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Emeritus October 2011 Newsletter No 36 of the Australian National University Emeritus Faculty

Back numbers of Emeritus can be found here http://www.anu.edu.au/emeritus/news.html

The ANU Emeritus Faculty, Fellows Lane Cottage - Building 3T. [See www.anu.edu.au/emeritus for location map] Postal address PO Box 6050, O’Connor, ACT 2602.Phone: 02 6125 5309 Fax: 02 6125 5262

VC’s address to ANUEF grain stripper1, the stump-jump plough2 and 3 The Vice-Chancellor’s recent address to the the electric drill . Faculty can be seen and heard here: http://www.anu.edu.au/emeritus/events/even “The 20th century gave us the black box 4 5 t-111019.html flight recorder , the inflatable escape slide ; 6 It is worth looking at. and the plastic polymer bank note . Our medical scientists and technologists 7 8 Urgent need for science education in have given us the humidicrib ; plastic and 9 schools and on streets multi-focal spectacle lenses and, more recently, day/night disposable contact 10 Professor Suzanne Cory, president of the lenses . Countless lives have been saved Australian Academy of Science, addressing by Howard Florey’s application of penicillin the National Press Club on 28 September to combat infection; Fiona Wood’s invention 2011 said the Australian Academy of of spray-on skin for burns patients (1992) Science has called on the Government to and Don Metcalf’s hormones for white blood create a Sovereign Fund for Science, to cell production (1960s-80s).” secure the future prosperity of the nation. Nine of the 10 Nobel Prizes awarded to She said that one of the most important Australians have been in Science. She listed missions of the Academy is to nurture also recent developments in Australian scientific excellence in Australia. “Conscious science including WiFi of this responsibility, I want to share with you the Academy’s thoughts on the state of 1 Australian Science, and Australian Science 1843 -John Ridley and John Bull of SA and Maths Education,” she said. 2 1876 Richard and Clarence Bowyer Smith “Australia’s future prosperity depends on 3 1889 Arthur James Arnot Union Electric substantially strengthening both Australia’s Company in Melbourne proud history of discovery and development. 4 David Warren in Melbourne 1958 Let me begin by reminding you that Australia 5 1965; Jack Grant Qantas has a long history of producing world- 6 David Solomon, CSIRO, 1988 changing technology. The examples are too 7 Edward Thomas Both 1953 numerous to give you more than a taster 8 1960; Scientific Optical Laboratories in here. Many of the 19th century inventions Adelaide are icons of Australian history, including the 9 1992 Stephen Newman Qld 10 Vision CRC/CSIRO; 2003-now

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CSIRO scientist John O.Sullivan’s most of you know - translating scientific pioneering work in radioastronomy which led discoveries into commercial success is a to the invention of WiFi. As of mid-2010, the long and difficult road, requiring: WiFi patent had already netted CSIRO an - collaboration across scientific disciplines. estimated $250 million, which is being - cooperation between industry, academia ploughed back into research and and government. development via CSIRO’s Science and - strong protection of intellectual property Industry Endowment Fund - and it is - far-sighted and patient investors predicted to ultimately bring CSIRO upwards - and a healthy measure of good timing and of one-billion-dollars11. good fortune!

Relenza: CSIRO also gave us the influenza She went on, “Four things threaten our drug, Relenza, through the work of Peter ongoing R&D performance and, as a Colman, Graeme Laver, Mark Von Itzstein consequence, our economic security and and their teams. ongoing prosperity: Bionic Ear: In the 1970s a team of medical  The level of our investment in scientists and engineers led by Graeme research and development; Clark developed the first prototype bionic  Our capacity to lever this investment ear; this Australian invention has now by engaging effectively with the brought hearing to more than 250,000 global science effort; 12 people worldwide .  The poor science literacy of our Gardasil: The Gardasil story is another workforce and our community; and great example of Australian innovation that  The decline of interest in science has made a big splash on the world stage. education in our schools. Gardasil, the vaccine developed by Ian Frazer’s team at the University of After making comparisons with other Queensland, in collaboration with CSL, countries, she said, “Research excellence is prevents infection with the virus, and a precious entity that requires constant therefore also prevents cervical cancer. tending and nurturing. But the environment Plastic Solar Sheeting: Looking to the that researchers find themselves in today is future, an Australian success story in the just the opposite: a Darwinian battle for making is being developed by the Victorian survival, where costs are rising faster than Organic Solar Cell Consortium, a the level of funding and career opportunities collaboration involving the University of are limited, despite recent government Melbourne, CSIRO, Monash University and initiatives to improve them. four Australian and international companies. This wonderful meeting of minds from “Students contemplating a career in industry and academia, which includes my research see how hard it is for their mentors Academy colleague Professor Andrew and they are understandably daunted by Holmes, has produced a type of flexible what they see. Women in particular feel plastic solar cell, much like our polymer daunted, when they realise the added bank notes. The cells are printed with a degree of difficulty they face when they take light-sensitive ink that converts sunlight to career breaks to have children. I meet many energy, mimicking photosynthesis. young women who have done brilliant PhDs but then either left science altogether or “Success stories such as these are very decided to move sideways, into a more inspiring,” she said, “But - as I am sure stable if less exciting career...

“The Australian Academy of Science 11 Andrew Collety, The Australian, 31 August therefore calls on the Government to create 2010 a Sovereign Fund for Science, to secure the (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian- future prosperity of the nation. The goal it/csiro/story-e6frgakx-1225912084897) as at should be to increase Australia’s research 9September 2011. 12 Graeme Clark Foundation and development expenditure to at least 3% (http://graemeclarkfoundation.org/About%20G%2 of GDP by 2020”. 0Clark/GMC%20FAQs.pdf) as at 9 Sept 2011

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She pointed out that being part of big  75% could not do basic arithmetic; international programs opens up horizons and that would be inconceivable for Australian  80% could not calculate the area of Science going it alone. a rectangle, or the pay owed for working four-and-a-half hours “It would be a grave blow if our ability to compete on the international stage were to On the state of science and maths be diminished. I strongly urge the Federal education, she said that without a robust Government to fund in its next Budget a new and inspiring science and maths education program to provide strategic support for system, it is impossible to create an Australia’s International Science Linkages.” internationally competitive workforce. Researchers, engineers and technologists On the science capability in the workforce, are not the only workers requiring scientific she said the minerals sector “acknowledges training. Think about the myriad other jobs that we cannot ride the current boom which require a basic understanding of indefinitely. Further, the Minerals Council of science and maths. Food handlers need a Australia warns that skills shortages and basic understanding of microbiology to structural weaknesses in the Australian ensure the food they sell is safe for economy have been masked by the consumers. Farmers need knowledge of 13 boom... . biology, soil science and meteorology to optimise their production and manage risk; “The workforce of tomorrow will be drawn Forestry workers need to be able to operate from the students of today. If we do not computer-controlled equipment for equip these students with the right skills, we harvesting and processing timber; will find ourselves in the near future with a Entertainment workers need a broad very lacklustre economy and a dangerous foundation in basic physics to design and paucity of skilled workers. operate stage lighting and sound systems ...

“Certain skills are already in short supply in “Today, student disenchantment with 14 Australia . In fact, the No More Excuses science continues. This is all too apparent 15 report issued by the Industry Skills from the declining number of students who Council earlier this year points to an choose to study science in senior secondary alarming deficit in even basic skills. school17. ... While Australian students have According to this report, literally .millions of been losing interest in science, their Australians have insufficient language, international peers have been taking it up literacy and numeracy skills. (the old- with great enthusiasm. “ fashioned 3Rs) .to benefit fully from training or to participate effectively at work.. The picture is much worse for mathematics. 16 The Council reports that a recent project Australia’s early secondary mathematical looking at the maths skills of bricklaying literacy scores have significantly declined apprentices at a regional TAFE showed that: over the last decade and our Year 4 and Year 8 students ranked only 14th internationally in the most recent “Trends International Mathematics and Science 13 Minerals Week 2011 Seminar .Minerals Study”, conducted in 200718. This decline in Council of Australia (MCA) Chairman¡¯s speech (http://www.minerals.org.au/news/minerals_week 17 _2011_seminar_chairmans_speech/) as at 12 (2011) Secondary Science: The Bad News. Sept 2011. Data from DEEWR Statistical Collection. 14 (2011) No More Excuses, An Industry 38 Ainley, J, Kos, J and Nicholas, M. (2008) Response to the Language, Literacy and Participation in Science, Mathematics and Numeracy, Industry Skills Council Technology in Australian Education. ACER

18 15 (2011) No More Excuses, An Industry TIMSS 2007 International Mathematics Response to the Language, Literacy and Report: Findings from IEA¡¯s Trends in Numeracy, Industry Skills Council International Mathematics and Science Study at 16 GippsTAFE Trade maths project 2009 the Fourth and Eighth Grades. Mullis, I.V.S.,

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Australia’s mathematical literacy is of grave classes20. This includes their ability to concern because mathematics is an reason about and represent scientific data, enabling science19. Without maths it is not and their understanding of the processes of possible to make use of other sciences science. either in the lab or in the workforce....”” The results that Primary Connections has Last December education ministers had with Indigenous students, in particular, approved the content for new national have been outstanding21. Indigenous curricula in English, history, maths and students taught under the Primary science. In coming months, they will be Connections program were not only more asked to sign off on the standards for these engaged with science, they were more curricula. This is an important initiative and confident in all aspects of the classroom. the Academy of Science applauds it. But Their self-esteem improved, they further investment is needed to ensure that it participated more fully in class activities, and is properly implemented: Investment in they were more enthusiastic about learning. teachers, and in inspiring curriculum Because of this, their attendance records at programs. Inspired (and inspiring) teachers school also noticeably improved.... will be the most important agents for improving educational outcomes. Science by Doing has achieved similarly excellent results. An independent evaluation The Academy’s programs showed that junior secondary school students taught using the Science By Doing Commenting on the Federal Government’s methods were more engaged, enthusiastic decision to withdraw its support, Professor and asked more and higher level questions . Cory said: all leading to greater learning and improved work quality. Students described the The Academy of Science has a very deep Science by Doing units as more fun “better and longstanding commitment to programs than normal science”. Teachers involved in that enhance Australian science education. both programs report that the programs Our web-based program Nova: Science in improve their own confidence and offer the News, offers a balanced non-technical .better ways of learning.. summary of the science behind topics in the news. It is one of the most popular online Given these outstanding outcomes, the Australian science education resources. Academy was devastated to learn earlier Today, however, I want to focus on our two this year that the Federal Government had most recent science education programs: decided to withdraw its support. This Primary Connections, for primary school; occurred just before the Academy finished and Science by Doing, for junior secondary developing Primary Connections and school. Both have received substantial immediately after the incredibly well- funding and support from the Federal received pilot stage of Science by Doing. Government.

20 A comprehensive evaluation of the impact of Mark W Hackling and Vaughan Prain (2008) Primary Connections found that mainstream. Impact of Primary Connections on students¡¯ students from Primary Connections classes science processes, literacies of science and have a significantly higher scientific literacy attitudes towards science than similar students from comparison (http://www.science.org.au/primaryconnections/re search-and-evaluation/images/irr-15.pdf).

21 Martin, M.O., & Foy, P. (with Olson, J.F., Robyn Bull (2008) Small Study .Big Success Preuschoff, C., Erberber, E., Arora, A., & Galia, Story Primary Connections Incorporating J.). (2008). Chestnut Hill, MA: TIMSS & PIRLS Indigenous Perspectives Pilot Study Report. International Study Center, Boston College.. (http://www.science.org.au/primaryconnections/re search-and- 19 Sadler PM and Tai RH (2007) The Two High- evaluation/images/IndigenousPerspectivesReport School Pillars Supporting College Science. .pdf). Science 317 457-458 2007

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School Education Minister Peter Garrett advanced society is based.22 It is science, wrote to me to explain that he hoped she says quite rightly, which has created Science by Doing and Primary Connections greater progress over the past two centuries would continue to help advance science than all the previous millennia of human teaching and learning in Australian schools. history. And it is science to which we turn for But, he said, he had no discretionary funding a better understanding of ourselves and the available to make it possible. Mr Garrett future of our fragile planet. urged the Academy to liaise with “other agencies”. The whole of our society benefits from knowledge building. Australia can halt the The Academy remains deeply committed to decline in our international rankings for its education programs. We believe all education, investment in science, and Australian students deserve access to such economic competitiveness. Let’s invest now proven, quality programs. And so, even to turn that around and improve our standing though it will take us longer and may not be on the world stage. Let’s ensure we’re able to be delivered equitably across prepared to fully engage in the booming Australian schools, the Academy is global science effort. committed to rolling out Primary Connections and Science by Doing at cost We live in a crucial time for science in price. Australia and around the world. It is a time demanding strong leadership, I am pleased to report we have made from the grassroots to the highest levels of considerable progress toward achieving that government. Together, we must ensure that goal. Primary Connections is being used in science, research and innovation can 55% of Australian primary schools. Uptake continue to play their part in shaping our rates are even higher in Western Australia, future and guiding our decisions. Tasmania, Queensland and the ACT. It has now been endorsed for use throughout These are not my words. They were spoken South Australian state primary schools and by Prime Minister Julia Gillard23. I could not we are having very encouraging discussions agree more. with Victoria. We hope to hold similar conversations soon with the New South Full text available at: Wales government. http://science.org.au/events/lectures-and- speeches/documents/npc2011.pdf However, the challenge is much greater for Science by Doing, which needs considerable further funding to complete its development.

Mr Garrett announced last Friday [September 23] that there are new funds available for professional learning and curriculum on-line resources. This announcement has given us hope, but we Peter Lane tells his story are still waiting for word on whether the Academy’s programs might be eligible. The Academy urges the Federal Government to use this approach - or 22 another - to restore funding for Science by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, 17 November Doing. 2010, Speech: 2010 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science. (http://www.pm.gov.au/press- I agree with Prime Minister Julia Gillard that office/2010-prime-ministers-prizes-science). science is one of the fundamental platforms 23 upon which our conception of a modern Prime Minister Julia Gillard, 17 November 2010, Speech: 2010 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science. (http://www.pm.gov.au/press- office/2010-prime-ministers-prizes-science)

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Other ANUEF Members are encouraged to send in activity during those three years than most their stories so that we can get to know more about Australian geologists would have seen in a ourselves. decade.

During the “Poseidon Boom” petroleum geologists were a rare thing, and having seen a lot of oil I soon found myself managing a small exploration company in Sydney. That company, Vamgas NL, was subsequently acquired by Woodside Petroleum and so we (then five of us) were transferred to Melbourne. Within the year Burmah Oil gained control of Woodside and we (by now six) were transferred back to Sydney. I was promoted sideways to managing two subsidiary companies (Reef Oil NL and Basin Oil NL) and to oversee Burmah Oil’s 36% interest it held in Santos Ltd.

Politics at that time were somewhat chaotic and Rex Conner had Burmah Oil in his sights. He forbade employees of the company to meet with his staff (or so we I don’t consider myself an academic. Indeed were told), and in an extremely poor career I have been somewhat bemused at being a move – and not at all wise socially - I then member of an emeritus society, so you may joined the Labor Party. imagine my vacillation in deciding to air my “bio” to such an illustrious group. Burmah Oil sold out of Woodside and in 1979 Bond Corporation acquired Burmah Oil My parents and siblings each left school at Australia Ltd and we (no more additions) about 15 years of age and were more than a moved to Perth. I had nine hectic months little astounded, as was I, when I won one of working for Alan Bond, more than enough those old Commonwealth Scholarships to time to realise I was well out of my depth, attend university. With maths as my worst and in 1980 I commenced consulting. It’s subject and English not much better, there only in retrospect that I understood what was little choice but a soft science, and with was happening in business at that time. I visions of exploring the great outback (I had simply stuck to the science, writing a strange obsession with the then prospectus reports and documents relating quintessential “Australian”) I studied geology to company takeovers, seeing and often at Sydney University. Without a thought of helping entrepreneurs make their fortunes, continuing in academia, on passing my BSc but not participating. exams I took off to join a geophysical prospecting crew in northern Queensland. By 1987 I realised I did have an entrepreneurial streak and did a deal which On returning to Sydney I married Janny, a would see us retire in comfort. Margaret mischievous country girl I had first taken out River – the coast and the country – was our at the age of fourteen, and then spent some destination and in mid-October of that year time mapping rocks in PNG. As a grossly bought our farm. In no more than a few days underpaid local geologist working for a US the Dow collapsed, quickly followed by my company, being unable to beat them I “iron clad” deal, spurring me on to develop decided to join them, and we (by that time two new skills: dishwashing and fencing. three) migrated to Canada where I worked With my consulting business essentially mainly in northern Alberta and the North wound up, I put my knowledge of the West Territories. This enabled me to return industry to what use I could and jointly home having seen more oil exploration founded two companies –Discovery

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Petroleum NL and Tap Oil Limited – which Perversions of Prejudice – were listed on the ASX, the former taken How Bias Distorts over in 1996, the same year in which the latter was listed. The Independent Scholars Association of Australia is holding its annual During the 1990s our farm became the R&R conference from Thursday, November 3 and centre for forest protesters and my long held Friday, November 4 2011 at the Fourth interest in the environment was reignited. Floor Conference Room, National Library of Following a spell on our local council, in Australia, Canberra. 2000 I ran for the Greens WA, and although I had no chance of winning the (Lower The topic to be addressed by a range of House) seat, with the election issue being speakers is Perversions of Prejudice – How saving old growth forests the vote more than Bias Distorts. doubled in this electorate. Labor won that election, and with much credit to the Greens Conference papers will be of 20 minutes some 850,000 hectares of forests were put duration, followed by 10 minutes discussion aside to be gazetted as national parks. time. Papers should reach ISAA by 18 While continuing to fight for responsible November 2011 for inclusion in the forest management I have become more Proceedings and should be on disk or e-mail than a little obsessed with water attachment. management, an area where my geological experience has been invaluable. Based on good science we were able to stop excessive amounts of water being taken Thursday 3 November from our aquifers (they provide critical support to groundwater dependent 8.45 Registration begins ecosystems) and am confident that a 9.30 Welcome and opening proposal to mine coal within (!) our aquifers Margy Burn close to Margaret River will soon meet a Assistant Director-General, similar fate. Australian Collections and Reader Services, NLA. Publications? Well, a few industry and 9.45 Revealing prejudices environmental papers, and a book “Geology Perry McIntyre of Western Australia’s National Parks”. The The Rovers and The Royals— latter provided the ideal excuse for spending respectable? our holidays in a tent in the middle of the Historian, author, ISAA member. desert instead of touring Europe. Wendy Michaels Parodic perversions: Jane Austen’s Despite encouraging my kids to launch into distortions of literary conventions in corporate careers, they read my body Northanger Abbey. language and three of them (an architect, a Author and former lecturer, ISAA musician and a permaculturist), along with member. four grandchildren live (at respectable 11.00 Morning tea distances from us!) on our farm, another in 11.30 Tricks of the trade town and another grandchild with our great- Auriol Weigold grandchild in Perth. The fine art of propaganda. Historian, Visiting Fellow University My body will no along allow me to surf or of Canberra, ISAA member. windsurf so I now try to maintain a sort of Patricia Clarke fitness by pedaling a mountain bike, farming, Bias for good or ill? Australian camping and keeping up with the grandkids. Government overseas propaganda in the 1950s. Peter Lane Author, editor, historian, ISAA member. 12.30 Lunch

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2.00 History and context Canberra Skeptics. John Greenwell 10.30 Morning tea European anti-Semitism in the 20th 11.00 Human nature century—a failure of the Ron Wells Enlightenment? Perverse sex ratios in human births. Retired lawyer, ISAA member. Epidemiologist, senior health Christine Jennett (with Lance administrator, ISAA member. Smith) Gaynor Macdonald Hate crimes. Why white horses are not horses Political sociologist/criminologist, and Aboriginal Australians are not ISAA member. Australians. 3.00 Afternoon Tea Consultant anthropologist, ISAA 3.30 The rule of law member. Bill Rowlings 12.00 Lunch Images of 11/11: are you afraid of 1.30 Different prisms who’s watching you? Sybil Jack CEO of Civil Liberties Australia. A modest defence of prejudice. Refugee law expert (speaker TBA) Historian, ISAA member. Asylum seekers. Hans Goodman Biog. TBA. Science, faith and prejudice. Retired electrical engineer and 6pm Annual Lecture teacher, ISAA member. Antony Loewenstein 2.30 ISAA AGM Why WikiLeaks forces accountability 4.30 Finish on the insular journalistic and political club. For more information contact: Independent Scholars Antony Loewenstein is a freelance Association of Australia Inc journalist, author, documentarian PO Box 268 and blogger. He has written Canberra City ACT 2601 extensively in a range of national [email protected] and international media, written www.isaa.org.au several books and is a regular 02 62512172 or 03 93477839 commentator on radio and TV. His 2010 ABC Radio National Conferring of Awards documentary was a finalist in the UN Media Peace Awards. The Australian National University will be conducting Conferring of Awards 7.30 Conference dinner at Choices ceremonies on December 14, 15 and 16 at Vietnamese Restaurant, Shop 5, Llewellyn Hall. Palmerston Lane, Manuka. ANU Emeritus Faculty members are cordially invited to participate in the Friday 4 November academic processions for these ceremonies. Please register your intent to participate via the following web address: 9.30 Contested territory Janette Lindesay The Climate Change conversation in http://www.anu.edu.au/sas/graduation/Emer Australia. itus_Poll/ Associate Professor (Climatology), Deputy Director and Associate You will be asked to select the ceremony (or Director Education, Fenner School ceremonies) you wish to attend, and the of Environment and Society, ANU. area that you will be representing. A Ken McLeod schedule for each ceremony is included on Trouble with the truth. the website.

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Registration will close on Sunday 4 ANUEF diary dates December at 5pm.. 16 November - Adrian D'Hage The It is the responsibility of each participant to Dangers of Religion and US Foreign provide their own academic dress. If a Policy in the Middle East participant is unsure of the code of dress, the Office of the Council and Boards Secretariat (x52113 or 14 December Committee + ANUEF AGM + [email protected]) may be consulted. Christmas Party http://www.anu.edu.au/emeritus http://www.anu.edu.au/emeritus/events/Past Assembly for all processions occurs near _Events.html the Graduands Robing Room; there will be signs on the day providing directions. Registered participants are asked to More details can be found here: assemble in this location, at least half an http://www.anu.edu.au/emeritus/events.html hour prior to the commencement of the ceremony. Your benefits Check this web site for a list of benefits For more information, call Narelle Jones enjoyed by members. (x54648) or if you are unable to complete http://www.anu.edu.au/emeritus/benefits.html the registration form. Current Affairs ANUEF Snippets Comment wanted on Australia’s Monthly get-together diplomatic missions

Usually the ANUEF meets monthly on the The work and structure of Australia’s first Wednesday of every month for international diplomatic missions will members to get together informally. The be examined by a new inquiry into Collegiality Lunches will run until the last Australia’s overseas representation. one for 2011 in November. The meetings are held in the Molony Room. Members can The inquiry by the federal bring their own lunch, or buy one from parliament's Foreign Affairs, Caterina’s next door. Drinks are available Defence and Trade committee will for a donation of $2 and tea, coffee and juice review the activities, staffing and are available. There is sometimes a theme location of Australia’s diplomatic for these lunches. Please come if you can. missions, including the use of There is no need to RSVP technology to conduct diplomatic work. What’s on at the ANU “The use of new technologies offer a What’s On at ANU. is a fortnightly email for range of possibilities and have the staff and students that aims to highlight potential to enhance Australia's many of the interesting, enlightening and footprint and diplomatic impact in a engaging public lectures, seminars and cost effective manner,” Foreign events happening around the university. Affairs sub-committee chair Mr Nick Champion MP said. All of these events are open to the public. Please check if reservations are needed. The new inquiry will further examine issues raised in two earlier For more information on any of the events committee inquiries—into Australia's listed, or to see a calendar of upcoming relationship with Africa and a review events, go to of the Department of Foreign Affairs http://billboard.anu.edu.au/events.asp and Trade Annual Report 2009–10.

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repair environmental damage they “While the committee recommended have caused; in the Africa Report that Australia's diplomatic representation in Africa  require tourist operators in the be increased, it recognised that a Antarctic to have contingency plans broader review of overseas and insurance to pay for medical representation was needed. emergencies in the Antarctic; and  make mandatory regulations “In the review of the annual report previously self imposed by the the committee expressed the view tourism industry relating to health that there was a substantial question and safety, and the Antarctic in relation to DFAT's future role and environment. the adequacy of the services it provides on behalf of Australia,” Mr The five taxation treaties relate to the Champion said. Marshall Islands, Mauritius and Montserrat. These treaties are part of Australia’s The inquiry terms of reference implementation of the OECD’s standards on include examining; the elimination of harmful tax practices. the activities that Australia’s diplomatic posts must undertake; Report 120 is available on the Committee’s their geographic location and spread; website: the appropriate level of staffing, including www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/re locally engaged staff; and ports.htm or by contacting the Committee the effect of e-diplomacy and information Secretariat on (02) 6277 4002. and communications technology on the activities of diplomatic posts. Parliamentary Committee hears from The sub-committee will receive Indigenous languages educator written submissions until 30 November 2011 and will commence The Coordinator of Indigenous Languages public hearings in early 2012. Education at the University of Sydney’s Contributions are welcome and Koori Centre, John Hobson, gave evidence encouraged from organisations and on October 13 to the House of individuals. Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs For more information contact: inquiring into language learning in Inquiry Secretary, John Carter, on Indigenous communities. 02 6277 2313 or visit the Committee website at Mr Hobson has been working with http://www.aph.gov.au/house/commi Indigenous languages and language ttee/jfadt/index.htm learners over the past 25 years. *** In the Koori Centre’s submission to the The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties inquiry, Mr Hobson says that “the benefits of has released Report 120 in which it giving attention to and recognising recommends the Government ratify three Indigenous Australian languages” are amendments to the Antarctic Treaty in “axiomatic and parallel to the benefits of relation to environmental and tourism giving attention and recognition to Australian issues, and five taxation treaties. English”. Mr Hobson is critical of the record The three proposed amendments to the of government education for remote area Antarctic Treaty will: Indigenous Australian children, stating that “if the Government wishes to use education  establish an environmental liability to close the gap it should act to ensure high regime so that those operating in quality mother tongue education is provided the Antarctic have enough funds to

Continued Next Page 11 to those children who enter with English as a The inquiry is examining biodiversity and second language.” climate change in relation to nationally important ecosystems, with particular regard Mr Hobson said that “If children receive a to terrestrial, marine and freshwater good primary education in a language they ecosystems; the role of connectivity understand, they will acquire literacy and between ecosystems; impacts on human numeracy and an understanding of school communities; and strategies for sustainable processes that will allow them to resource use and enhancing community subsequently acquire English as a second engagement. language sufficient to function satisfactorily in the world they occupy”. Committee Chair, Tony Zappia, said that “while it is well known that Climate Change The Committee’s inquiry is interested in the will have a broad range of impacts on our links between Indigenous languages and environment, this inquiry is seeking more improving education, community wellbeing, specific information about how some of interpreting services and strategies to close Australia’s most unique and biodiverse the gap in Indigenous disadvantage. The ecosystems will be affected. It will also Committee aims to find out about how the examine adaptation techniques that could use of Indigenous languages can assist in be more widely deployed by governments improving education and vocational and the community to help ecosystems outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait survive under a changing climate”. Islander people. Further details about the inquiry, including As part of the terms of reference the the terms of reference, can be obtained from Indigenous languages policies of Australian the Committee’s website at: governments, and the benefits and http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/cce effectiveness of Indigenous language a/ccbio/index.htm maintenance and revitalisation programs are being investigated. Inquiry into Mental Health and Workforce Participation Information about the inquiry can be found at the inquiry’s website: The House of Representatives Standing www.aph.gov.au/languages Committee on Education and Employment is continuing to take evidence for its inquiry into mental health and workforce ANU climate expert addresses participation. biodiversity inquiry The Committee’s Chair, Ms Amanda Climate scientist Professor Will Steffen Rishworth said, “government organisations appeared before the House of and employer groups both have key roles to Representatives Climate Change, play in this space. The committee is seeking Environment and the Arts Committee for a strategies to enhance access to and public hearing on 13 October. participation in education, training and employment for those with a mental illness, Professor Steffen is Executive Director of as well as ways to promote mental wellbeing the Australian National University (ANU) more generally in all workplaces. Climate Change Institute and Co-Director of the Canberra Urban and Regional Futures Further hearings are scheduled (CURF) initiative. He also serves as a Climate Commissioner and is on the panel For information on the inquiry: contact the of experts advising the Multi-Party Climate Secretariat on (02) 6277 4578 email Change Committee. Professor Steffen was [email protected] or visit the the lead author of the 2009 advisory report Committee’s website at to the Federal Government, ‘Australia’s http://www.aph.gov.au/ee Biodiversity and Climate Change’.

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Call for papers issuing a 21-day notice to the relevant directors. This prevents a company going European Dilemmas: Internal and External into liquidation before the Tax Office starts issues facing the European Union, legal proceedings. December 7-8, 2011, University of Waikato, New Zealand. This is a multidisciplinary The bills also make consequential conference to investigate the broad amendments for the taxation of gaseous phenomena which currently impact greatly fuels and provide the Tax Office with on the EU, whether internally or externally. discretion to disregard certain events that In the first instance we are calling for would otherwise trigger the assessment of abstracts from potential presenters. certain income for a primary production Abstracts of 300 words should be submitted trust. online by 1 August 2011. Please go to www.eucnetwork.org.nz . The bills and the explanatory memorandum are available from the committee’s website. Superannuation inquiry Submissions should be sent to the A parliamentary Inquiry into legislation on committee by close of business on the petroleum resource rent tax and Wednesday, 26 October 2011. A public ‘phoenixing’ that avoids payment of hearing is scheduled between 9.15 am and employees’ superannuation is seeking 3 pm on Thursday, 27 October 2011 in urgent submissions, due this week. committee room 2R1 at Parliament House, Canberra. The House of Representatives Economics For background information: contact the Committee will inquire into and report on the committee secretariat: Tax Laws Amendment (2011 Measures No. Phone: (02) 6277 4564 Email: 8) Bill 2011 and the Pay As You Go [email protected] Withholding Non-compliance Tax Bill 2011. Website: www.aph.gov.au/economics

The bills clarify that the petroleum resource rent tax (PRRT) applies when a product is in Management of Student Visas its intended final form, rather than the earlier point in the production process when the The international education and training substance first meets the definition of a sector is Australia’s third largest export marketable petroleum commodity. A later industry. A recent Auditor-General report taxing point implies a higher tax liability. revealed, however, that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s management of The legal interpretation of this part of the student visas has not kept pace with the PRRT has been the subject of a long demands of this dynamic environment. Issues running legal dispute between Esso and the were raised in regards to the Department of Tax Office, with the most recent decision Immigration and Citizenship’s student visa supporting the later taxing point. The processing arrangements, compliance Explanatory Memorandum to the bills states functions and strategic management that the Federal Court’s decision affirms ‘the relationship with the Department of Education, long established application of the PRRT’. Employment and Workplace Relations. An appeal on the decision is scheduled for November. Considering these findings and the Secondly, the bills extend the director importance of the international education and penalty regime to make directors personally training sector in terms of Australia’s economy liable for their company’s unpaid and population strategy, the federal superannuation guarantee amounts. This is parliament’s Joint Committee of Public designed to prevent a business ‘phoenixing’ Accounts and Audit held a public hearing on to avoid its superannuation obligations for October 12 to examine Audit Report No. 46 employees. The bills also allow the Tax 2010-11, Management of Student Visas. Office to commence proceedings without

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“The Committee was interested to see how Next ANUEF Newsletter out in well the Department of Immigration and November Citizenship has responded to key areas of concern highlighted by the Auditor-General, particularly in light of recent developments in the sector”, Chair Rob Oakeshott said.

For more information, contact the Committee Secretariat on telephone (02) 6277 4615, e-mail [email protected], or visit the Committee website http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jc paa/auditgen6_11/index.htm

Overseas Student and Higher Education Support legislation The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Employment heard from officials from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations in relation to the following bills:

 Education Services for Overseas Students Legislation Amendment (Tuition Protection Service and Other Measures) Bill 2011;  Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Amendment (Tuition Protection Service) Bill 2011;  Education Services for Overseas Students (TPS Levies) Bill 2011; and  Higher Education Support Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2011.

Proceedings were open to the public. The text of the bills can be accessed, together with the Explanatory Memorandum, and submissions to the inquiry on the Committee’s website http://www.aph.gov.au/ee.

For information on the inquiry: contact the Secretariat on (02) 6277 4573, email [email protected] or visit the website at http://www.aph.gov.au/ee

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