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EDITOR, ALISTAIR URQUHART 14 Collins Street Melbourne, 3000 Victoria, Australia Alistair Urquhart graduated from the Australian P 03 9654 1300 National University in Canberra, in Law, F 03 9654 1165 History and Politics, was admitted as a barrister [email protected] and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria, www.letterfrommelbourne.com.au and remains a (non-practicing) member of the Law Institute of Victoria.

Editor Alistair Urquhart Before that, he graduated from high school Associate Editor Hamish Brooks in Bethesda, Maryland, and had many Subscription Manager Daina Astrida opportunities to become aware of the workings Advertising Manager Eddie Mior of Washington DC. For 30 years, he listened Design Daina Astrida every Sunday evening to the late Alistair Cooke and his Letter From America.

His early career was mostly in the coal industry, WELCOME where he became involved with energy, environmental and water issues, and later in Letter From Melbourne is a monthly the SME finance sector. public affairs bulletin, a simple précis, distilling and interpreting His public affairs firm works with public policy and government many engineering and information decisions, which affect business technology firms, other professional association and industry groups, on a wide range of issues, in Victoria, Canberra and overseas. Alistair visits Canberra opportunities in Victoria and Australia. regularly. He may hold the record for miles rowed on Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin. Written for the regular traveller, or For picture details, read the editorial. people with meeting-filled days, you only have to miss reading the The CONTENTS Age or The Herald Sun twice a week to need Letter From Melbourne. It’s more STATE GOVERNMENT & POLITICS 3 AGRICULTURE 17 about business opportunities (or lack of THE BUSHFIRES 5 JUSTICE 18 them) than politics. It’s not Crikey.com. ARTS 6 MELBOURNE 21 DOCKLANDS 7 GEELONG 21 We keep the words to a minimum. EDUCATION 7 PLANNING & BUILDING 21 Letter From Melbourne is independent. ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION 8 LOCAL GOVERNMENT 22 It’s not party political or any other ENERGY 9 SPORT 22 political. It does not have the WATER 9 TOURISM 23 imprimatur of government at any level. GAMING 15 TRANSPORT 23 For context. It includes events HEALTH 15 RAIL 23 and people and society, and INVESTMENT BUSINESS 16 ROAD, AIR, PORTS 25 the weather if that is important. ICT 17 COMMUNITY 26 Over the years, Letter From Melbourne developed a federal and national coverage and an increasing synopsis of national business issues, so we started Letter From Canberra in early 2008. The only communications tool of its type, Letter From Melbourne keeps subscribers abreast of recent developments in the policy arena on a local, state and federal level.

ACE: You can read it on a flight TISING SP THIS ADVER AIRS.COM.AU INFO@AFF from Melbourne once a month IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PHONE 03 9654 1300 OR EMAIL or with a good cup of coffee. BY 30TH NOVEMBER 2010 Published by A.B Urquhart & Company Pty Ltd trading as Affairs of State. Disclaimer: Material in this publication is general comment and not intended as advice on any particular matter. Professional advice should be sought before action is taken. Material is complied from various sources including newspaper articles, press releases, government publications, Hansard, trade journals, etc. © This newsletter is copyright. No part may be reproduced, stored\ in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission from the publisher. Affairs of State respects your privacy. While we do believe that the information contained in Letter from Canberra will be useful to you, please advise us if you do not wish to receive any further communications from us. 2 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE

house and hence the premiership for from the Greens, the Financial Review EDITORIAL Baillieu would not please the Nationals reported. Breaches of human rights for who cannot bear some of the Green children in state care, a deteriorating policies. ambulance service and questions The Victorian election campaign about political dirty tricks dogged the On the fire front, a new, and inaugural, has been taking some time to Government in the last parliamentary Chief Fire Commissioner, whose role warm up. It really started after sitting week. The Age reported that will oversee the three other Victorian the last sitting day of parliament Premier John Brumby was forced into fire chiefs, namely the CFA, MFB on 7 October, when again the an election-eve reshuffle of his cabinet and the Department of Sustainability Government better controls the following the resignation of two senior and Environment. Steady hands media space. cabinet ministers. In a dramatic final day innovation. of Parliament before the election, Police Believe it or not, the government A return to old school policing. Hmmm. Minister Bob Cameron and Energy advertising in recent months on Doesn’t seem to be any ‘government’ Minister Peter Batchelor revealed they TV and in the printed press on how involvement here in a new approach were quitting politics to spend more time well Victoria is going in education, to policing, as declared by police with their families. James Merlino, the health, transport and regional commissioner Simon Overland, has current Sports Minister, takes over as Victoria does not come from any declared that his force has too many Police and Corrections Minister. In all, political campaign budgets. It’s committees and that there will, again, be nine MPs from across the parties said just telling Victorian citizens what a better focus on policing the streets. they were bowing out at this election. the Government is doing! Transport-wise, lucky Richmond Specific election attractions so far Station boarders have a comedian Dirty unit include a $1 million prize offered happy-chappy commentator to calm by the Liberals for ideas to smarten The Age reported that Victorian taxpayers disgruntled travelers, with loudspeaker up Flinders Street Station. And a are footing the bill for a secretive suggestions on how to make the day new Children’s Hospital in south- operation run out of Premier John enjoyable, at least at the train station. east Melbourne at The Monash Brumby’s office aimed at discrediting Medical Centre by Labor. I have just returned from the annual Coalition MPs and Greens candidates Conservative Party conference, in in the lead up to November’s election. Despite the hard work of the Birmingham, a smorgasbord of public ‘The dirt unit’ is believed to be headed Victorian auditor-general (there’s policy debate. Nearby photo shows me by one of Premier Brumby’s taxpayer a photo of some of his many reports running up the stairs. We are running funded strategy advisers, Chris Reilly. inside) and a continual series of a couple of drinks evenings at the Meeting weekly in the Premier’s private articles critical of the government office in the coming weeks to share the office over the past year, the committee in The Age, the Herald Sun details methodology of the Conference, if not has overseen investigations into the how Premier Brumby has the the politics. political, business and sometimes largest number of media advisers personal histories of shadow ministers of any Australian government, The Cover of this edition was snapped and, more recently, Greens MPs and which helps his capacity to get a recently as the editor headed out of the candidates. A long-running examination large number of minutes in every Port of Melbourne on a container ship. of the business interests of Opposition hour of the media clock to explain Have a good election period. It will not Leader Ted Baillieu has been a his government’s position. be as nasty as the recent federal one. priority for the committee, as it was The energy fight will be expressed I am not declaring the poll result at the for Labor before the 2006 election. in the detail and extent of closing moment. down (part of/a) Latrobe Valley Off sausage power station(s). The recent cover of an election pamphlet of The Australian reported that in a Richard Wynne, MP for inner- STATE GOVERMENT rare insight into how the sausages of City Richmond, suggests closing daily politics are made, one of John parts of a power station... Perhaps & POLITICS Brumby’s chief spin doctors was forced a Labor race with the Greens to to reveal from a witness box the nature close the last station. It begins of the government ‘master media plan’ – a document worked on by almost Water will be on the voters minds, Serious campaigning began for the 20 advisers on a password protected and includes the (federal) issue of November 27 state election when the electronic file – and how government the Murray Darling Basin which Victorian Parliament rose at the week spin operates. The testimony was given flows into regional Victoria where ending October 11, the last sitting week as part of a dispute between the Brumby Labor has some seats that it could before the election. In chasing an historic government and the Opposition over lose. The possibility/likelihood fourth term, Labor is confronted with a whether ministers’ media plans should that the Liberals will exchange strategic dilemma – how to maintain the be subject to the Freedom of Information preferences with the Greens in fight against its traditional Coalition foes laws. The legal battle follows the leaking order to gain control of the lower while countering a threat to inner-city seats of the Government’s public relations

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strategy for the development of the Federal echoes health and roads, while setting out the Windsor Hotel. A follow-up report in tough decisions the Commonwealth The Opposition has rejected a government the same paper said Ken Coghill, a would need to take on tax reform and challenge to submit its election policies former Labor MP and speaker of the emissions trading, the Financial Review to state Treasury for costing, saying the Victorian Parliament who now lectures reported. figures would only end up in government in governance at Monash University, hands. The Government’s costings push says if media minders are to stay on came after Treasurer John Lenders said Got to Lovell it the public payroll they should be his research showed opposition leader accountable and subject to Freedom Victorian Liberal MP Wendy Lovell is Ted Baillieu’s policies to date would of Information laws. Political analysts suing Finance Minister Tim Holding cost more than $3.3b and put the budget said that Brumby’s media unit should after he did not apologise for accusing into deficit next year, The Age reported. be funded by the ALP and not the her of failing to properly disclose alleged taxpayer if its function is purely political ownership of Westpac shares. It was and to ensure Labor’s re-election. Green Pike later revealed the shares belonged to Lovell’s mother. The Liberal MP has Labor has stepped up its pitch to woo now lodged a defamation writ and has On the dog house back inner-city voters from the Greens, issued a summons for Holding to appear with Education Minister Bronwyn The Age reported that the Speaker in court on November 5. Holding alleged Pike launching new ads identifying of the Legislative Assembly, Jenny that Lovell had knowingly contravened climate change, social justice and Lindell, announced an investigation Parliamentary requirements to disclose public housing as central planks for into snooping by her Department of her investments. The writ said that her campaign to retain the inner-city Parliamentary Services, including Holding’s main motivation was to seat of Melbourne, The Age reported. unauthorised access into the opposition’s smear the Liberal MP and maximise the e-mail system. She insisted the incidents damage to her reputation and thereby were a stuff-up by parliamentary Nearby advance his political interests and IT staff and flatly denied political the interests of the Australian Labor Federal Greens leader Bob Brown has interference. Victoria Police have been Party, the Financial Review reported. thrown his weight behind his party’s called in to investigate the allegations. pitch to win their first lowerhouse seat in the Victorian Parliament. He launched the Nobbles Snake eyes campaign of his friend and former legal Auditor-General Des Pearson says adviser, Brian Walters, SC, a human The Australian reported that Opposition the government’s Public Finance rights lawyer who is trying to unseat Leader Ted Baillieu is weighing a and Accountability Bill could enable Education Minister Bronwyn Pike. desperate throw of the dice. He faces an ministers to impose on the operations of election in a month and a half and his the Auditor-General and give directions vote is falling. The most recent Newspoll Clear the way without consulting his office. He told aggregates put the Coalition 10 points Parliament’s Public Accounts and Labor’s battle to hold crucial marginal behind Labor in two-party preferred Estimates Committee that the bill could state seats under threat from the Greens terms. Labor leads 55 per cent to 45 per result in his office being under threat of has hit another hurdle with Phil Cleary cent. In the middle of the year, the parties having funding withdrawn by a cabinet preparing to run as an independent for were almost tied, with Labor on 51 per minister. The issue is embarrassing for the seat of Brunswick. The sitting Labor cent to the Coalition’s 49 per cent. But Premier John Brumby in the lead up MP, veteran Carlo Carli, is retiring after Baillieu has a weapon: his preferences. 16 years in Parliament, The Age reported. Despite its poor polling, the Coalition is The paper also reported that the Greens expected to make gains on November could win the state seat of Melbourne 27. Liberal preferences could let the and Richmond from Labor if they can Greens take as many as five inner-city repeat their federal vote at the November seats from Labor. The Coalition could 27 election, but on federal voting trends end up having the largest bloc in the state they would fall just short of taking two parliament, if not an overall majority. other outer suburban seats, Brunswick An excellent article in The Australian and Northcote. A mid-October Galaxy by Christian Kerr, which dissects the poll reports Labor’s two-party lead over issue, quotes former Nationals leader the coalition shrinking to 51-49, showing Pat McNamara, Jeff Kennett’s deputy that the state has a strong chance of having premier, who believes the Greens would a hung Parliament after the election. never support a Coalition government and warns against the unintended consequences of a deal that gives the A word with the boss Greens more influence. Victorian Premier John Brumby warned The Auditor General’s September the new minority federal government off and October reports. A busy man. traditional state issues of law and order,

4 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE to the election because Labor came to But Langdon accused the government The suspension of members in the office 11 years ago accusing Liberal of setting out to avoid a by-election – Lower House, which can be for up to premier Jeff Kennett of trying to which would have cost about $300,000 – 90 minutes, occurs when the Speaker ‘nobble’ the auditor-general, The Age because it was terrified of losing the seat. considers the conduct of a member to reported. The Ombudsman’s office be disorderly. Swinburne University joined Pearson in warning Brumby Logic vs fear professor of parliamentary democracy that the government legislation now Brian Costar criticised Question Time before Parliament will undermine their Immigration is essential to the survival in modern politics, saying it didn’t look offices’ effectiveness and independence. of the state’s rural communities and good on TV. It was later reported that Brumby will must be encouraged, says the Victorian change the legislation conceding that a National’s leader, Peter Ryan. Ryan will narrow legal interpretation of the Public be deputy premier if the Coalition wins Election ads Finance and Accountability Bill could the election, The Age reported. Large advertisements in the metropolitan give cabinet ministers authority over the papers have the Victorian government public sector watchdogs. But this was, he What’s your favourite colour? explaining its good regional infrastructure said, never the Government’s intention, and education plans, but the instalments Victorian farmers have called on the and it would amend its legislation to do not have the word ‘advertisement’ Liberals to rule out handing preferences make it clear that the Auditor-General on them. The advertisements are and the balance of power to the Greens and the Ombudsman are completely ‘formally’ not of a political nature. independent of the executive government. in the November 27 election, the Weekly Times reported. Both the Liberals and their coalition partners, the Nationals, Hmmm Victoria rules have refused to answer questions about The wife of a Victorian Liberal MP is preferencing the Greens, whose policies, On the opinion pages of the Herald seeking a restraining order against him the Victorian Farmers Federation say, Sun, Phillip Hudson wrote that just months before the November election. would do enormous damage to regional three of our five most senior federal An application for an apprehended Victoria. politicians happen to be Victorians. domestic violence order against the Under Kevin Rudd the Pineapple MP – who cannot be named for legal Mafia was in charge. Now the power Vale reasons – was heard by the Magistrates has shifted south of the Murray River. Premier John Brumby cancelled all Court, The Age reported. The Herald Sun engagements in late September when his reported that the couple are separated but One state under god father, Malcolm, suffered a stroke that not divorced. Premier John Brumby and Opposition led to his death. The Premier returned to Leader Ted Baillieu were questioned work a few days later, The Age reported. by Christian leaders in the first Town THE BUSHFIRES Hall style debate of the state election All in one go campaign. The leaders addressed The Age reported that more than 200 The circle of sue members of the Australian Christian annual reports of Victorian government Lobby at Parliament House before taking More than 700 Black Saturday victims departments and agencies were tabled questions on issues including late term are suing the Singapore owned power in State Parliament in mid-September. abortion and recent changes to the Equal company SP AusNet in a class action Meanwhile, Auditor-General Des Opportunity Act, The Age reported. over equipment failure at Kilmore East, Pearson was busy in Sugust and alleging that the company was negligent September, releasing upwards of fifteen in not fitting a $10 plastic anti-vibration Still against it reports, ranging in size for 20 to 90 protector to guard against metal fatigue. pages, which have formed a sizeable Opposition leader Ted Baillieu restated But in its 153-page defence and counter pile on Letter from Melbourne’s desk. his opposition to gay marriage following claim filed in the Supreme Court, criticism from his former senior adviser the company makes no admissions that his stance on the issue was weak, Unwelcome records of liability and instead accuses the cowardly and legitimised bigotry. Country Fire Authority, Victoria Police The Herald Sun reported that Liberal MP and the Department of Sustainability Ken Smith leads the way in Parliament’s and Environment of failing to suppress Strom before the storm Lower House for suspensions, with 19 the fires and adequately warning to his name. Former opposition leader The Age reported that Parliament’s communities. All three, the company Dennis Napthine is next with 17, and Speaker Jenny Lindell said she decided says, are liable for the personal loss, injury Warrandyte Liberal MP Warren Smith not to call a by-election for disgruntled and damages experienced by victims of has been told to leave eight times. On former state Labor MP Craig Langdon’s Black Saturday, The Age reported. The the government side, Marsha Thomson seat of Ivanhoe because it would be a Financial Review reported that Premier has received marching orders three waste of taxpayers money, coming within John Brumby said the government would times, while deputy premier Rob Hulls weeks of the November 27 election. defend its emergency services against and several other MPs have two strikes.

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accusations that they were responsible the CFA to employ another 342 career Murphy, who reinterpreted the ballets for the Black Saturday bushfires. firefighters to complement the 552 Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, is already on its payroll, the Weekly Times expected to deliver another masterpiece. Our prodigal reported. The other full-length ballets in the 2011 Shock and crackle season are Madame Butterfly and The South Australia’s Country Fire Chief Merry Widow, the Herald Sun reported. will replace former Country Fire Hard-hitting television advertisements Authority chief Russell Rees, who quit that demonstrate the horrendous impact Holy musical! after overseeing the failed response to of bushfires should be aired every the Black Saturday fires. Former CFA summer to remind Victorians of the The Age reported that whilst Mary deputy chief Euan Ferguson will take dangers of bushfires, according to Jack MacKillop is to be canonised in Rome over in November as the authority Rush, QC, a lawyer who assisted the on October 17, she is also about to star in oversees recommendations of the Bushfires Royal Commission. a musical written and scored by Xavier Bushfires Royal Commission, The Age Brouwer, a Xavier College old boy and reported. The Australian reported that the son of the state ombudsman, George Ferguson was in charge of the Country Brouwer. The semi-professional Fire Service in Adelaide in 2007 when ARTS production of MacKillop, being the deputy coroner Anthony Schapel bankrolled by a six-figure contribution found the CFS mismanaged the response Our museum from Catholic Super superannuation to a fire in Port Lincoln that killed nine Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition will not fund, will be staged in Melbourne for people and destroyed almost 100 homes. be leaving Melbourne until November three shows in the 1000-seat Besen Ferguson withstood continued calls to 7. The Melbourne Museum blockbuster, Centre in Burwood from October 23 after resign. which has attracted 280,000 visitors eight Sydney shows. Technically, this is not the world premiere of the work – a Hence, Mick Bourke is the chief so far, was due to close on October 17 barebones version was performed before executive officer of the CFA, Ferguson but organisers are extending the season World Youth Day in Melbourne in 2008. is the chief officer and Kerry Murphy after repeated sold-out sessions. The This month’s performances are being is the chairman. Nearby we have Herald Sun reported that Melbourne staged with a 30-piece orchestra, an 80- the Metropolitan Fire Brigade CEO, Museum will celebrate its 10th birthday voice choir and opera singer Joanna Graham Fountain, and the DSE with a party in October. More than 7.5 Cole in the lead. chief fire officer, Ewan Waller. All million people have visited the museum are brought together under the chief since it opened. It will celebrate the fire commissioner, Craig Lapsley, to launch of the Dynamic Earth exhibition Open art on October 21 and a family day on whom these three organisations report. The Melbourne International Arts October 24. Dynamic Earth is the Festival opened on 8 October for three last exhibition in the redevelopment weeks. Heavy rain of the Science and Life gallery. The Herald Sun reported that the DC10 Cheeky portraits VLAT (very large air tanker) firefighting It’s a wonderland jet that can carry 50,000 litres of water The Herald Sun reported that the 45 will not be used this summer after a trial The Tim Burton exhibition at ACMI in finalists in this year’s Bald Archy Prize found its water drops had the potential Federation Square is one of Melbourne’s had their Melbourne unveiling at Chapel to injure people and smash property. The most successful shows welcoming off Chapel Gallery in Prahran. The Government spent $10.5m last summer its 200,000th visitor. Burton’s weird annual exhibition of cheeky portraits – a on a 10-week trial of the DC10 VLAT and wonderful work, which includes spoof on the prestigious Archibald Prize used by firefighters in California. The films such as Alice in Wonderland and – has flourished into one of Australia’s Government will now spend $12m Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has most popular art events since it began 17 on smaller planes, including two new drawn visitors from around the country years ago. Convair 580 fire-bomber planes, a and of all ages. It has outdone ACMI’s new Erikson Aircrane and four extra previous best of almost 150,000 visitors fixed wing aircraft, for this fire season. to the Pixar animation exhibition in It’s the Truth 2008. ACMI’s next major exhibition The Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards will be Dreams Come True: The Art of Burning money 2010 winners were presented by Premier Disney’s Classic Fairy Tales, opening John Brumby on Tuesday September 28 The CFA’s wages bill from its 1,636 on November 18. Tim Burton: The at a celebratory dinner. Peter Temple won staff has reached more than $167m. Paid exhibition concluded on October 10. the fiction award for his much acclaimed staff each earn an average $102,078. In novel, Truth, www.wheelercentre.com. 2003-04, the CFA was paying out just Athletic tragedy $89 million in employee benefits for 1,212 staff, ranging from office clerks The Australian Ballet will perform an to the chief fire officer or an average of all-new Romeo and Juliet next year in a $73,432. The wages blowout is about season that celebrates the company’s best to increase as the Government forces original work. Choreographer Graeme 6 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE

On the way is performing best. Education ministers cherry picked from a mountain of data Les Miserables, celebrating its 25th year to put a positive spin on the results. in London, will return to Melbourne for The ministers’ opposition counterparts a special 6 to 8 week season in 2011, as were similarly busy trawling through part of an international tour, the Herald the results to gain political mileage. Sun reported.

Holding back Over there The Australian reported that the Victorian Adelaide Writers’ Week seeks an Executive Government has put just 40 per cent Second Decade of Docklands Producer, www.adelaidefestival.com.au. of its $2.5b school stimulus package project – get involved into the economy, saying it has delayed implementation because it wanted to get To mark the start of the second DOCKLANDS value for money in a relatively buoyant decade of development in market. Figures from the Auditor- Docklands, you’re invited to be part of the evolution. Join us as part of General showed how much the state’s an engagement process that will Makeover Building the Education Revolution help identify clear directions and The Docklands studio complex is set program is behind schedule, with only 5 priority actions for delivery of the to get a funding injection in a bid to per cent of science and language centres next decade. make it more attractive to television completed, and 15 per cent of ‘schools Register to attend an event, make producers, The Age reported. Innovation for the 21st century’ projects finished. a comment online, or register to Minister Gavin Jennings announced The Opposition and principals say the receive regular project updates at that the government plans to spend $10m figures raise questions about the aim of www.docklands.com/seconddecade the stimulus program and the decision by or phone 03 9658 9658. upgrading and modifying the largest of the complex’s five sound stages to enable Victoria to take away control of projects it to host two television productions from individual schools. simultaneously. Further disabling Observe, the wheel Victorian principals are fed up with monster workloads and the Government’s The future of the troubled Southern failure to properly support students with Star Observation Wheel is again in disabilities. Less than three months difficulty after contractors stopped work from the state election, a survey shows because they haven’t been paid. About that principals’ assessments of both the 70 steel workers building new spokes State Government and the Department for the wheel at the BMC steel plant in of Education are the most negative since Gippsland are now in danger of being 2005. More than 70 per cent of government laid off, the Herald Sun reported. principals’ told the Australian Education Union’s Annual State of Our Schools No deal, perhaps survey that the Education Department’s EDUCATION support for students with disabilities was A Victorian government bid to increase less than adequate, The Age reported. state control over TAFE boards could be blocked in the upper house because Positive spin Exceeding the due date of a row over the potential for boards The Age reported that Victorian students to be stacked with political appointees. topped the nation in almost a quarter of The Age reported that the national The Government wants to increase the this year’s national numeracy and literacy curriculum is not up to scratch and will accountability of TAFE colleges as the tests but the state had one of the lowest not be ready to be introduced in Victorian price for providing the sector with greater participation rates. Victoria performed schools in 2012, according to a state commercial flexibility. The Coalition is strongly in the year three, five, seven and principals’ body. opposed to the changes and is canvassing nine tests in May, with scores higher than support from the three Greens MPs in the Australian average in all 20 categories About time the upper house to block the legislation. – but about 6.5 per cent of students did Education Minister Bronwyn Pike not sit the tests. Education Minister Private schools will no longer be the defended the changes as a necessary Bronwyn Pike has warned she will only beneficiaries of generous donations strengthening of accountability when crackdown on any school that boycotted from corporates, after the Government TAFEs needed greater commercial the NAPLAN tests. The Financial established a charitable foundation to freedom in the new Victorian contestable Review reported that the release of the make it easier for businesses to support market, The Australian reported. latest national literacy and numeracy public, or state, schools, The Age test results led to an outbreak of sniping reported. among state politicians as to which state 7 12 SEPTEMBER - 18 OCTOBER 2010

Level 27 101 Collins Street Melbourne Vic 3000 +61 3 9653 9692

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Keating on TAFE the ultranet requires every student to L’Estrange move have access to a computer, increased Former prime minister Paul Keating Gunns chief executive Greg L’Estrange technical support and training for has raised concerns about the Victorian – responsible for 40 per cent of Victoria’s teachers. Victorian government schools government’s overhaul of vocational native forest industry – said that while have a ratio of one computer for about training, saying it could be shutting moving out of Tasmania’s native forests every three students, The Age reported. prospective students out of the system. was the priority, the principle also applied New rules mean that students wanting long term to Victoria. The Victorian to undertake a lesser qualification Then, the world Greens seized on the move and called than one they already hold will not be Australian universities have taken a hit on the Government to immediately end eligible for a government funded place. in the latest round of world university native forest logging and transfer the The cost of a full-fee TAFE course can rankings, with Melbourne University industry into plantations. The party will reach $10,000 a year. Keating said it was falling behind Sydney, and Monash be campaigning on the issue before the important to consider the impermanent University dropping from 45th to 61st November election. L’Estrange stressed nature of Australia’s modern workforce place, The Age reported. that no decision had been taken on when determining skills policies. A later Gunns’ Victorian assets, and the broader

report in The Age found that Keating’s Voices breaking fate of native forest logging would intervention had an effect, after the remain in the hands of the community government watered down its shakeup The October edition of the University and the government. He shocked the of tertiary education, allowing mature of Melbourne’s Age lift-out ‘Voice’ Australian logging industry when he age apprentices, for instance, to pay reported that the Parliament of Victoria announced that native forest is not part under full fees for TAFE courses. hosted more than 100 University of of Gunns’ future, The Age reported. Melbourne students from 17 countries What a day to debate topics ranging from population Out of the wilderness policy to a new index measuring health The ultranet training day, which left and well-being at the inaugural three- Alec Marr, executive director of the 42,000 teachers and principals unable day Global Perspectives Summit, ‘Youth Wilderness Society for the past 12 years, to log on to the new online portal + Vision = Future,’ convened as part of claims credit for making the society when the system crashed at 9 am, has the Melbourne Model. The 8-page lift one of Australia’s most successful delayed the systems roll-out in schools. out gave a clear summary of how the environmental groups, with 150 staff, The Department of Education said just Melbourne Model is progressing. 45,000-strong membership and $15m 12,000 of the state’s 500,000 government budget. However, internal warfare broke students were on the ultranet. The They’re great apparently out early this year when opponents ultranet, a virtual classroom that will objected to his management style and enable parents to view their child’s There are now full-page ads running in financial direction. Consequently, he has timetables, schoolwork, academic the major papers telling us how good quit the society, The Age reported. progress and attendance, is due to roll Victorian government schools are, not out in schools by the end of September, part of the election campaign, mind you. Build down The Age reported. Tony Arnel, Victoria’s building and plumbing commissioner, chaired the Nearby ENVIRONMENT recent World Green Building Council Congress in Singapore. Releasing the The ultranet has little use unless every CONSERVATION report Tackling Global Climate Change, student from years 3 to 12 have a Meeting Local Priorities, Arnel said computer, according to the state’s buildings in the fast-growing urban areas principals, who warn that to be effective,

8 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE of the developing world were the single Australian Industry Group, which said Environment and Climate Change largest source of global greenhouse it was economically irresponsible and Minister Gavin Jennings, turned out emissions but they also offered the lowest could undermine investment certainty, for the announcement. Some $8.4m cost abatement opportunities. Buildings The Age reported. of the project funding has come from are the most cost-effective way to cut local residents buying shares in the wind carbon emissions, the Financial Review The excessive force park. A portion of the income made reported. from selling the green energy will go Environmental activists protesting at into a community fund, the Herald Sun Kicking goals Victoria’s Hazelwood power station near reported. Morwell faced a force of 250 police. Australian Football League chief Organisers were expecting about 300 WATER executive Andrew Demetriou has protesters to International Day of Climate Desal bomb become a director of not-for-profit Action at the site, The Age reported. research and lobby group the Climate The Age reported that detail buried in Institute. Green house gas? a number of departmental and agency annual reports tabled in Parliament in mid- Wombat awareness wealth A company proposing to build a coal September contained highly sensitive power station in the Latrobe Valley is figures that the Brumby government has A deceased, anonymous American facing accusations it has not explained fought to keep secret: the real cost of the millionaire has left $8m in his will to a how it would meet new greenhouse gas Wonthaggi desalination plant, one of the small South Australian environmental emission standards, The Age reported. largest public-private partnerships in the group that protects wombats. The money Dual Gas – a subsidiary of Melbourne world. One report shows that taxpayers will be paid to the Wombat Awareness company HRL – has resubmitted an will pay at least $15.8b to the Aquasure Organisation over eight years from next application to the Environment Protection Consortium to operate and maintain the year, The Age reported. Authority to build a plant at Morwell plant for 28 years – the equivalent of using new justification technology to cut $4.6b in today’s dollars when inflation ENERGY emissions from brown coal by up to a and other factors are taken into account third. It’s the 21st century – after it begins operations at the end of 2011. Households are set to get electricity Community wind discounts for letting power companies In the first five years of the contract, turn appliances on and off by remote Australia’s first community windfarm the government will pay at least $330m control to avoid blackouts in heat waves. will open next year at Leonard’s a year in the so-called water security Air-conditioners, pool pumps and other Hill, about 10 kilometres south of payments, irrespective of whether power guzzlers would be rationed to Daylesford, after five years of planning. any water is bought. Another report try to stop mass meltdowns. Victoria’s More than 250 supporters, including mentioned in the same article said that energy watchdog, the Essential Service Commission, is assessing what the system can do after digital smart meters are rolled out statewide over the next three years. Customers who agree to sign contracts allowing firms to turn appliances on and off when the power grid is stressed are expected to be offered lower annual supply charges or special tariffs. Energy Retailers Association of Australia executive director Cameron O’Reilly said appliances linked to the smart meter network could have temperatures tweaked or be stopped from chugging constantly in times of huge demand, the Herald Sun reported.

Right… The Greens want the Environment Protection Authority to use its newly strengthened regulatory powers to force coal-fired power stations to shut without compensation. The proposal drew The banks of Mannus Lake break, a new tributary to the Murray criticism from the government and the

9 the Government is under pressure to such as ‘environmentally friendly’ or The Australian reported that according release confidential contract details ‘unrestricted’ supply plans. Melbourne’s to the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s of the plant as it wrestles with the biggest retailer, Yarra Valley Water has cost estimates, taxpayers face a further publication of figures by its Department already started work on a range of water bill of $3b to buy back water rights from of Sustainability and Environment options for households and businesses, farmers in the Murray-Darling Basin, at and Melbourne Water. Academics, the including: a high security water tariff, least $1b beyond the funding allocated so Opposition and the Greens called on the where customers pay a higher price for far to ensure stronger flows in the rivers government to lift the cloak of secrecy and more water for Adelaide. Farmers an unrestricted supply; a scarcity tariff, on the details of the deal as Premier are facing cuts of between 27 and 37 per where customers pay a cheaper price Brumby and Water Minister Tim cent of the amount of water they can take on the basis they will consume frugally Holding questioned figures published in from the river system under draft plans and face supply restrictions sooner than their own Department of Sustainability announced by the Murray Darling Basin customers on more expensive plans; an annual report. Authority. The cuts would ensure the environment tariff, where customers return of an extra 3,000 to 4,000 billion would pay extra to ensure their water is litres of water to the Murray. Water policy delivered using environmentally friendly methods such as green power, or ensure The Opposition has labelled the The basin desalination plant and the north-south extra flows are returned to distressed pipeline as unnecessary, setting the scene rivers, The Age reported. The Age reported Victoria will carry for a fight on water policy in the lead up a heavy load under plans to return the to November’s election. After going to The rain Murray River to health, with cuts to the last election with a promise to build water extraction of up to 45 per cent The Murray River’s famous Lower a desalination plant, the Opposition now slated for some parts of the state’s Lakes – on environmental death row north. As farming groups were urging federal Water Minister Tony Burke to intervene to save rural Australia from decimation, Victorian towns along the Campaspe, Loddon, Kiewa, Broken and Ovens rivers were told irrigation sectors faced massive cuts. An editorial in The Age said that unless balance is restored to water use in one of Australia’s most important catchments, both environment and economy will suffer. In a more detailed report, the Financial Review reported that the Murray-Darling Basin Authority says the big cuts in water use it is recommending will reduce farm production by $1b and lead to just 800 job losses, while irrigators warn of a major rural backlash and the collapse of communities. But the proposals in the authority’s report could cost Government an extra $2b. The authority estimates buybacks and infrastructure upgrades says the $5.7b plant under construction that have already been announced by last year – have swollen to close to at Wonthaggi will be a costly white the federal government will recoup only 150 cm higher than the nadir of 2009, elephant. The Coalition says that if it around half of the water required for the thanks mostly to summer downpours in wins the November election, it will shut plan. Many political and legal hurdles lie northern Australia and September floods down the $750m north-south pipeline ahead of enforcement of the authority’s in Victoria. The Murray Darling Basin is that is bringing water from the northern proposed cuts in water for agriculture. having its fourth wettest year (to date) states to Melbourne, and only reopen it The sustainable diversion limits, on record, the Bureau of Meteorology in the event of a critical human needs which some claim will kill irrigation said. More water is still moving down emergency. It says it will honour existing communities, could be struck down by the river, and reconnection to the sea contracts for the desalination plant, The the federal or state parliaments, or be could, serendipitously, coincide with Age reported. blocked by constitutional issues. the release of the draft Murray-Darling Basin plan (it happened a day or two Water with that? later), which will determine the amount It’s more than just rice Water retailers are preparing a shakeup of water in the basin that will be taken The Australian reported that restrictions in the way Melburnians pay for water, out of the farmers’ hands and given to on the water use along Australia’s with customers to be offered options the environment, The Age reported. biggest river system could wipe out

10 12 SEPTEMBER - 18 OCTOBER 2010 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE

Need help a Melbourne home found boxes of secret over the e-mail that is causing friction 16 per cent of the irrigated agriculture cap on water trading in its first publication $55m for 2009-10 was a fraction of the documents from the OPI, ASIO and between Australia and India. The Herald industry – worth up to $1b a year – and of Australia’s new water market rules. $395m it has forecast to deliver in its Farmers have urged the Brumby West Australian police. Sun reported that the Indian Foreign have severe social and economic impacts The ACCC claims the policy artificially 2007 agreement with the government. government to create a road funding Office summoned the Australian High on rural communities in the nation’s food segments the market and prevents The result was revealed in the Victorian program to boost spending on country The Australian reported that at the Commissioner to India, Peter Varghese, bowl. The proposed cuts would cost the irrigators in financial distress from Commission for Gambling Regulation’s roads, improve the flow of agricultural time a former senior OPI employee is over the e-mails. government between $6.9b and $9.2b obtaining the best price for their water, annual report. The report said that in suspected of taking home secret OPI Roy Morgan Research Ltd. produce from the paddock to market if water were bought at current prices. The Australian reported. March 2009 the commission began a documents, the watchdog was involved A.B.N. 91 007 092 944 – Quality System Certified to AS/NZS ISO 9001 and ease the pressure on struggling Despite the cost, the authority warned review of Intralot’s operations with a local councils. The pre-election policy in a string of highly sensitive probes, The appearance of yielding that a failure to cut water use would risk HappilyFinding spent No. 1192 view to assessing Intralot’s compliance platform of the Victorian Farmers including alleged police involvement The Herald Sun reported that police an irreversible environmental, economic 0 with its obligations to the state of Victoria in gangland murders and an aggressive Available on Website: www.roymorgan.com Federation says a new Roads to Market were handed the telephone records of and social decline across the basin. The Financial Review reported that the and whether any of these areas may be eavesdropping operation against the top On October 14, 2010 program would make supply chains more than 50,000 Victorians in the past Government has announced a $10.4m contributing to Intralot’s failure to meet more efficient, improve road safety and echelons of Victoria Police. See Roy1 Morgan Online Store year without having to explain why they One of the communities ‘interim response’ package to help sales forecast, The Age reported. ensure more local government funds needed them. Victoria Police spent more waterlogged communities recover from are available for other community Strong language than $1.25m checking the private and In theRoy Financial Morgan Review, AngusConsumer Grigg theirConfidence worst floods in gainmore thans strongly a decade. Gambler’s(up 6.3 ptsparadise to 129.2) services. On railways, the federation has business telephone records of an average wrote that when the town of Griffith was Most of the money would be allocated to The Herald Sun reported that Office renewed its push for the standardisation of almost 140 people every day during proclaimed in 1916, it was with the sole community infrastructure projects and The Age reported that Australian-rules of Police Integrity director Michael Highest since February 2010 of the rail freight network, calling for 2009-10. Chief Commissioner Simon purpose of supporting the Murrumbidgee businesses, including farms, according football boosts the Victorian economy Strong, a former County Court judge, Consumer Confidence has jumped to 129.2 (up 6.3pts in the week since October 2/3, 2010) after the RBA left a $160-million investment. The pre- Overland appears to have yielded to Irrigation Area, which had just been to Treasurer John Lenders. by $1.64b each year, with gambling the accused Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu interest rates unchanged at 4.5% for the fifth straight month according to the weekly Roy Morgan Consumer election pitch also urges the government criticism of police using phone checks to established. Far-sighted politicians fastest-growing area of football related of being unbalanced and ill informed Confidence Rating conducted on the weekend of October 9/10, 2010. Weekly Consumer Confidence is now 1 to do more to protect high-quality try to trace leaks to the media. He has envisaged a food bowl to feed the new spending, according to a report on the in his criticism of the OPI. Baillieu has point higher than a year ago, OctoberOh, 10/11, sweet 2009 saturation (128.2). farmland on the edges of cities and towns asked for a review of the force’s approval federation. But the surrounding area was game’s economic impact. Australian said that he would disband the OPI if the from being eaten up by housing and other process when authorising telephone no The fertile strong Babylon. rise has The been semi-arid mainly plain driven byThe Australians Age reported having that tens more of confidencethousands aboutFootball their Leaguefinancial chief situations executive and Andrew opposition won the November election. developments, The Age reported. record checks. wasrising considered confidence too barren about to contemplatethe next 12 months.of species that struggled to survive the Dimetriou, responding to the report, In terms of personal finances 35% (up 3%drought – and could the enjoy highest revived since ecosystems February 2008) of Australians say their family is settlement before the MIA. It meant that admitted the league’s board had grappled Why? ‘better off financially’ than a year ago comparedfor up to a decadeto 25% as (down a result 3%)of the that flooding say their family is ‘worse off financially’ than New broom Griffith relied on irrigation from day one. with concerns about the growth of a year ago. rains saturating northern Victoria during JUSTICE Victoria police Chief Commissioner That’s why its future is under greater gambling, with betting agencies saying The Herald Sun reported that police early and mid-September. Simon Overland’s leak of confidential threatNow from 43% cuts (up to5%) available of Australians irrigration expect their family to be ‘better off financially’ footballthis time relatednext year betting compared had to reached 15% Problems diverted resources to covertly investigate intelligence from a telephone tap in a water(down than 2%) almost that expect any other their district.family to be ‘worse off.’ $200m a year in Victoria alone. ‘We’ve that paper’s phone records to save face Secret files stolen from ASIO and covert murder probe has been cleared UnderMore the Australians, guide to the proposed48% (up Murray- 8% – and Countrythe highest losses since April 24/25, 2010) saygot that to Australia be very carefulas a whole to continue will have to police and anticorruption agencies over an embarrassing whistelblower Darling‘good basin times’ plan, financially those who draw during water the next 12 months compared to 14% (down 6%)make that sure saywe we’lldon’t expose have ‘badthe code times’ to by the federal Attorney-General’s Large financial losses continue to trouble were discovered during a drug raid in leak. Detectives secretly obtained call fromfinancially the Murrumbidgee in the next River 12 months will have – this is the largest differential in this componentcorruption,’ since January Demetriou 16/17, said. 2010 The. report Department after a secret legal water authorities across rural Victoria, as Melbourne, raising fears of a major lists to find out who senior writer Geoff their allocations cut by between 32 and found football’s tentacles spread through opinion from an unnamed barrister. In terms of the economy as a whole, intheir the city long-term counterparts 41%, begin (up to 1%) enjoy of the Australians expect Australia to have ‘good breach of national security and crime Wilkinson had spoken to. In an article 43 per cent. the economy, providing more than 4,000 The clearance means police officers times’ economically over the next five yearsfruits compared of rising householdto 12% (down water 2%) prices. that expect ‘bad times’ economically. intelligence. Police are investigating the same paper, Wilkinson asked how full-time jobs. throughout Australia can now disclose A clear majority of Australians 59% (unchanged)Coliban Water say posted ‘now itsis thirda good successive time to buy’ major household items compared to whether the former head of intelligence the force’s hierarchy can justify a two- intelligence from telephone taps without Nearbyonly 14% (down 1%) that say ‘now is a lossbad intime excess to buy’ of $28m. major It household now has debts items. and phone tapping at Victoria’s Office month investigation to find the source of facing action, despite strict provisions in Gary Morgan says: close to $220 million, and it conceded A blight of Police Integrity stole documents. the story that caused nothing more than Banks could use proposals for big cuts the Telecommunications (Interception it would carry those debts for 20 years The files were discovered on September serious embarrassment for them, when in water“Consumer for agriculture Confidence to foreclose has jumped on 6.3pts to 129.2 after the RBA left interest ratesOn the on opinion hold at pages 4.5% of for The the Age , Jason and Access) Act, according to former or more. Grampians Wimmera Mallee 10 by detectives searching a house they claim to be stretched for resources? loans tofifth farmers straight and refusemonth. to In lend addition, them a strengthening Australian Dollar which reachedDowling a post-float wrote record that gambling high of now police union chief Paul Mullett, The Water was close to $17m, The Age in Melbourne’s north as part of a The official answer is they are obliged to funds to99.18 restructure US cents their just businesses, prior to thelast weekend, has also helped to propel Consumerpresents Confidence as great higher a threat this toweek. the integrity Australian reported. reported. drug investigation. They found boxes investigate a criminal offence, he wrote, Murray“The Darling strongest Basin jumps Authority were in has people’s expectations of the next 12 months withof 48% sport (up as 8%)performance of Australians enhancing drugs such as the leaking of a confidential warned, the Financial Review reported. did in the 1980s and 90s, but the AFL containing sensitive national security and No joke now expecting ‘good times’ for economic conditions in Australia over the next year and 43% (up 5%) of law enforcement documents, including document to a reporter. The truth is The AgeAustralians reported that expecting Australian to National be ‘better offInteresting financially’ job this time next year. Commission has taken a head-in-the-sand files from ASIO, the OPI and West The Herald Sun reported that police more likely to be that the hierarchy, University professor Quentin Grafton approach, revelling in the endless bounty starting at the very top, is obsessed with said that“Since the water last cutsweekend proposed the Australianfor the DollarThe Department has continued of to Sustainabilityappreciate and todayof gamblingis just short license of parity agreements with while Australian police, The Age reported. officers have been caught joking about the the US Dollar – now trading at 99.83and US cents. Environment The strong is level looking of the Australian to Dollar, which makes electrocution of an Indian train passenger, controlling the flow of information on Murray-Darling Basin won’t be as severe running an integrity system designed In the fallout from the security breach, imports cheaper in Australian terms,appoint means Commissioners there is no need of forthe theVictorian RBA to raise interest rates again in the atop a train in India, in a racist e-mail police matters. as the recent years of drought, leading only to catch dummies. Gambling is Office of Police Integrity director near future.” Environmental Water Holder, www. scandal. They circulated video footage him to predict the social and economic now as ubiquitous in football as meat Michael Strong conceded the discovery careers.vic.gov.au. of the man being killed and suggested Back to the streets RELEASE IMMEDIATE FOR effectsThis willweekly be modest Roy Morgan and manageable. Consumer Confidence rating is based on 1,067 face-to-facepies. interviews Punters will conducted bet on every Australia- facet of of the agency files, as well as the ASIO it could be a way to fix Melbourne’s Hiswide claims with are men at and odds women with theaged dire 14 and over on the weekends of October 9/10, 2010.the grand final – score margins, first and West Australian police documents, A move by Victoria Police to go back projections made by farming groups. goals, which players get more goals or Indian student problem. Some of the The latest Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Monthly Report is now available on the had damaged the credibility of his to basics by returning police to the disposals. force’s highest ranked officers are being 5 GAMING organisation. An editorial in the same streets shows that the model adopted Roy Morgan Online Store. implicated in the scandal, which also Cap causing cries-foul paper said that the OPI’s loss of by former chief Christine Nixon has The latest Roy Morgan Consumer ConfidenceAn albatross Monthly of their Report own provides detailed demographic breakdowns for Age, involves pornographic material. The credibility clinches the case for reform. failed, according to the police union. Her TheSex, AustralianState, Region Competition (Capital Cities/ and Country), choosing Generations, Lifecycle, Socio-Economic Scale, Work Status, Occupation, correspondence was discovered during As security breaches go, it doesn’t get replacement, Simon Overland, revealed ConsumerHome Ownership, Commission Voting has Intention, warned Roy Morgan Value Segments and more. HEALTH an investigation into the circulation of The Brumby government has missed much worse. In the Office of Police he believed police have lost their way in that a Victorian cap on allowing water For further information: inappropriate e-mails through the police out on $109m in gambling tax revenue Election time Integrity’s chequered history since its responding to emergencies and ordered rights buybacks risks undermining the because lotteries provider Intralot is computer system. The Age reported that Gary Morgan: Office + 61 3 9224 5213 Mobile + 61 411Nothing 129 094 says ‘election time’ like the creation in 2004, nothing compares with a review to ensure front-line police establishment of an effective national delivering just 14 per cent of the sales one police officer has quit and another Michele Levine: Office + 61 3 9224 5215 Mobile + 61 411promise 129 093 of a new hospital, and that is the revelation that a police drug raid on spent more time on the streets. Police water market. The commission is highly it committed to deliver last financial is facing serious disciplinary action exactly what Victorian Premier John Association secretary Greg Davies said critical of the Government’s 4 per cent year. Intralot’s bad sales performance of

401 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, G.P.O. Box 2282U, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia 18 Tel: (03) 9629 6888 Fax: (03) 9629 1250 Email: [email protected] Website: www.roymorgan.com 1511 Offices also in: Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Auckland, London & USA 12 SEPTEMBER - 18 OCTOBER 2010 Autobarn ahead of Supercheap Auto and Repco in Customer SatisfactionLETTER FROM MELBOURNE Autobarn customers were the most satisfied in the car accessories Brumby has offered voters, the Financial MARKETaccording to the Office RESEARCH of Housing. The reported. UPDATE In a pre-emptive strike on a and car care products stores category. Overall, the average Review reported. After getting the last median weekly rents for a one-bedroom potentially damning Auditor-General’s satisfaction rating of the auto stores surveyed was 83.9%. The best Parliamentary sitting day out of the way, flat, a two-bedroom house and a four- report into Victoria’s ambulance service, performer being Autobarn with 86.8% of their customers either ‘very’ Brumby said Labor would, if re-elected, bedroom house are $280, $350 and $380, the $81m election policy will also see build a $250m19 October, Children’s 2010 Hospital | atwww.RoyMorganOnlineStore.co respectively, The Age reported. m three new 24-hour ambulance stations. or ‘fairly’ satisfied. the Monash Medical Centre in the city’s The Auditor-General’s report revealed For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com south-east. Welcome But the announcement to the latest also issue of our Market Research Updates.the number of paramedics in country immediately opened up another campaign Another federal echo Victoria had failed to keep pace with Collingwood vs. St Kilda: It’s not just Football where they Differ staple whenWith the Opposition the AFL attacked and the the NRL Grand Finals both having been andthe gone, increasing this number week ofwe emergency share The Age reported that euthanasia is St. Kilda played Collingwood in the 2010 AFL Grand Final. Governmentsome over the insights transparency into of the the characteristicsback on the Victorian of the political different agenda, team supporterscases. The reportand how concluded they thatdiffer. the funding of its promises. with MPs from across politics calling ambulance service has delivered the Special Roy Morgan Research available on AFL Supporters reveals that We take a look at some other interesting topics including Advertising Recall among Intending for Parliament to debate the issue after worst emergency response times for six despite matching up for Australian sport’s biggest annual game — there The law Carand healthBuyers, Satisfaction withNovember’s Car Driven state election. plus Incidence of Chroyears.nic Illness. We also provide are several differences between the two sets of supporters in this year’s the very latest findings in Customer Satisfaction, New Vehicle Buying Intention, Consumer AFL Grand Final. The Age reported that health Pass the aeroguard professionals’Confidence fears about and the Australian legal Chocolate Voting Intention. isn’t good for dogs For moreengines information a year in Victoriavisit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com from 2012. Blake’s trio of Leos’ Amery said improvements in headers The federal government has invested in the past two decades meant grain consequences of discussing errors The advertising industry’s self-regulatory The flesh eating Bairnsdale ulcer The Herald Sun reported that for the $63m to attract the plant upgrade, while was stripped more quickly. This meant with patientsWe hope may that be you stopping find thiscode issue is under an fire interesting for failing to readeffectively and wehas welcome been found any in feedback possums at you Point may Australian Geographic Shop top in pastCustomer 30 years Leo Satisfaction Blake and his family the state government has committed grain handlers had to deal with the same them disclosinghave on their our mistakes Market and Research reduce Updates. children’s junk food marketing, Lonsdale, adding a new animal to the have built a small but highly successful Australianabout $10m. Geographic The move, Shop which has been emerged as the top non food retailer in termsamount of of satisfaction, grain, but in a two to three- apologising. Researchers from the after the advertising watchdog initially list of species that could be passing supermarket business that has largely two years in the making and was almost week shorter window. Amery said some University of Melbourne’s schools of dismissed a complaint against a television on the rare disease to humans. Austin with 91.5% of its customers satisfied. Bothflown Dymocks under the and radar JB of Hi-Fi the had wider the second highest score LATEST FINDINGS derailed because of the global financial farmers would choose the method they law and population health questioned 51 advertisement screened during children’s Hospital’s deputy director of infectious with 90.4%. As the only store in the top shopping10 to record public, andan alsoincrease of his infinitely (albeit less than 1%) in its crisis, will secure 3,300 existing jobs, thought best to store grain on their farm. doctors and nurses from across Australia shows depicting primary school students diseases, Paul Johnson, said the finding bigger rivals, Coles and Woolworths. customerincluding satisfaction those of 320-engine levels on from workers the previous quarter, the Australian GeographicThey might Shop use silo was bags, able or dump it on with experienceRoy Morgan in conducting Consumer ‘open Confidenceplaying with Oreo biscuits.gains Thestrongly Obesity (up was6.3 significant pts to for129.2) scientists long baffled But lately Coles and Woolies have paid to takeat Altona.out the The top Australian spot. reported new the ground or build their own bunkers, the disclosure’ – candid conversations with Policy Coalition, which includes Vic by the transmission of the disease, also closer attention to Blake’s trio of Leo’s Consumer Confidence has jumped to 129.2 (up 6.3pts in the week since October 2/3, 2010) figures show the Hybrid Camry, the Weekly Times reported. Also, importantly, patients following adverse medical Health, Cancer Council Victoria and known as mycobacterium ulcerans or For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.comFine Food and Wine supermarkets in after the RBA left interest rates unchanged at 4.5% for the fifth straight month according to first subsidised project in the federal rail infrastructure to get the grain to port events. Most – 90 per cent – pointed to Diabetes Australia, claims the industry- Buruli ulcer. He said it reinforced the Kew, Heidelberg and Glen Iris, just as he government’s billion-dollar green car is not like it used to be. Trucks will legal fears asthe a major weekly or moderate Roy Morgan barrier Consumerfunded Advertising Confidence Standards Rating Bureau conductedneed for on people the weekend to protect themselves of October Woolworths and Aldi increase Customerplans to expand.Satisfaction whilst Coles and IGA lose ground to open disclosure9/10, 2010.and 84 Weeklyper cent said Consumer has rejected Confidence a string of is its now complaints 1 point higheragainst thanmosquito a yearbites inago, the area,October The scheme, is continuing to sell well below not fill in the gap, on time, for this rail they did not have enough training to do because the industry is able to exploit Age reported. Aldi remainsexpectations. in topThe federalplace moneywith IGA comes and Woolworths both vying for second discrepancy. 10/11, 2009 (128.2). The strong rise has been mainly driven by Australians having more from the Green Car Innovation Fund Sadly it properly. loopholes in the self-regulatory system, position. Woolworths continued to gain ground, increasing satisfaction confidence about their financial situations and rising confidence about the next 12 months. with the condition that of the 100,000 The Age reported. Almost perfect over there levels by 2.9% points in the last 4 months.Former Aldi stateperformed Liberal the minister strongest Roger in The end times For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com engines a year that Toyota produces, up Pescott has been declared bankrupt, Social justice credentials August, recovering from their lowest ever recorded satisfaction level in July.The Age reported that Premier John Western Australia has implemented to one-sixth will be for hybrid vehicles. with forest-oriented investors claiming The Age reported that Premier John Hmmm. How sad the toughest anti-smoking laws in the For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Brumby said that Victoria faced its Local car manufacturers have highest advertising recall among Intending Buyers millions of dollars, The Age reported. Brumby unveiled a $42m package The Herald Sun reported that a man country. Smoking is now banned in Growing up biggest locust plague in 75 years. Brumby declared war on locusts, with the first in a bid to reinforce Labor’s social Fordwho died(74.8%) after waiting has the more highest than three advertising cars with recall children, amongst between the the flags Chemist Warehouse tops Customer SatisfactionICT of Chemists justice credentials. The package aims 2hours million for an plus ambulance long-term pleaded new for help car buyingat beaches intenders*, and within closely 10 metres of The laneways of Melbourne have become regional locust control centre opening in to shift the focus of government nine times before paramedics arrived. playgrounds. There will also be smoking high streets. Shops in our cityChemist labyrinths Warehouse C’est la is vie the number one chemist Mildurafor customer in mid-September. satisfac - Department followed by local rivals Holden (72.9%) and Toyota (70.7%). have doubled in little more than a decade. of Primary Industries entomologist policy from trying to find emergency Stephen Lim, 56, went into cardiac restrictions in alfresco areas, and retailers tion, followed byAbout My Chemist 455,000 Victorianand Terry country White. The report found In 1997 there were 152 retail outlets in Gordon Bird said locusts last reached accommodation for people already on Localarrest manufacturers in Burwood East, top three the hours ad recallwill list,be banned whilst from Mazda displaying is leading tobacco Chemist Warehousehouseholds led will customer lose their analoguesatisfaction TV of chemists with 90.1% 27 laneways; now there are 283 shops Melbourne in 1974, but may well this the street, to preventing people from theand mid 19 minutes volume after importers he first contacted marginally products, ahead The of Age Honda. reported. signal on May 5, the Herald Sun reported. in almost 50 laneways. Theof Melbourneits customers satisfied. My Chemist and Terryyear. White There bothwere adshad in 89.5%the main papers reaching crisis point by tackling the root Ambulance Victoria. Ambulance The Federal Government said 76 per For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Retail Strategy Report Cardsatisfaction. reveals that saying that locusts are now hatching in causes of homelessness. The policy was Victoria and Victoria Police have cent of homes in regional Victoria had Good job Hardware Lane, Degraves St, Centre areas of regional Victoria. Pull over if condemned by the Opposition as being launched an investigation and will For more informationalready visitswitched www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com to digital TV. It means Arthritis Victoria seeks a chief Place, Block Place and Red Cape Lane locusts obstruct your vision, www.dpi. too little, tooALP late, (55.5%, from an 11-year-old up 1.5%) increasesprovide reports lead to the on coroner. L-NP The (44.5%, Age down 1.5%) about 109,000 families have about seven executive officer, arthritisvictoria@ in QV recorded the biggest growth. vic.gov.au/locusts. government. The Herald Sun reported reported that paramedics were called to Long-term Car Buying Intention down,months but to buy remains a digital TV well or set-top above box the long-term average The ALP Government (55.5%, up 1.5% since the Face-to-Facetallentpartners.com.au. Morgan Poll conducted on Hardware Lane has experienced a 1,167 the Victorian Council of Social Service work overtime to prevent a repeat of the to keep watching TV after May 5. chief executivethe weekendCath Smith of said September she incident. 18/19, A 2010) spokesman has for increased Ambulance its lead over the L-NP (44.5%, down An estimatedper cent increase. 2,117,000 It began Australianswith just three intend to buy a new car in the next Save the locust looked forward1.5%) toaccording the government to the Face-to-FaceVictoria, James Morgan Howe, said Poll the conductedservice last weekend, October 2/3, 4 yearsoutlets (excluding in 1997, but Fleet,now has Government 38 retailers. and Rental Buyers). AGRICULTURE The Victorian government has grossly announcing further money for public had called on employees to work extra The number of retailers in Degraves St 2010. If a Federal election were held now the ALP would retain GovernmentINVESTMENT according to the This is marginally down on the July 2010 figure of 2,189,000, but overestimated locust damage, according housing. An extra 29,000 public houses shifts to cater for high demand expected has risen by 150 per cent, the Herald Sun latest Face-to-Face Morgan Poll. remains comfortably above the long-termHeaders average* up of 2,053,000. to Mitiamo sheep farmer Eris O’Brien. need to be built over the next four years after the grand final rematch and the reported. BUSINESS He believes the millions of eggs forecast and the buildingFor more program information should bevisit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.comParklife concert in Melbourne. For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.comAccording to the Victorian Farmers to hatch in north-west Victoria will not financed by both the state and federal Hybrid investment Got the chocolates Federation grains group president, be as bad as expected. He says the locust governments, edge your Discover she said. The Herald Sun reported that Toyota has Russell Amery, this year’s wheat crop edge your Discover Incidence of Chronic illness,Nearby Higher in country Australia Ikea Theahead Age reported of Harvey that the oldestNorman family- in Customer Satisfaction for furnitureplagues stores could, in fact, be a benefit to announced an investment of more than is the first big crop growers will harvest owned chocolate manufacturer and farming regions in the long term. He The incidence of lifestyle relatedThe Government conditions has promised including 105 highnew blood$300m pressure to build a new engine plant at Ikea has the highestsince level the of demise customer of the satisfaction wheat single- of furniture stores, just Meanwhile retailer in Australia, Haigh’s Chocolates, founded a website, www.savethelocust. and cholesterol, along withparamedics chronic illnessesfor metropolitan such Melbourne as diabetes, Altona. cardio The- company has committed to ahead of Harvey Norman.selling desk, Ikea which led in customer itself will present satisfaction with 86.2% of its has secured the last shop at the new five- com.au, the Weekly Times reported. The medianvascular weekly disease, rent in angina, the heart– but theattack first and of the stroke new ambulanceis significant producely higher up to 140,000 Hybrid Camry customers either verychallenges satisfied to growers or fairly who wantsatisfied, to store followed by Harvey metropolitan area reached $340 in officers will not be on the job until at star InterContinental Hotel at 495 Collins and four-cylinder new generation Norman (85.7%), Freedomtheir grain (83.2%) and not sell and off Fantastic the header. Furniture (67.6%). March, up amongst5 per cent onresidents the past year, of country least Australia the middle than of next amongst year, The cityAge dwellers. Street. For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com 1612 17 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE

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Roy Morgan ConsumerSee Roy1 MorganConfidence Online easesStore back 1.5 pts to 127.7 Roy Morgan‘Good Consumer time to Buy’ Confidence (64%) highest gains strongly since January (up 6.3 2006pts to 129.2) Consumer Confidence has fallen to 127.7 (down 1.5pts in the week since October 9/10, 2010) according to the weekly Roy Morgan ConsumerHighest Confidence since Rating February conducted 2010on the weekend of October 16/17, 2010. ConsumerWeekly Consumer Confidence Confidence has jumped is tonow 129.2 0.6 (up pts 6.3ptshigher in than the week a year since ago, Oc Octobertober 2/3, 17/18, 2010) 2009 after (127.1). the RBA left interest rates unchanged at 4.5% for the fifth straight month according to the weekly Roy Morgan Consumer The slight fall has been mainly driven by Australians having less confidence about their financial situations and Confidence Rating conducted on the weekend of October 9/10, 2010. Weekly Consumer Confidence is now 1 less confidence about the next 12 months. point higher than a year ago, October 10/11, 2009 (128.2). TheIn terms strong of rise personal has been finances mainly 33%driven (down by Australians 2%) of Australians having more say confidence their family about is ‘bettertheir financial off financially’ situations than and a year risingago compared confidence to about 28% the(up next 3%) 12 that months. say their family is ‘worse off financially’ than a year ago. InNow terms 41% of (downpersonal 2%) finances of Australians 35% (up 3%expect – and their the family highest to sincebe ‘better February off financially’ 2008) of Australians this time next say yeartheir comparedfamily is ‘betterto 17% off (up financially’ 2%) that expectthan a yeartheir ago family compared to be ‘worseto 25% off.’ (down 3%) that say their family is ‘worse off financially’ than aOf year Australians, ago. 47% (down 1%) say that Australia as a whole will have ‘good times’ financially during the next Now12 months 43% (up compared 5%) of Australians to 18% (up expect 4%) that their say family we’ll to have be ‘better ‘bad times’off financially’ financially. this time next year compared to 15% (downIn terms 2%) of that the expect economy their as family a whole, to be in ‘worse the long-term off.’ 44%, (up 3%) of Australians expect Australia to have ‘good Moretimes’ Australians, economically 48% over (up the 8% next – and five the years highest compared since toApril 14% 24/25, (up 2%) 2010 that) say expect that ‘badAustralia times’ as economically.a whole will have ‘goodA clear times’ majority financially of Australians during the 64% next (up 12 5% months – and compar the highested to 14%since (down January 6%) 2006 that ) saysay we’ll‘now haveis a good ‘bad time times’ to financiallybuy’ major in the household next 12 months items compared – this is the to largest only 14%differential (uncha innged) this component that say ‘now since is January a bad time 16/17, to 2010 buy’. major Inhousehold terms of items.the economy as a whole, in the long-term 41%, (up 1%) of Australians expect Australia to have ‘good times’Gary economicallyMorgan says: over the next five years compared to 12% (down 2%) that expect ‘bad times’ economically. A clear majority of Australians 59% (unchanged) say ‘now is a good time to buy’ major household items compared to only “Consumer14% (down 1%)Confidence that say ‘nowhas eased is a bad slightly time toto buy’127. 5major (down household 1.5pts) asitems. confidence about people’s Garyfinancial Morgan situationssays: slipped slightly with 33% (down 2%) of Australians saying their family is ‘better off financially’ than this time last year and 41% (down 2%) of Australians expecting to be ‘better off “Consumerfinancially’ Confidence this time next has year.jumped 6.3pts to 129.2 after the RBA left interest rates on hold at 4.5% for the fifth straight month. In addition, a strengthening Australian Dollar which reached a post-float record high of 99.18“In contrast US cents to just these prior movements, to last weekend, 64% (up has 5%) also ofhelped Australians to propel now Consumer say ‘now Confidence is a good highertime to this buy’ week. “Themajor strongest household jumps items were – thein people’s highest expectationsthis indicator of has the beennext 12for months nearly with five 48%years, (up since 8%) Januaryof Australians now2006 expecting.The soaring ‘good Australian times’ for Dollar,economic which conditions briefly in reach Australiaed parity over withthe next the yearUS Dollar and 43% last (up Friday 5%) of night, Australiansis likely responsible expecting forto be this ‘better surge off as financially’ imported consumerthis time next goods year. like TVs, stereos, refrigerators, washing “Sincemachines last andweekend whitegoods the Australian all become Dollar more has affordablecontinued tofor appreciate households and as today the Australian is just short Dollar of parity with thestrengthens.” US Dollar – now trading at 99.83 US cents. The strong level of the Australian Dollar, which makes imports cheaper in Australian terms, means there is no need for the RBA to raise interest rates again in the

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IMMEDIATE FOR This weekly Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence rating is based on 1,052 face-to-face interviews conducted Australia-widenear future.” with men and women aged 14 and over on the weekends of October 16/17, 2010.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IMMEDIATE FOR ThisThe weeklylatest RoyRoy Morgan Consumer Consumer Confidence Confidence rating Monthly is based Report on 1,067 is face-tonow available-face interviews on the conducted Australia-

wideRoy4 withMorgan men Onlineand women Store aged. 14 and over on the weekends of October 9/10, 2010. TheThe latest latest Roy Roy Morgan Morgan Cons Consumerumer Confidence Confidence Monthly Monthly Report Report is now provides available detailed on the demographic breakdowns for

Roy5 Age, Morgan Sex, State, Online Region Store (Capital. Cities/ Country), Generations, Lifecycle, Socio-Economic Scale, Work Status, TheOccupation, latest Roy Home Morgan Ownership, Consum Votinger Confidence Intention, Monthly Roy Morgan Report Value provides Segments detailed and demographic more. breakdowns for Age, Sex, State, Region (Capital Cities/ Country), Generations,For further Lifecycle, information Socio-Economic: Scale, Work Status, Occupation, Home Ownership, Voting Intention, Roy Morgan Value Segments and more. Gary Morgan: Office + 61 3 9224 5213 Mobile + 61 411 129 094 For further information: MicheleGary Morgan: Levine: Office Office + + 61 61 3 39224 9224 5213 5215 Mobile Mobile + 61+ 61 411 411 129 129 094 093 Michele Levine: Office + 61 3 9224 5215 Mobile + 61 411 129 093 401 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, G.P.O. Box 2282U, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia Tel: (03) 9629 6888 Fax: (03) 9629 1250 Email: [email protected] Website: www.roymorgan.com Offices also in: Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Auckland, London & USA 401 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, G.P.O. Box 2282U, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia Tel: (03) 9629 6888 Fax: (03) 9629 1250 Email: [email protected] Website: www.roymorgan.com 11 Offices also in: Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Auckland, London & USA AutobarnAutobarn ahead of ahead Supercheap of Supercheap Auto and Auto Repco and in Repco Customer in Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction Autobarn Autobarncustomers customers were the mostwere satisfiedthe most satisfiedin the car in accessorie the car accessories s MARKETMARKET RESEARCH RESEARCH UPDATE UPDATE and car careand productscar care storesproducts category. stores category.Overall, the Overall, average the average satisfactionsatisfaction rating of therating auto of storesthe auto surveyed stores surveyedwas 83.9%. was The 83.9%. best The best Autobarnperformer aheadperformer ofbeing Supercheap Autobarn being Auto Autobarnwith and86.8% Repco with of 86.8%their in Customer customers of their Satisfaction customers either ‘very’ either ‘very’ Autobarn ahead of Supercheap Auto and Repco in Customer Satisfaction or ‘fairly’ satisfied.or ‘fairly’ satisfied. 21 October,21 2010October, | www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.co 2010 | www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com m Autobarn customers were the most satisfied in the car accessories Autobarn customers were the most satisfied in the car accessories For more informationFor moreand information carvisit care www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com products visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com stores category. Overall, the average and car care products stores category. Overall, the average MARKET RESEARCH UPDATE MARKET RESEARCH UPDATE Welcome Wtoelcome the latest to theissue latest of our issue Market of our Research Market Research Updates. Updates. satisfaction rating of the auto stores surveyed was 83.9%. The best satisfaction rating of the auto stores surveyed was 83.9%. The best CollingwoodCollingwood vs. St Kilda: vs. StIt’s Kilda: not just It’sperformer Footballnot just being Footballwhere Autobarn they where with Differ 86.8% they Differof their customers either ‘very’ performer being Autobarn with 86.8% of their customers either ‘very’ With the AFLWith and the theAFL NRL and Grand the NRL Finals Grand both Finals having both been having and beengone, and this gone, week thiswe shareweek we share 19 October, 2010 | www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com St. Kilda playedSt. Kilda Collingwood played Collingwood in the 2010 inor AFLthe ‘fairly’ 2010 Grand satisfied. AFL Final. Grand Final. 19 October, 2010 | www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com or ‘fairly’ satisfied. some insightssome into insights the characteristics into the characteristics of the different of the team different supporters team supporters and how theyand howdiffer. they differ. Special RoySpecial Morgan Roy Research Morgan Research availableFor availableon more AFL information Supporters on AFL visit Supporters revealswww.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com that reveals that For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com We take aWe look take at somea look other at someWelcome interesting other to interestingthe topics latest including issue topics of our Advertisingincluding Market ResearchAdvertising Recall Updates.among Recall Intending among Intending Welcome to the latest issue of our Market Research Updates. despite matchingdespite matchingup for Australian up for Australian sport’s biggest sport’s annual biggest game annual — theregame — there Car Buyers,Car Satisfaction Buyers, Satisfaction with Car Drivenwith Car plus Driven Incidence plus Incidence of Chronic of Illness. Chronic W Illness.e also provide We also provide Collingwood vs. St Kilda: It’s not just Football where they Differ Collingwood vs. St Kilda: It’s not just Football where they Differ With the AFL and the NRL Grand Finals both having been and gone, this week weare share several are differences several differences between thebetween two sets the oftwo supporters sets of supporters in this year’s in this year’s With the AFL and the NRL Grand Finals both having been and gone, this week we share St. Kilda played Collingwood in the 2010 AFL Grand Final. St. Kilda played Collingwood in the 2010 AFL Grand Final. the very latestthe very findings latest in findings Customersome in insights CustomerSatisfaction, into theSatisfaction, characteristicsNew Vehicle New ofBuying theVehicle different Intention, Buying team Intention, supportersConsumer Consumerand how theyAFL differ. GrandAFL Final. Grand Final. some insights into the characteristics of the different team supporters and how they differ. Special Roy Morgan Research available on AFL Supporters reveals that Special Roy Morgan Research available on AFL Supporters reveals that ConfidenceConfidence and Australian and AustralianVoting Intention. Voting Intention. For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com We take a look at some other interesting topics including Advertising Recall among Intending despite matching up for Australian sport’s biggest annual game — there We take a look at some other interesting topics including Advertising Recall among Intending despite matching up for Australian sport’s biggest annual game — there Car Buyers, Satisfaction with Car Driven plus Incidence of Chronic Illness. We also provide are several differences between the two sets of supporters in this year’s Car Buyers, Satisfaction with Car Driven plus Incidence of Chronic Illness. We also provide are several differences between the two sets of supporters in this year’s We hope Wethat hopeyou find that thisyou issue find thisan interestingissue an interesting read and readwe welcomeand we anywelcome feedback any feedbackyou may you mayAustralian Australian Geographic Geographic Shop top Shop in Customer top in Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction the very latest findings in Customer Satisfaction, New Vehicle Buying Intention, Consumer AFL Grand Final. the very latest findings in Customer Satisfaction, New Vehicle Buying Intention, Consumer AFL Grand Final. have on ourhave Market on our Research Market Research Updates. Updates. Confidence and Australian Voting Intention. AustralianAustralian GeographicFor Geographic more Shop information has Shopemerged visit has www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com asemerged the top as non the food top retailernon food in retailerterms of in satisfaction, terms of satisfaction, Confidence and Australian Voting Intention. For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Autobarn ahead of Supercheap Auto and Repco in Customer Satisfaction with 91.5%with of its91.5% customers of its customers satisfied. satisfied.Both Dymocks Both andDymocks JB Hi-Fi and had JB theHi-Fi second had the highest second score highest score LATESTLATEST FINDINGS FINDINGSWe hope that you find this issue an interesting read and we welcome any feedback you may Australian Geographic Shop top in Customer Satisfaction We hope that you find this issue an interesting read and we welcome any feedback you may Australian Geographic Shop top in Customer Satisfaction with 90.4%.with As 90.4%. the only As store the only in the store top in10 the to recordtop 10 anto recordincrease an (albeitincrease less (albeit than less1%) thanin its 1%) in its Autobarn customers were the most satisfied in the car accessories have on our Market Research Updates. Australian Geographic Shop has emerged as the top non food retailer in terms of satisfaction, have on our Market Research Updates. Australian Geographic Shop has emerged as the top non food retailer in terms of satisfaction, customer customersatisfaction satisfaction levels from levels the previous from the quarter,previous the quarter, Australian the Australian Geographic Geographic Shop was Shop able was able and car care products stores category. Overall, the average Roy MorganRoy ConsumerMorgan Consumer Confidence Confidence gains strongly gains (upstrongly 6.3 pts(up to 6.3 129.2) pts to 129.2) with 91.5% of its customers satisfied. Both Dymocks and JB Hi-Fi had the second highest score MARKET RESEARCH UPDATE with 91.5% of its customers satisfied. Both Dymocks and JB Hi-Fi had the second highest score LATEST FINDINGS to take outto the take top out spot. the top spot. LATEST FINDINGS satisfaction rating of the auto stores surveyed was 83.9%. The best with 90.4%. As the only store in the top 10 to record an increase (albeit less than 1%) in its with 90.4%. As the only store in the top 10 to record an increase (albeit less than 1%) in its ConsumerConsumer Confidence Confidence has jumped has to jumped 129.2 (upto 129.26.3pts (up in the6.3pts week in sincethe week October since 2/3, October 2010) 2/3, 2010)For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Autobarn aheadcustomer of satisfaction Supercheap levels Autofrom the and previous Repco quarter, in Customer the Australian Satisfaction Geographic Shop was able customer satisfactionperformer levels being from Autobarn the previous with quarter, 86.8% the of Australian their customers Geographic either Shop ‘very’ was able after the RBAafter left the interest RBA left rates interestRoy unchanged Morgan rates unchangedConsumer at 4.5% forConfidence at the4.5% fifth for straightthegains fifth strongly monthstraight (upaccording month6.3 pts accordingto to 129.2) to Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence gains strongly (up 6.3 pts to 129.2) to take out the topAutobarn spot. customers were the most satisfied in the car accessories 19 October, 2010 | www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com to take out theor top‘fairly’ spot. satisfied. the weeklythe Roy weekly Morgan Roy Consumer MorganConsumer Consumer Confidence Confidence Confidence Rating has jumped conducted Rating to 129.2 conducted on (upthe weekend6.3pts on inth ethe weekendof Octoberweek since of OctoberOctoberWoolworths 2/3, 2010)Woolworths and Aldi andincrease Aldi increase Customer Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction whilst Coles whilst and Coles IGA andlose IGAground lose ground Consumer Confidence has jumped to 129.2 (up 6.3pts in the week since October 2/3, 2010) For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more informationFor more visit information www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com 9/10, 2010.9/10, Weekly 2010. Consumer Weekly afterConsumer Confidence the RBA Confidence left is interest now 1rates ispoint now unchanged higher 1 point than athigher 4.5%a year thanfor ago,the a fifth yearOctober straightago, Octobermonth according to and car care products stores category. Overall, the average after the RBA left interest rates unchanged at 4.5% for the fifth straight month according to MARKET RESEARCH UPDATE Aldi remainsAldi in remains top place in topwith place IGA and with Woolworths IGA and Woolworths both vying both for secondvying for second Welcome to the latest issue of our Market Research Updates. 10/11, 200910/11, (128.2). 2009 The (128.2). strongthe The riseweekly strong has Roy been rise Morgan hasmainly beenConsumer driven mainly Confidenceby drivenAustralians by RatingAustralians having conducted more having on th emore weekend of October Woolworths andsatisfaction Aldi increase rating Customer of the auto Satisfaction stores surveyed whilst Coles was and83.9%. IGA Thelose bestground the weekly Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Rating conducted on the weekend of October Woolworths and Aldi increase Customer Satisfaction whilst Coles and IGA lose ground position. Woolworthsposition. Woolworths continued continued to gain ground, to gain increasing ground, increasing satisfaction satisfaction Collingwood vs. St Kilda: It’s not just Football where they Differ confidenceconfidence about their about financial their9/10, situationsfinancial2010. Weekly situations and Consumer rising andconfidence Confidence rising aboutconfidence is thenow aboutnext1 point 12 the higher months. next than 12 months.a year ago, October Aldi remains in performertop place with being IGA andAutobarn Woolworths with both 86.8% vying of for their second customers either ‘very’ With the AFL and the NRL Grand9/10, 2010. Finals Weekly both Consumer having been Confidence and gone, is now this 1 weekpoint higher we share than a year ago, October Aldi remains in top place with IGA and Woolworths both vying for second levels by 2.9%levels points by 2.9% in the points last in4 themonths. last 4 Aldi months. performed Aldi performed the strongest the strongestin in St. Kilda played Collingwood in the 2010 AFL Grand Final. For more19 October, informationFor more 2010 information visit | www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.co 10/11,visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com 2009 (128.2). The strong risem has been mainly driven by Australians having more position. Woolworthsor ‘fairly’ continued satisfied. to gain ground, increasing satisfaction 10/11, 2009 (128.2). The strong rise has been mainly driven by Australians having more position. Woolworths continued to gain ground, increasing satisfaction August, recoveringAugust, recovering from their fromlowest their ever lowest recorded ever satisfactionrecorded satisfaction level in July. level in July. some insights into the characteristics of the different team supporters and how they differ. confidence about their financial situations and rising confidence about the next 12 months. levels by 2.9% Forpoints more in the information last 4 months. visit Aldi www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com performed the strongest in confidence about their financial situations and rising confidence about the next 12 months.Special Roy Morganlevels by Research 2.9% points available in the last on4 months. AFL Supporters Aldi performed reveals the strongest that in For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com We take a look at some other interesting topics including Advertising Recall among Intending LocalWelcome carLocal manufacturers to car the manufacturerslatest issue haveFor more of highest our informationhave Market advertising highest visit Research www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com advertising recall Updates. among recall Intending among Intending Buyers Buyers August, recovering from their lowest ever recorded satisfaction level in July. For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com despite matchingAugust, up forrecovering Australian from sport’stheir lowest biggest ever recorded annual satisfactiongame — there level in July. CollingwoodFor vs.more St information Kilda: It’svisit notwww.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com just Football where they Differ Car Buyers, Satisfaction with Car Driven plus Incidence of Chronic Illness. We also provide are several differencesFor more information between visit the www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com two sets of supporters in this year’s FordLocal (74.8%)Ford car hasmanufacturers (74.8%) the highest has the have advertising highest highest advertising recall advertising amongst recall recall theamongst among the Intending Chemist Buyers ChemistWarehouse Warehouse tops Customer tops Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction of Chemists of Chemists Local car manufacturers have highest advertising recall among Intending Buyers With the AFL and the NRL Grand Finals both having been and gone, this week we share the very latest findings in Customer Satisfaction, New Vehicle Buying Intention, Consumer AFL Grand Final. 2 million plus2 million long-term plus long-term new car buying new car intenders*, buying intenders*, closely closely St. Kilda played Collingwood in the 2010 AFL Grand Final. some insights into the characteristics of the differentFord (74.8%) team hassupporters the highest and advertising how they recall differ. amongst the ChemistChemist Warehouse WarehouseChemist tops Warehouse Customer is the number Satisfaction is the one number chemist of Chemistsone for chemist customer for customersatisfac- satisfac- Confidence and Australian Voting Intention. Ford (74.8%) has the highest advertising recall amongst the Chemist Warehouse tops Customer Satisfaction of Chemists followed by local rivals Holden (72.9%) and Toyota (70.7%). Special Roy Morgan Research available on AFL Supporters reveals that For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com followed by local rivals Holden2 million (72.9%) plus long-term and Toyota new (70.7%). car buying intenders*, closely tion, followedtion, byfollowedChemist My Chemist byWarehouse My andChemist Terryis the and White.number Terry Theone White. chemistreport The found for report customer found satisfac - 2 million plus long-term new car buying intenders*, closely Chemist Warehouse is the number one chemist for customer satisfac- We take a look at some other interesting topics including Advertising Recall among Intending Local manufacturersLocal manufacturers top thefollowed ad top recall bythe local list,ad recallrivalswhilst Holdenlist, Mazda whilst (72.9%) is Mazdaleading and is Toyota leading (70.7%). despite matching Chemistup for Australian WarehouseChemisttion, sport’sWarehouse followed led customerbiggest by Myled annual Chemist customersatisfaction game and satisfaction Terry of — chemists thereWhite. of The chemistswith report 90.1% found with 90.1% We hope that you find this issue an interesting readfollowed and by we local welcome rivals Holden any feedback (72.9%) and you Toyota may (70.7%). tion, followed by My Chemist and Terry White. The report found Car Buyers, Satisfaction with Car Driven plus Incidence of Chronic Illness. We also provide Australian Geographic Shop top in Customer Satisfaction the mid volumethe mid importers volume importersmarginallyLocal manufacturers marginally ahead of top Honda.ahead the ad of recall Honda. list, whilst Mazda is leadingare several differences between Chemistthe two Warehousesets of supporters led customer in this satisfaction year’s of chemists with 90.1% Local manufacturers top the ad recall list, whilst Mazda is leading Chemist Warehouse led customer satisfaction of chemists with 90.1% of its customersof its customers satisfied. satisfied. My Chemist My andChemist Terry andWhite Terry both Whitehad both89.5% had 89.5% have on our Market Research Updates. the very latest findingsFor inmore Customer informationFor more Satisfaction, information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.comthe visit midNew volumewww.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Vehicle importers Buying marginally Intention, ahead Consumer of Honda. AFL Grand Final. of its customers satisfied. My Chemist and Terry White both had 89.5% the mid volume importers marginally ahead of Honda. Australian Geographic Shop has emergedof its customers as the top satisfied. non food My retailerChemist inand terms Terry of Whitesatisfaction, both had 89.5% satisfaction.satisfaction. Confidence and Australian Voting Intention. For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.comsatisfaction. LATEST FINDINGS For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com with 91.5% of its customers satisfied.satisfaction. Both Dymocks and JB Hi-Fi had the second highest score For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com with 90.4%. As the only store in the top 10 to record an increase (albeit less than 1%) in its ALP (55.5%,ALP up (55.5%, 1.5%) up increases 1.5%) increases lead on L-NP lead (44.5%,on L-NP down(44.5%, 1.5%) down 1.5%) For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com We hope that you find thisALP issue (55.5%, an interestingup 1.5%) increases read and lead we onwelcome L-NP (44.5%, any feedback down 1.5%) you may ALP (55.5%, up 1.5%) increases lead on L-NP (44.5%, down 1.5%) customer satisfaction levels from the previous quarter, the Australian Geographic Shop was able Long-termAustralianLong-term Car Buying Geographic Car Intention Buying Shop Intention down, top butin down, Customer remains but remainswell Satisfaction above well the above long-term the long-term average average Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence gains strongly (up 6.3 pts to 129.2) The haveALP GovernmentTheon our ALP Market Government (55.5%, ResearchThe up (55.5%, ALP 1.5% Updates. Government sinceup 1.5% the (55.5%,sinceFace-to-Face the up Face-to-Face1.5% Morgan since the Poll Face-to-FaceMorgan conducted Poll Morganconducted on Poll onconducted on Long-term Car Buying Intention down, but remains well above the long-term average The ALP Government (55.5%, up 1.5% since the Face-to-Face Morgan Poll conducted on Long-term Car Buying Intention down, but remains well above the long-term average Australian Geographic Shop has emerged as the top non food retailer in terms of satisfaction, to take out the top spot. the weekendthe weekendof September of September 18/19,the weekend 2010) 18/19, ofhas September 2010) increased has 18/19, increased its lead 2010) over itshas leadthe increased L-NP over the(44.5%,its lead L-NP over down (44.5%, the L-NP down (44.5%,An estimated downAn estimated 2,117,000An estimated 2,117,000 Australians 2,117,000 Australians intend Australians to buyintend aintend new to buy tocar buya in new athe new carnext car in inthe the next next Consumer Confidence hasthe jumped weekend to of129.2 September (up 6.3pts 18/19, in 2010) the hasweek increased since October its lead 2/3, over 2010)the L-NP (44.5%, down An estimated 2,117,000 Australians intend to buy a new car in the next For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com 1.5%) according1.5%) according to the Face-to-Face to 1.5%)the Face-to-Face according Morgan to Poll theMorgan Face-to-Faceconducted Poll conducted last Morgan weekend, Poll last conducted weekend, October last 2/3, October weekend, 2/3, October 4 years 2/3,with (excluding4 91.5%years (excluding 4of Fleet, years its customers (excludingGovernment Fleet, satisfied.GovernmentFleet, and Government Rental Both and Buyers).Dymocks Rentaland Rental Buyers). and Buyers). JB Hi-Fi had the second highest score after the RBA left interest rates1.5%) unchanged according to at the 4.5% Face-to-Face for the fifth Morgan straight Poll conducted month according last weekend, to October 2/3, 4 years (excluding Fleet, Government and Rental Buyers). LATEST FINDINGS 2010. If a 2010.Federal If aelection Federal were election2010. held If awere now Federal heldthe electionALP now would the were ALP retain held would now Government theretain ALP Government would according retain Governmentaccording to the to according theThis is with tomarginally theThis 90.4%. is marginally Thisdown As theis onmarginally only thedown store July on down 2010in the the on July figure topthe 2010 July10 ofto 2010 figure 2,189,000,record figure ofan 2,189,000, ofincrease bu2,189,000,t (albeitbu tbu t less than 1%) in its the weekly Roy Morgan Consumer2010. If a ConfidenceFederal election Rating were heldconducted now the ALPon th ewould weekend retain Governmentof October according to the This is marginally down on the July 2010 figure of 2,189,000, but Woolworths and Aldi increase Customer Satisfaction whilst Coles and IGA lose ground latest Face-to-Facelatest Face-to-Face Morgan Poll.latest Morgan Face-to-Face Poll. Morgan Poll. remainscustomer comfortablyremains satisfaction remainscomfortably above comfortably thelevels above long-term from abovethe the long-term average* the previous long-term average*of quarter, 2,053,000. average* ofthe 2,053,000.of Australian 2,053,000. Geographic Shop was able 9/10, 2010. Weekly Consumerlatest Confidence Face-to-Face is Morgan now 1Poll. point higher than a year ago, October remains comfortably above the long-term average* of 2,053,000. Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence gains strongly (up 6.3 pts to 129.2) Aldi remains in top place with IGA and Woolworths both vying for second For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Forvisit more www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com to take out theFor moretop spot. information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Consumer Confidence has jumped to 129.2 (up 6.3pts in the week since October 2/3, 2010) For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com 10/11, 2009 (128.2). The strong rise has been mainly driven by Australians having more position. Woolworths continued to gain ground, increasing satisfaction For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Discover your edge your Discover Ikea ahead of Harvey Norman in Customer Satisfaction for furniture stores edge your Discover

Discover your edge your Discover edge your Discover

Discover your edge your Discover edge your Discover confidence about their financial situations and rising confidence about the next 12 months. edge your Discover after the RBA left interestIncidence rates unchanged of Chronic at illness, 4.5% for Higher the fifth in country straight Australia month according to edge your Discover Incidence of Chronic illness, Higher in country Australia levels by 2.9%Ikea points ahead in the of last Harvey 4 months. Norman Aldi in performedCustomer Satisfactionthe strongest for in furniture stores IncidenceIncidence of Chronic of illness,Chronic Higher illness, in Higher country in Australiacountry Australia Ikea aheadIkea of ahead Harvey of Norman Harvey Normanin Customer in Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction for furniture for furniture stores stores the weekly Roy Morgan TheConsumer incidence Confidence of lifestyle related Rating conditions conducted including on thhighe weekend blood pressure of October Ikea has the highest level of customer satisfaction of furniture stores, just For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.comThe incidence of lifestyle related conditions including high blood pressure August, recovering from their lowestIkea hasever the recorded highest levelsatisfaction of customer level satisfaction in July. of furniture stores, just Woolworths and Aldi increase Customer Satisfaction whilst Coles and IGA lose ground The 9/10,incidence The2010. incidenceof Weeklylifestyle of Consumerrelated lifestyleand conditions cholesterol, related Confidence conditions including along withis nowhigh includingchronic 1blood point illnesses high pressure higher blood such than pressureas diabetes, a year ago,cardio -October Ikea has theIkea highest hasahead the level ofhighest Harvey of customer level Norman. of customersatisfaction Ikea led customer satisfaction of furnitur satisfaction ofe stores,furnitur with juste 86.stores, 2% of justits and cholesterol, along with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardio- ahead of Harvey Norman. Ikea led customer satisfaction with 86.2% of its Aldi remains in top place with IGA and Woolworths both vying for second For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com and cholesterol,and cholesterol, along with along chronicvascular with illnesses chronicdisease, suchillnesses angina, as heartdiabetes, such attack as diabetes,cardio and stroke- cardio is significant- ly higher ahead of aheadHarvey customersof Norman. Harvey either IkeaNorman. veryled customer satisfiedIkea led customerorsatisfaction fairly satisfied, satisfaction with followed86.2% with ofby Harvey 86.its 2% of its Local car manufacturersvascular have highest disease, angina,advertising heart attack recall and among stroke is Intendingsignificantly higherBuyers customers either very satisfied or fairly satisfied, followed by Harvey 10/11, 2009 (128.2). The strong rise has been mainly driven by Australians having more vascular disease,vascular angina, disease, heart angina,amongst attack heart residents and attack stroke of andcountry is significant stroke Australia is significantly thanhigher amongst ly higher city dwellers. position. Woolworthscustomers continuedcustomers eitherNorman very to either gain satisfied (85.7%), ground, very satisfiedFreedomor increasingfairly satisfied,(83.2%) or fairly satisfaction and satisfied,followed Fantastic followedby Furniture Harvey (67.6%)by Harvey. Fordamongst (74.8%) residents has theof country highest Australia advertising than amongst recall amongstcity dwellers. the Chemist Warehouse tops CustomerNorman (85.7%), Satisfaction Freedom of (83.2%) Chemists and Fantastic Furniture (67.6%). confidence about their financial situations and rising confidence about the next 12 months. amongst residentsamongst residentsof country of AustraliaFor country more information thanAustralia amongst visit than www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com cityamongst dwellers. city dwellers. levels by 2.9%Norman points (85.7%),inNorman the lastFor Freedom(85.7%), 4more months. information Freedom(83.2%) Aldi performedvisit and (83.2%)www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Fantastic the and strongest FantasticFurniture in Furniture(67.6%). (67.6%). 2 millionFor more plus information long-term visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com new car buying intenders*, closely For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Chemist Warehouse is the number one chemist for customer satisfac- For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com August, recoveringFor more from informationFor their more lowest information visit ever www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com recorded visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com satisfaction level in July. followed by local rivals Holden (72.9%) and Toyota (70.7%). For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com tion, followed by My Chemist and Terry White. The report found Local car manufacturers have highest advertising recall among Intending Buyers Local manufacturers top the ad recall list, whilst Mazda is leading Chemist Warehouse led customer satisfaction of chemists with 90.1% Ford (74.8%) has the highest advertising recall amongst the the mid volume importers marginally ahead of Honda. of its customers satisfied. My Chemist and Terry White both had 89.5% Chemist Warehouse tops Customer Satisfaction of Chemists 2 million plus long-term new car buying intenders*, closely For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com satisfaction. Chemist Warehouse is the number one chemist for customer satisfac- followed by local rivals Holden (72.9%) and Toyota (70.7%). For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com tion, followed by My Chemist and Terry White. The report found ALP (55.5%, up 1.5%) increases lead on L-NP (44.5%, down 1.5%) Local manufacturers top the ad recall list, whilst Mazda is leading Chemist Warehouse led customer satisfaction of chemists with 90.1% the mid volume importers marginally ahead of Honda. The ALP Government (55.5%, up 1.5% since the Face-to-Face Morgan Poll conducted on Long-term Car Buying Intention down, but remains well above the long-term average of its customers satisfied. My Chemist and Terry White both had 89.5% For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com the weekend of September 18/19, 2010) has increased its lead over the L-NP (44.5%, down An estimated 2,117,000 Australians intend to buy a new car in the next satisfaction. 1.5%) according to the Face-to-Face Morgan Poll conducted last weekend, October 2/3, 4 years (excluding Fleet, Government and Rental Buyers). For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com 2010. If a Federal election were held now the ALP would retain Government according to the This is marginally down on the July 2010 figure of 2,189,000, but ALP (55.5%, up 1.5%) increases lead on L-NP (44.5%, down 1.5%) latest Face-to-Face Morgan Poll. remains comfortably above the long-term average* of 2,053,000. The ALP Government (55.5%, up 1.5% since the Face-to-Face Morgan Poll conducted on Long-term Car Buying Intention down, but remains well above the long-term average For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com the weekend of September 18/19, 2010) has increased its lead over the L-NP (44.5%, down An estimated 2,117,000 Australians intend to buy a new car in the next 1.5%) according to the Face-to-Face Morgan Poll conducted last weekend, October 2/3, 4 years (excluding Fleet, Government and Rental Buyers).

Discover your edge your Discover Incidence of Chronic illness, Higher in country Australia Ikea ahead of Harvey Norman in Customer Satisfaction for furniture stores edge your Discover 2010. If a Federal election were held now the ALP would retain Government according to the This is marginally down on the July 2010 figure of 2,189,000, but The incidence of lifestyle related conditions including high blood pressure Ikea has the highest level of customer satisfaction of furniture stores, just latest Face-to-Face Morgan Poll. remains comfortably above the long-term average* of 2,053,000. and cholesterol, along with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardio- ahead of Harvey Norman. Ikea led customer satisfaction with 86.2% of its For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com vascular disease, angina, heart attack and stroke is significantly higher customers either very satisfied or fairly satisfied, followed by Harvey

Discover your edge your Discover edge your Discover amongst residents of country Australia than amongst city dwellers. Norman (85.7%), Freedom (83.2%) and Fantastic Furniture (67.6%). Incidence of Chronic illness, Higher in country Australia Ikea ahead of Harvey Norman in Customer Satisfaction for furniture stores For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com The incidence of lifestyle related conditions including high blood pressure Ikea has the highest level of customer satisfaction of furniture stores, just and cholesterol, along with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardio- ahead of Harvey Norman. Ikea led customer satisfaction with 86.2% of its vascular disease, angina, heart attack and stroke is significantly higher customers either very satisfied or fairly satisfied, followed by Harvey amongst residents of country Australia than amongst city dwellers. Norman (85.7%), Freedom (83.2%) and Fantastic Furniture (67.6%). For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com AutobarnAutobarn ahead of ahead Supercheap of Supercheap Auto and Auto Repco and in Repco Customer in Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction Autobarn Autobarncustomers customers were the mostwere satisfiedthe most satisfiedin the car in accessorie the car accessories s MARKETMARKET RESEARCH RESEARCH UPDATE UPDATE and car careand productscar care storesproducts category. stores category.Overall, the Overall, average the average satisfactionsatisfaction rating of therating auto of storesthe auto surveyed stores surveyedwas 83.9%. was The 83.9%. best The best Autobarnperformer aheadperformer ofbeing Supercheap Autobarn being Auto Autobarnwith and86.8% Repco with of 86.8%their in Customer customers of their Satisfaction customers either ‘very’ either ‘very’ Autobarn ahead of Supercheap Auto and Repco in Customer Satisfaction or ‘fairly’ satisfied.or ‘fairly’ satisfied. 21 October,21 2010October, | www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.co 2010 | www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com m Autobarn customers were the most satisfied in the car accessories Autobarn customers were the most satisfied in the car accessories For more informationFor moreand information carvisit care www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com products visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com stores category. Overall, the average and car care products stores category. Overall, the average MARKET RESEARCH UPDATE MARKET RESEARCH UPDATE Welcome Wtoelcome the latest to theissue latest of our issue Market of our Research Market Research Updates. Updates. satisfaction rating of the auto stores surveyed was 83.9%. The best satisfaction rating of the auto stores surveyed was 83.9%. The best CollingwoodCollingwood vs. St Kilda: vs. StIt’s Kilda: not just It’sperformer Footballnot just being Footballwhere Autobarn they where with Differ 86.8% they Differof their customers either ‘very’ performer being Autobarn with 86.8% of their customers either ‘very’ With the AFLWith and the theAFL NRL and Grand the NRL Finals Grand both Finals having both been having and beengone, and this gone, week thiswe shareweek we share 19 October, 2010 | www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com St. Kilda playedSt. Kilda Collingwood played Collingwood in the 2010 inor AFLthe ‘fairly’ 2010 Grand satisfied. AFL Final. Grand Final. 19 October, 2010 | www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com or ‘fairly’ satisfied. some insightssome into insights the characteristics into the characteristics of the different of the team different supporters team supporters and how theyand howdiffer. they differ. Special RoySpecial Morgan Roy Research Morgan Research availableFor availableon more AFL information Supporters on AFL visit Supporters revealswww.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com that reveals that For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com We take aWe look take at somea look other at someWelcome interesting other to interestingthe topics latest including issue topics of our Advertisingincluding Market ResearchAdvertising Recall Updates.among Recall Intending among Intending Welcome to the latest issue of our Market Research Updates. despite matchingdespite matchingup for Australian up for Australian sport’s biggest sport’s annual biggest game annual — theregame — there Car Buyers,Car Satisfaction Buyers, Satisfaction with Car Drivenwith Car plus Driven Incidence plus Incidence of Chronic of Illness. Chronic W Illness.e also provide We also provide Collingwood vs. St Kilda: It’s not just Football where they Differ Collingwood vs. St Kilda: It’s not just Football where they Differ With the AFL and the NRL Grand Finals both having been and gone, this week weare share several are differences several differences between thebetween two sets the oftwo supporters sets of supporters in this year’s in this year’s With the AFL and the NRL Grand Finals both having been and gone, this week we share St. Kilda played Collingwood in the 2010 AFL Grand Final. St. Kilda played Collingwood in the 2010 AFL Grand Final. the very latestthe very findings latest in findings Customersome in insights CustomerSatisfaction, into theSatisfaction, characteristicsNew Vehicle New ofBuying theVehicle different Intention, Buying team Intention, supportersConsumer Consumerand how theyAFL differ. GrandAFL Final. Grand Final. some insights into the characteristics of the different team supporters and how they differ. Special Roy Morgan Research available on AFL Supporters reveals that Special Roy Morgan Research available on AFL Supporters reveals that ConfidenceConfidence and Australian and AustralianVoting Intention. Voting Intention. For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com We take a look at some other interesting topics including Advertising Recall among Intending despite matching up for Australian sport’s biggest annual game — there We take a look at some other interesting topics including Advertising Recall among Intending despite matching up for Australian sport’s biggest annual game — there Car Buyers, Satisfaction with Car Driven plus Incidence of Chronic Illness. We also provide are several differences between the two sets of supporters in this year’s Car Buyers, Satisfaction with Car Driven plus Incidence of Chronic Illness. We also provide are several differences between the two sets of supporters in this year’s We hope Wethat hopeyou find that thisyou issue find thisan interestingissue an interesting read and readwe welcomeand we anywelcome feedback any feedbackyou may you mayAustralian Australian Geographic Geographic Shop top Shop in Customer top in Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction the very latest findings in Customer Satisfaction, New Vehicle Buying Intention, Consumer AFL Grand Final. the very latest findings in Customer Satisfaction, New Vehicle Buying Intention, Consumer AFL Grand Final. have on ourhave Market on our Research Market Research Updates. Updates. Confidence and Australian Voting Intention. AustralianAustralian GeographicFor Geographic more Shop information has Shopemerged visit has www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com asemerged the top as non the food top retailernon food in retailerterms of in satisfaction, terms of satisfaction, Confidence and Australian Voting Intention. For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Autobarn ahead of Supercheap Auto and Repco in Customer Satisfaction with 91.5%with of its91.5% customers of its customers satisfied. satisfied.Both Dymocks Both andDymocks JB Hi-Fi and had JB theHi-Fi second had the highest second score highest score LATESTLATEST FINDINGS FINDINGSWe hope that you find this issue an interesting read and we welcome any feedback you may Australian Geographic Shop top in Customer Satisfaction We hope that you find this issue an interesting read and we welcome any feedback you may Australian Geographic Shop top in Customer Satisfaction with 90.4%.with As 90.4%. the only As store the only in the store top in10 the to recordtop 10 anto recordincrease an (albeitincrease less (albeit than less1%) thanin its 1%) in its Autobarn customers were the most satisfied in the car accessories have on our Market Research Updates. Australian Geographic Shop has emerged as the top non food retailer in terms of satisfaction, have on our Market Research Updates. Australian Geographic Shop has emerged as the top non food retailer in terms of satisfaction, customer customersatisfaction satisfaction levels from levels the previous from the quarter,previous the quarter, Australian the Australian Geographic Geographic Shop was Shop able was able and car care products stores category. Overall, the average Roy MorganRoy ConsumerMorgan Consumer Confidence Confidence gains strongly gains (upstrongly 6.3 pts(up to 6.3 129.2) pts to 129.2) with 91.5% of its customers satisfied. Both Dymocks and JB Hi-Fi had the second highest score MARKET RESEARCH UPDATE with 91.5% of its customers satisfied. Both Dymocks and JB Hi-Fi had the second highest score LATEST FINDINGS to take outto the take top out spot. the top spot. LATEST FINDINGS satisfaction rating of the auto stores surveyed was 83.9%. The best with 90.4%. As the only store in the top 10 to record an increase (albeit less than 1%) in its with 90.4%. As the only store in the top 10 to record an increase (albeit less than 1%) in its ConsumerConsumer Confidence Confidence has jumped has to jumped 129.2 (upto 129.26.3pts (up in the6.3pts week in sincethe week October since 2/3, October 2010) 2/3, 2010)For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Autobarn aheadcustomer of satisfaction Supercheap levels Autofrom the and previous Repco quarter, in Customer the Australian Satisfaction Geographic Shop was able customer satisfactionperformer levels being from Autobarn the previous with quarter, 86.8% the of Australian their customers Geographic either Shop ‘very’ was able after the RBAafter left the interest RBA left rates interestRoy unchanged Morgan rates unchangedConsumer at 4.5% forConfidence at the4.5% fifth for straightthegains fifth strongly monthstraight (upaccording month6.3 pts accordingto to 129.2) to Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence gains strongly (up 6.3 pts to 129.2) to take out the topAutobarn spot. customers were the most satisfied in the car accessories 19 October, 2010 | www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com to take out theor top‘fairly’ spot. satisfied. the weeklythe Roy weekly Morgan Roy Consumer MorganConsumer Consumer Confidence Confidence Confidence Rating has jumped conducted Rating to 129.2 conducted on (upthe weekend6.3pts on inth ethe weekendof Octoberweek since of OctoberOctoberWoolworths 2/3, 2010)Woolworths and Aldi andincrease Aldi increase Customer Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction whilst Coles whilst and Coles IGA andlose IGAground lose ground Consumer Confidence has jumped to 129.2 (up 6.3pts in the week since October 2/3, 2010) For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more informationFor more visit information www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com 9/10, 2010.9/10, Weekly 2010. Consumer Weekly afterConsumer Confidence the RBA Confidence left is interest now 1rates ispoint now unchanged higher 1 point than athigher 4.5%a year thanfor ago,the a fifth yearOctober straightago, Octobermonth according to and car care products stores category. Overall, the average after the RBA left interest rates unchanged at 4.5% for the fifth straight month according to MARKET RESEARCH UPDATE Aldi remainsAldi in remains top place in topwith place IGA and with Woolworths IGA and Woolworths both vying both for secondvying for second Welcome to the latest issue of our Market Research Updates. 10/11, 200910/11, (128.2). 2009 The (128.2). strongthe The riseweekly strong has Roy been rise Morgan hasmainly beenConsumer driven mainly Confidenceby drivenAustralians by RatingAustralians having conducted more having on th emore weekend of October Woolworths andsatisfaction Aldi increase rating Customer of the auto Satisfaction stores surveyed whilst Coles was and83.9%. IGA Thelose bestground the weekly Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Rating conducted on the weekend of October Woolworths and Aldi increase Customer Satisfaction whilst Coles and IGA lose ground position. Woolworthsposition. Woolworths continued continued to gain ground, to gain increasing ground, increasing satisfaction satisfaction Collingwood vs. St Kilda: It’s not just Football where they Differ confidenceconfidence about their about financial their9/10, situationsfinancial2010. Weekly situations and Consumer rising andconfidence Confidence rising aboutconfidence is thenow aboutnext1 point 12 the higher months. next than 12 months.a year ago, October Aldi remains in performertop place with being IGA andAutobarn Woolworths with both 86.8% vying of for their second customers either ‘very’ With the AFL and the NRL Grand9/10, 2010. Finals Weekly both Consumer having been Confidence and gone, is now this 1 weekpoint higher we share than a year ago, October Aldi remains in top place with IGA and Woolworths both vying for second levels by 2.9%levels points by 2.9% in the points last in4 themonths. last 4 Aldi months. performed Aldi performed the strongest the strongestin in St. Kilda played Collingwood in the 2010 AFL Grand Final. For more19 October, informationFor more 2010 information visit | www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.co 10/11,visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com 2009 (128.2). The strong risem has been mainly driven by Australians having more position. Woolworthsor ‘fairly’ continued satisfied. to gain ground, increasing satisfaction 10/11, 2009 (128.2). The strong rise has been mainly driven by Australians having more position. Woolworths continued to gain ground, increasing satisfaction August, recoveringAugust, recovering from their fromlowest their ever lowest recorded ever satisfactionrecorded satisfaction level in July. level in July. some insights into the characteristics of the different team supporters and how they differ. confidence about their financial situations and rising confidence about the next 12 months. levels by 2.9% Forpoints more in the information last 4 months. visit Aldi www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com performed the strongest in confidence about their financial situations and rising confidence about the next 12 months.Special Roy Morganlevels by Research 2.9% points available in the last on4 months. AFL Supporters Aldi performed reveals the strongest that in For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com We take a look at some other interesting topics including Advertising Recall among Intending LocalWelcome carLocal manufacturers to car the manufacturerslatest issue haveFor more of highest our informationhave Market advertising highest visit Research www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com advertising recall Updates. among recall Intending among Intending Buyers Buyers August, recovering from their lowest ever recorded satisfaction level in July. For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com despite matchingAugust, up forrecovering Australian from sport’stheir lowest biggest ever recorded annual satisfactiongame — there level in July. CollingwoodFor vs.more St information Kilda: It’svisit notwww.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com just Football where they Differ Car Buyers, Satisfaction with Car Driven plus Incidence of Chronic Illness. We also provide are several differencesFor more information between visit the www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com two sets of supporters in this year’s FordLocal (74.8%)Ford car hasmanufacturers (74.8%) the highest has the have advertising highest highest advertising recall advertising amongst recall recall theamongst among the Intending Chemist Buyers ChemistWarehouse Warehouse tops Customer tops Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction of Chemists of Chemists Local car manufacturers have highest advertising recall among Intending Buyers With the AFL and the NRL Grand Finals both having been and gone, this week we share the very latest findings in Customer Satisfaction, New Vehicle Buying Intention, Consumer AFL Grand Final. 2 million plus2 million long-term plus long-term new car buying new car intenders*, buying intenders*, closely closely St. Kilda played Collingwood in the 2010 AFL Grand Final. some insights into the characteristics of the differentFord (74.8%) team hassupporters the highest and advertising how they recall differ. amongst the ChemistChemist Warehouse WarehouseChemist tops Warehouse Customer is the number Satisfaction is the one number chemist of Chemistsone for chemist customer for customersatisfac- satisfac- Confidence and Australian Voting Intention. Ford (74.8%) has the highest advertising recall amongst the Chemist Warehouse tops Customer Satisfaction of Chemists followed by local rivals Holden (72.9%) and Toyota (70.7%). Special Roy Morgan Research available on AFL Supporters reveals that For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com followed by local rivals Holden2 million (72.9%) plus long-term and Toyota new (70.7%). car buying intenders*, closely tion, followedtion, byfollowedChemist My Chemist byWarehouse My andChemist Terryis the and White.number Terry Theone White. chemistreport The found for report customer found satisfac - 2 million plus long-term new car buying intenders*, closely Chemist Warehouse is the number one chemist for customer satisfac- We take a look at some other interesting topics including Advertising Recall among Intending Local manufacturersLocal manufacturers top thefollowed ad top recall bythe local list,ad recallrivalswhilst Holdenlist, Mazda whilst (72.9%) is Mazdaleading and is Toyota leading (70.7%). despite matching Chemistup for Australian WarehouseChemisttion, sport’sWarehouse followed led customerbiggest by Myled annual Chemist customersatisfaction game and satisfaction Terry of — chemists thereWhite. of The chemistswith report 90.1% found with 90.1% We hope that you find this issue an interesting readfollowed and by we local welcome rivals Holden any feedback (72.9%) and you Toyota may (70.7%). tion, followed by My Chemist and Terry White. The report found Car Buyers, Satisfaction with Car Driven plus Incidence of Chronic Illness. We also provide Australian Geographic Shop top in Customer Satisfaction the mid volumethe mid importers volume importersmarginallyLocal manufacturers marginally ahead of top Honda.ahead the ad of recall Honda. list, whilst Mazda is leadingare several differences between Chemistthe two Warehousesets of supporters led customer in this satisfaction year’s of chemists with 90.1% Local manufacturers top the ad recall list, whilst Mazda is leading Chemist Warehouse led customer satisfaction of chemists with 90.1% of its customersof its customers satisfied. satisfied. My Chemist My andChemist Terry andWhite Terry both Whitehad both89.5% had 89.5% have on our Market Research Updates. the very latest findingsFor inmore Customer informationFor more Satisfaction, information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.comthe visit midNew volumewww.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Vehicle importers Buying marginally Intention, ahead Consumer of Honda. AFL Grand Final. of its customers satisfied. My Chemist and Terry White both had 89.5% the mid volume importers marginally ahead of Honda. Australian Geographic Shop has emergedof its customers as the top satisfied. non food My retailerChemist inand terms Terry of Whitesatisfaction, both had 89.5% satisfaction.satisfaction. Confidence and Australian Voting Intention. For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.comsatisfaction. LATEST FINDINGS For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com with 91.5% of its customers satisfied.satisfaction. Both Dymocks and JB Hi-Fi had the second highest score For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com with 90.4%. As the only store in the top 10 to record an increase (albeit less than 1%) in its ALP (55.5%,ALP up (55.5%, 1.5%) up increases 1.5%) increases lead on L-NP lead (44.5%,on L-NP down(44.5%, 1.5%) down 1.5%) For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com We hope that you find thisALP issue (55.5%, an interestingup 1.5%) increases read and lead we onwelcome L-NP (44.5%, any feedback down 1.5%) you may ALP (55.5%, up 1.5%) increases lead on L-NP (44.5%, down 1.5%) customer satisfaction levels from the previous quarter, the Australian Geographic Shop was able Long-termAustralianLong-term Car Buying Geographic Car Intention Buying Shop Intention down, top butin down, Customer remains but remainswell Satisfaction above well the above long-term the long-term average average Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence gains strongly (up 6.3 pts to 129.2) The haveALP GovernmentTheon our ALP Market Government (55.5%, ResearchThe up (55.5%, ALP 1.5% Updates. Government sinceup 1.5% the (55.5%,sinceFace-to-Face the up Face-to-Face1.5% Morgan since the Poll Face-to-FaceMorgan conducted Poll Morganconducted on Poll onconducted on Long-term Car Buying Intention down, but remains well above the long-term average The ALP Government (55.5%, up 1.5% since the Face-to-Face Morgan Poll conducted on Long-term Car Buying Intention down, but remains well above the long-term average Australian Geographic Shop has emerged as the top non food retailer in terms of satisfaction, to take out the top spot. the weekendthe weekendof September of September 18/19,the weekend 2010) 18/19, ofhas September 2010) increased has 18/19, increased its lead 2010) over itshas leadthe increased L-NP over the(44.5%,its lead L-NP over down (44.5%, the L-NP down (44.5%,An estimated downAn estimated 2,117,000An estimated 2,117,000 Australians 2,117,000 Australians intend Australians to buyintend aintend new to buy tocar buya in new athe new carnext car in inthe the next next Consumer Confidence hasthe jumped weekend to of129.2 September (up 6.3pts 18/19, in 2010) the hasweek increased since October its lead 2/3, over 2010)the L-NP (44.5%, down An estimated 2,117,000 Australians intend to buy a new car in the next For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com 1.5%) according1.5%) according to the Face-to-Face to 1.5%)the Face-to-Face according Morgan to Poll theMorgan Face-to-Faceconducted Poll conducted last Morgan weekend, Poll last conducted weekend, October last 2/3, October weekend, 2/3, October 4 years 2/3,with (excluding4 91.5%years (excluding 4of Fleet, years its customers (excludingGovernment Fleet, satisfied.GovernmentFleet, and Government Rental Both and Buyers).Dymocks Rentaland Rental Buyers). and Buyers). JB Hi-Fi had the second highest score after the RBA left interest rates1.5%) unchanged according to at the 4.5% Face-to-Face for the fifth Morgan straight Poll conducted month according last weekend, to October 2/3, 4 years (excluding Fleet, Government and Rental Buyers). LATEST FINDINGS 2010. If a 2010.Federal If aelection Federal were election2010. held If awere now Federal heldthe electionALP now would the were ALP retain held would now Government theretain ALP Government would according retain Governmentaccording to the to according theThis is with tomarginally theThis 90.4%. is marginally Thisdown As theis onmarginally only thedown store July on down 2010in the the on July figure topthe 2010 July10 ofto 2010 figure 2,189,000,record figure ofan 2,189,000, ofincrease bu2,189,000,t (albeitbu tbu t less than 1%) in its the weekly Roy Morgan Consumer2010. If a ConfidenceFederal election Rating were heldconducted now the ALPon th ewould weekend retain Governmentof October according to the This is marginally down on the July 2010 figure of 2,189,000, but Woolworths and Aldi increase Customer Satisfaction whilst Coles and IGA lose ground latest Face-to-Facelatest Face-to-Face Morgan Poll.latest Morgan Face-to-Face Poll. Morgan Poll. remainscustomer comfortablyremains satisfaction remainscomfortably above comfortably thelevels above long-term from abovethe the long-term average* the previous long-term average*of quarter, 2,053,000. average* ofthe 2,053,000.of Australian 2,053,000. Geographic Shop was able 9/10, 2010. Weekly Consumerlatest Confidence Face-to-Face is Morgan now 1Poll. point higher than a year ago, October remains comfortably above the long-term average* of 2,053,000. Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence gains strongly (up 6.3 pts to 129.2) Aldi remains in top place with IGA and Woolworths both vying for second For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Forvisit more www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com to take out theFor moretop spot. information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Consumer Confidence has jumped to 129.2 (up 6.3pts in the week since October 2/3, 2010) For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com 10/11, 2009 (128.2). The strong rise has been mainly driven by Australians having more position. Woolworths continued to gain ground, increasing satisfaction For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Discover your edge your Discover Ikea ahead of Harvey Norman in Customer Satisfaction for furniture stores edge your Discover

Discover your edge your Discover edge your Discover

Discover your edge your Discover edge your Discover confidence about their financial situations and rising confidence about the next 12 months. edge your Discover after the RBA left interestIncidence rates unchanged of Chronic at illness, 4.5% for Higher the fifth in country straight Australia month according to edge your Discover Incidence of Chronic illness, Higher in country Australia levels by 2.9%Ikea points ahead in the of last Harvey 4 months. Norman Aldi in performedCustomer Satisfactionthe strongest for in furniture stores IncidenceIncidence of Chronic of illness,Chronic Higher illness, in Higher country in Australiacountry Australia Ikea aheadIkea of ahead Harvey of Norman Harvey Normanin Customer in Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction for furniture for furniture stores stores the weekly Roy Morgan TheConsumer incidence Confidence of lifestyle related Rating conditions conducted including on thhighe weekend blood pressure of October Ikea has the highest level of customer satisfaction of furniture stores, just For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.comThe incidence of lifestyle related conditions including high blood pressure August, recovering from their lowestIkea hasever the recorded highest levelsatisfaction of customer level satisfaction in July. of furniture stores, just Woolworths and Aldi increase Customer Satisfaction whilst Coles and IGA lose ground The 9/10,incidence The2010. incidenceof Weeklylifestyle of Consumerrelated lifestyleand conditions cholesterol, related Confidence conditions including along withis nowhigh includingchronic 1blood point illnesses high pressure higher blood such than pressureas diabetes, a year ago,cardio -October Ikea has theIkea highest hasahead the level ofhighest Harvey of customer level Norman. of customersatisfaction Ikea led customer satisfaction of furnitur satisfaction ofe stores,furnitur with juste 86.stores, 2% of justits and cholesterol, along with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardio- ahead of Harvey Norman. Ikea led customer satisfaction with 86.2% of its Aldi remains in top place with IGA and Woolworths both vying for second For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com and cholesterol,and cholesterol, along with along chronicvascular with illnesses chronicdisease, suchillnesses angina, as heartdiabetes, such attack as diabetes,cardio and stroke- cardio is significant- ly higher ahead of aheadHarvey customersof Norman. Harvey either IkeaNorman. veryled customer satisfiedIkea led customerorsatisfaction fairly satisfied, satisfaction with followed86.2% with ofby Harvey 86.its 2% of its Local car manufacturersvascular have highest disease, angina,advertising heart attack recall and among stroke is Intendingsignificantly higherBuyers customers either very satisfied or fairly satisfied, followed by Harvey 10/11, 2009 (128.2). The strong rise has been mainly driven by Australians having more vascular disease,vascular angina, disease, heart angina,amongst attack heart residents and attack stroke of andcountry is significant stroke Australia is significantly thanhigher amongst ly higher city dwellers. position. Woolworthscustomers continuedcustomers eitherNorman very to either gain satisfied (85.7%), ground, very satisfiedFreedomor increasingfairly satisfied,(83.2%) or fairly satisfaction and satisfied,followed Fantastic followedby Furniture Harvey (67.6%)by Harvey. Fordamongst (74.8%) residents has theof country highest Australia advertising than amongst recall amongstcity dwellers. the Chemist Warehouse tops CustomerNorman (85.7%), Satisfaction Freedom of (83.2%) Chemists and Fantastic Furniture (67.6%). confidence about their financial situations and rising confidence about the next 12 months. amongst residentsamongst residentsof country of AustraliaFor country more information thanAustralia amongst visit than www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com cityamongst dwellers. city dwellers. levels by 2.9%Norman points (85.7%),inNorman the lastFor Freedom(85.7%), 4more months. information Freedom(83.2%) Aldi performedvisit and (83.2%)www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Fantastic the and strongest FantasticFurniture in Furniture(67.6%). (67.6%). 2 millionFor more plus information long-term visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com new car buying intenders*, closely For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Chemist Warehouse is the number one chemist for customer satisfac- For more informationFor more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com August, recoveringFor more from informationFor their more lowest information visit ever www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com recorded visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com satisfaction level in July. followed by local rivals Holden (72.9%) and Toyota (70.7%). For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com tion, followed by My Chemist and Terry White. The report found Local car manufacturers have highest advertising recall among Intending Buyers Local manufacturers top the ad recall list, whilst Mazda is leading Chemist Warehouse led customer satisfaction of chemists with 90.1% Ford (74.8%) has the highest advertising recall amongst the the mid volume importers marginally ahead of Honda. of its customers satisfied. My Chemist and Terry White both had 89.5% Chemist Warehouse tops Customer Satisfaction of Chemists 2 million plus long-term new car buying intenders*, closely For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com satisfaction. Chemist Warehouse is the number one chemist for customer satisfac- followed by local rivals Holden (72.9%) and Toyota (70.7%). For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com tion, followed by My Chemist and Terry White. The report found ALP (55.5%, up 1.5%) increases lead on L-NP (44.5%, down 1.5%) Local manufacturers top the ad recall list, whilst Mazda is leading Chemist Warehouse led customer satisfaction of chemists with 90.1% the mid volume importers marginally ahead of Honda. The ALP Government (55.5%, up 1.5% since the Face-to-Face Morgan Poll conducted on Long-term Car Buying Intention down, but remains well above the long-term average of its customers satisfied. My Chemist and Terry White both had 89.5% For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com the weekend of September 18/19, 2010) has increased its lead over the L-NP (44.5%, down An estimated 2,117,000 Australians intend to buy a new car in the next satisfaction. 1.5%) according to the Face-to-Face Morgan Poll conducted last weekend, October 2/3, 4 years (excluding Fleet, Government and Rental Buyers). For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com 2010. If a Federal election were held now the ALP would retain Government according to the This is marginally down on the July 2010 figure of 2,189,000, but ALP (55.5%, up 1.5%) increases lead on L-NP (44.5%, down 1.5%) latest Face-to-Face Morgan Poll. remains comfortably above the long-term average* of 2,053,000. The ALP Government (55.5%, up 1.5% since the Face-to-Face Morgan Poll conducted on Long-term Car Buying Intention down, but remains well above the long-term average For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com the weekend of September 18/19, 2010) has increased its lead over the L-NP (44.5%, down An estimated 2,117,000 Australians intend to buy a new car in the next 1.5%) according to the Face-to-Face Morgan Poll conducted last weekend, October 2/3, 4 years (excluding Fleet, Government and Rental Buyers).

Discover your edge your Discover Incidence of Chronic illness, Higher in country Australia Ikea ahead of Harvey Norman in Customer Satisfaction for furniture stores edge your Discover 2010. If a Federal election were held now the ALP would retain Government according to the This is marginally down on the July 2010 figure of 2,189,000, but The incidence of lifestyle related conditions including high blood pressure Ikea has the highest level of customer satisfaction of furniture stores, just latest Face-to-Face Morgan Poll. remains comfortably above the long-term average* of 2,053,000. and cholesterol, along with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardio- ahead of Harvey Norman. Ikea led customer satisfaction with 86.2% of its For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com vascular disease, angina, heart attack and stroke is significantly higher customers either very satisfied or fairly satisfied, followed by Harvey

Discover your edge your Discover edge your Discover amongst residents of country Australia than amongst city dwellers. Norman (85.7%), Freedom (83.2%) and Fantastic Furniture (67.6%). Incidence of Chronic illness, Higher in country Australia Ikea ahead of Harvey Norman in Customer Satisfaction for furniture stores For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com The incidence of lifestyle related conditions including high blood pressure Ikea has the highest level of customer satisfaction of furniture stores, just and cholesterol, along with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardio- ahead of Harvey Norman. Ikea led customer satisfaction with 86.2% of its vascular disease, angina, heart attack and stroke is significantly higher customers either very satisfied or fairly satisfied, followed by Harvey amongst residents of country Australia than amongst city dwellers. Norman (85.7%), Freedom (83.2%) and Fantastic Furniture (67.6%). For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com For more information visit www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com LETTER FROM MELBOURNE

Roy Morgan Research Ltd. A.B.N. 91 007 092 944 – Quality System Certified to AS/NZS ISO 9001

Finding No. 1192

Available on Website: www.roymorgan.com0 On October 14, 2010

See Roy1 Morgan Online Store Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence gains strongly (up 6.3 pts to 129.2) Highest since February 2010 Consumer Confidence has jumped to 129.2 (up 6.3pts in the week since October 2/3, 2010) after the RBA left interest rates unchanged at 4.5% for the fifth straight month according to the weekly Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Rating conducted on the weekend of October 9/10, 2010. Weekly Consumer Confidence is now 1 point higher than a year ago, October 10/11, 2009 (128.2). The strong rise has been mainly driven by Australians having more confidence about their financial situations and rising confidence about the next 12 months. In terms of personal finances 35% (up 3% – and the highest since February 2008) of Australians say their family is ‘better off financially’ than a year ago compared to 25% (down 3%) that say their family is ‘worse off financially’ than a year ago. Now 43% (up 5%) of Australians expect their family to be ‘better off financially’ this time next year compared to 15% (down 2%) that expect their family to be ‘worse off.’ More Australians, 48% (up 8% – and the highest since April 24/25, 2010) say that Australia as a whole will have ‘good times’ financially during the next 12 months compared to 14% (down 6%) that say we’ll have ‘bad times’ financially in the next 12 months – this is the largest differential in this component since January 16/17, 2010. In terms of the economy as a whole, in the long-term 41%, (up 1%) of Australians expect Australia to have ‘good times’ economically over the next five years compared to 12% (down 2%) that expect ‘bad times’ economically. A clear majority of Australians 59% (unchanged) say ‘now is a good time to buy’ major household items compared to only 14% (down 1%) that say ‘now is a bad time to buy’ major household items. Gary Morgan says: “Consumer Confidence has jumped 6.3pts to 129.2 after the RBA left interest rates on hold at 4.5% for the fifth straight month. In addition, a strengthening Australian Dollar which reached a post-float record high of 99.18 US cents just prior to last weekend, has also helped to propel Consumer Confidence higher this week. “The strongest jumps were in people’s expectations of the next 12 months with 48% (up 8%) of Australians now expecting ‘good times’ for economic conditions in Australia over the next year and 43% (up 5%) of Australians expecting to be ‘better off financially’ this time next year. “Since last weekend the Australian Dollar has continued to appreciate and today is just short of parity with the US Dollar – now trading at 99.83 US cents. The strong level of the Australian Dollar, which makes imports cheaper in Australian terms, means there is no need for the RBA to raise interest rates again in the near future.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IMMEDIATE FOR This weekly Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence rating is based on 1,067 face-to-face interviews conducted Australia- wide with men and women aged 14 and over on the weekends of October 9/10, 2010. The latest Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Monthly Report is now available on the

Roy5 Morgan Online Store. The latest Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Monthly Report provides detailed demographic breakdowns for Age, Sex, State, Region (Capital Cities/ Country), Generations, Lifecycle, Socio-Economic Scale, Work Status, Occupation, Home Ownership, Voting Intention, Roy Morgan Value Segments and more. For further information: Gary Morgan: Office + 61 3 9224 5213 Mobile + 61 411 129 094 Michele Levine: Office + 61 3 9224 5215 Mobile + 61 411 129 093

401 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, G.P.O. Box 2282U, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia Tel: (03) 9629 6888 Fax: (03) 9629 1250 Email: [email protected] Website: www.roymorgan.com 11 Offices also in: Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Auckland, London & USA LETTER FROM MELBOURNE

engines a year in Victoria from 2012. Blake’s trio of Leos’ Amery said improvements in headers The federal government has invested in the past two decades meant grain The Herald Sun reported that for the $63m to attract the plant upgrade, while was stripped more quickly. This meant past 30 years Leo Blake and his family the state government has committed grain handlers had to deal with the same have built a small but highly successful about $10m. The move, which has been amount of grain, but in a two to three- supermarket business that has largely two years in the making and was almost week shorter window. Amery said some flown under the radar of the wider derailed because of the global financial farmers would choose the method they shopping public, and also of his infinitely crisis, will secure 3,300 existing jobs, thought best to store grain on their farm. bigger rivals, Coles and Woolworths. including those of 320-engine on workers They might use silo bags, or dump it on But lately Coles and Woolies have paid at Altona. The Australian reported new the ground or build their own bunkers, the closer attention to Blake’s trio of Leo’s figures show the Hybrid Camry, the Weekly Times reported. Also, importantly, Fine Food and Wine supermarkets in first subsidised project in the federal rail infrastructure to get the grain to port Kew, Heidelberg and Glen Iris, just as he government’s billion-dollar green car is not like it used to be. Trucks will plans to expand. scheme, is continuing to sell well below not fill in the gap, on time, for this rail expectations. The federal money comes discrepancy. from the Green Car Innovation Fund Sadly with the condition that of the 100,000 Former state Liberal minister Roger The end times engines a year that Toyota produces, up Pescott has been declared bankrupt, The Age reported that Premier John to one-sixth will be for hybrid vehicles. with forest-oriented investors claiming Brumby said that Victoria faced its millions of dollars, The Age reported. Growing up biggest locust plague in 75 years. Brumby declared war on locusts, with the first The laneways of Melbourne have become ICT regional locust control centre opening in high streets. Shops in our city labyrinths C’est la vie Mildura in mid-September. Department have doubled in little more than a decade. of Primary Industries entomologist About 455,000 Victorian country In 1997 there were 152 retail outlets in Gordon Bird said locusts last reached households will lose their analogue TV 27 laneways; now there are 283 shops Melbourne in 1974, but may well this signal on May 5, the Herald Sun reported. in almost 50 laneways. The Melbourne year. There were ads in the main papers The Federal Government said 76 per Retail Strategy Report Card reveals that saying that locusts are now hatching in cent of homes in regional Victoria had Hardware Lane, Degraves St, Centre areas of regional Victoria. Pull over if already switched to digital TV. It means Place, Block Place and Red Cape Lane locusts obstruct your vision, www.dpi. about 109,000 families have about seven in QV recorded the biggest growth. vic.gov.au/locusts. months to buy a digital TV or set-top box Hardware Lane has experienced a 1,167 to keep watching TV after May 5. per cent increase. It began with just three Save the locust outlets in 1997, but now has 38 retailers. AGRICULTURE The number of retailers in Degraves St The Victorian government has grossly has risen by 150 per cent, the Herald Sun overestimated locust damage, according reported. Headers up to Mitiamo sheep farmer Eris O’Brien. He believes the millions of eggs forecast According to the Victorian Farmers to hatch in north-west Victoria will not Got the chocolates Federation grains group president, be as bad as expected. He says the locust Russell Amery, this year’s wheat crop The Age reported that the oldest family- plagues could, in fact, be a benefit to is the first big crop growers will harvest owned chocolate manufacturer and farming regions in the long term. He since the demise of the wheat single- retailer in Australia, Haigh’s Chocolates, founded a website, www.savethelocust. selling desk, which in itself will present has secured the last shop at the new five- com.au, the Weekly Times reported. challenges to growers who want to store star InterContinental Hotel at 495 Collins their grain and not sell off the header. Street.

17 12 SEPTEMBER - 18 OCTOBER 2010

Need help a Melbourne home found boxes of secret over the e-mail that is causing friction documents from the OPI, ASIO and between Australia and India. The Herald Farmers have urged the Brumby West Australian police. Sun reported that the Indian Foreign government to create a road funding Office summoned the Australian High program to boost spending on country The Australian reported that at the Commissioner to India, Peter Varghese, roads, improve the flow of agricultural time a former senior OPI employee is over the e-mails. produce from the paddock to market suspected of taking home secret OPI and ease the pressure on struggling documents, the watchdog was involved local councils. The pre-election policy in a string of highly sensitive probes, The appearance of yielding platform of the Victorian Farmers including alleged police involvement The Herald Sun reported that police Federation says a new Roads to Market in gangland murders and an aggressive were handed the telephone records of program would make supply chains eavesdropping operation against the top more than 50,000 Victorians in the past more efficient, improve road safety and echelons of Victoria Police. year without having to explain why they ensure more local government funds needed them. Victoria Police spent more are available for other community Strong language than $1.25m checking the private and services. On railways, the federation has business telephone records of an average The Herald Sun reported that Office renewed its push for the standardisation of almost 140 people every day during of Police Integrity director Michael of the rail freight network, calling for 2009-10. Chief Commissioner Simon Strong, a former County Court judge, a $160-million investment. The pre- Overland appears to have yielded to accused Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu election pitch also urges the government criticism of police using phone checks to of being unbalanced and ill informed to do more to protect high-quality try to trace leaks to the media. He has in his criticism of the OPI. Baillieu has farmland on the edges of cities and towns asked for a review of the force’s approval said that he would disband the OPI if the from being eaten up by housing and other process when authorising telephone opposition won the November election. developments, The Age reported. record checks.

Why? New broom JUSTICE Victoria police Chief Commissioner The Herald Sun reported that police Simon Overland’s leak of confidential Problems diverted resources to covertly investigate intelligence from a telephone tap in a that paper’s phone records to save face Secret files stolen from ASIO and covert murder probe has been cleared over an embarrassing whistelblower police and anticorruption agencies by the federal Attorney-General’s leak. Detectives secretly obtained call were discovered during a drug raid in Department after a secret legal lists to find out who senior writer Geoff Melbourne, raising fears of a major opinion from an unnamed barrister. Wilkinson had spoken to. In an article breach of national security and crime The clearance means police officers the same paper, Wilkinson asked how intelligence. Police are investigating throughout Australia can now disclose the force’s hierarchy can justify a two- whether the former head of intelligence intelligence from telephone taps without month investigation to find the source of and phone tapping at Victoria’s Office facing action, despite strict provisions in the story that caused nothing more than of Police Integrity stole documents. the Telecommunications (Interception serious embarrassment for them, when The files were discovered on September and Access) Act, according to former they claim to be stretched for resources? 10 by detectives searching a house police union chief Paul Mullett, The The official answer is they are obliged to in Melbourne’s north as part of a Australian reported. drug investigation. They found boxes investigate a criminal offence, he wrote, such as the leaking of a confidential containing sensitive national security and No joke law enforcement documents, including document to a reporter. The truth is files from ASIO, the OPI and West The Herald Sun reported that police more likely to be that the hierarchy, Australian police, The Age reported. officers have been caught joking about the starting at the very top, is obsessed with electrocution of an Indian train passenger, controlling the flow of information on In the fallout from the security breach, atop a train in India, in a racist e-mail police matters. Office of Police Integrity director scandal. They circulated video footage Michael Strong conceded the discovery of the man being killed and suggested Back to the streets of the agency files, as well as the ASIO it could be a way to fix Melbourne’s and West Australian police documents, A move by Victoria Police to go back Indian student problem. Some of the had damaged the credibility of his to basics by returning police to the force’s highest ranked officers are being organisation. An editorial in the same streets shows that the model adopted implicated in the scandal, which also paper said that the OPI’s loss of by former chief Christine Nixon has involves pornographic material. The credibility clinches the case for reform. failed, according to the police union. Her correspondence was discovered during As security breaches go, it doesn’t get replacement, Simon Overland, revealed an investigation into the circulation of much worse. In the Office of Police he believed police have lost their way in inappropriate e-mails through the police Integrity’s chequered history since its responding to emergencies and ordered computer system. The Age reported that creation in 2004, nothing compares with a review to ensure front-line police one police officer has quit and another the revelation that a police drug raid on spent more time on the streets. Police is facing serious disciplinary action Association secretary Greg Davies said

18 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE the wide-ranging plan was a rejection of necessary to support compliance with The law moves on Nixon’s committee-driven style, The Age them, The Age reported. Victoria Police The legal rule of double jeopardy will reported. will no longer make deals with private be overhauled, allowing some people companies over the exchange of personal to be tried twice for the same crime if a information. Chief Commissioner Rapked on the knuckles crucial witness confesses to having given Simon Overland admitted that the deal false evidence, or if new DNA evidence A rift between Director of Public with AquaSure should never have been emerges, if the opposition wins the state Prosecutions Jeremy Rapke and his done. ‘The MoUs [memorandums of election, The Age reported. The Financial deputy, Chief Crown prosecutor Gavin understanding] are drafted by lawyers, Review reported that the Law Institute of Silbert, was sparked by Rapke’s his so we just don’t race doing these things Victoria has warned the Opposition that decision to appoint an inexperienced in a slapdash fashion, but I do accept its proposal to amend jeopardy rules may solicitor – Diana Karamicov – to the the criticisms that are being made,’ lead to slipshod justice and called on the important post of Associate Crown he said. Police have struck at lease 36 Government to maintain its principled Prosecutor, the Herald Sun reported. memorandums of understanding since position in support of the rule despite Attorney-General Rob Hulls set up January 2008. Premier John Brumby moves by other states to water it down. an independent body to review the said the desalination agreement had been The institute warned that the removal of promotion but this has not resolved the properly worded, and the report into the double jeopardy would stigmatise those ill feeling. The Age reported that Rapke deal found there had been no breach of acquitted of crimes, and leave victims of has been forced to reject claims that he the law. had an inappropriate relationship with crimes without a final resolution of a case after a trial. Karamicov. As we go to press, everyone Hmmm is happy again, after lots of media coverage. The Age reported that Brumby Compliments government MPs used their numbers on An editorial in the Herald Sun asserted a law reform committee to shut down New media Attorney-General Rob Hulls is to be an inquiry into police deals to pass on applauded for taking the lead in pushing The Australian reported that upper house secret personal information, less than for a new law to help journalists protect Liberal backbencher Bernie Finn used two months before the state election. The the identity of confidential sources. Hulls the social networking site Facebook to inquiry was directed to investigate several is so committed to the cause that if he criticise Chief Commissioner Simon police memorandums of understanding fails to convince the Commonwealth and Overland, saying he was incompetent with private authorities. The opposition other states of the need for a national law and a political appointee of the Brumby criticised the decision as an orchestrated soon, he will go it alone with Victorian government. Premier John Brumby and ruthless suppression of information legislation. What Hulls is urging is jumped on the comments, saying it that should be open to the public. was bad space for the opposition to be the adoption in Australia of the New Zealand model, which gives journalists a publicly denigrating Overland and the Shameful state’s police. Opposition leader Ted presumption against having to reveal the Baillieu was forced to reiterate support The Herald Sun reported that identity of sources in court. for Overland. Ombudsman George Brouwer found the Parkville youth detention centre Media shortcomings for offenders aged 10 to 21 should be Big brother admonished Victoria’s Chief Justice Marilyn Warren closed. He found conditions breached is so unhappy with the way the media Victoria Police has been castigated government regulations and prison have been reporting on the state’s courts for striking a deal to make available standards. Community Services Minister she suggested that the courts should secret police files of people protesting Lisa Neville admits there are times of publish their own online newspaper Victoria’s $5.7b desalination project overcrowding and offenders are more every week. She also proposed that the to the private consortium building the violent. The number of youths jailed courts should provide commentators to plant. The Office of Police Integrity has has jumped 35 per cent to almost 100 appear on YouTube. These are among ruled that the agreement – overseen by in two years. The report says: ‘[A] a series of suggestions Warren put the Government in a bid to ensure the whistleblower alleged that staff allowed forward to overcome what she saw as the project is finished on schedule – failed detainees to gather at the Justice Centre’s shortcomings of the media’s coverage of to properly comply with privacy and oval or in the courtyard to engage courts. She used her Richard Searby human rights laws. In his 62-page report, in physical violence to resolve their oration at Deakin University to criticise the Commissioner for Law Enforcement disputes.’ The Australian reported the the media for generally focusing only and Data Security, David Watts, said he investigation found the Department of on the outcome of court cases instead had found no evidence police provided Human Services had failed to meet its of the process of judicial reasoning, The AquaSure with sensitive personal files. legal and human rights obligations and Australian reported. But he found that the memorandum did the appalling state of the facility meant it not adequately take account of Victoria’s should be closed and rebuilt. human rights, information privacy and law enforcement data security laws and did not establish the mechanisms

19 12 SEPTEMBER - 18 OCTOBER 2010

Just sounds dodgy And here’s your Taser joined specialist Melbourne mediation firm McFarlane Legal, The Australian The Auditor-General criticised the Police recruits will get just 10 weeks reported. Brumby government’s partnerships with training before being sworn in and sent the private companies that run many of to stations in a push to fast track the the state’s prisons. The report on prison deployment, the Herald Sun reported. Crime fighter! accommodation found the Government The move could cut 13 weeks off the could not show Victorians were receiving current system but has raised concerns Victoria Police have a new $16m value for money from the public-private safety could be sacrificed for political helicopter fitted with the latest crime- partnership deals. Auditor-General Des gain. Under the plan, newly sworn fighting technology,The Age reported. Pearson also reported that weakness officers would be confined to station and poor practice by the Department of duties and not be armed. Victoria Police A big job Justice meant it could not be assured it confirmed it was considering swearing The Deputy Premier and Attorney- was getting the services it paid for, The in recruits at 10 weeks to give them General of Victoria invites expressions Age reported. more workplace experience. Police of interest from candidates interested in Association state secretary Greg Davies becoming the next Solicitor-General of Age defends Bolt said the idea had been used elsewhere to Victoria, www.careers.vic.gov.au. good effect but there are potential pitfalls The Herald Sun’s Andrew Bolt is in and safety was a major concern. Looking for lawyers court again. This time he is being sued over opinion pieces in which he argued Nearby The Victorian Managed Insurance that there was a new fashion in academia Authority is seeking expressions of to identify as Aboriginal. Bolt described The Age reported that a secret police interest from suitably qualified and artists, writers, academics and activists report has exposed failed training experienced law firms to provide legal who identified as Aboriginal but who methods that have left officers without services in respect of: General Insurance; also had European heritage. Up to nine the skills to defuse violent and potentially Medical Indemnity and Associated people say Bolt has breached the Racial fatal confrontations. The report has been Services; Asbestos and Dust Diseases Discrimination Act and are suing him for released to the Federation of Community and pre-1985 Workers Compensation causing hurt and humiliation. An editorial Legal Centres under freedom of Claims Management; Domestic Building in The Age said that the court case is a information laws. Insurance; and General Legal Advice to threat to free speech. It should not be the VMIA, www.tenders.vic.gov.au. illegal to proclaim a view that may insult Heroin or offend. As Liberty Victoria’s Michael Pearce, SC, said: ‘Hurt and offence are Police are searching for one of Australia’s caused by all sorts of speech all the largest heroin importations amid concerns MELBOURNE time.’ The editorial asserts that there is it will lead to a flood of the drug in Sydney nothing wrong with questioning whether and Melbourne and further enrich one of A real winter the nation’s most powerful bikie gangs, someone with a distant Aboriginal The Herald Sun reported that Melbourne the Comancheros, The Age reported. relative should qualify for benefits or experienced its coldest September for 16 enter competitions set aside to encourage years. Dr Harvey Stern of the weather indigenous Australians. A controversial Learnt to mediate bureau said the year had started off view? Yes. Even a hurtful one to some with the longest ever stretch of days Rob Cornall, a secretary of the federal people. But one that should be unlawful? above 20 followed by one of its longest Attorney-General’s Department for That would be a dangerous limit to free ever stretches of sub 20C days. The speech in this country. more than eight years until 2008, has 20 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE

know whether the government master Australian Institute of International Affairs media plan included information about Promoting understanding of international issues the Windsor Hotel and whether it was seen by Madden or Brumby. The Age reported that Madden says he never asked The AIIA provides a forum for discussion and research on subjects his former media adviser about the media of topical and continuing interest through meetings, conferences and plan that triggered the Windsor Hotel seminars addressed by distinguished specialists and public figures. Events are held regularly at lunchtime and in the early evening. scandal or whether she acted alone. In a fiery appearance before a parliamentary Mark this date in your diary: inquiry into the hotel redevelopment, Former Prime Ministerial Series the minister revealed he had not sought an explanation from his staff about the A special AIIA Victoria lunchtime address by the media plan, which suggested a sham Rt. Hon. Malcolm Fraser, AC public consultation process.

10 November 2010 If you plan to attend this function, please He had seen his former media adviser, advise us by Wednesday 3 November Morgans@401 Peta Duke, at the time the media plan 401 Collins Street, Melbourne Ph: (03) 9654 7271 was accidentally leaked to the media to wish her well, but hadn’t asked where the BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: [email protected] ideas came from. On the opinion pages of The Age, Paul Austin wrote that John Brumby and his ministers have a nasty Australian reported that the average PLANNING. habit of courting ignorance when scandals maximum temperature in Melbourne erupt on their watch. It looks like a hear- was 16.6C, well below the month’s long- BUILDING no-evil, see-no-evil strategy. Whatever term average of 17.2C. What the government wants it is, it betrays a failure of ministerial responsibility and accountability. Changes to Victoria’s planning laws Welcome John that could sideline councils and allow The Age reported that Guy moved a An Age Dymocks Book Event will developments to be fast tracked will be resolution for the opposition controlled see John Howard launch his memoir, delayed until after the November election. upper house inquiry to subpoena Premier Lazarus Rising, at the River Room at The planned changes to Victoria’s John Brumby to give evidence. Brumby Crown, Whiteman Street, Southbank on Planning and Environment Act, outlined signalled he would not appear before the November 8. in a draft bill released last December, inquiry if summoned to give evidence. would for the first time allow developers Let there be daylight savings – with the authorisation of the planning It’s happening minister – to prepare planning scheme Daylight savings in Victoria started at 2 amendments, including exhibiting the The demolition of parts of the historic am on Sunday, October 3, moving clocks planning changes, receiving submissions Windsor Hotel and the construction of forward one hour, until Sunday, April 3. and presenting the amendments to the a 91-metre tower have effectively been council for approval. The amendments given the green light after the National Another success could relate to subdivisions, commercial Trust lost a legal bid to stop the hotel’s or residential developments or height $260m redevelopment, The Age reported. The Royal Melbourne Show ran limits, and would require the planning Probably, the hotel will remain as it is for from the 18th to 28th of September. minister’s final approval, The Age another year. reported. First rejection in a while GEELONG Hear-no-evil, see-no-evil… The Financial Review reported that Fun on two wheels Planning Minister Justin Madden Planning Minister Justin Madden has The 2010 UCI Road World agreed to appear before an upper house rejected a combined planning permit Championships (for cycling) were held inquiry into the $260m redevelopment application and rezoning of land for a over five days at the end of September of the Windsor hotel, challenging the proposed Woolworths big-box hardware and the beginning of October. Over Opposition controlled committee to hear store in North Geelong, based on 200,000 people attended the event which his evidence. The committee resolved evidence from an independent advisory attracted a worldwide television audience to call the minister to appear, with committee, and is awaiting advice on of 400 million. Norwegian sprinter Thor opposition planning spokesman and another ten sites across the state. Hushovd won the men’s road race in a committee member Matthew Guy keen bunch finish on Moorabool Street. to quiz Madden on court evidence given by a senior adviser to Premier John Brumby detailing the government’s media plan. Guy said Victorians should

21 12 SEPTEMBER - 18 OCTOBER 2010

A world first mansion in Sydney suburb of Vaucluse. British diplomats will be expected to A 32-storey apartment block at the Carlton live in more modest city apartments, SPORT end of Swanston Street will feature – in according to the British Foreign Office. an architectural world first – the image Best remembered as the year of A spokeswoman said the residences of indigenous leader William Barak no result would be put on the market next year across the 100-metre-high, sculpted side. and replaced with properties ‘more fit The grand final replay between St Kilda When complete in 2014, Barak’s image for purpose’, The Age reported. and Collingwood saw 40,000 tickets – on the Portrait building, on the former double the original allocation – released Carlton & United breweries site, will to members of both clubs. Collingwood be in direct line of sight of the Shrine of Out with the Brits, in with the won the replay of by 56 points in front of Remembrance, nearly 3 kilometre away, Chinese 93,853 fans. Both AFL chief executive The Age reported. A Chinese conglomerate has bought the Andrew Demetriou and Premier John heritage listed Stonnington Mansion Brumby expressed disappointment to Growing up site in Malvern for $28.5m. The 1.5 the MCC for not ticketing the reserve, hectare block of land is bordered by where there were 6,000 vacant seats on The Age reported that more than 20 Glenferrie Road and Somers Avenue, the day. After the drawn grand final, per cent of all new homes approved in The Age reported. In 2007, the historic many people’s plans to the following Victoria this financial year have been Stonnington Mansion building without weekend were thrown into disarray, high-rise apartments, as Melbourne’s the land was sold to art dealer Rodney particularly those who’d planned a population boom is making it build up Menzies for more than $18m. wedding. But one gets the feeling the as well as out. Almost 40 per cent of reality was exaggerated by various new homes approved in the state in the In and about town media during the week. first two months of the 2010-11 financial year have been either high or medium Melbourne’s live music scene could win density. greater protection from the encroachment Prices Still Keen of residential developments under a The Financial Review reported that Go Dees deal between the music industry and Melbourne real estate agents were the government. The deal commits the scrambling to reschedule home auctions Prominent Melbourne pollster and local government to work towards bolstering as owners pulled their properties from resident (and Letter from Melbourne the protection in planning laws for live the market to avoid clashing with the pollster) Gary Morgan is fighting plans music venues from new residential AFL grand final replay.The Age reported by Thakral Holdings – owner of the developments, The Age reported. that Melbourne’s auction market posted Hilton on the Park and the MCG Hotel one of its strongest performances in – to build about 80 apartments at the A new plan months, despite the disruption caused rear and beside the former MCG hotel in by the grand final rematch. The auction proceedings before Victoria’s planning The Growth Areas Authority is calling clearance rate hit 74 per cent, well above tribunal. Morgan, who lives next to the for submissions on its Growth Area the average of 69 per cent seen in August proposed development, said the MCG Framework Plan, www.dpcd.vic.gov.au. and September, on the morning of the Hotel should be celebrated and the replayed grand final, according to the redevelopment was inappropriate for the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. site. He said the hotel should be restored to what it was in the 1870s and should LOCAL be made part of the tourist and historical GOVERNMENT Went off without a hitch precinct. Architect Bruce Trethowan Drivel Discus champion Danny Samuels prepared a statement of evidence for pulled out of the Commonwealth Morgan regarding the heritage issues The Herald Sun reported that a feud Games in India, declaring ‘no gold surrounding the development proposal. between Mount Alexander Shire medal is worth risking my life for’. Just ‘Melbourne Football Club was founded Council and retiring Police Minister Bob hours after her outfit was delivered, at the MCG Hotel and the Melbourne Cameron has helped win a reprieve for Samuels said the threat of terrorism had Football Club is one of the oldest football Chewton Swimming Pool. The council frightened her out of going to Delhi, the clubs in Australia, if not the oldest,’ has been trying for the past six months to Herald Sun reported. A number of other he said. The case is continuing before close the pool as part of a proposal for a athletes, including cyclist Travis Meyer the Victorian Civil and Administrative $14m aquatic and leisure centre in nearby and table tennis player Stefanie Sang Tribunal, The Age reported. Castlemaine. But the local community, pulled out at the Delhi games citing supported by the Victorian Trades security and health concerns. Australia’s Times change Hall Council, has fought the move and chef de mission, Steve Moneghetti, surrounded the pool with a tent embassy said he wasn’t worried by the discovery Tough times in Britain have prompted to prevent any demolition attempt by the of a snake in one of the athletes’ the sale of three British government- council. Cameron recently intervened, village rooms before the start of the owned Australian properties, including accusing the council of dishing up drivel Commonwealth Games. As the games two top end homes in Toorak and a in attempting to justify closing the pool. were underway, reports of poor crowds

22 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE and illness among athletes, particularly some changes following the 27 November Victorian tourism could fall behind swimmers, leading to concerns that state election. In the meantime, we will unless it can accommodate more cashed the pool facilities were contaminated, not be summarising the details of the up visitors. In a regional policy paper, dominated the newspapers. All seems to lives of players such as Brendan Fevola, industry groups urged the government have ended happily, and the games now who seems to yearly find himself a new to identify sites along the great Ocean move onto Glasgow in 2014. controversy. Road, in the Grampians, on Phillip Island and at other top destinations for luxury Southern upgrade accommodation and recreational use. The Victorian Employers’ Chamber of The MCG’s 20-year-old Great Southern TOURISM Commerce and Industry has also urged Stand will be refurbished, beginning in Travelling circus the Government to overhaul the planning June next year. The $55m renovation system and cut red tape to make it easier of food outlets, toilets, entry points Oprah Winfrey is hitting Australia for for investors to build around national and function rooms is being funded by the first time. She will travel to Australia parks, The Age reported. $25m from the Melbourne Cricket Club in December, with about 450 people and $30m from the Government. The – enough to book out an entire Qantas The day after next works are expected to be completed in A380. Only they won’t be booking it time for the 2013 AFL season. Premier out, they’ll be guests of the national After 12 years, Queensland’s hallmark John Brumby said the MCG was one airline, travelling free. They won’t slogan, ‘Beautiful one day, perfect the of the globe’s great stadiums and the spend a cent while they’re here either, as next’ has run its course and is set to be renovations needed to keep up with Tourism Australia foots the $1.5m bill replaced in October. world-class standards, The Age reported. for their trip. The Herald Sun reported that Victoria is putting about $500,000 Together again towards their visit, including a shopping TRANSPORT trip to Melbourne. She will bring 300 The Age reported that Phar Lap’s audience members from Chicago on RAIL skeleton was reunited with his hide for the the shopping jaunt. It is the first time first time in eight years, when his bones the world’s most popular TV host, who It’s on were unveiled as part of a new exhibition has a personal wealth of more than High-speed trains capable of travelling at the Melbourne Museum. Skeleton and $2.5b, has taken the program outside at 350 kilometres an hour between hide will be displayed alongside each North America. Victorian taxpayers are Melbourne and Brisbane are back on other until January next year. It is the chipping in as part of a national $4m the political agenda with the federal first time the two have come together package, including the $1.5m in federal government and opposition supporting a since the horse’s death in 1932, when money and $2m from the New South landmark study, in response to calls for owner David Davis sent Phar Lap’s hide Wales government. Oprah is planning action to preserve land corridors to future to Victoria, his skeleton to New Zealand for an audience of about 3,000 people proof the economics of the project. The and is heart to Canberra. The heart was for two episodes in the forecourt of the study argues that at these speeds, high- evidently not strong enough to withstand Opera House. speed rail becomes competitive with air the trip from Canberra. travel. The study was released jointly by Getting nostalgic for the games AECOM, one of the world’s experts on The down low modelling fast trains for governments, Former New South Wales Olympics and Australia’s peak infrastructure Carlton captain Chris Judd won this Minister Michael Knight has called for body group, Infrastructure Partnerships year’s Brownlow medal, beating hot Sydney to host the 2017 International Australia. It urges the government to favourite Dane Swan and previous Expo, in a bid to boost international identify new routes and either buy the winner Gary Ablett. It is the second tourism arrivals and provide the impetus land or put in planning protections to time Judd has won the prize. The first to redevelop Sydney’s ageing tourism ensure future land price increases do time was six years ago as a 21-year-old infrastructure, the Financial Review not make a high-speed rail network a when he was playing with the West Coast reported. The Herald Sun reported that prohibitive option. Eagles. Meanwhile, Gary Ablett has the Sydney Olympic Cauldron is being accepted huge money from the new Gold given permanent heritage protection to It mentions that such a rail project would Coast Sun’s football club to transfer from coincide with the 10th anniversary of the have a big impact on the taxi, airline and Geelong. He is reportedly being paid in 2000 games. It is the youngest item to be airport industries. A key recommendation the vicinity of $1.9m a year over five placed on the New South Wales Heritage of the report is that the construction phase years. Register. begins in five years on an incremental basis, starting with Sydney to Newcastle Footballers and their Swimming pools in national or Canberra, on the basis that it avoids supporters parks the $15b cost of developing a new airport to serve Sydney. Letter from Melbourne is looking Business groups have made a pitch forward to publishing our MP footy chart for more five-star hotel developments next year when there will no doubt be around national parks, warning that

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Nearby Kenneth Davidson on Minister Martin Pakula defended the infrastructure figures, saying the doubling of the cost The Age reported that federal government of public transport since 2004 was a documents suggest high-speed rail will On the opinion pages of The Age, Kenneth massive investment that ensured it was not be viable because the areas between Davidson wrote that over the past coping well. Australian cities are too sparsely decade the Bracks/Brumby government populated and the distances between has spent $6.6b on new road projects (as them too great. But Labor and the Greens well $7b in water). Over the same period, Hooray! say the documents underline the need for the Government invested only $322m The Herald Sun reported that after 304 a $20m study into the idea. The study in fixed public transport infrastructure. days, more than half a million train was a Labor election promise, and the services and $9m in fines, rail operator Greens negotiated to bring forward the It is scandalous that the government has Metro finally met its performance targets completion date of the reports to July. A not been required to justify some $14b in for the first time. During September, minute prepared for Transport Minister infrastructure spending against cheaper Metro actually performed better than its Anthony Albanese by his department, and arguably more efficacious alternatives. predecessor Connex did at the same time and obtained by the Seven Network, These alternatives were set out in official last year. Metro also cancelled fewer said viable high-speed rail operations publications such as Melbourne 2030, services in September than Connex needed at least 6 million passengers a Planning for Sustainable Growth in did 12 months ago. Metro ran 88.8 per year, but more typically 12 to 20 million 2002 and the Environment Protection cent of its services within five minutes passengers a year. Currently, there are Authority study on water policy in 2006. of the timetable over the month. Metro about 7 million annual passenger trips spokeswoman Geraldine Mitchell said between Melbourne and Sydney. The common thread in all these there had been a consistent pattern of infrastructure projects is the absence improvement over the preceding four Up there of proper process – especially the lack months. of open and independent cost-benefit The Age reported that the Queensland analysis and environmental impact government fired the starter’s gun on statements – which allows Parliament Intimidation issues the $3b-plus float of QR National after and the public to evaluate alternative The chief executive of Metro trains the 10 mining companies dropped their ways of reducing congestion or drought- said he was intimidated travelling on competing offer for the state’s coal rail proofing water supplies in a growing the city’s trains late at night, The Age network. A prospectus was released by city while minimising damage to the reported. Andrew Lezala, speaking at a mid-October. The Australian reported environment. Melbourne Press Club lunch, said 40 per that the Queensland Coal Industry Rail cent of the people who use Melbourne’s Group, financed by major companies Down the track railway system felt unsafe at certain including BHP, Rio Tinto and Xstrata, times of day. ‘I ride the railways a lot and and headed by former New South Wales A fleet of new trains for Melbourne I sometimes feel intimidated. I’m not a premier Nick Greiner, was unable to ordered by the Brumby government last particularly shy guy. So I know we have convert an expression of interest into a year will cost almost $3m more per train an intimidation issue,’ Lezala said. hard cash offer. than identical vehicles bought just a year before. The jump in price came after the The float of QR National is the biggest government ignored its own findings Tram, bam, thankyou ma’am since the Telstra T3 offering of 2006 and on the number of new trains that would the prospectus began hitting in-boxes The Age reported that Canadian transport be needed to keep up with surging rail and mailboxes on October 10. The Age giant Bombardier, the world’s biggest patronage. The rising cost of the 38 new reported that the signal for mum and dad tram manufacturer, beat France’s Alstom Alstom X’Trapolis trains for Melbourne investors considering buying in should to win the $300m contract to build 50 is due to currency fluctuations that remain at caution, according to many trams. Each tram will cost $6m – about changed the cost of the European made analysts. A follow-up report, found $1m more than for comparable orders vehicles. The increased cost was revealed that the $6.1b float is relying on Asian for trams in other cities. Commonwealth by Auditor-General Des Pearson in demand for coal to back an ambitious Engineering made hundreds of the city’s his annual review of state government earnings growth story, with the sell-off existing trains and trams in the 1970s finances,The Age reported. aiming to give Queensland Premier Anna and 1980s at the Dandenong plant, Bligh a boost to the budget bottom line which is now owned by Bombardier. ahead of an election next year. The rail Coping well The last tram made at the factory rolled company will be priced between $2.50 of the production lines in December The cost of running Victoria’s public 1993. Public Transport Minister Martin and $3 per share depending on demand, transport has more than doubled in six which would deliver the Queensland Pakula, who is also Industrial Relations years, despite the state’s trains, trams Minister, said most of the manufacturing government more than $5b when it lists and buses travelling only 26 per cent on the Australian Securities Exchange in work for the fifty new trams would be further. The cost jump is partly due to done in Dandenong. late November. increased payments to Melbourne’s privatised train, tram and bus operators, The Age reported. Public Transport

24 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE

Next stop effective control over cash collection, after opening in June 2008. The company Auditor-General Des Pearson said. is now trading well, the Financial Review A Tourism and Transport Forum report, Opposition transport spokesman Terry reported. Note the TV advertisements co-authored by Simon Barrett from Mulder questioned how the Brumby suggesting the EastLink option LEK Consulting, says bus and train fares government was spending so much on a will need to rise in peak hour if public ticketing system with cash handling that transport is to be sustainable. It also cannot be verified, The Age reported. On the bus argues that there should be a congestion tax on cars, meaning public transport The Herald Sun reported that Public could still be cheaper than driving during Angry and relieved Transport Minister Mark Pakula said Melbourne commuters needed to busy periods. The TTF, representing The Age reported that Footscray residents, change their attitudes towards bus travel. public transport providers, says fares who were told in July that their houses Speaking at a debate with his Liberal cover only a third of the annual $5.2b would be demolished to make way for and Greens counterparts, he said every costs, with state governments subsidising a regional rail line, have criticised the Melburnian should have public transport the rest. The report says the number of Brumby government after it emerged within 400 metres of their home. ‘For public transport trips has risen at twice many of them will not lose their homes too long, buses are being viewed as the rate of population growth in the past after all. Final maps for the $4.3b rail a form of transport used by the poor, five years and new revenue sources must project also appear to indicate that trains school children and the elderly,’ he said. be found, the Financial Review reported. using the new line will not stop at North ‘Culturally, we need to change the way Melbourne. we view buses.’ Overkill on evening violence ROAD Melbourne’s 10 most violent railway Bus stop stations need a full-time police presence Slow down toll to combat half of all station assaults, the The Age reported that the government Police will launch one of the biggest road has largely shelved a series of studies Public Transport Users Association says. blitzes in Victorian history between mid- With almost half of all assaults occurring recommending how Melbourne’s bus October and the end of the year, amid network could be overhauled. Sixteen at just a few stations and 48 per cent of fears the state’s road toll will rise beyond attacks taking place during the day, the reports by consultants on improving 300 deaths. There were 290 people killed Melbourne’s buses have cost taxpayers state’s key public transport lobby group on Victorian roads last year, 303 and says the state opposition’s plan to have $4.5m since 2007. The government 2008 and 330 in 2007. At October 10, has implemented just 153 out of 711 every station staffed by two Victoria there had already been 238 people killed Police protective services officers after recommendations, The Age reported. in 2010, compared with 209 at the same Payments by the government to bus 6 pm is overkill and fails to tackle the time last year, the Herald Sun reported. problem of daytime violence. In a clear operators have risen in recent years, from pitch to the government as the election $305m in 2006 to $542m this financial campaign warms up, the association has Shut the gate year. revealed its own plans for targeting rail For the first time since it opened almost related violence, The Age reported. 40 years ago, the Westgate Bridge was Anniversary of a tragedy fully closed to traffic for two nights, to The Age reported that the Westgate Bridge Nearby allow for the installation of four freeway collapse, whilst under construction, speed limit gantries. The bridge was shut Metro wants to hire an extra 500 staff in claimed the lives of 35 men, many of overnight on Tuesday, October 12, and whom were crushed as they ate their lunch a bid to crack down on violence and anti- Tuesday, October 19. The government social behaviour on the railways. The in huts under the section of the bridge that selected Tuesday nights because they are tumbled 50 metres into Yarra River mud. operator plans to use staff to close off the quietest in traffic volumes. Cars and platforms at busy times to control the flow Now, black-and-white photographs of trucks were diverted to other roads, The the collapse, taken by homicide detective of passengers on to overcrowded trains. Age reported. When the bridge opened Unstaffed suburban stations are struggling Frank Coates, have been displayed to in 1978, it carried an average of 40,000 the public for the first time at the Victoria to cope with booming patronage, with vehicles daily. Now it carries about passenger numbers at Tottenham station Police Museum in Melbourne. The new 165,000 vehicles daily. The works will Westgate Bridge opened in 1978, eight near Footscray doublibng in five years. improve the bridge’s PKI capacity by 30 The plan has been put to the government, years after the collapse. The exhibition per cent. Detour routes are available at marks the tragedy’s 40th anniversary, which will need to find tens of millions www.m1upgrade.com.au. of dollars a year to finance it, the Herald and opened on October 15. Sun reported. Getting there Speed log Cash flow ConnectEast chairman Tony Shepherd The Herald Sun reported that maintenance says traffic using its Melbourne EastLink logs on the state’s fixed speed cameras are The government authority behind toll road is improving. He said that about Victoria’s $1.35b myki card, the Transport to be thrown open to scrutiny for the first 200,000 people a day were now using the time. The government pledged to release Ticketing Authority, has not maintained road, which missed key traffic volumes

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the information after reports exposing must take on Sydney as Australia’s entire torso extending to the upper arms, speed camera breakdowns on EastLink. premier airport entry point for Victoria’s according to a request by Dandenong Opposition leader Ted Baillieu called an success to continue, and that Avalon City Council and the YMCA for an independent inquiry into speed cameras. Airport must be given international exemption to the Equal Opportunities The Opposition gained access to four status. A major expansion of operations Act. The ban was compared by the months of logs on EastLink, which at Melbourne and Avalon, and the Human Rights Commissioner Helen showed one camera at the Wellington provision of rail links, should be the next Szoke to a ban on thongs in a pub, in that Road site had to be replaced after taking step on the Government’s horizon. it is not easy to resolve. Liberty Victoria rogue images, and others contained said the ban was reasonable because the corrupt data and had communication PORTS event was to be held out of hours, on blackouts. Tax anew August 21 next year. A spokeswoman for the City of Greater Dandenong Keating’s (non)convictions In a detailed article in The Age, Victorian said the ban would help Muslims feel Employers Chamber Of Commerce and part of the community, the Herald Sun After beating an infringement notice in Industry chief executive Wayne Kayler- reported. The Age reported that Greater a Sydney court for driving through a Thompson wrote that the Victorian Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said red light, former Prime Minister Paul government is proposing a new export the centre had held regular women-only Keating urged Australians to follow tax. swimming sessions for the past two his example in taking on the system. It is known innocuously as the Freight years, and that this one-off celebration Ordinary people, he proclaimed outside Infrastructure Charge and, when it is would occur during the same hours. the court, should have the courage of their introduced next year, will put prices convictions and challenge infringement up for all of us and hurt exporters. The Neighbours notices they believed were wrong, The charge has been proposed ostensibly Age reported. The Herald Sun reported that nuisance to reduce traffic congestion around the neighbours resulted in more than 17,000 Port of Melbourne but the real agenda calls for help by residents last year. The Not going well seems to be to raise $1b to help pay behaviour of neighbours was one of the for the Government’s $38b transport Local traders and Stonnington and Yarra top complaints received by the Victorian plan. This is despite the fact that most councils have vowed to continue their Dispute Settlement Centre, along with (some 3,000) trucks in the port area fight against clearway extensions despite fence disputes and vehicle property don’t actually enter the port. Only 3.3 a Supreme Court ruling that they were damage. per cent of vehicles travelling in the port the lawfully imposed, the Herald Sun reported. precinct along the West Gate Freeway actually enter the port itself. Most trucks Almost there use the Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable How’s your breath? The Age reported that from October Market, the Wholesale Fish Market, the more than 50 sporting grounds in the A five-year analysis of drink-driving Dynon rail yards and many factories and City of Moreland in Melbourne’s inner data from the Herald Sun shows that warehouses in the inner west. north will be available only to clubs some 17.2 million people were breath At $180 a truck, the mooted FIC charge with juniors as well as girls or women tested by police during the period, with would be the equivalent of another $90 participating in competitive or non- 105,880 motorists over the limit. per container on trucks, blowing our competitive physical activities, heralding export competitiveness out of the water. Rear-view Roads Minister Tim Pallas says the charge will push importers and exporters The Government is currently reviewing to use rail to move their goods instead the Road Safety Act 1986, www. of trucks (rail operators won’t pay the roadsafety.vicroads.vic.gov.au. charge). It will also encourage trucks to visit the port at night or on weekends, he Discuss says, when there will be no charge!! VicRoads has prepared a public discussion paper about how Victoria’s system of licensing motorcycles could COMMUNITY be improved, www.arrivealive.gov.au/ Ban on thongs in pub motorcycleGLS. The Victorian Civil and Administrative AIR Tribunal has approved a ban on uncovered shoulders and thighs for a community Avalon international event to be held at the Dandenong Oasis, The Victorian Employers’ Chamber of a municipal pool. Participants aged 10 Commerce and Industry chief executive and over must ensure their bodies are Letter From Melbourne is appreciated in Wayne Kayler-Thomson said Melbourne covered from waist to knee and the Rome.

26 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE a possible end to the days of men-only said footy was an important part of life aged 77. Malcom Douglas, Kimberly sports clubs. Three clubs in Moreland and club songs were popular requests. conservationist, aged 69. Malcolm are yet to meet the requirements and The new guidelines say any celebration Brumby, Premier John Brumby’s face a ban on the use of council facilities should be done at a social occasion father, served in World War II on the from October unless they broaden the before or after the funeral. HMAS Quiberon, aged 84. Peter diversity of their membership. In addition Baillieu White, aged 51. Dr Brian to requirements for females and juniors, Kelly, aged 68. Neville John Wilson, clubs that demonstrate participation by aged 72. Thomas Savage, aged 66. people from culturally and linguistically Vale Graham Oliver Tibbitts, aged 84. diverse backgrounds, including people Dame Joan Sutherland, Australian Dr Adam Sutton, past member of the with disabilities, will be given priority opera singer who became one of the School of Social and Political Sciences at access for the use of council facilities. greatest coleratura sopranos of the 20th the University of Melbourne. Anthony century, dubbed La Stupenda by Italian Rowand Crowther Hewison, former Our Premier audiences, retired from the stage 20 headmaster of St Michael’s Grammar years ago, married for 56 years to pianist School. The Age reported that premier John and conductor Richard Bonynge who Brumby has won the 2010 Mahatma survives her, aged 83. Peggy Strafford Warner, author, Gandhi Peace Award for helping stage journalist, aged 95. Dr Charles Neil last year’s Parliament of the World’s Klytie Pate, potter, aged 97. Eric Halkyard, aged 87. Digby Coultas, Religions in Melbourne. The government Hatchley, guide dogs pioneer, aged 81. aged 78. Eileen Francis Hannan, contributed $2m to the forum, which Glenn Bourke, on a five-week holiday to aged 96. Mike Dalling, AM. Trevor brought together Victorians and New Zealand died in a light plane crash Robert Nixon, MBE. Dr Alan John delegates from around the world to share when the plane caught fire on take off Christophers, aged 94. traditions, cultures and friendships. with a group preparing to go skydiving at Fox Glacier, aged 18. Timothy James Mercer, long-time supporter and contributor to the WH A bit of bad luck James Henry Shelton, KCVO, head Pincott Club. Marshall White, founder of the government ceremonial and Broadcaster Derryn Hinch announced of Marshall White & Co. Kaye Keck, hospitality branch within the Department he has liver cancer. The Herald Sun educator. D. S. Henderson. E. R. of Prime Minister and Cabinet where reported that Hinch believes a liver Mather. he served 6 prime ministers – Menzies, transplant may be the only way he can Holt, Gorton, McMahon, Whitlam and Most Reverend Patrick Dougherty beat the cancer. Fraser, aged 90. Richard Innes Peek, DD. Reverend Father Hubert Hunter, KBE, CB, DSC, former Royal Australian SSC. Mike Dalling, AM. Lady Meryl Warrior Jeff Navy chief, aged 96. Derham Cohen, aged 93. Dr Lesley Anne Mitchell, aged 51. Ian Douglas The Herald Sun reported that Jeff John Alan McKellar, comedy writer, Nethercote, aged 64. Kennett wants a return of the compulsory the title of his revue, A Cup of Tea, a national service scheme to foster greater Bex and a Good Lie Down entered the Francis Phillip Champion de community spirit. The former Victorian vernacular after running for a year at Crespigny, aged 92. Michael Eager, premier and ‘nasho’ said Australians Phillip Theatre, along with such titles as, mining professional. Wayne F Hall, were unchallenged, untested and too I Wouldn’t Want To Live There, as well artist, poet, gentlemen. Tim Warren, focused on themselves. as Is Australia Really Necessary?, aged former chairman of the Shell Companies 80. in Australia. Helen Frances Adamson When the saints go marching RRC, former director Royal Australian Eugene ‘Curly’ Veith, built Melbourne’s Army Nursing Corps, aged 83. in biggest parcel delivery company, Veith Footy club songs and popular music Transport, which had a fleet of 175 Ivy Inwood, champion of free range have been banned from Catholic trucks, set up Mission Enterprise Limited and organic farming who farmed free- funerals under new guidelines sent to channel funds to worthy causes, range eggs for more than 45 years. to priests and funeral directors, the aged 95. Alfred Roy Parsons, AO, a David Rowbotham, poet, aged 86. Herald Sun reported. The guidelines for foreign service officer including High Jack McRae. Flying Officer Robert Catholic funerals, sent by Archbishop of Commissioner in London, aged 85. John Hal Keig. Adam Ian Laidlaw, BEM, Melbourne Dennis Hart, also declared a Edward Probert, marketing manager at AFSM, aged 84. Archdeacon John funeral should not be a celebration of the the Ford Motor Company, oversaw the Rodney Oliver. deceased’s life. Secular music is never to transition of the Ford Australia Tennis Ian Donald Cameron, stockbroker, be sung or played at a Catholic funeral, Open from Kooyong to the new location father of the British Prime Minister such as romantic ballads, pop or rock at Flinders Park, now the Melbourne David Cameron, aged 77. Bernard music, political songs or football club Tennis Centre, aged 70. Josef Philberth, priest, philosopher, songs, guidelines say. But outspoken Hedley Beare, AM, educator, Christian scientist, aged 83. Catholic priest father Bob McGuire thinker, wrote columns for 15 years in described the guidelines as insensitive. The Melbourne Anglican, professor Funeral service operator Adrian Nelson of education at Melbourne University,

27 LETTER FROM CANBERRA 12 SEPTEMBER - 18 OCTOBER 2010

Mayurdwajsinhji Meghrajji III, the Tony Curtis, one of the last great stars Norman Wisdom, British comic actor last of the Indian princes who ruled !"#$%$#"&'()$*($+,-./01#,2)$'")(/1"3$their of Hollywood’s golden age, most famous famous for his/(,- slapstick film"#4)/1 roles aged own states before the country gained for his performance in his best-loved 95. Eddie (Edwin' John)!! Fisher, singer, )56789:6;$6;<=9;$>?$/8@=6;9$%A?A$BCD$E=$:C@=$@F;$D9BG$@=$G:C$%$C:EF@7H$:C8I5D:CE$69;BJ

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of land and water supplies, in defiance of opposition deductibility to the fund-raising effort. As the author of Supreme Court Justice Hartley Hanson, who was a policy. Coalition Treasury spokesman and Liberal MP Joe a purported education revolution herself, Gillard lauded Queen’s Counsel before becoming a judge 16 years ago, Hockey said he strongly opposed the idea of a registry. McKillop as an education pioneer who believed in the has been promoted to the Court of Appeal. transformative power of a good education. Handicapped Good Job In The Age, Michelle Grattan wrote that Andrew Peacock, Hope they make it… The National Breast Cancer Foundation seeks a chief back in his old electorate of Kooyong, committed a howler The Herald Sun reported that courts cleared the way executive officer [email protected]. when he said that ‘you’d have to be pretty handicapped for 14-year-old Dutch girl Laura Dekker to set sail on Tenders not to appreciate that this government is dissolving before her quest to solo circumnavigate the world and become The Government wants to know how Australia should your eyes daily’. This would have been unfortunate even if the youngest person to do it. The Age reported that Kiwi commemorate the Anzac Centenary. All Australians the Labor candidate for Kooyong had not been blind. adventurer Jeremy Burfoot will try to travel the 32,000 are asked to put their ideas and suggestions forward kilometres from London to New Zealand by jet ski. The to a National Commission about how the Australian 51-year-old pilot will spend up to 12 hours a day astride a community can be engaged to mark the Anzac Centenary, SOCIETY jet-ski on his journey to the southern hemisphere. www.anzaccentenary.gov.au. God help her Australia’s first atheist celebrated the achievement of APPOINTMENTSBecome the, JeOxBpSer ANDt on lobbTheying Department and c o of m Healthmun andica Ageingtion . invites Australia’s first nsaintot whenfor pJuliarof Gillardit told an audience applications for the fifth round of funding under the Designed specifically for you and your team, tNationalhis one Rural day and ful Remotely intera Healthctiv Infrastructuree worksho Program,p at Sydney Townbu Hallsin thatess Maryes McKillop embodied TENDERS the spirit of Australian egalitarianism, The Australian will help you get what you want from governmewww.health.gov.au/tenders.nt and/or your stakeholders. reported. The Primeindi vMinisteridua lwass speaking at a dinner Appointments Presented by Alistair Urquhart to raise funds for the celebration McKillop’s canonisation Greg Moriarty has been appointed as Australia’sAffair s next of StaThete Productivity|14 Collins Commission Street Melbourn invites publice 30 participation00 on October 17. iThenteres audiencet g ofr ouCatholicps eminences were ambassador to Indonesia, replacing03 965 career4 130public0 servant| alist air@in aanff airinquirys.co intom. atheu |case ww forw. amicroeconomicffairs.com.a reformu in pleased when Gillard pledged $1.5m of Commonwealth Bill Farmer, who has served in the role since 2005. Australia’s urban water sector, www.pc.gov.au. money towards the celebrations and extended tax !"#!$%&#' DE,F.)2'G$ 8&-0'))) ))9,4')) ) ) ) ) ))))) :%1,3&!,-&.3)) ) ) ) ) ) ))))) (//%'!!)) ) ) ) ) ) ) ))))) ))))) );.!-$./')) ) ))))) ;+.3'<=,>))) ) ) ) ?4,&0)))))) H2E0.+),F.)2'G$ D+'E"')F,--,$+'/G)*.%)H) )&!)'3$0.!'/)5,7,#0')-.)(**,&%!).*)A-,-'6).%))) $+,%1')H))))))))))))))))))))-.))!)I&!,))!)C,!-'%$,%/))!)(4'> D,%/)9"4#'%

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28 19