from 2003 to 2009.

About the meeting

I met with the Commissioner at his office in Edinburgh on Friday 15 July 2011.

The following is a summary of my notes on the meeting:

1. Why have a Commissioner?

1.1.In considering this the Commissioner said the debate continued to revolve around whether the role should be under a human rights institution or whether there is something distinctive worthy of a separate role; and

1.2.It was noted, in passing, that France has abolished their Commissioner and in effect amalgamated it within a human rights organisation.

2. How does the term of appointment impact the independence of the role? 2.1. The Commissioner was proud of Scotland's structure in which the Commissioner can only have a single term so that they are "not looking over their shoulder" regarding re-appointment. To offset this singular aspect, the term is an eight year term; 2.2. The Commissioner is appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the parliament; 2.3. The Scottish parliament has a Corporate Body which handles the administrative aspects of five other parliamentary Commissioners; and 2.4. The Scottish Commissioner has a staff of 13 and a budget of 1.3M GBP.It was noted that Scotland has a population of 5.5 million of which 1 million are children.

3.To what extent does the Commissioner interact with parliamentary committees and other Commissioners?

3.1. Scotland does not have a specific parliamentary oversight committee (asin Western Australia);

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by ietropolitan Reg on contains the Legislative As electorates of Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, 1:winana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. 3.2. The Commissioner does interact with committees on: education, health, justice, and petitions; and 3.3. The UK and Ireland Commissioners meet together voluntarily around 3 to 4 times per year.

4. Does the Commissioner's recent report on child trafficking have anything instructive for the WA parliament as it considers the possible introduction of legalised "tolerated zones" for prostitution? 4.1. No, primarily because the report confirms "there's more that we don't know than what we do know"; 4.2. Nevertheless, interestingly, the Commissioner advised that his personal views had changed on this issue following extensive time working with abused children and young people. He originally was inclined towards "liberalisation" but has swayed away due to the global nature of the economy, including in human trafficking;

4.3.In essence the Commissioner says "if you make your destination easy then you will attract more" and accordingly he recommends against legalisation as it will have an unintended impact; and 4.4. The Commissioner also expressed concern around the message to young people on sexual exploitation in a legalised environment.

5. Does the Commissioner have a complaints function? 5.1. No, but understands that Ireland and Wales both have a discretionary jurisdiction to consider individual complaints; and

5.2. The Scottish Commissioner agreed thatajurisdictionto handle individual complaints would be helpful in identifying systemic concerns, but stressed that the provision of an expanded jurisdiction would need to be met by adequate resourcing.

6. Is the "working with children" checking system sufficiently independent?

6.1.Historically, this was done by Scotland's police and known as Disclosure Scotland (which is an independent agency); 6.2. However, there is currently a transition away from this to a new Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme; and 6.3. The Commissioner did not think WA's system ought to be handled by the Commissioner as: a) it would then become a service provider, b) it would skew the workload in the office away from policy, andc)it would have resourcing implications.

7. If the JSCCCYP resolves to take evidence in Scotland, who might be the best individuals or organisations to meet? 7.1. Scottish Minister for Children & Young People; 7.2. Scottish Children's Commissioner; and 7.3. Chief Executive of Disclosure Scotland.

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Aetropti iiian Region contains ibis Legislative Assembly electorates 01: Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. KEYNOTE 1 Can the family trust survive a divorce?

Presented by: Christopher Carrigan, Barrister-at-Law, Bramwell Chambers

Christopher Carrigan obtained his Bachelor of Laws from the Australian National University and Master of Laws from Bond University.

He was admitted as Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland, Supreme Court of New South Wales and as Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Australian Capital Territory in 1976, and has since practiced exclusively as a Barrister.

Mr Carrigan has extensive experience with the Family Law Courts and more recently, the Federal Magistrates Court dealing with Family Law Matters. He is a member of the Bar Association of Queensland, Law Council of Australia, and the Australian College of Community Association Lawyers Inc.

About the presentation

The presenter unpacked the question whether a family trust can survive a divorce.

A number of hypothetical scenarios were considered.

Two cases were considered which confirm company law that a trustee corporation is a separate entity.

The critical question is whether the assets of the trust can be considered in the asset pool of the parties.It was noted that the family court is not bound by formalities.

In addition, the following cases were considered in greater detail:

1. Ashton and Ashton;

2.Ascot Investments P/L v Harper;

3.Harris v Harris;

4.Lamrock v Lamrock; and

5.Pittman and Pittman.

In particular the "alter ego" concept, and exceptions to it, were considered.

The presenter concluded that a family trust can survive a divorce, but that each matter will turn on its own facts.

fh, o)oliran Rezion contains the Le,stislative Assembly electorates of: Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. KEYNOTE 2 Using law to guard life

Presented by: Hon Nick Goiran MLC

Hon Nick Goiran MLC isa Member of theLegislative Council representing the South Metropolitan Region in the current Western Australian Parliament.

He has served two years of his Parliamentary term during which he has been and continues to be Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on the Corruption and Crime Commission as well as being a Member of the Joint Standing Committee for the Commissioner for Children and Young People.

Nick has focused a lot of his research on projects which seek to rectify injustice and protect the vulnerable in Western Australia.

Prior to entering Parliament, Nick was a barrister and solicitor in private practice.

About the presentation

On 21 September 2010, I rose before the Legislative Council of the Western Australian Parliament in opposition to the Voluntary Euthanasia Bill. My speech was the culmination of sixteen months of planning.Sixteen months of strategically working to ensure that the legislative decision makers (the other members of WA Parliament) were properly informed as to the gravity of the impact such legislation would have had on Western Australian society if passed.

My presentation discussed some the historical context which has led to medical practitioners having been the key advocates in holding the line against legislating for doctor prescribed suicide.I also looked at some of the data out of Belgium and the Netherlands where euthanasia is legalised.

In addition, my presentation asked the question whether the time has arrived for legal practitioners to join with their medical brothers and sisters in seeking to hold the line against euthanasia on the basis of:

1.The importance which they place on contract law principles (especially the concepts of duress and undue influence); and

2.Their appreciation of the fallibility of medical professionals just as they understand the fallibility of the criminal justice system.

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The tigiutinletropohtan Region contains the 1,,zislative Assembly electorates oh Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. KEYNOTE 3 Misconduct issues for medical & legal practice

Presented by: Lorenzo Boccabella

Lorenzo Boccabella is a barrister-at-law practising from law chambers in Brisbane.He is the Conference Director and specialises in medical law, commercial and administrative law, industrial relations and migration law.

Lorenzo was admitted in 1980 and practices also in NSW & Vic. He is also a registered mediator and case appraiser of the Queensland Supreme Court.

About the presentation

This presentation was an analysis of international case studies on medical and legal misconduct law.

Allinson v General Council of Medical Education & Registration (1894) 1QB 750 was the first case reviewed which is the seminal case on professional misconduct.

This was followed by a review of Clyne v New South Wales Bar Association (1960) 104 CLR 186 which sets out the notion that the penalty of disbarment is protective, not punitive.

The New Zealand Court of Appeal decision in Duncan v Medical Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (1986) 1 NZLR 513 was considered.

Negligence by failure to relay test results was detailed in the case of Kite v Malycha (1998) 71 SASR 321.Significant consideration was given to hypothetical scenarios tangential to this, including where conflicts of interest may arise due to practitioners acting for patients in a close relationship. The question I posed was whether there is an obligation by medical practitioners to warn on the potential for a conflict of interest before acting for such patients (eg husband & wife).

The case of Dupree v Giugliano (19557/2004) was reviewed in which a doctor (Giugliano) was found to be liable for sleeping with his patient (Dupree), but however the court found that fault was shared. Long Island (US) Judge William B Rebolini upheld a$416,500 jury award in the malpractice action. Curiously, general and special damages were reduced by 25% for contributory negligence.

Among the other matters analysed in this presentation, consideration was given to a Red Cross report into interrogation techniques at Guantanamo Bay where the CIA based their "defence" around the ongoing presence of medical practitioners.

Lastly, consideration was given to mandatory reporting of children at risk of significant harm.

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I In South opoiltan Region contains the Legislative Assembly electorates of: Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. KEYNOTE 4 Managing and Learning from Adverse Events

Presented by: Dr Paul Nisselle AM

Dr Paul Nisselle is Senior Medical Education Consultant at the Medical Protection Society in London.

Dr Nisselle was a general practitioner in suburban Melbourne for 18 years and, for a time, a member of the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria, before entering the medical indemnity industry, in 1989, as MPS' Australasian Secretary.

About the presentation

This presentation considered "open disclosure" practices within the medical industry.

The point was made that an adverse event need not mean fault.In addition, it was noted that health care is by nature inherently hazardous.

Managing adverse outcomes involves three important stages:

1. Informing patients & carers;

2.An in-depth analysis of the problem; and

3.A commitment to fix the system problems identified.

The presenter also provided an analysis on what patients really want. The key points were as follows:

1.To know what happened and why/how it happened;

2.To receive acknowledgement of their distress;

3.To receive an apology; and

4.To be assured that you are doing all you can to prevent recurrence.

In addition the presenter analysed why it is that doctors do not do what patients really want. The primary factors are fear and guilt.

Two keyprincipleswere suggested:communicating empathically andcommunicating information.

Following an adverse outcome it was suggested that the appropriate path is that of root cause analysis: what happened, how didit come to happen, and what can we do to prevent recurrence. Consideration was given to the causes of medical mishaps.

Dr Nisselle concluded by arguing that a culture of candour was more important than a duty to disclose.

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FIR_',Anilkti imi'Lan Region contains the Legislative Assembly electorates of: Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kninana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. KEYNOTE 5 The Catastrophically Injured: aspects of care, equipment & house modifications

Presented by: Rebecca Hague

Rebeccaisan occupational therapistat Therapy Solutions. Therapy Solutions provide assessments of employment, care, equipment and housing in specialised care circumstances.

About the Presentation

This session considered the totality of spinal cord injury and court awarded damages for those with catastrophic injuries.

Catastrophic injury (encompassing brain injury, spinal cord injury and conditions associated with brain hypoxia such as cerebral palsy) obviously affects not only the injured person, but the lives of all of those around them.

The presenter examined seven Queensland decisions over the past 11 years and suggested that it is the unpredictability of the quantification of such claims that may be a significant deterrent to parties with catastrophic injury seeking a court judgment.

Acute spinal cord injury results in permanent multi-system dysfunction which renders the individual susceptible to a range of related complications and requires lifelong management. This management includes a large number of secondary medical problems, such as: pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, pain, spasticity, bowel problems, bladder problems, renal calculi, respiratory complications, obesity and diabetes.

Interestingly, the presenter unpacked a survey of those with catastrophic injuries and found that those with the severest form of injuries often perceived they had the best quality of life. The inference was that one appreciates life the closer one is to death.

The presenter concluded that the care of a person with catastrophic injury is complex and costly.She further concluded that the assessment of damages for personal injuries in a negligence action is not an exact science and must always be governed by considerations of practical common sense in the context of the circumstances of the particular case.

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.\ 1,1 opiilitan Region contains the Legislative Assembly electorates of: Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. KEYNOTE 6 Legislation and Latin

Presented by: Dr Don Faithful!

Dr Don Faithfull is an orthopaedic surgeon from New South Wales. He has had a long career which startedingeneralpractice andlateringeneral surgery,before specialisingin orthopaedics.

Dr Faithfull now solely practices in medico-legal assessments which he self-describes as "money for jam".

About the Presentation

This presentation cheekily inquired into how many Latin phrases are required to explain workcover legislation.

In particular, reference was made to section 10(1D) of the Workers Compensation Act 1987. Two cases were analysed which give specific consideration to the circumstances of a workers journey from work to home.

The first case dealt with a gentleman who was shot by a rival bikie gang during his journey to his place of abode. It was not disputed that he was on his way home from work and he suffered a personal injury. The trial judge awarded compensation. The employer sought leave to appeal. The Court of Appeal agreed that some limitation must be placed on the meaning of "or other condition". So the appeal was dismissed.

The second case involved a worker returning to his place of abode from work and fell asleep. He had an accident suffering a serious neck injury.Counsel for the applicant argued that the worker was tired as it was late in the afternoon. Counsel for the employer disputed this and suggested other reasons for the tiredness as it was the football season. The trial judge accepted that rule "noscitur a sociis" covered the case, ie "words of a feather flock together". Counsel for the employer then argued that the applicant had suffered a miscrosleep which could be considered a medical condition.A doctor reported that following investigation it was more likely that other causes of tiredness rather than sleep apnoea was the cause of the claimants falling asleep. Compensation was granted.

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The South Metropolitan Region contains the Legislative Assembly electorates of Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. KEYNOTE 7The Eurozone crisis

Presented by: John Kettle

John Kettleisan Ireland-based solicitor,currently practisingin London in the area of international commercial law at firm Mason Hayes & Curran.

About the presentation

This presentation asked the question "how isitall gone wrong" (sic.)?In answering this question the presenter detailed the history which brought about the existence of the European Union. Mr Kettle went on to explain the background behind some of the treaties that have been agreed to, as well as the significant influence of the Germans and the French, and also the extent to which fractures have existed within the Union.

What followed was a recounting of the events leading the financial crisis within the Union. Issues of conflict of interest and accountability on the boards of banks were also considered.

The presenter concluded that it was easy for countries to join the Union but there are no exit strategies thereby making exiting an impossibility"I can't see the Euro project being derailed". He suggested the only authentic solution to the crisis was the creation of two-tiers of Euro dollars.

Nevertheless during this time it has demonstrated the portability of employment, especially for the legal profession.

13

The youth Aierropolitan Region contains we leGis!ative Assembly electorates of: Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, VVarnbro and Willagee. ADDITIONAL MEETING 1 CARE: Westminster

Meeting with: Dr Dan Boucher

On Wednesday 27 July 2011 I met with Dr Dan Boucher from CARE's head office at 53 Romney Street, London. Dr Boucher is director of parliamentary affairs.

This meeting had been arranged by Dr Gordon Macdonald as an outcome of my meeting with him in Edinburgh two weeks prior (see relevant report above).

Dr Boucher arranged for other CARE staff to be present during the meeting, including Lydia Bowden. Lydia is the Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Officer at CARE and is based at their Westminster office.

About the meeting

CARE is a well-established mainstream Christian charity providing resources and helping to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives. CARE is represented in the UK Parliaments and Assemblies, at the EU in Brussels and the UN in Geneva and New York.

Although a breadth of topics were discussed, the key discussion revolved around prostitution law reform.Like others during this period in the United Kingdom, the representatives from CARE were surprised to hear that Western Australia was seriously contemplating the establishment of a legalised regime of prostitution (given the consensus from international jurisdictions is that, in particular, Australia's approach,that is the Eastern states approach has not been successful).

CARE recommended that the government and legislators consider the approach taken in Norway and in particular suggested that members make the effort to be across the report from the Nordic Council on their legislation.

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he So it!, metiopolitan Rettion contains the Legislative. Assembly electorates Oil: Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. ADDITIONAL MEETING 2England's Commissioner for Children & Young People

Meeting with:Commissioner Maggie Atkinson

The Office of the Children's Commissioner isa national organisation led by the Children's Commissioner for England, Dr Maggie Atkinson.Dr Atkinson's predecessor, Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green was England's first Children's Commissioner.

The post of Children's Commissioner for England was established by the Children Act 2004 with the intended purpose of becoming the independent voice of children and young people, thereby championing their interests and bringing their concerns to the national arena.

About the meeting

I met with the Commissioner at her office in London on Thursday 28 July 2011.

The following is a summary of my notes on the meeting:

1. How does the term of appointment impact the independence of the role? 1.1. The recent government commissioned review recommended that a single seven year term be implemented; and 1.2. The Commissioner's current term is five years with a possible additional term of five years.

2. How is the office structured and resourced? 2.1. The Commissioner has a deputy who is a statutory office holder; 2.2. The original budget was 3M GBP but has since reduced to 2.65M. Consequently staffing is now 22 in comparison to its high of 30. The Commissioner anticipates that funding will be further cut to 2M GBP; and 2.3. There are approximately 12 million children in England.

3.What are the Commissioner's key priorities? 3.1. England's most vulnerable children are her first priority, these include children in care and children in the criminal justice system; and 3.2. The Commissioner is currently undertaking an inquiry into sexual exploitation.

4.Does the Commissioner have a complaints function?

4.1.No, as this is undertaken by the Office of the Children's Rights Director.The aforementioned government commissioned review recommended that amalgamation of this office with that of the Commissioner.

5. Is the "working with children" checking system sufficiently independent? 5.1. These checks are undertaken by the Criminal Records Bureau, which is sponsored by the Home Office.

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The South Metropolitan Region contains the L TAM:: Assembly electorates of: Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. ADDITIONAL MEETING 3Eaves Housing for Women

Meeting with: Heather Harvey and Julie Bindel

Heather Harvey is the Lilith Research and Development Manager at Eaves. Julie Bindel is project managing the research involved in the PE:ER Project. Julie has written and worked in this area for a long time and is very interested in international comparisons.

About the Meeting

This meeting was held at Notre Dame's London campus on Friday 30 July 2011 and followed on from my meeting in April 2010 in London with Helen Atkins from Eaves. Helen recommended that I meet with Heather Harvey and Julie Bindel.

Eaves is a London-based charity that provides high quality housing and support to vulnerable women, accompanied by research, advocacy and campaigning to prevent all forms of violence against women. One such initiative run by Eaves is the Scarlet Centre, which provides advice and drop-in support to women who are affected by: domestic violence, rape or sexual abuse; homelessness; prostitution; and mental health and/or substance misuse problems.

One of the documents I obtained last year as a result of the meeting was a survey of London's exit programs entitled "No EscapeAn Investigation into London's Service Provision for Women Involved in the Commercial Sex Industry". This document makes very interesting comments on legalisation and the dangers of it, as well as comments on 'tolerance zones':

"Legalising prostitution has, in...Germany, The Netherlands and some states in Australia, resulted in a lack of support for women, as a result of prostitution being 'de- problematised' by removing it from the criminal justice system".

Notably, the officers from Eaves noted that in debates on prostitution law reform in western countries, Australia was considered a "write-off and not even acknowledged by advocates for legalisation as an exemplary model.Rather, the experience in Australia (that is the eastern states) was seen as an example of what not to do. The officers thought it curious that in an international context moving away from legalisation and more towards tacking demand, that Western Australia would now be considering a model based on failure.

Lastly, we discussed the interim findings of the PE:ER project (Prostitution Exiting: Engaging through Research).It is argued that the initial findings from the study demonstrate the benefit of long-term sustained and detailed research. The findings also seem to suggest, for instance, a higher degree of similarity in some aspects of the experiences of on and off street women than is often assumed. The final report was expected in September.

16

The South Metropolitan Region contains the L e,zislative Assembly electorates of Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnkro and VVillagee. CONCLUSION

This is the report of my attendance at the "Fifth Britain Pacific Legal Conference" which took place from 20 July 2011 to 27 July 2011 in London, England organised by Continuing Professional Education.

It was indeed an honour to be invited to speak at the Conference around the contract law

principles relevant when considering the controversial issue of euthanasia. I was able to demonstrate that it is a legal impossibility to protect against involuntary euthanasiaonce you legalise "voluntary" euthanasia.Notions of choice and autonomy cannot be authentically discussed in the absence of issues such as duress, undue influence and access to information and knowledge.

My attendance in the United Kingdom also enabled me to unpack several relevant issues with both the Scottish and English Children's Commissioner. On my return it has assisted my closer analysis of our State Commissioner's functions, specifically the as yet unproclaimed function relating to Working with Children Checks as well as the non-existent function which might enable consideration of individual complaints.

In the context of having been given a "free-vote" in the upcoming debate on prostitution law reform, my time in the UK also proved valuable in confirming my pre-existing seriousconcerns around any model incorporating alegalised component. It was at times bordering on embarrassing to hear the queries of others around this issue in the context of the debate on prostitution having "moved on" past legalisation and rather onto demand.

Hon Nick Goiran MLC Member for the South Metropolitan Region

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Thy 'Nom]) \ ftleopolitan Redo: contains the Legislative Assembly electorates of: Alfred Cove, Bateman, Cannington, Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Kwinana, Riverton, Rockingham, Southern River, South Perth, Victoria Park, Warnbro and Willagee. REPORT : HON KEN BASTON MLC VISIT TO GERMANY: SIXTH WORLD RECREATIONAL FISHING CONFERENCE

Costs: The cost of my Imprest Funded Travel to Germany was;

Travel Allowance 6 Nights at $400 per night $2400.00

Total $2400.00

Purpose: The primary purpose of this travel was to lead a delegation from the Department of Fisheries to nominate Perth as host of the Seventh World Recreational Fishing Conference in 2014. The delegation's aims at the Conference were to;

Nominate Perth to host the 7th WRFC

o Present three scientific papers

o Convene meetings around the conferenceinBerlintodiscuss fisheries management and fishing property rights

Attendance at the conference by the delegation would assist in the development of a new legislative and regulatory regime being established for fisheriesin Western Australia.

Benefits: Unfortunatelythenominationbidpresentedtothe'Conferenceowners' was unsuccessful, largely due to the fact that the conference had been hosted by another Australian State capital in past years. Nonetheless, my role as leader of the delegation afforded me the following benefits;

o An awareness of international perspectives on declining fish stocks in both coastal regions and inland waters.

o An understanding of the miscommunication between marine scientists and recreational anglers in relation to goals and expectations internationally.

A recognition of the significant processes involved in stocking fishery resources, enriching aquaculture and engaging in effective aquatic management.

Page 1 of 1 IGB MOggelseedamm 310 12587 Berlin Germany www.igb-berlin.de Leibniz-lnstitute of Hon Ken Baston MLC Freshwater Ecology Western Australia Department of Fisheries and Inland Fisheries 8/20 Hamersley Street Forschungsverbund Broome WA 6725 Berlin e.V Australia Berlin, 6 May 2011

CERTIFICATE OF CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE Prof. Dr. Robert Arlinghau;

Chair of the Organising It is hereby certified that Committee WRFC Muggelseedamm 310 Hon Ken Baston MLC 12587 Berlin Germany has attended the 6th World Recreational Fishing Conference Tel: +49 (030)64181653 held from August 01-04, 2011 in Berlin (Germany) at Fax: +49 (030)64181750 Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, organized by arlinghaus@ig b-berlin.de Leibniz-lnstitute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin German Anglers Association (DAV).

Prof. Dr. Robert Arlinghaus Chair of the Organising Committee WRFC

Rechnungsadresse: Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. Rudower Chaussee 17 12489 Berlin, Germany

Vorstandssprecher: Prof. Dr. Klement Tockner Geschaftsfuhrer: Dr. Falk Fabich

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Hon Nigel Hallett, MLC

Member for the South West

Focus on Government agricultural policy, Government commitment to agriculture, animal welfare, food security, risk management, transport, trade, grains and research during the period 30th September to 17th October, 2011.

During this period I visited Regina in Saskatchewan, Winnipeg in Manitoba and Ottawa, Toronto and Guelph in Ontario.

An outline of my itinerary and meetings is as follows:

Friday, 30 September

0025 Depart Perth QF648, 0555 Arrive Melbourne

0935 Depart Melbourne QF93, 0655 Arrive Los Angeles

Sat & Sun 1 & 2 October

Transit/free time, Los Angeles

Monday, 3 October

Travel to Regina, Saskatchewan

0845 Depart LA Flight AC4141 United Express/Skywest

1131 Arrive Vancouver International Airport

1255 Depart Vancouver Flight AC8572 Air Canada Express/Jazz

1552 Arrive Regina

Tuesday, 4 October

8.30am Meet Ms Leslie Geddie, Marketing Specialist, Ministry of Agriculture

9.00am Ms Alanna Koch, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Saskatchewan

10.00am Presentation by Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation

LUNCH With Alanna Koch, Nithi Govindasamy Assistant Deputy MinisterMinistry of Agriculture, Dale and Scott Brown, Executive Director Policy Branch

1.00pm Presentation by Scott Brown, Executive Director Policy Branch

Topics: Overview of Saskatchewan agriculture, business risk management, transportation, Canadian Wheat Board, food safety, check offs and levies, crops and livestock, trade policy.

3.00pm Presentations by Crops Branch GM crops, grains varieties 6.00pm Dinner with Pat and Judy Beaujot of Seed Hawk Inc. designers and manufacturers of reduced tillage seed equipment who export to WA.

Wednesday, 5 October

8.30am Meet Leslie Geddie, Marketing Specialist, Ministry of Agriculture

9.00am Protocol Office Tour of Legislative Building

10.00am Meeting with Intergovernmental Affairs Mr Wes Jickling, Executive Director International Relations Executive Council.

11.00am Meeting with Lionel Labelle, CEO, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)

LUNCH with STEP at Hotel Saskatchewan

1.00pm Site visits conducted by Agriculture and Agri Food Canada

7.35pm Depart Regina Air Canada Ac8348

9.38pm Arrive Winnipeg

Thursday, 6 October

9.00am Mr James Zastre, Community Relations Officer, Canadian Grains Commission

12.00pm Mr Rick Morgan, Manager of Business Development

Canadian International Grains Institute

Discussions over lunch and site visit to country grain elevator situated just outside of Winnipeg

6.30pm Depart Winnipeg Air Canada AC1112

9.53pm Arrive Ottawa International Airport

Friday, 7 October

9.00am Mr Ron Bonnett, President, Canadian Federation of Agriculture

11.30am Mr David McInnes, President and CEO, Canadian Agri Food Policy Institute

1.55pm Ms Stephanie Parisien, Senior Trade Policy Analyst

Agriculture and Agri Food Canada

2.00pm Meeting with Andrew Goldstein, Director General

Research and Analysis Strategic Policy Branch

3.15pm Central Experimental Farm Tour

Meeting with Field Researchers 3.25pm Meet with Marc Savard, Research Manager of Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre

3.45pm Meet with Owen Lonsdale, Manager Canadian National Collection of Insects

4.10pm Meet with Ron Wheeler, Manager Research Support

4.30pm Meet with research scientist

4.45pm Drive through Central Experimental Farm

Overview of history, buildings, garden and arboretum

Saturday,8 October

10.00am Picked up from hotel by

Mr Markus Haerle, Director (district 14)

Grain Farmers of Ontario

Tour of local elevators and farms

Sunday, 9 October

Free day.

7.00pm Depart Ottawa Air Canada463

1959 hrs Arrive Toronto Pearson International Airport

Monday, 10 October

Public Holiday (Thanksgiving)

Travel by Via Rail to Guelph

10.55am Train departs for Guelph approx(100km west of Toronto) (75 min train journey)

12.06pm Arrive Guelph

Met by Mr Leo Guilbeault, Director, Grain Farmers of Ontario at station.

Tuesday, 11 October

Accompanied by Mr Leo Guilbeault Director, Grain Farmers of Ontario

Breakfast with Grain Farmers' senior staff at Delta Hotel.

Tour of Grain Farmers' Offices.

Presentation of Grain Farmers of Ontario by Barry Senft.

University Tour: Meetings with Dr Rene Van Acker and Dr Amara Mohanty Meeting with Dr Andy Robinson, Chair of Animal and Poultry Science Department, Dr Peter Pauls, Chair of Plant Agriculture Department and Dr Art Hill, Chair of Food Science Department.

Wednesday, 12 October

Farm tours as arranged by Mr Leo Guilbeault, GFO in conjunction with Henry Van Ankum, Fred Wagner and Greg Hannam, Woodrill Ltd.

Thursday, 13 October

Travel Guelph to Toronto by Train

9.42am Depart Guelph for Toronto

10.50am Arrive Toronto Union Station

11.30am Lunch with Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament tel 416 249 7322

at the Albany Club

Friday, 14 October

10.30am Mr John Burke, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Toronto

Saturday, 15 October

6.45pm Depart Toronto QF3246 for Los Angeles, 9.00pm Arrive Los Angeles11.30pm Depart Los Angeles Qantas QF94

Sunday, 16 October

In transit

Monday, 17 October

8.55am Arrive Melbourne, 10.45am Depart Melbourne Qantas QF475

12.00 noon Arrive Perth Issues Covered

® Agricultural policy from a government perspective

® Government spending on agriculture

o Foreign ownership

® Crop insurance programs

e Trade

O Plant and animal breeding

O Research

O Grower organisations and lobby groups

O Food security Details and points of interest from each of my meetings are as follows: Regina, Saskatchewan Ms Leslie Geddie, Marketing Specialist of the Ministry of Agriculture co-ordinated my visit schedule during my stay in Regina.

I met with Alanna Koch, the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Saskatchewan and also Chair of the Board of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance and noted the following:

There is a support package of business risk management programs in place, namely Agri Invest, Agri Stability, Agri Insurance and Agri Recovery. There is a$500m budget for risk management. Producers pay one third, the Federal Government pays one third and the Provincial Government one third. The Government funds a significant amount of R&D however it is considered that the research budget has fallen behind about $15 million. Plant breeding attracts about $60 million in funding with a four way split of 25% each from growers, Federal and Provincial Governments and industry itself.

® 700 scientists involved in agricultural R&D. The Federal Government has a research farm and private funding is also involved here. Investors put money up for a specific research program and Government also assists. One of the main concerns of plant breeders is that they are an aging group and are concerned about the next generation and whether they will be interested in continuing the programs. Food security. It is paramount that Canada has a secure food supply for its population and this was constantly reinforced throughout the trip by many of the people that I met with.

® Organic is a lifestyle choice, i.e. can never feed the world as with this type of farming you are looking at about a 50% reduction in yield/production via thismethod and being a very intensive process means that high production costs are then passed to consumers. The plebiscite process used in the US has been very damaging to agriculture as if carried, the public have the ability to close agricultural practices they don't like. For example, the question could be put "Do you think that cage farming practices for poultry should be stopped?" The public can say yes by plebiscite and it becomes law. This system doesn't exist in Canada but there is a concern that it might catch on hence there is now intensive education in Canadian schools about agriculture, where food comes from and the benefits of farming. There seems to be less regulatory constraints from Government in Canada. Agencies are outcomes and results focused, they are there to assist and tell you what you can do and how you can do it rather than what you can't do. There are on average about 20 good harvest days per year in Saskatchewan. They have seen a huge increase in yields and GM canola is now the number one crop.

® In respect to animal welfare issues, there are concerns that strength of the animal welfare lobby in the US will spread to Canada as well as pressure from the green movement.

® In the Canadian equivalent of DEC, the department that sets out a draft plan/guidelines and gives them to those seeking approval for agricultural enterprises etc. so they can clearly see what is required. There is no shifting of the goalposts. As in Australia there is a concern with China wanting to buy land and produce. In respect to foreign ownership, agricultural land must be Canadian owned however foreign interests can buy produce and process it in Canada. Canadian Governments and producers very strong on value adding, e.g. they are not interested in China buying a Canola crushing factory, processing it and exporting it all back to China. Plant breeders keen to work together with Australian governments and interests. Penny McCall (Ministry of Agriculture) has worked with GRDC (Australian Grains Research Development Commission) and Mr Venkata Vakulabharanam, Provincial Specialist of Oilseed Crops Branch from the Ministry of Agriculture is also a world leader in plant breeding. Overseas buyers would purchase all that Canada could produce if given the opportunity. Farms all appear to have the capacity to store their crops and then sell them when they determine. All grain is transported by rail. Farmers seem to be very strong on re-investment in their farms and do not seem as keen on off farm investment as WA farmers. The Saskatchewan budget allocation for agriculture this year is $417 million.

Mr Keith Haywood, Senior Analyst of Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SGIC)presented information on fostering a commercially viable, self-sufficient and sustainable agricultural and food sector. SGIC plays a significant role in the delivery of business risk management programs on behalf of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, consisting of four key components: Agrilnvest: a savings account for producers that provides flexible coverage for small income declines and supports investments to mitigate risks or improve market income AgriStability: a margin based program that provides income support when a producer experiences larger income losses AgriRecovery: a disaster relief framework that allows governments to provide rapid assistance to fill gaps not covered by existing government programs; and Agrilnsurance (crop insurance): an existing production insurance program and other insurance products, which will expand to include other commodities. Other relief programs announced recently included the Excess Moisture Program, to help producers dealing with excess moisture and flooding and the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for crop damage caused by any wild animal. From the presentation I noted: Cover is available for 80% of the long term yield based on a 10 year standard e.g. for a new farmers theyr will do an average based on the farms around them for the last 10 years or 5 years in some circumstances. At least 70% of the crop in any year is covered in the Province Growers pay 40%, the Federal Government 36%, and the Provincial Government 24% for the insurance. It is costing growers $5-8 per acre. The programs were started in 1961 and have a 50 year history. Yield is calculated 10 year average based on independent records so it is able to be verified. Administration costs are 8% so the total cost for the Province is $30 million. Government has adjusters to do the field work to assess loss and differentiate between drought and bad grower production. There is a staff of about 100 and not all are full time June 20th is last date for seeding coverage and the grower is not covered after that. The Provinces are divided into 23 risk zones and premium rates and area average yields are determined on a risk area basis. Dark brown soil costs $1000 per acre and increases with rainfall. Higher rainfall areas are $1500 per acre as higher rain generally means higher yield. In the where there is lighter soil and less rain the cost is $500 per acre. There are also weather based insurance programs and in the future technology should be able to put weather system on each corner of a farm to monitor weather and Ontario has done a lot of work on this. o Producers can purchase the following levels of coverage, 50, 60, 70, 80%, and can choose what they want. For example, with an average of 1 T per acre coverage, if they harvest 500kg but are insured for 80%, they would be paid on 300kg. ® Exceptions are new crops as there is limited data so 70% coverage is the maximum. The crop averaging program is up to 90%. e All of the farm's crop is insured not just one part. Adjusters sort out the payments and it seems that most play by the rules. The Government's programs are based on a break even and haven't really cost the Government money over the time that they have been operating.

® They have identified a 15 year period of claim highs and lows and have just less than one year's premium in the bank so it has not been a massive cost to Government over that time. 1 in 100 year extreme is accounted for. $4b coverage in any year, $500m in premiums There have been two standout loss years, 1988 and 2002. Any year below a 10-12.5% payout is money in the bank.

Mr Scott Brown, Executive Director of Policy Branch made a presentation on Business Risk Management for Agriculture, transportation, the Canadian Wheat Board, food safety, check offs and levies, crops and livestock and trade policy.

I noted the following:

® Foreign ownership, can only own 10 acres as a non-resident. There is no restriction for Canadian residents. Emphasis is on value adding and trying to create the right environment for agriculture through the regulatory system which is very outcomes based and focused. There is a bright outlook for sheep. Overview of the food and beverage sector and the manufacture of machinery. There are approximately 1100 organic producers in the Province. Agriculture development fund is approximately $2.4m per annum and leveraged with the federal government. Food safety program. Country of origin is to be labelled on imported food. There is a low level presence policy and grain needs to be zero contamination. Mr Venkata Vakulabharanam, Provincial Specialist of Oilseed Crops Branch presented information on GM crops and grain varieties and I noted the following:

The research budget $17.1m per annum. There is an Agriculture Development Fund of $2.1m for new projects. The Province has 26million ha of farmland with 19.4ha cultivated. Canola biggest crop at 3million ha, wheat is 2.85million ha. Wheat exports are $1.7billion, canola $1.65billion. Biotech industry is worth $84.7billion which is 7% GDP. 27 Research Parks worth between $250-$500million to the economy. $120m being invested in geonomics. Very strong emphasis on sustainability of the agricultural sector.

Seed Hawk Inc I had dinner with Pat and Judy Beaujot of Seed Hawk Inc, who design and manufacture reduced tillage seed equipment. Seed Hawk is the fastest growing manufacturer of seeding equipment in Canada and the 2nd biggest in Saskatchewan. Seed Hawk exports to Western Australia, Western Europe, the Ukraine and Africa amongst others.

Mr Wes Jickling, Executive Director, International Relations Executive Council and Mr Pavel Peyhov of International Relations I met with Wes and Pavel and discussed the similarities of the effect of the mining boom on Western Australia and Albertathe high cost of housing, lack of staff, housing shortage, high income, booming economy etc. They expressed a desire to visit WA. We also discussed growth, China, oil and gas, getting infrastructure right and the importance of outcomes based and focused policy.

Jennifer Evancio, Director Trade Development Agri Value and Lionel LaBelle President and CEO Saskatchewan Trade Export Partnership (STEP)

Jennifer and Lionel provided a briefing on STEP, which is a unique public-private partnership membership based toolkit for exporters to maximise commercial success in global ventures. STEP delivers custom export solutions to member companies across Saskatchewan and provides trade and market intelligence, advisory services, trade missions and delivers export development programs. I noted the following:

There is an opportunity to work with Western Australia as Jennifer travels the world looking at opportunities 65% of Canada's total trade is to the US, however this is decreasing. Trade to China is second to the US at 6% Standardising trade qualifications to a national level is an important focus.

Whilst in Regina, I also toured the Legislative Building of the Parliament of Saskatchewan which was built in 1909 and is situated on the shores of Lake Wascana.Accompanied by Mr Russ Brodner of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada I also embarked on site visits to a grain operation and to an agricultural machinery manufacturer.

Winnipeg, Manitoba Canadian Grain Commission I met with James Zastre, Community Relations Officer, Michael J Edney - Research Scientist, Elwin Hermanson Chief Commissioner and Sandy HayglassDirector Corporate Services and toured the facility. The commission regulates grain handling in Canada. Canada has a unique grain handling system, where it moves in bulk shipments across large geographical distances. Grain for export is not stored at terminals instead it is stored on the farm. This system is a pull system, meaning that when a certain type of grain is wanted by a customer, grain companies ask farmers to deliver grain and then grain moves to export position. The Canadian Grain Commission defines and applies quality standards for grain, maintains accurate weights as it moves through the handling system, grain safety assurances, scientific research and provides customer support.

Canadian International Grains Institute I met Mr Rick Morgan, Manager of Business Development over lunch and also visited a country grain elevator situated just outside of Winnipeg. The institute places extreme importance on developing and maintaining markets for anyone who uses Canadian grain from around the world. The institute also has extensive testing facilities. They are world leaders in this area and look at quality and seasonal records over many years. They also offer testing to be the 'umpire' in disputes between buyer and seller. The commission has done extensive work on quality, blending, use of flour, noodles, have small scale plants (replicas of Asian mills), offer courses to clients, set up plants for clients, assimilate plants to local conditions, e.g. humidity in Asia.

I noted:

O Grains Commission is not about cost recovery. The service is offered by Government to benefit to economy however this may change with de-regulation. The Government commits about $4million per annum for testing for chemical and variety contamination services. Great work being done on pulse crops and how to develop them into healthy snack foods.

O 4-5% of grain delivered by road by producers the rest is transported by rail. o Licensing and security. Licenses are an instrument of security and there are 130 licences for buyers with the Commission. Protection lasts 90 days after the grain is delivered and they have 30 days to make payment. Canola now equals wheat as the number one grain. There is ongoing yield production with variety improvement. Could do well to visit as an industry. Comment was that the Grains Research and Development Corporation in Australia is going well but a few years away from giving Western Australian farmers the varieties needed. Railsmall spur lines have been closed. Farmers regard freight and service as high importance and lacking. Rail transport is a very profitable business. Canadian Pacific Railway

I met with Jonathon Ellis, Marketing Representative who provided me with an overview of Canadian Pacific Raliway, the primary grain destinations, the grain handling transportation system and market approach. I noted:

Rail lines privately owned by a publicly listed company. Responsible for maintaining track from Regina to Vancouver. A rail car hopper can carry 9ltonnes of wheat and 80tonnes of canola. Rates vary up to $3000 per car to Vancouver and Regina which is very expensive. Unit train has 112 cars and 58 cars for a half train. 10,000 tonnes of grain with 90 elevators available to load. Canadian National have the northern area of Canada.

Ottawa, Ontario

Canadian Federation of Agriculture

I met with Mr Ron Bonnett, President and Mr Errol Baikal, Trade Consultant.

The federation has developed a framework towards a national food strategy, which establishes a shared strategic vision that will serve as a clear guide for public policy development and private decision making to secure a sustainable food system. I noted:

National Provincial is Ron's area and he represents 200,000 farmers. It is a commodity organisation. Issues for the CFA are WTO trade talks, food security, solid domestic policies, non-tariff barriers, GM and chemical regulation. Issues for CFA with the US are domestic support, loan guarantees, ethanol programs, grain below cost and infrastructure programs. Water is controlled by the Provinces. They have a permit system where the permit is the cost of implementation and costs very little. Water issues, US taking water from Great Lakes. Crop Insurance is funded one third provincial, one third federal, one third farmers. National food strategy. Important aspects are where the markets are going to be and farm support programs. R&D initiatives Animal welfare issues Australia, NZ, and Canada should work together on a common goal of limiting the influence of the green movement on agriculture. Wildlife groups have switched to support and work with agriculture as they have realised the important part that it plays. Research needs Government as well as private investment and long term planning is important. Need to streamline approvals for veterinary products as there are delays for approval of US products. This helps the US market and gives them an advantage as Canadian companies have to buy the products in the US as the products don't get to Canada until 12 months after they are released in the US. There is a very strong emphasis on the Right to Farm. Where to now? Need to focus on counteracting excessive regulation, developing technology, WTO agreement, food security and land ownership.

Canadian Agri Food Policy Institute (CAPI)

I met with Mr David Innes, President and CEO.

CAPI has developed a strategic approach to realise the full potential of the country's agri-food industry. They have set the target of 2025 to double the value of agri- food exports to $75 billion, produce and supply 75% of Canada's food and generate revenue and efficiency by relying on biomaterials and biofuels in 75% of the agri food sector. They also recognise the need for a national agri food plan.

I noted:

It is situated on a 500 acre farm. Long term issues. There needs to be a dialogue on alternative ideas which look at: 1. Establishment of a leadership panel to look at the sustainability of the industry, 2. The health of the industry 3.Viability, across all sectors of the industry and as a result publish an Agricultural Destinations Paper. Need to link public and private sector R&D. Need to create a food systems approach to address food supply and mistrust in the industry. Areas to focus on are R&D, climate, how we use resources, ability to transport, sharing of data and the fact that 80% of Canadians live in a city. Need to address over regulation as it drives business nuts Need to look at how we manage risk, should be wider based, e.g. how currency fluctuations affect wholesalers. How to commercialise innovations and how we can co-operate better to do this. Value round tables as they bring the sector together. Government sponsored innovation clusters. Should we have a five year agricultural policy and what specific issues should be addressed? Commodity to ingredient value, e.g. lentil to durham wheat, health and smaller footprint Research into the chemical benefits of food types. Food is the economic catalyst, need to look at health focused food strategies. Australia, NZ, Canada need to share best practices and research WA Health Department should be focusing more on the promotion of healthy food at school. Ideas could be to have school chefs to promote and understanding of food and the benefits of choosing healthy foods. Agriculture and Agri Food Canada

met with Ms Stephanie Parisien, Senior Trade Policy Analyst, Mr Andrew Goldstein, Director General, Research and Analysis Policy Branch and attended a tour of the Central Experimental Farm.

I also received briefings from Mr Marc Savard, Research Manager of Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre, Mr Owen Lonsdale, Manager Canadian National Collection of Insects, Dr Radhey Pandeya Senior Wheat research Scientist and Mr Ron Wheeler Manager of Research Support.

I noted:

The effect that demand from China is having on the agricultural sector. The necessity for agricultural trade policy to always reflect the nation's best interests ® Their experimental farm was established in 1886 and is 1000 acres It is part of of 19 national science locations and there are more than 100,000 crop research plots It generally takes 7 years to establish new varieties. They conduct extensive research programs, including programs overseas and in hot houses and spend about $8 million on plant breeding and insect identification. This is very important given that more insects are coming in with the increase in trade from Asia etc. and wood. They have identifies about 18,000 insects.

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO)

I met with Mr Markus Haerle, a Director of GFO, Delegate for Ontario Corn Producers Association and a soybean grower and was also on research and Innovation Committee. Markus took me on a tour of local elevators and to his farm that he runs in conjunction with his wife Roxanne. I noted:

® They have approximately 16,000 laying hens. Labour shortages are an issue and they have been sourcing from areas such as Mexico (approximately 9000) and Jamaica (approximately 5600) Other issues are funding for farmers, research and land ownership. Interest rates are low, less than 3% and banks allow large borrowings for infrastructure etc. Farmers debts are high however they re-invest in their business and appear to steer away from off farm investment. They have 5 tractors on their farm. The largest is about 250HP. They also have a90 foot Hardie boom spray, a 36ft NH header which is the third largest and 2 years old. o 1500 acres of the farm is cropped. They are very aware of the need to lobby and keep the Minister and staff hands on. I think that it would be very beneficial to Western Australia to have advertising like they do in Canada to make people aware that "farmers feed cities" and that agriculture is a good business and lifestyle. They have a Crop Protection guide which is similar to that from the Department of Agriculture in Western Australia. I believe that WA can benefit from a significant increase in investment in plant breeding and seek co-operation with countries like Canada where it is very strong. Major risks to plant breeding can include loss of genetic stocks and breeding lines dueto adverse weather, disease and insect control. There has been a lot of benefits from the higher yielding crops developed and should beat least 20% in the near future. ® As a result of research and breeding crops are gaining superior agronomic characteristics e.g. straw length, shorter and better for the environment, higher test weights, kernel weights and healthier varieties. They are improving end use markets and expanding to develop and meetnew markets. Research and breeding has enhanced production efficiencies. Better plant breeding has resulted in in major advances e.g. drought tolerance, frost tolerance, salt tolerance, fungicides, a better environment, cleaner, greener food, safe and nutritious food, improving farmers and food processor's incomes, product innovation and new food products.

Guelph, Ontario

My visit to Guelph was hosted by Mr Leo Guilbeault, Director, Grain farmers of Ontario (GFO).

GFO is the province's largest commodity organisation, representing Ontario's 28,000 corn, soybean and wheat farmers. The organisation brings value to farmers through research, innovation, market development, advocacy and public outreach. GFO's vision is to drive the Ontario Grain Industry to become a global leader.

I also met with Mr Barry Senft, CEO Grain Farmers of Ontario

I noted:

In Ontario $6m is raised from farmer contributions and between $750,000 to $1m goes to research which is about about $lper tonne. There is only one farmer organisation for grain which represents approximately 28,000 farmers. This fund is leveraged against federal contributions. Regarding crop insurance, I see a possibility to approach a company such as Viterra to provide products and a cross over with Canadian companies.

® Farmers have a sign on date for the insurance e.g. mid April. Farmers must confirm the planting area, within a margin of 10% and must have a sign on the areas. A farmer can go up, not below early estimate. No specific legislation for wash down areas. Burning allowed on roadside Environmentalists cause issues with the Farm Drainage Act, e.g. they find rare frog etc. which then stops projects that farmers want to put in place. The biggest threat to agriculture in Ontario are the encroachment of development on agricultural land and the loss of productive land to housing. They have in place an excellent public awareness campaign which promotes the line "Farmers Feed Cities". It is a farm outreach program to consumers started in 2005 to try to make a more sustainable future for farmers. There are posters at fairs, stickers on cars and t- shirts and they have discovered that a lot of people are misinformed about agricultural issues and what farmers do. o They promote the program through that media, as well as social media like Twitter and Facebook. e They have videos on their website showing e.g. corn being harvested and explaining the process so people can learn about what farmers do. O They also have events showcasing produce such tasting dinners with celebrity chefs. O There is also a schools program link where school children 'Friend a Farmer'. O They structure lessons around talks from their farmer to learn about the importance of agriculture. They also use Skype to communicate and there are currently six schools in the program. Research has shown that 41% of 18-34 year olds don't know where their food comes from. o Similar programs in WA would be a good idea and could be done through Scitech. A good age range would be from Grade 2 to 5 and "Agriculture Awareness" could also be introduced to schools in metropolitan and regional areas to educate kids that farmers grow food for them and their families. Cook offs and junior chef programs could also be considered that all relate back to the importance of farmers to produce the foods that they eat. O Grain Farmers of Ontario is a very strong lobby group. Some of their major concerns are compliance and government departments losing good supporters of agriculture as they retire.

Visit to University of Guelph

I met with Dr Rene Van Acker, Associate Dean External Relations and Professor of the Department of Plant Agriculture.

I noted:

O There have been 2300 graduates from the Agricultural degree. There are 8 Diplomas which are two year courses and the undergraduate degree is a four year course.

O The courses cover food, agricultural issues and practices, rural communities and environmental science etc. and they have recruitment programs which target specific groups. Agriculture is viewed as a good career path with a variety of jobs available.

O They have a Bio Product Centre specialising in research.

O They are working on developing waste into bio products, recycling and reducing the use of petroleum based products, developing bio plastics and bolstering the bio economy. O They are also looking at problems with the use of recycled products, how to go green in a cost competitive way and soy diesel fuel products one of which is plastic bags.

Dr Andrew Robinson, University of Guelph, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Animal and Poultry Science

There are 14 staff and 148 students. e They also have an abattoir, where they run courses for the federal inspection certificate. o They have 200 pigs, 8 steers, 50 sheep and rainbow trout and study animal behaviour, animal welfare for dairy, beef, swine, poultry, fish and turkeys, animal nutrition for dairy, beef, swine, poultry, fish, and dogs and animal physiology for cattle, swine, chicken and fish. They also have funding to study different aspects of dairy, swine, beef, poultry, fish, sheep, rodents, goats and horses. One of their challenges is to produce very high quality food at the lowest cost. O The cost of education is $3000 for locals per semester and $4500 per semester for overseas students. Centres of Excellence

They have centres for aquaculture, the genetic improvement of livestock,nutritional modelling and animal welfare. The Provincial Government provides $59m for these centres. There are also Government and network initiatives, which matchcontracts and a total grants budget of $8m. Industry ties and funding have been very important, particularly in respectto commercial success. One of the projects they are working on is making storage containers fromcrop residue to assist in the reduction of the use of petroleum products. There is very little lamb on menus and there is an export opportunity for WA here. People like lamb but can't get it.

Farm Visits

Most farmers lease extra for production land and the marketing of grain isvery important. Australian growers need quicker access to varieties that could increase yields. Currently, ifa breeder in Canada puts forward a new variety for Australia it has to spend twoyears in a hothouse in Australia before it is released. By then it has been superseded bya better variety and because of the lengthy timeframe Canadian plant breeders do not think that it is worth them investing in Australia.

Toronto, Ontario

I met with Mr Ted Opitz, Member for Etobicoke at the Albany Club.

Discussed stronger ties between Canada and Australia and Western Australia. Ted's background is in the military and he served in Bosnia. He is keen to meet with Senator David Johnston at some stage. Met Bob Onyschuk, Chair Canadian Chapter, Commerce for Australia.

Mr John Burke, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Mr Bradley Shaw, Policy

Areas covered:

Trade and Plant Breeding new varieties. Agricultural Policy and funding. Foremost in agricultural policy in Canada is the 'Right to Farm', e.g. a farmer's right to farm is paramount when it comes to urban expansion,e.g. if urban development extends to near a piggery and residents complain about the smell, the fact that the piggery was there before the development takes priority. They are trying to create one stop shops from a departmental point of view in respectto agriculture, e.g. make it so there is only one department to deal with which takes control of an application and its processing. Agriculture is very well supported in Canada. It is valued both domestically andas an export earner and the priority is to keep it there. The economy is strong and they are aware of the influences of the US and China. School programs teach kids about the value of agriculture and food and this starts inpre- school. The agricultural industry works with animal welfare groups e.g. RSPCA for better outcomes. They are aware that they have PETA on the doorstep however they don't think that they have any traction in Canada.

SUMMARY

Although the distances between Canada and Australia are vast,many of the issued faced by farmers are the same, albeit with sometimes different solutions.

The Canadian Government is very active in promoting and supporting agriculture and it is committed financially, providing the necessary agencies (which are all outcome based) anda strong technical, scientific and practical presence. Food production is valued by both the government and the population and the value to the Canadian economy is recognised. The provincial and federal governments have partnerships across many areas including freight and rail.

There is less government interference and clear cut guidelines are available, (e.g. environmental issues in relation to feed lots) and priority is given to the right to farm over lifestyle considerations if it is in the nation's best interests.

Canadian farmers enjoy easy access to finance at very low interest rateshalf of what Western Australian producers pay. Banks are keen to lend and machinery costs 25% less in most cases. Farmers appear to reinvest in farm businesses far more, with off farm investment appearing less appealing.Most farms can store an entire crop and there is only limited farm truck use. Ontario benefits by having only one grower organisation in the grain industry. It is very effective in lobbying federal and provincial governments and the body is well respected by government.

Most young farmers have gone to college either agricultural or have done a university degree. The major university is in Guelph, Ontario and covers all areas in relation to agriculture, including environmental science and planning. The numbers of students are increasing and the university has campaigned to get numbers back into agriculture or agricultural related industries and businesses. " hl

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711 ) I Imprest Report on Travel to Canada, October 2011

Hon Nigel Hallett, MLC

Member for the South West

Focus on Government agricultural policy, Government commitment to agriculture, animal welfare, food security, risk management, transport, trade, grains and research during the period 30th September to 17th October, 2011.

During this period I visited Regina in Saskatchewan, Winnipeg in Manitoba and Ottawa, Toronto and Guelph in Ontario.

An outline of my itinerary and meetings is as follows:

Friday, 30 September

0025 Depart Perth QF648, 0555 Arrive Melbourne

0935 Depart Melbourne QF93, 0655 Arrive Los Angeles

Sat & Sun 1 & 2 October

Transit/free time, Los Angeles

Monday, 3 October

Travel to Regina, Saskatchewan

0845 Depart LA Flight AC4141 United Express/Skywest

1131 Arrive Vancouver International Airport

1255 Depart Vancouver Flight AC8572 Air Canada Express/Jazz

1552 Arrive Regina

Tuesday, 4 October

8.30am Meet Ms Leslie Geddie, Marketing Specialist, Ministry of Agriculture

9.00am Ms Alanna Koch, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Saskatchewan

10.00am Presentation by Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation

LUNCH With Alanna Koch, Nithi Govindasamy Assistant Deputy MinisterMinistry of Agriculture, Dale and Scott Brown, Executive DirectorPolicy Branch

1.00pm Presentation by Scott Brown, Executive Director Policy Branch

Topics: Overview of Saskatchewan agriculture, business risk management, transportation, Canadian Wheat Board, food safety, check offs and levies, crops and livestock, trade policy.

3.00pm Presentations by Crops Branch GM crops, grains varieties 6.00pm Dinner with Pat and Judy Beaujot of Seed Hawk Inc. designers and manufacturers of reduced tillage seed equipment who export to WA.

Wednesday, 5 October

8.30am Meet Leslie Geddie, Marketing Specialist, Ministry of Agriculture

9.00am Protocol OfficeTour of Legislative Building

10.00a m Meeting with Intergovernmental Affairs Mr Wes Jickling, Executive Director International Relations Executive Council.

11.00am Meeting with Lionel Labelle, CEO, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)

LUNCH with STEP at Hotel Saskatchewan

1.00pm Site visits conducted by Agriculture and Agri Food Canada

7.35pm Depart Regina Air Canada Ac8348

9.38pm Arrive Winnipeg

Thursday, 6 October

9.00am Mr James Zastre, Community Relations Officer, Canadian Grains Commission

12.00pm Mr Rick Morgan, Manager of Business Development

Canadian International Grains Institute

Discussions over lunch and site visit to country grain elevator situated just outside of Winnipeg

6.30pm Depart Winnipeg Air Canada AC1112

9.53pm Arrive Ottawa International Airport

Friday, 7 October

9.00am Mr Ron Bonnett, President, Canadian Federation of Agriculture

11.30am Mr David McInnes, President and CEO, Canadian Agri Food Policy Institute

1.55pm Ms Stephanie Parisien, Senior Trade Policy Analyst

Agriculture and Agri Food Canada

2.00pm Meeting with Andrew Goldstein, Director General

Research and Analysis Strategic Policy Branch

3.15pm Central Experimental Farm Tour

Meeting with Field Researchers 3.25pm Meet with Marc Savard, Research Manager of Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre

3.45pm Meet with Owen Lonsdale, Manager Canadian National Collection of Insects

4.10pm Meet with Ron Wheeler, Manager Research Support

4.30pm Meet with research scientist

4.45pm Drive through Central Experimental Farm

Overview of history, buildings, garden and arboretum

Saturday,8 October

10.00am Picked up from hotel by

Mr Markus Haerle, Director (district 14)

Grain Farmers of Ontario

Tour of local elevators and farms

Sunday, 9 October

Free day.

7.00pm Depart Ottawa Air Canada463

1959 hrs Arrive Toronto Pearson International Airport

Monday, 10 October

Public Holiday (Thanksgiving)

Travel by Via Rail to Guelph

10.55am Train departs for Guelph approx(100km west of Toronto) (75 min train journey)

12.06pm Arrive Guelph

Met by Mr Leo Guilbeault, Director, Grain Farmers of Ontario at station.

Tuesday, 11 October

Accompanied by Mr Leo Guilbeault Director, Grain Farmers of Ontario

Breakfast with Grain Farmers' senior staff at Delta Hotel.

Tour of Grain Farmers' Offices.

Presentation of Grain Farmers of Ontario by Barry Senft.

University Tour: Meetings with Dr Rene Van Acker and Dr Amara Mohanty Meeting with Dr Andy Robinson, Chair of Animal and Poultry Science Department, Dr Peter Pau Is, Chair of Plant Agriculture Department and Dr Art Hill, Chair of Food Science Department.

Wednesday, 12 October

Farm tours as arranged by Mr Leo Guilbeault, GFO in conjunction with Henry Van Ankum, Fred Wagner and Greg Hannam, Woodrill Ltd.

Thursday, 13 October

Travel Guelph to Toronto by Train

9.42am Depart Guelph for Toronto

10.50am Arrive Toronto Union Station

11.30am Lunch with Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament tel 416 249 7322

at the Albany Club

Friday, 14 October

10.30am Mr John Burke, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Toronto

Saturday, 15 October

6.45pm Depart Toronto QF3246 for Los Angeles, 9.00pm Arrive Los Angeles11.30pm Depart Los Angeles Qantas QF94

Sunday, 16 October

In transit

Monday, 17 October

8.55am Arrive Melbourne, 10.45am Depart Melbourne Qantas QF475

12.00 noon Arrive Perth Issues Covered

O Agricultural policy from a government perspective

® Government spending on agriculture

® Foreign ownership

® Crop insurance programs

® Trade

® Plant and animal breeding

® Research

O Grower organisations and lobby groups

® Food security Details and points of interest from each of my meetings are as follows: Regina, Saskatchewan Ms Leslie Geddie, Marketing Specialist of the Ministry of Agriculture co-ordinated my visit schedule during my stay in Regina.

I met with Alanna Koch, the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Saskatchewan and also Chair of the Board of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance and noted the following:

There is a support package of business risk management programs in place, namely Agri Invest, Agri Stability, Agri Insurance and Agri Recovery. There is a$500m budget for risk management. Producers pay one third, the Federal Government pays one third and the Provincial Government one third.

O The Government funds a significant amount of R&D however it is considered that the research budget has fallen behind about $15 million. O Plant breeding attracts about $60 million in funding with a four way split of 25% each from growers, Federal and Provincial Governments and industry itself. O 700 scientists involved in agricultural R&D. The Federal Government has a research farm and private funding is also involved here. Investors put money up for a specific research program and Government also assists.

O One of the main concerns of plant breeders is that they are an aging group and are concerned about the next generation and whether they will be interested in continuing the programs.

O Food security. It is paramount that Canada has a secure food supply for its population and this was constantly reinforced throughout the trip by many of the people that I met with.

O Organic is a lifestyle choice, i.e. can never feed the world as with this type of farming you are looking at about a 50% reduction in yield/production via this method and being a very intensive process means that high production costs are then passed to consumers. o The plebiscite process used in the US has been very damaging to agriculture as if carried, the public have the ability to close agricultural practices they don't like. For example, the question could be put "Do you think that cage farming practices for poultry should be stopped?" The public can say yes by plebiscite and it becomes law. This system doesn't exist in Canada but there is a concern that it might catch on hence there is now intensive education in Canadian schools about agriculture, where food comes from and the benefits of farming. o There seems to be less regulatory constraints from Government in Canada. Agencies are outcomes and results focused, they are there to assist and tell you what you can do and how you can do it rather than what you can't do. There are on average about 20 good harvest days per year in Saskatchewan. They have seen a huge increase in yields and GM canola is now the number one crop. O In respect to animal welfare issues, there are concerns that strength of the animal welfare lobby in the US will spread to Canada as well as pressure from the green movement.

O In the Canadian equivalent of DEC, the department that sets out a draft plan/guidelines and gives them to those seeking approval for agricultural enterprises etc. so they can clearly see what is required. There is no shifting of the goalposts. As in Australia there is a concern with China wanting to buy land and produce. In respect to foreign ownership, agricultural land must be Canadian owned however foreign interests can buy produce and process it in Canada. Canadian Governments and producers very strong on value adding,e.g. they are not interested in China buying a Canola crushing factory, processing it and exporting it all back to China. Plant breeders keen to work together with Australian governments and interests. Penny McCall (Ministry of Agriculture) has worked with GRDC (Australian Grains Research Development Commission) and Mr Venkata Vakulabharanam, Provincial Specialist of Oilseed Crops Branch from the Ministry of Agriculture is alsoa world leader in plant breeding. Overseas buyers would purchase all that Canada could produce if given the opportunity. Farms all appear to have the capacity to store their crops and then sell them when they determine. An grain is transported by rail. Farmers seem to be very strong on re-investment in their farms and do notseem as keen on off farm investment as WA farmers. The Saskatchewan budget allocation for agriculture this year is $417 million.

Mr Keith Haywood, Senior Analyst of Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SGIC)presented information on fostering a commercially viable, self-sufficient and sustainable agricultural and food sector.

SGIC plays a significant role in the delivery of business risk management programs on behalf of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, consisting of four key components: Agrilnvest: a savings account for producers that provides flexible coverage for small income declines and supports investments to mitigate risks or improve market income AgriStability: a margin based program that provides income support when a producer experiences larger income losses AgriRecovery: a disaster relief framework that allows governments to provide rapid assistance to fill gaps not covered by existing government programs; and Agrilnsurance (crop insurance): an existing production insurance program and other insurance products, which will expand to include other commodities. Other relief programs announced recently included the Excess Moisture Program, to help producers dealing with excess moisture and flooding and the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for crop damage caused by any wild animal. From the presentation I noted:

Cover is available for 80% of the long term yield based on a 10 year standard e.g. for a new farmers theyr will do an average based on the farms around them for the last 10 years or 5 years in some circumstances. At least 70% of the crop in any year is covered in the Province Growers pay 40%, the Federal Government 36%, and the Provincial Government 24% for the insurance. It is costing growers $5-8 per acre. The programs were started in 1961 and have a 50 year history. Yield is calculated 10 year average based on independent records so it is able to be verified. Administration costs are 8% so the total cost for the Province is $30 million. o Government has adjusters to do the field work to assess loss and differentiate between drought and bad grower production. There is a staff of about 100 and not all are full time o June 20th is last date for seeding coverage and the grower is not covered after that. The Provinces are divided into 23 risk zones and premium rates and area average yields are determined on a risk area basis. o Dark brown soil costs $1000 per acre and increases with rainfall. Higher rainfall areas are $1500 per acre as higher rain generally means higher-yield. In the wherethere is lighter soil and less rain the cost is $500 per acre. There are also weather based insurance programs and in the future technology should be able to put weather system on each corner of a farm to monitor weather and Ontario has done a lot of work on this. Producers can purchase the following levels of coverage, 50, 60, 70, 80%, and can choose what they want. For example, with an average of 1, T per acre coverage, if they harvest 500kg but are insured for 80%, they would be paid on 300kg. o Exceptions are new crops as there is limited data so 70% coverage is the maximum. The crop averaging program is up to 90%. All of the farm's crop is insured not just one part. o Adjusters sort out the payments and it seems that most play by the rules. o The Government's programs are based on a break even and haven't really cost the Government money over the time that they have been operating.

o They have identified a 15 year period of claim highs and lows and have justless than one year's premium in the bank so it has not been a massive cost to Government overthat time. 1 in 100 year extreme is accounted for. $4b coverage in any year, $500m in premiums

o There have been two standout loss years, 1988 and 2002. Any yearbelow a 10-12.5% payout is money in the bank.

Mr Scott Brown, Executive Director of Policy Branchmade a presentation on Business Risk Management for Agriculture, transportation, the CanadianWheat Board, food safety, check offs and levies, crops and livestock and trade policy.

I noted the following: Foreign ownership, can only own 10 acres as a non-resident. There is norestriction for Canadian residents. o Emphasis is on value adding and trying to create the right environment foragriculture through the regulatory system which is very outcomes based and focused. There is a bright outlook for sheep. o Overview of the food and beverage sector and the manufacture ofmachinery.

o There are approximately 1100 organic producers in the Province.

o Agriculture development fund is approximately $2.4m per annum andleveraged with the federal government. Food safety program. Country of origin is to be labelled on importedfood.

o There is a low level presence policy and grain needs to be zero contamination. Mr Venkata Vakulabharanam, Provincial Specialist of Oilseed Crops Branch presented information on GM crops and grain varieties and I noted the following:

o The research budget $17.1m per annum. There is an Agriculture Development Fund of $2.1m for new projects. The Province has 26million ha of farmland with 19.4ha cultivated. Canola biggest crop at 3million ha, wheat is 2.85million ha. Wheat exports are $1.7billion, canola $1.65billion. Biotech industry is worth $84.7billion which is 7% GDP. 27 Research Parks worth between $250-$500million to the economy. $120m being invested in geonomics. Very strong emphasis on sustainability of the agricultural sector.

Seed Hawk Inc I had dinner with Pat and Judy Beaujot of Seed Hawk Inc, who design and manufacture reduced tillage seed equipment. Seed Hawk is the fastest growing manufacturer of seeding equipment in Canada and the 2nd biggest in Saskatchewan. Seed Hawk exports to Western Australia, Western Europe, the Ukraine and Africa amongst others.

Mr Wes Jickling, Executive Director, International Relations Executive Council and Mr Pavel Peyhov of International Relations I met with Wes and Pavel and discussed the similarities of the effect of the mining boom on Western Australia and Albertathe high cost of housing, lack of staff, housing shortage, high income, booming economy etc. They expressed a desire to visit WA. We also discussed growth, China, oil and gas, getting infrastructure right and the importance of outcomes based and focused policy.

Jennifer Evancio, Director Trade Development Agri Value and Lionel LaBelle President and CEO Saskatchewan Trade Export Partnership (STEP)

Jennifer and Lionel provided a briefing on STEP, which is a unique public-private partnership membership based toolkit for exporters to maximise commercial success in global ventures. STEP delivers custom export solutions to member companies across Saskatchewan and provides trade and market intelligence, advisory services, trade missions and delivers export development programs. I noted the following:

There is an opportunity to work with Western Australia as Jennifer travels the world looking at opportunities 65% of Canada's total trade is to the US, however this is decreasing. Trade to China is second to the US at 6% Standardising trade qualifications to a national level is an important focus.

Whilst in Regina, I also toured the Legislative Building of the Parliament of Saskatchewan which was built in 1909 and is situated on the shores of Lake Wascana. Accompaniedby Mr Russ Brodner of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada I also embarked on site visits toa grain operation and to an agricultural machinery manufacturer.

Winnipeg, Manitoba Canadian Grain Commission

I met with James Zastre, Community Relations Officer, Michael I Edney- Research Scientist, Elwin Hermanson Chief Commissioner and Sandy HayglassDirector Corporate Services and toured the facility.

The commission regulates grain handling in Canada. Canada has a unique grain handling system, where it moves in bulk shipments across large geographical distances. Grain for export is not stored at terminals instead it is stored on the farm. This system is a pull system, meaning that when a certain type of grain is wanted by a customer, grain companies ask farmers to deliver grain and then grain moves to export position. The Canadian Grain Commission defines and applies quality standards for grain, maintains accurate weights as it moves through the handling system, grain safety assurances, scientific research and provides customer support.

Canadian International Grains Institute I met Mr Rick Morgan, Manager of Business Development over lunch and also visited a country grain elevator situated just outside of Winnipeg.The institute places extreme importance on developing and maintaining markets for anyone who uses Canadian grain from around the world. The institute also has extensive testing facilities. They are world leaders in this area and look at quality and seasonal records over many years. They also offer testing to be the 'umpire' in disputes between buyer and seller. The commission has done extensive work on quality, blending, use of flour, noodles, have small scale plants (replicas of Asian mills), offer courses to clients, set up plants for clients, assimilate plants to local conditions, e.g. humidity in Asia.

I noted:

o Grains Commission is not about cost recovery. The service is offered by Government to benefit to economy however this may change with de-regulation. The Government commits about $4million per annum for testing for chemical and variety contamination services. o Great work being done on pulse crops and how to develop them into healthy snack foods. o 4-5% of grain delivered by road by producers the rest is transported by raft o Licensing and security. Licenses are an instrument of security and there are 130 licences for buyers with the Commission. Protection lasts 90 days after the grain is delivered and they have 30 days to make payment. o Canola now equals wheat as the number one grain. There is ongoing yield production with variety improvement. Could do well to visit as an industry. Comment was that the Grains Research and Development Corporation in Australia is going well but a few years away from giving Western Australian farmers the varieties needed. o Railsmall spur lines have been closed. Farmers regard freight and service as high importance and lacking. Rail transport is a very profitable business. Canadian Pacific Railway

I met with Jonathon Ellis, Marketing Representative who provided me with an overview of Canadian Pacific Raliway, the primary grain destinations, the grain handling transportation system and market approach. I noted:

o Rail lines privately owned by a publicly listed company. ® Responsible for maintaining track from Regina to Vancouver. ® A rail car hopper can carry 9ltonnes of wheat and 80tonnes of canola. Rates vary up to $3000 per car to Vancouver and Regina which is very expensive.

© Unit train has 112 cars and 58 cars for a half train.

© 10,000 tonnes of grain with 90 elevators available to load. Canadian National have the northern area of Canada.

Ottawa, Ontario

Canadian Federation of Agriculture

I met with Mr Ron Bonnett, President and Mr Errol Halkai, Trade Consultant.

The federation has developed a framework towards a national food strategy, which establishes a shared strategic vision that will serve as a clear guide for public policy development and private decision making to secure a sustainable food system. I noted:

O National Provincial is Ron's area and he represents 200,000 farmers. o It is a commodity organisation.

O Issues for the CFA are WTO trade talks, food security, solid domestic policies, non-tariff barriers, GM and chemical regulation.

O Issues for CFA with the US are domestic support, loan guarantees, ethanol programs, grain below cost and infrastructure programs. ® Water is controlled by the Provinces. They have a permit system where the permit is the cost of implementation and costs very little. Water issues, US taking water from Great Lakes. Crop Insurance is funded one third provincial, one third federal, one third farmers. ® National food strategy. Important aspects are where the markets are going to be and farm support programs. ® R&D initiatives e Animal welfare issues ® Australia, NZ, and Canada should work together on a common goal of limiting the influence of the green movement on agriculture. Wildlife groups have switched to support and work with agriculture as they have realised the important part that it plays. Research needs Government as well as private investment and long term planning is important. o Need to streamline approvals for veterinary products as there are delays for approval of US products. This helps the US market and gives them an advantage as Canadian companies have to buy the products in the US as the products don't getto Canada until 12 months after they are released in the US. There is a very strong emphasis on the Right to Farm. Where to now? Need to focus on counteracting excessive regulation, developing technology, WTO agreement, food security and land ownership.

Canadian Agri Food. Policy Institute (CAPI)

I met with Mr David Innes, President and CEO.

CAPI has developed a strategic approach to realise the full potential of the country's agri-food industry. They have set the target of 2025 to double the value of agri- foodexports to $75 billion, produce and supply 75% of Canada's food and generaterevenue and efficiency by relying on biomaterials and biofuels in 75% of the agri food sector. They also recognise the need for a national agri food plan.

I noted:

It is situated on a 500 acre farm. Long term issues. There needs to be a dialogue on alternative ideas which look at: O 1. Establishment of a leadership panel to look at the sustainability of the industry, 2. The health of the industry 3.Viability, across all sectors of the industry and as a result publish an Agricultural Destinations Paper. Need to link public and private sector R&D. Need to create a food systems approach to address food supply and mistrust in the industry. Areas to focus on are R&D, climate, how we use resources, ability to transport, sharing of data and the fact that 80% of Canadians live in a city. Need to address over regulation as it drives business nuts Need to look at how we manage risk, should be wider based, e.g. how currency fluctuations affect wholesalers. How to commercialise innovations and how we can co-operate better to do this. Value round tables as they bring the sector together. Government sponsored innovation clusters. Should we have a five year agricultural policy and what specific issues should be addressed? Commodity to ingredient value, e.g. lentil to durham wheat, health and smaller footprint Research into the chemical benefits of food types. Food is the economic catalyst, need to look at health focused food strategies. Australia, NZ, Canada need to share best practices and research WA Health Department should be focusing more on the promotion of healthy food at school. Ideas could be to have school chefs to promote and understanding of food and the benefits of choosing healthy foods. Agriculture and Agri Food Canada

I met with Ms Stephanie Parisien, Senior Trade Policy Analyst, Mr Andrew Goldstein, Director General, Research and Analysis Policy Branch and attended a tour of the Central Experimental Farm.

I also received briefings from Mr Marc Savard, Research Manager of Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre, Mr Owen Lonsdale, Manager Canadian National Collection of Insects, Dr Radhey Pandeya Senior Wheat research Scientist and Mr Ron Wheeler Manager of Research Support.

I noted:

The effect that demand from China is having on the agricultural sector. The necessity for agricultural trade policy to always reflect the nation's best interests Their experimental farm was established in 1886 and is 1000 acres It is part of of 19 national science locations and there are more than 100,000 crop research plots It generally takes 7 years to establish new varieties. They conduct extensive research programs, including programs overseas and in hot houses and spend about $8 million on plant breeding and insect identification. This is very important given that more insects are coming in with the increase in trade from Asia etc. and wood. They have identifies about 18,000 insects.

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO)

I met with Mr Markus Haerle, a Director of GFO, Delegate for Ontario Corn Producers Association and a soybean grower and was also on research and Innovation Committee. Markus took me on a tour of local elevators and to his farm that he runs in conjunction with his wife Roxanne. I noted:

They have approximately 16,000 laying hens. Labour shortages are an issue and they have been sourcing from areas such as Mexico (approximately 9000) and Jamaica (approximately 5600) Other issues are funding for farmers, research and land ownership. Interest rates are low, less than 3% and banks allow large borrowings for infrastructure etc. Farmers debts are high however they re-invest in their business and appear to steer away from off farm investment. They have 5 tractors on their farm. The largest is about 250HP. ® They also have a90 foot Hardie boom spray, a 36ft NH header which is the third largest and 2 years old. 1500 acres of the farm is cropped. They are very aware of the need to lobby and keep the Minister and staff hands on. I think that it would be very beneficial to Western Australia to have advertising like they do in Canada to make people aware that "farmers feed cities" and that agriculture is a good business and lifestyle. They have a Crop Protection guide which is similar to that from the Department of Agriculture in Western Australia. I believe that WA can benefit from a significant increase in investment in plant breeding and seek co-operation with countries like Canada where it is very strong. Major risks to plant breeding can include loss of genetic stocks and breeding lines due to adverse weather, disease and insect control. There has been a lot of benefits from the higher yielding crops developed and should beat least 20% in the near future.

O As a result of research and breeding crops are gaining superior agronomic characteristics e.g. straw length, shorter and better for the environment, higher test weights, kernel weights and healthier varieties. O They are improving end use markets and expanding to develop and meet new markets. o Research and breeding has enhanced production efficiencies. ® Better plant breeding has resulted in in major advances e.g. drought tolerance, frost tolerance, salt tolerance, fungicides, a better environment, cleaner, greener food, safe and nutritious food, improving farmers and food processor's incomes, product innovation and new food products.

Guelph, Ontario

My visit to Guelph was hosted by Mr Leo Guilbeault, Director, Grain farmers of Ontario (GFO).

GFO is the province's largest commodity organisation, representing Ontario's 28,000 corn, soybean and wheat farmers. The organisation brings value to farmers through research, innovation, market development, advocacy and public outreach. GFO's vision is to drive the Ontario Grain Industry to become a global leader.

I also met with Mr Barry Senft, CEO Grain Farmers of Ontario

I noted:

In Ontario $6m is raised from farmer contributions and between $750,000 to $1m goes to research which is about about $lper tonne. ® There is only one farmer organisation for grain which represents approximately 28,000 farmers. This fund is leveraged against federal contributions. o Regarding crop insurance, I see a possibility to approach a company such as Viterra to provide products and a cross over with Canadian companies. o Farmers have a sign on date for the insurance e.g. mid April. Farmers must confirm the planting area, within a margin of 10% and must have a sign on the areas. A farmer can go up, not below early estimate. No specific legislation for wash down areas.

O Burning allowed on roadside o Environmentalists cause issues with the Farm Drainage Act, e.g. they find rare frog etc. which then stops projects that farmers want to put in place. The biggest threat to agriculture in Ontario are the encroachment of development on agricultural land and the loss of productive land to housing.

O They have in place an excellent public awareness campaign which promotes the line "Farmers Feed Cities". It is a farm outreach program to consumers started in 2005 to try to make a more sustainable future for farmers. There are posters at fairs, stickers on cars and t- shirts and they have discovered that a lot of people are misinformed about agricultural issues and what farmers do. They promote the program through that media, as well as social media like Twitter and Facebook. They have videos on their website showing e.g. corn being harvested and explaining the process so people can learn about what farmers do. They also have events showcasing produce such tasting dinners with celebrity chefs. There is also a schools program link where school children 'Friend a Farmer'. They structure lessons around talks from their farmer to learn about the importance of agriculture. They also. use Skype to communicate and thereare currently six schools in the program. Research has shown that 41% of 18-34 year olds don't know where their food comes from. Similar programs in WA would be a good idea and could be done through Scitech. A good age range would be from Grade 2 to 5 and "Agriculture Awareness" could also be introduced to schools in metropolitan and regional areas to educate kids that farmers grow food for them and their families. Cook offs and junior chef programs could also be considered that all relate back to the importance of farmers to produce the foods that they eat. Grain Farmers of Ontario is a very strong lobby group. Some of their major concerns are compliance and government departments losing good supporters of agriculture as they retire.

Visit to University of Guelph

I met with Dr Rene Van Acker, Associate Dean External Relations and Professor of the Department of Plant Agriculture.

I noted:

There have been 2300 graduates from the Agricultural degree. There are 8 Diplomas which are two year courses and the undergraduate degree is a four year course. The courses cover food, agricultural issues and practices, rural communities and environmental science etc. and they have recruitment programs which target specific groups. Agriculture is viewed as a good career path with a variety of jobs available. They have a Bio Product Centre specialising in research. They are working on developing waste into bio products, recycling and reducing the use of petroleum based products, developing bio plastics and bolstering the bio economy. They are also looking at problems with the use of recycled products, how to go green in a cost competitive way and soy diesel fuel products one of which is plastic bags.

Dr Andrew Robinson, University of Guelph, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Animal and Poultry Science

© There are 14 staff and 148 students. They also have an abattoir, where they run courses for the federal inspection certificate. They have 200 pigs, 8 steers, 50 sheep and rainbow trout and study animal behaviour, animal welfare for dairy, beef, swine, poultry, fish and turkeys, animal nutrition for dairy, beef, swine, poultry, fish, and dogs and animal physiology for cattle, swine, chicken and fish. They also have funding to study different aspects of dairy, swine, beef, poultry, fish, sheep, rodents, goats and horses. One of their challenges is to produce very high quality food at the lowest cost. The cost of education is $3000 for locals per semester and $4500 per semester for overseas students. Centres of Excellence

They have centres for aquaculture, the genetic improvement of livestock,nutritional modelling and animal welfare. The Provincial Government provides $59m for these centres. There are also Government and network initiatives, which matchcontracts and a total grants budget of $8m. Industry ties and funding have been very important, particularly inrespect to commercial success. One of the projects they are working on is making storage containers fromcrop residue to assist in the reduction of the use of petroleum products. o There is very little lamb on menus and there is an export opportunity for WA here.People like lamb but can't get it.

Farm Visits

w Most farmers lease extra for production land and the marketing of grain isvery important. Australian growers need quicker access to varieties that could increase yields. Currently, ifa breeder in Canada puts forward a new variety for Australia it has to spend twoyears in a hothouse in Australia before it is released. By then it has been superseded bya better variety and because of the lengthy timeframe Canadian plant breeders do not think that it is worth them investing in Australia.

Toronto, Ontario

I met with Mr Ted Opitz, Member for Etobicoke at the Albany Club.

Discussed stronger ties between Canada and Australia and Western Australia. Ted's background is in the military and he served in Bosnia. He is keen to meet with Senator David Johnston at some stage. Met Bob Onyschuk, Chair Canadian Chapter, Commerce for Australia.

Mr John Burke, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Mr Bradley Shaw, Policy

Areas covered:

Trade and Plant Breeding new varieties. Agricultural Policy and funding. Foremost in agricultural policy in Canada is the 'Rightto Farm', e.g. a farmer's right to farm is paramount when it comes to urban expansion,e.g. if urban development extends to near a piggery and residents complain about the smell, the fact that the piggery was there before the development takes priority. They are trying to create one stop shops froma departmental point of view in respect to agriculture, e.g. make it so there is only one departmentto deal with which takes control of an application and its processing. o Agriculture is very well supported in Canada. It is valued bothdomestically and as an export earner and the priority is to keep it there. o The economy is strong and they are aware of the influences of theUS and China. o School programs teach kids about the value of agriculture and foodand this starts in pre- school. The agricultural industry works with animal welfaregroups e.g. RSPCA for better outcomes. They are aware that they have PETA on the doorstep however theydon't think that they have any traction in Canada.

SUMMARY

Although the distances between Canada and Australiaare vast, many of the issued faced by farmers are the same, albeit with sometimes different solutions.

The Canadian Government is very active in promoting and supporting agricultureand it is committed financially, providing the necessary agencies (whichare all outcome based) and a strong technical, scientific and practical presence. Food production is valued by both the government and the population and the value to the Canadian economy is recognised. The provincial and federal governments have partnershipsacross many areas including freight and rail.

There is less government interference and clear cut guidelinesare available, (e.g. environmental issues in relation to feed lots) and priority is given to the right to farmover lifestyle considerations if it is in the nation's best interests.

Canadian farmers enjoy easy access to finance at very low interest rateshalf of what Western Australian producers pay. Banks are keen to lend and machinery costs 25% less inmost cases. Farmers appear to reinvest in farm businesses far more, with off farm investment appearing less appealing.Most farms can store an entire crop and there is only limited farm truckuse.

Ontario benefits by having only one grower organisation in the grain industry. It isvery effective in lobbying federal and provincial governments and the body is well respected by government.

Most young farmers have gone to college either agriculturalor have done a university degree. The major university is in Guelph, Ontario andcovers all areas in relation to agriculture, including environmental science and planning. The numbers of studentsare increasing and the university has campaigned to get numbers back into agricultureor agricultural related industries and businesses.