LETTERFROMMELBOURNE Saving you time. Since 1994. A monthly newsletter distilling public policy and government decisions which affect business opportunities in , and beyond.

1 JUNE 2010 to 3 JULY 2010 ISSUE 155: WINTER EDITION INSIDE Labor’s election platform. Class warfare 3 The Proust Review. New anti-corruption body.. 10 Population plan. Regional focus 3 Bicycle sharing with hats 22 Bushfire debate concluding 5 Bracks AO 4 Myki slowly arriving’ish 22 DLP in strife 4 The Windsor suite still in the news 19 Overland phone conversations 15 Roy Morgan ranks Federal Electorates by Important Concerns – Law & Order, Education, Consumer Confidence & the Self-Employed. 1 JUNE to 3 JULY 2010

14 Collins Street , 3000 Victoria, Australia P 03 9654 1300 EDITORIAL: COUNTING ON OUR GOOD GOVERNANCE F 03 9654 1165 The federal political scene has captured the attention of the media over the past fortnight. But there is plenty of [email protected] www.letterfrommelbourne.com.au groundwork being laid for the Victorian election on 27 November. Transport, safety and police, regional Victoria and health services will have perfect/similar electoral offerings by the Brumby government and the Baillieu Editor Alistair Urquhart alternative. Associate Editor Hamish Brooks Subscription Manager Juliette Biegler The front cover this month illustrates the need to be aware that after the state election there will be ambulances Advertising Manager Eddie Mior absolutely everywhere. So be careful, of promises and reality. Editorial Consultant Rick Brown Design Steph Dang For a rounded view on perceptions of the coming Victorian, and federal, elections, try reading both and for quite distinct coverage and opinions. This includes Victorian issues of leadership, government, transport and the police. Letter From Melbourne is a monthly public affairs bulletin, a simple précis, distilling and interpreting Watch the Proust inquiry into the current anti-corruption regime, as a range of stakeholders and opinion-formers public policy and government decisions, which affect business opportunities in Victoria and Australia. will be having their say in the months ahead. What will be the final model? Somewhat related to the purpose of this inquiry are several Victorian police matters, which as mentioned above, are being quite widely canvassed across Written for the regular traveller, or people with the spectrum of media. The Melbourne Storm (rugby league team) directors will, via present legal proceedings, meeting-filled days, you only have to miss reading bring some transparency to an important off-field sports event. the The Age or The twice a week to need Letter From Melbourne. It’s more about business opportunities (or lack of them) than politics. It’s not The new prime minister, and a couple of (Victorian) ministers in particular key portfolios will no doubt bring Crikey.com. We keep the words to a minimum. additional opportunities to Victorian stakeholders. Letter From Melbourne is independent. It’s not party political or any other political. It does not have the imprimatur of government at any level. About the Editor For context. It includes events and people and society, ALISTAIR URQUHART and the weather if that is important. Alistair Urquhart graduated from the Australian National University Increasingly, Letter From Melbourne is developing a in , in Law, History and Politics, was admitted as a federal and national coverage and also an increasing synopsis of national business issues. barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria, and remains a (non-practicing) member of the Law Institute of Victoria. The only communications tool of its type, Letter Before that, he graduated from high school in Bethesda, Maryland, From Melbourne keeps subscribers abreast of recent and had many opportunities to become aware of the workings of developments in the policy arena on a local, state and federal level. Washington DC.

You can read it on a flight from Melbourne once a For 30 years, he listened every Sunday evening to the late Alistair month or with a good cup of coffee. Cooke and his Letter From America. His early career was mostly in the coal industry, where he became involved with energy, environmental and water issues, and later in the SME finance ADVERTISE WITH US sector. The perfect platform to His public affairs firm works with many engineering and information technology firms, other professional association and industry groups, on a wide range of issues, in Victoria, Canberra and overseas. Urquhart visits attract the attention of the Canberra regularly. He may hold the record for miles rowed on Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin. who’s who of Melbourne’s public and private sector. INDEX JUSTICE 10 for a copy of our media kit or information regarding advertising with LETTER FROM MELBOURNE STATE GOVERNMENT & POLITICS 3 MELBOURNE 16 please contact Alistair Urquhart THE BUSHFIRES 5 19 [email protected] +61 3 9654 1300 ARTS 6 PLANNING & BUILDING 19 DOCKLANDS 6 LOCAL GOVERNMENT 20 EDUCATION 6 SPORT 21 Published by A.B Urquhart & Company Pty Ltd trading as Affairs of State. Disclaimer: Material in this publication is general ENVIRONMENT 7 TOURISM 21 comment and not intended as advice on any particular matter. Professional advice should be sought before action is taken. CONSERVATION 7 TRANSPORT 22 Material is complied from various sources including newspaper ENERGY 8 RAIL 22 articles, press releases, government publications, Hansard, trade journals, etc. © This newsletter is copyright. No part may be WATER 8 ROAD. PEDESTRIANS 22 reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, GAMING 9 AIR 23 photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written HEALTH 9 PORTS 23 permission from the publisher. Affairs of State respects your privacy. While we do believe that the information contained in INVESTMENT 10 THE WORKPLACE 23 Letter from Melbourne will be useful to you, please advise us if BUSINESS 10 IR 23 you do not wish to receive any further communications from us. AGRICULTURE. REGIONAL 10 COMMUNITY 23

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put business operators off side and would send jobs lobbyists working to win government contracts. Greens State Government & Politics interstate. MP Greg Barber called for a ban on lobbyists meeting with the Planning Minister, The Age reported. Who’ll win Knocking and blocking The polls show a close race in Victoria, unlike our Labor’s 2010 election promises include a $50m-a- Diffusing the population neighbours over the Murray where the Liberal year pledge to boost wages for low-paid workers and The Herald Sun reported that improving infrastructure opposition with leader O’Farrell is well in front. a concerted attack on Liberal leader . and boosting visitor numbers to Victoria’s villages The Australian newspaper explains the policies, Setting the scene for a class-war election, Brumby and towns will be some of the major initiatives in the people and government administration very differently said the Liberals would govern only for the big end Government’s push to win votes in regional areas. than The Age, saying Victorian voters are fed up with of town, whereas Labor would increase salaries for Premier unveiled a major five-year the same party, faces and people. tens of thousands community service work groups plan for regional areas aimed at spreading wealth such as Yooralla, Anglicare and the Salvation Army. across the whole state. In the first part of a major Rewriting the Constitution Brumby told an ALP state conference that the choice push for regional votes, Brumby set up a $36m The Age reported that Labor’s draft policy platform for voters was between his positive vision of the future tourism promotion campaign to boost tourist hubs for the November election reveals a plan to paint and the ’s chorus of negativity, knocking and in Daylesford, Sorrento, Kyneton, Barwon Heads and Premier John Brumby as the best leader to blocking, The Age reported. Rutherglen. Residents of Barwon Heads might think the challenges caused by climate change and the this is an attempt to make up for the Barwon Heads’ rapid growth and ageing of Victoria’s population. Interesting… new bridges debacle! Labor strategists also plan to step up their ‘class war’ More than three in four members of a western against Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu by highlighting suburbs Labor Party branch at the centre of branch Furthermore his privileged background and depicting him as out stacking allegations, Albion, have failed to renew their Geelong, , and the Latrobe Valley of touch with the needs of everyday Victorians. The party memberships, The Age reported. Sources said will be earmarked for population booms over the 176-page platform, distributed to party activists and that 81 of about 107 members of the Albion branch, next 15 years in a bid to ease some of the growing union leaders, says Labor will conduct a plebiscite where party whistleblower Costas Socratous used pains evident on Melbourne’s clogged roads and to demonstrate support for an Australian head of to be secretary, had not renewed this year. The Albion overcrowded trains, under a $631m, five-year state, and will initiate an appropriate referendum on a dropouts were among about 200 party members in population plan unveiled by Premier John Brumby. republic. Labour says it will seek cross-party support the federal electorate of Gorton, out of a total of about The centrepiece is $110m tertiary education package, to rewrite the Constitution to make it a readable and 1000, who did not renew their memberships by the for new student accommodation and TAFE and accessible document for all Victorians. Signaling May 31 deadline. university facilities, in a bid to stem the brain drain the prospect of a pre-election ‘class war’, ALP state and encourage more young people to study and stay secretary Nick Reece said in a note to party members Pardon? in regional cities and rural towns. The heritage coastal being sent the draft platform: ‘Our values are not On the opinion pages of The Age, state political editor towns of Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula and the same as the Liberals and the Nationals – Labor Paul Austin wrote that for the first time in 10 years, Port Fairy on the southwest coast, as well as 90 is about a fair and egalitarian society. Only Labor voters might have stopped listening to Brumby. That’s Mile Beach in Gippsland, will get millions of dollars in understands that there is a gap between rich and poor why the ‘So over this premier’ message to the ABC’s grants to help prevent them losing their charm as ‘sea in Australia, and government must play a role.’ Jon Faine, after a long interview with Brumby, should changers’ move in. A multi-million-dollar advertising send a shiver down the Labor spine. campaign funded by taxpayers will support the plan, Rural proof with prime-time TV ads urging Melburnians to make a The Australian reported that the Victorian Labor How do you like your grilling? new life in provincial Victoria. has sought to rural-proof its party platform and Ministers and public servants will face more re-election prospects with a proposed requirement frequent, inquisitorial style grilling, whoever wins A new Council of Victorian Governments, chaired that every Cabinet decision take into account the the November state election, under proposed new by the Premier and including regional city mayors impact on people in the bush and rural centres. Rural- scrutiny measures, The Age reported. Labour, the and the state’s 38 rural councils, will be set up proofing is a phrase well known in New Zealand and opposition and the Greens have given their backing to to coordinate the scheme. The regional blueprint British political circles but, according to ALP state the new Parliamentary committee system, modelled is designed to reduce the threats to Melbourne’s secretary Nick Reece, new to Australian politics. on the federal Senate and widening the powers to liveability caused by the city’s population boom, and As it is explained in the policy platform (see above), quiz ministers, examine legislation and force public to limit the prospects of a revolt against Labor in rural proofing compels a Labor government to identify servants to give evidence before Parliament. The move marginal regional seats at the state election. Brumby implications of policies for rural communities, take came as Premier John Brumby received a review of launched the policy in Ballarat before embarking on a into account any significant differences between how Victoria’s anticorruption integrity bodies (see Justice). selling tour of provincial centres. He said that regional policies will work in town and country and to develop The new structure would create committees in the Victoria’s population was already growing at its policies that target areas of special need outside areas of the economy and infrastructure, environment highest rate since 1982, The Age reported. The plan Melbourne. A great concept! and planning, and legal and social issues, with each includes the scrapping of 400 Melbourne-based jobs to probe legislation, reports and the performance of in state government departments and agencies and Blowing in the wind government departments as well as having the power relocating them to Bendigo, Ballarat and Moe. The Herald Sun reported that the Labor Party has to launch inquiries. sanctioned a series of ads to undermine Opposition Beauty pageant policy Leader Ted Baillieu’s position six months out from Lobby hobby The Age reported that advertisers would be barred the state election. The Opposition Leader is accused The number of lobbyists on Victoria’s official register from portraying women in an exploitative or of policy ‘about turns’ on wind farms, desalination and has more than tripled in seven months, leading to calls discriminatory way, under a ‘pro-women’ policy bay dredging. This comes as Premier John Brumby for tighter rules and greater transparency covering Victorian Labor is expected to take to the election. accused the Opposition of destroying Victoria’s wind their activities. The register now has 65 companies Under the plan, discussion of positive presentation farm industry. The Opposition plans to ban wind and individuals listed. When Premier John Brumby of women in the media would be incorporated farms being built within 2 kilometres of houses in announced the creation of the register in December into primary and secondary school curriculums in national parks, growth corridors and tourist zones if there were just 21 lobbyists listed. Opposition scrutiny Victoria, and the ad industry would be encouraged it wins government. Brumby says the policies have of government spokesman David Davis said it was to declare when an image had been digitally altered coalition policy to introduce a ban on success fees for to enhance a woman’s breast size or reduce her

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waist or thighs. Advertisers will strongly resist Missed it by that much several pubs and clubs claim a freeze, introduced plans to regulate against allegedly exploitative The Herald Sun reported that each outgoing by the Department of Justice and Director of or discriminatory depictions of women in the frontbencher at this year’s state election is Liquor Licensing midway through 2008 on media, according to industry experts who say entitled to as much as $120,000 a year in pension granting licences after 1am or 3am, has made it that a national code already exists. Advertising payments – and backbenchers $70,000 a year – difficult for them to stay open for Australia’s early is regulated by an industry code that prevents after serving a minimum of eight years in office. morning matches. advertising that discriminates against women. It But for many current Victorian parliamentarians, is alleged breaches of this Australian Association the November 27 poll comes two days short of A card on her birthday of National Advertisers’ code forms the basis of the eight year threshold. Former Premier received the consumer complaints. highest Queen’s Birthday honour, the Companion Cocktail shaker of the Order of Australia. He said he regarded Like the West Wing, kind of The Age reported that the Government is the establishment of marine national parks, The Labor state conference in June was preparing for a shake-up of licence fees and giving more powers to the Upper House of the broadcast on ’s public affairs channel, or regulations for bottle shops. The changes are State Parliament and set-term elections as APAC, which televised the key speeches, the expected to address anomalies such as small his three biggest achievements in power, the first time the conference has been televised. VCE bottle shops paying twice the licence fees of bulk Herald Sun reported. The Australian reported politics students were invited to the conference retailers such as Dan Murphy’s. Consumer Affairs that he was recognised for his eminent service and had the chance to meet Premier John Minister Tony Robinson has told a parliamentary to the Parliament and the community of Brumby and federal Finance Minister Lindsay committee that packaged liquor outlets would Victoria through reform of the constitutional Tanner, who delivered the keynote addresses. be next in line under the Government’s alcohol and electoral systems, the introduction of Likening the broadcast to the screening of US regulation reforms. ‘Packaged liquor is the most initiatives to education and training, leadership political conferences, Victorian ALP secretary problematic area in licensing, not just in Victoria in the promotion of multiculturalism and through Nick Reece welcomed the scrutiny and feedback but elsewhere,’ he said. ‘About 75 per cent of economic development. of the students, The Age reported. all the alcohol consumed comes from packaged liquor outlets.’ The Herald Sun reported that there Mulholland drive Stamp remover may be a large fee hike in a bid to cut operating Peter Kavanagh and John Mulholland emerged The Opposition is considering removing stamp hours, with the government considering plans to from the 2006 state election thinking that they duty for first-home buyers in a move that would reduce the number of outlets staying open until were winners, with a seat each for the socially wipe more than $23,000 off the average price 11 pm. conservative Democratic Labor Party. Mulholland of a Melbourne house. The Coalition is pondering lost on a recount and has since gone on to almost axing the unpopular levy ahead of the November Nearby destroy the party, The Age reported. The DLP in election. The Financial Review reported that The Herald Sun reported that new figures Victoria is on its knees, with less than $10,000 the proposal to exempt first home buyers from show thousands of breaches of liquor license in the bank, and police are investigating the paying stamp duty would deplete the state’s conditions this year, and a worrying 55 criminal disappearance of potentially tens of thousands coffers by more than $500m a year, according to investigations continuing. New Liquor Licensing of dollars, linked to Mulholland, who continues to government analysis. director Mark Brennan, who started the job after maintain that he is the rightful party secretary. the spotlight was fixed on booze fuelled violence, The party’s true secretary is Kevin Butler. Confusing or not? said there were too many venue operators Meanwhile, most political pundits believe the DLP The Age reported the Attorney-General ignorant of their responsibilities. He wants a new is unlikely to win any upper house seats in the said he would soon unveil a bill to Parliament compliance training course to be tested for first- next election without Labor preferences, which that gave the Victorian Electoral Commission time licensees. at this stage are more likely to go to the Greens. the power to automatically enrol 18-year-olds Many felt the party was dead until Kavanagh without their consent or the need to fill in a form. Meanwhile was elected to the western Victoria region in The move follows similar legislation in New South Pubs and clubs across Victoria were granted 2006 on the back of Labor preferences (he had Wales and means both states are now out of kilter early-morning liquor licences to stay open for only 2.6 per cent of the vote). The Victorian with the federal role. As a result, young voters in World Cup matches with extra police and public Electoral Commission and the Victorian Civil Victoria must still fill out a form to be enrolled to transport officers on duty to deal with unruly and Administrative Tribunal recognise Butler as vote in this year’s federal election. behaviour, The Age reported. It also reported that the party’s official state secretary. The Supreme

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Court has also granted an injunction stopping Mulholland from describing himself as secretary The bushfires and signing cheques on behalf of the party. But Mulholland is continuing his fight by taking the A big class-action VEC and Butler back to the Supreme Court. Lawyers acting for Black Saturday fire victims lodged legal documents in Victoria’s biggest Lucky they don’t keep guns in the house class-action, alleging a private power company The Herald Sun reported that Upper House Liberal was responsible for a blaze that cost 119 lives. The leader David Davis and Upper House president statement of claim, lodged in the Supreme Court, Bob Smith are on a collision course over claims alleges international electricity provider Singapore that up to five Parliamentary drivers have refused Power, which owns the power distributor SP to work with Davis. AusNet, failed to monitor and maintain the power line that caused the East Kilmore blaze. One of A functioning democracy the key planks to the case is the allegation that an It’s a wonder how any democracy would ageing 1.1 kilometre line failed because the power function properly without an Auditor-General. In company refused to fit a $10 plastic anti-vibration May and June alone, eleven Auditor-General’s protector to guard against metal fatigue, The Age reports arrived on Letter from Melbourne’s reported. The company is expected to spread the desk, including Control of Invasive Plants and blame to the Country Fire Authority and the state Animals in Victoria’s Parks; Partnering with government, by joining government agencies the Community Sector in Human Services and as co-defendants, in an attempt to reduce its Health; Administration of the Victorian Certificate potentially massive legal liability. of Education; Personal Safety and Security on the Metropolitan Train System; Managing Teacher MARK BRENNAN Taking the cash in confusion Performance in Government Schools; Tertiary The Herald Sun reported that fewer than one in 20 Education and Other Entities: Results of the 2009 As the Director of Liquor Licensing I am responsible homes destroyed in the Black Saturday fires has Audits; Access to Social Housing; Managing for furthering the goals of the Liquor Control Reform been rebuilt and ready for occupancy, as victims the Requirements for Disclosing Private Sector Act 1998, and harm minimisation will be a paramount struggle with delayed construction projects Contracts; and The Community Building Initiative. consideration to help ensure Victoria has a vibrant, but and decisions about whether to rebuild. A high These reports are quite independent and provide responsible, drinking culture. number of those who lost their homes (2,133 were a feast for the Opposition, the media, interest destroyed) in the fires have chosen to take their groups and the community at large. In accepting this position, it is my intention to improve insurance payouts in cash. Insurance Council of the accountability, transparency and appropriateness Australia figures show 93 per cent of the 10,280 Up there of decision making in liquor regulation. claims arising from the fires are being paid out Ian McDonald, the mineral in cash, a total of just over $1b. The insurance resources minister, was forced to resign after It is also my intention to emphasise the importance of industry has concerns that many victims are misusing taxpayer funds on a trip to Dubai in education and information to participants in the liquor unsure about their long-term plans. 2008. His exit followed the resignation earlier in industry. It is my view that if licensees are appropriately the day of juvenile justice minister Graham West educated and informed about their obligations, they Hindsight’s 20/20 who quit amid reports that he was angry about will find it easier to comply with the requirements of Criticisms of the performance of Country the government’s neglect of his portfolio, the their liquor licence. Fire Authority chief officer Russell Rees on Financial Review reported. Black Saturday were a classic example of The contribution of licensees makes Victoria one of apportioning blame with the benefit of hindsight, the world’s most liveable, attractive and prosperous Julian Burnside, QC, told the Bushfires Royal areas for residents, businesses and visitors and I will Commission in a sustained defence of Rees during strive to achieve a balance that minimises alcohol- the commission’s final hearing day, The Age related harm but supports the contribution of the reported. The truth of this, and many other claims, liquor, hospitality and tourism industries. will be decided by Bushfire Royal Commissioner Bernie Teague, who will also adjudicate on far

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Into the fire “Installation of the most powerful technology, “Invisible Miracle!” A Facebook campaign has convinced British actor, without the implementation of the most sound ELPedium™ comedian, television star and avid tweeter Stephen methodology; leads to mind-boggling apoplexy!” Speech Recognition Fry to perform in Melbourne in July. Fry, 52, the popular host of quiz show QI (Quite Interesting), which ® WordScribe /Dataworxs and ELPedium “Auto Updating” Speech Recognition screens on ABC on Tuesday nights, had planned to integrations installed by the soundest methods, produce incredible increases in productivities. do just two (sold-out) shows at the Opera House on July 27 and 28. But the campaign ‘Dear Clients for our digital voice technologies include the legal and medical professions as well as government agencies including the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Stephen Fry, please come to Melbourne in July, not Office and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. just Sydney’, which attracted 1,306 members, helped change his mind, The Age reported.

1 2 3 Nearing 50 years of “Supplying Choices; Delivering Solutions!” with practical advice Crime our cultural export “Supplying Choices; Delivering Solutions!” REW / RECORD PLAY PLAY

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Inc with: 7 8 9 is set to get an American makeover, with US cable GRUNDIG DICTATION MACHINES PTY LTD REWIND F F FF/PL AY * 0 # 656 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Australia channel Starz announcing it has bought the rights to CANCEL PAUS E END JOB T +61 3 9347 5555 F: +61 3 9347 7706 [email protected] produce its own version of the show. more important matters – such as how to improve the Victorian Major Events Company, Museum Jurgen performed readiness to deal with deadly bushfires in the Victoria, Michael Gudinkski’s Frontier Events Melbourne-based organ soloist David Macfarlane, future. and Premier Exhibitions USA – that arrived at the Director of Music at All Saints’ Anglican Church, East Melbourne Museum in late May and is one of many St Kilda and Organist at Newman College, gave his Difficult anniversary new corporate for-profit museum shows that walk a debut concert performance on the Melbourne Town The Herald Sun reported that Christine very fine line between museum exhibition and theme Hall Grand Organ, on June 16. The concert featured Nixon is unhappy with the leaking of damning park. While great for attendance figures, they often sonatas from Mendelssohn and Rheinberger and by commentary by counsel assisting the Bushfires raise some complex ethical questions for our public current German composer Jurgen Essl. It was part Royal Commission. The Government is angry institutions. The Titanic show in particular raises a of the Grand Organ events, www. because it has lost control of the debate. And deeper question about striking a balance between thatsmelbourne.com.au/grandorgan. the commissioners are cross because the leaked integrity and marketing, particularly when presented submission creates the perception that they have in public institutions. The commercialisation of the Held to ransom taken their hands off the wheel. In fact, the end of tragedy sits a little uncomfortably also. Blockbuster The Herald Sun reported the chief executive of the the royal commission process was always going shows may bring huge numbers of tourists to Victoria Sydney Opera House, Richard Evans, confirmed that to be a difficult anniversary for anyone connected through our big institutions, but it would sit much it may have to close permanently if state and federal with the fires. Nixon strongly denied she had more comfortably if there was not a niggling concern governments do not come up with $800m to replace deliberately misled the commission, as her legal that we are stretching our integrity to accommodate stage machinery. team warned the claims were without substance. them. Get there Incompetent It’s a grand old flag There was a great advert in The Weekend Australian On the opinion pages of The Age, Paul Austin, The Age reported that the Melbourne Symphony for Melbourne’s Arts district, www.visitvictoria.com. the paper’s state political editor, wrote that Orchestra has turned to playing AFL club songs in a the Government’s claims of competence over bid to put bums on seats. Purists might baulk, but bushfires are being devastated. The Brumby the MSO will play medleys of ditties more often sung government failed Victorians before, during and by out of tune players and fans after a win. Good Old Docklands after the worst natural disaster in the state’s Collingwood Forever, We’re a Happy Team at Hawthorn history. The Herald Sun reported that Victorians and We Are Geelong feature in Sporting Scores! at The wheel turns, figuratively of course were abandoned during the state’s worst disaster Hamer Hall on June 19 and 20. The MSO will also play Melbourne City Council is poised to wipe out $936,687 by catastrophic failures in leadership on Black the instrumental themes from films Chariots of Fire, in rate bills charged to Harbour Town Shopping Centre Saturday. Rocky and Phar Lap. David Kram, a conductor and because the anchor tenants of the Docklands precinct senior fellow at the ’s school of have been unable to attract an income since the Equip the men on the ground music, said he was surprised the MSO hadn’t thought Southern Star Observation Wheel broke and was shut The Herald Sun reported that as debate continues of football songs before. down in January last year, only weeks after it opened, over bushfire prevention policies and government the Herald Sun reported. reaction to Black Saturday, fire-fighters are still Masterful crying out for basic equipment like pagers and The Herald Sun reported that Masterchef has first-aid training. Kangaroo Ground CFA captain transformed itself into a $100m industry. Attracting Peter Grant said he was still angry at the lack of almost 2,000,000 viewers a night, Ten’s smash hit has Education attention given to properly equipping fire-fighters. moved into a new realm of advertising clout, earning His unit went out and spent a few hundred dollars the tag of ‘the most powerful television show in Seven-up buying their own pagers. Australia’. The six-nights-a-week ratings bonanza has The Government has not shown whether the quality built itself into a juggernaut on the back of advertising of teaching has improved in state schools despite revenue, product placement and merchandising. a seven-year campaign, says the Auditor-General, Des Pearson. In an audit into whether teaching is Arts More masters improving, Pearson said the Education Department The Stadel Museum (Germany) European Masters 19th- was not assessing how well schools evaluated A cut lunch for the queue 20th Century is showing at the NGV International, 19 teachers and thus could not be certain that it was In The Age, Marcus Westbury wrote about The June to 10 October, as part of the Melbourne Winter achieving its aim of improving teaching. The audit Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition – brought to us by Masterpieces series, www.ngv.vic.gov.au. comes after a report by the Grattan Institute found

6 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE that more than 90 per cent of Australian teachers felt garage, carport, shed or the like – under the Building introduction of the national year 12 subjects because they would not get recognition if they improved, The Code of Australia. of an overlap in content, The Age reported. Age reported. What’s happening? Duster Forward to the past The Education and Training Committee is Every Aboriginal secondary school student will have The Age reported that the government’s delay in conducting an inquiry into the Administration of an individualised education and career plan under building new schools in inner suburbs could lead the Federal Government’s Building the Education a strategy to close the employment gap between to sudden overcrowding, with more than 4,000 Revolution Program in Victoria and invites submissions, indigenous and non-indigenous Victorians by 2023. additional primary school-aged students expected [email protected]. Deputy premier Rob Hulls will hail the commitment to be jostling for desk space in 2016. Docklands, as a historic break from past policies and an end to Southbank, Port Melbourne, Coburg, Northcote, Consequences the ‘yes, minister’ practice of releasing reports on Brunswick and Preston are expected to be placed Tough new immigration rules for foreign students indigenous policy and leaving them to gather dust!!! under the greatest pressure from the rising numbers. are impacting on Australia’s economy, with more Education Department spokesman Nick Higgins said than 125,000 fewer international students expected Punish them a report looking at school facilities and education to come in the next 12 months, costing more than A trial of paying teachers annual bonuses of up to needs in central Melbourne was underway, and the 31,000 jobs nationwide. Immigration Department $6000 is underway in Victorian government schools to department had not ruled out building additional figures of new visa applications suggests Victoria, the assess whether rewarding quality teachers improves schools in inner Melbourne suburbs. state that is most reliant on foreign students, will be their effectiveness and their students’ performance, hardest hit, with 40,250 fewer students in the next The Australian reported. What bullies become year. Modelling by Access Economics suggests this A $27m merger of two schools is in crisis after will cost 10,100 jobs in Victoria and put a $1.17b hole Into the future Thomastown Secondary College withdrew its in the states’ export income, more than a quarter of The Herald Sun reported that Brighton Grammar support, amid allegations of government bullying. the total value of the state’s biggest export industry, School has had an iPad for two months as part Thomastown school council voted to walk away from The Age reported. of a research project on e-learning. The school’s the amalgamation with Peter Lalor Secondary College community education director, John Phillips, said because of concerns over state funding. School Virtual education that the long-term goal was to phase out textbooks. council member Shane Burke also complained to The Education Department has been forced to scrap ‘With the one device we’ve replaced textbooks, we’ve the Ombudsman over the bullying and intimidation he part of it $77m virtual classroom project after the replaced the student diary, we’ve replaced the need says the school received – despite the government Privacy Commissioner raised concerns about children for a graphics calculator,’ he said. Philips said that a publicly vowing that, unlike the Kennett government, chatting on Facebook-style pages. The ultranet – an Melbourne IT firm and senior students were working it would never force schools to merge, The Age online network that will give parents round-the-clock on education applications to deliver course material reported. Education Minister met with access to their children’s lessons, homework, results through the iPad. the two schools to discuss their differences. and attendance – will be rolled out in every state school in Victoria by September. The department has A good job Nothing ditched plans for every student to have a so-called The Victorian Institute of Teaching seeks a chief The Government has again refused to detail the ‘eXpress landing page’, which would have allowed executive officer, www.kathleentownsend.com.au. costs of implementing the Building the Education them to chat using Facebook-style message walls, Revolution program in Victoria, rejecting a Freedom of The Age reported. Information request on individual school project costs, The Australian reported. Pay them to stay in school Environment The Herald Sun reported that a Coalition government You do the maths would fine parents who keep their children from school The Herald Sun reported that since last July, 45 without a good excuse. Figures show absenteeism is Conservation schools have merged to form 21, bringing the number rampant in many state schools. In the worst cases, of mergers since Labor took power in 1999 to 144, students are missing for an average of one day in Disappointing according to the latest Education Department figures. four. Whilst a truancy fine of $116 a day exists, it The state government has been criticised for The Government says the mergers were voluntary is believed it has never been enforced. Opposition proposing legislation to tackle climate change that but the opposition accuses it of a sham consultation education spokesman said the law was does not include new steps to cut greenhouse gas process. Liberal education spokesman Martin Dixon a toothless tiger because the government had watered emissions, and ignores a pre-2006 election pledge said the Government was merging and closing schools down school disciplinary procedures. to force emissions cuts for coal-fired power stations. with little or no public consultation. Despite a pledge to introduce a landmark climate iPhone app change bill, a draft circulated at Spring Street includes Nearby The Age reported that exam rules should be reviewed only one new measure that could lead to emissions A $200,000 basketball stadium built at Black Rock to prevent Victorian Certificate of Education students cuts – a requirement that some ministers must show Primary School under the federal stimulus program cheating by using mobile phones and other electronic they have considered the greenhouse impact when does not comply with building regulations and so devices, according to the acting Auditor-General. designing new policy, The Age reported. cannot be used for anything but storage, The Age reported. School council member Mandy Grogan Who is Rasputin? Nearby says the school is in breach of the law and has put Victorian history teachers say the national curriculum The Herald Sun reported that former Australian of the safety of children at risk by using the stadium downgrades Australian History and may lead to the the Year Tim Flannery has attacked the government for sports lessons. Black Rock Primary received elimination of Revolutions, the state’s most popular for failing on the environment, saying it is taking no $200,000 from the federal government to extend year 12 history course. The History Teachers meaningful steps to address climate change. In a the school hall and build a gymnasium. However, Association of Victoria has written to curriculum comment he made before delivering his speech in the an inspector from The Bayside City Council said the authorities to express concerns over the draft annual Alfred Deakin Lecture series in Melbourne, the stadium only had a building permit for a class 10a senior secondary curriculum, which was released scientist said Premier John Brumby’s government building – ‘a non-habitable building being a private in mid-May. It fears the subjects will be cut with the was a fraud for claiming to be green.

7 1 JUNE to 3 JULY 2010

Hmmm. Is BP involved? Wills in Melbourne’s north praised a report that The Government has approved seismic exploration for suggests Hazelwood could be replaced by 2012 at a oil and gas in Victoria’s Bay of Islands Coastal Park cost of about $320m a year. Thomson told Parliament (which contains the Twelve Apostles). Environment there was a case for the Commonwealth and Victorian Minister has granted approval for governments to help negotiate an early close with the the gas company to begin exploration from October. plant owners, International Power, The Age reported. Drilling for oil and gas is prohibited in marine national parks, but if the seismic testing finds reserves, Origin Smart procedures Energy could be able to access the site from outside Energy retailers have started sending letters to houses the park, the Herald Sun reported. telling consumers when the new smart meters will be installed and the old electricity meters removed Carbon down, would you! from properties. When the smart meters are installed big thinkers Sustainability Victoria and the Victorian Employers’ the companies will need to turn the power off at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry have formed a consumer’s property for about 30-60 minutes. In (think tanks, climate change partnership called Carbon Down. They some instances power may be off for longer. They are knowledge bro- ran an advertisement suggesting people visit www. also advertising in the newspapers, www.citipower. whatcanidorightnow.com.au as a way of assessing com.au/smartmeters, www.powercor.com.au/ kers, networks & options to reduce your business’ carbon footprint, smartmeters. Ignore government statements that this improve sustainability performance and help the process has been put on hold. opinion shapers) environment. Will they know when we’re thinking up witty The 2009 edition of Affairs of State’s Life’s a national park headlines? latest publication Big Thinkers Parks Victoria seeks a chief executive officer, www. Power companies will be able to track when we sleep, (thing tanks, knowledge brokers, sladegroup.com.au. shower and are away from home with the use of networks & opinion shapers) has electricity smart meters, Privacy Commissioner Helen just been launched by historian Versey has warned. The meters, which measure Geoffrey Blainey. Energy electricity consumption every 30 minutes, have so far been installed at more than 150,000 homes and Big Thinkers is the only compre- Power to the people small businesses. They will be fitted across the whole hensive and accurate guide to think The Financial Review reported that electricity of Victoria by the end of 2013. Versey called for strict tanks, thinking/ideas organisations distribution companies in Victoria are seeking large security measures to prevent the misuse of customer price increases in the Australian Energy Regulator’s details, the Herald Sun reported. and opinion shapers in Australia. draft decision, in a move that could ultimately push up power prices for businesses and consumers. It assembles a list of more than 300 According to calculations from the Energy Users Water think tanks, think/ideas organisa- Association of Australia, based on proposals from the tions and opinion shapers from a companies to the regulator, the distribution network Don’t tell the water cross section of disciplines to help price before inflation could increase by as much as Victoria has laid out its defence of the landmark you understand the new financial 81 per cent, compounded to 2015, in the example High Court challenge to its water policies from South and policy environment. provided by SP AusNet. This could translate into a Australia by claiming that the trade of water entitlements 32 per cent price increase, excluding inflation, over over state boundaries does not constitute commerce With easy-to-read summaries, Big five years for its customers simply due to increased and so is not bound by the constitution’s provisions Thinkers provides up-to-date infor- network costs, the Energy Users Association of on free trade between states, the Financial Review Australia said. Distribution businesses Jemena, SP reported. Victoria claims its 4 per cent cap on water mation including: AusNet, United Energy, Citipower and Powercor trade does not breach free trade provisions. South Academic think tanks Australia are covered by the review. The same paper Australia can still purchase water for environmental Government think tanks later reported that the distribution companies were reasons and obtain access to it in a crisis, it says. (The Contract research think tanks disappointed by the AER’s draft determination which short clause in the Australian Constitution section 92 Policy advocacy think tanks could see residential bills in the state drop next year. says trade and commerce between the states shall No-for-profit policy centres The regulator’s proposal would see capital expenditure be absolutely free. It is also perhaps the most litigated University public policy and over the next five years cut by CitiPower (46 per cent), clause in the constitution. Call if you would like a free research centres Powercor Australia (36 per cent) and SP AusNet copy of the Australian Constitution, 9654 1300 or fax Opinion editors, columnists (30.5 per cent). The AER rejected proposals for $2b 9654 1165.) and writers in capital and operating expenditure by Victoria’s five privately owned distribution network service providers. Hold til the rivers run dry of they have too Because approved network expenditure is linked The Rann government believes there is a water crisis Only $110 inc. GST directly to electricity prices, the regulator’s rejection in South Australia, but refuses to ease household of the spending proposals will lower electricity prices restrictions because a minority don’t do the right To order your copy contact: for Victorian customers in 2011 – by an average of thing. South Australian Water Minister ,Paul Caica, Affairs of State $28 against a typical annual bill of $1,200 – then let began a three-day tour of the parched Murray River Level 2, 14 Collins Street, them drift up by an average of $52. system in the state’s Riverland, and in Victoria and Melbourne VIC 3000 New South Wales, by defending a decision to make Telephone: +61 3 9654 1300 The most pollutinest the government’s water security commissioner a Facsimilie: +61 3 9654 1165 Federal Labor MP Kelvin Thomson has backed calls part-time position, The Australian reported. for the Federal Government to intervene to help close Email: [email protected] Australia’s dirtiest power station, the Hazelwood power plant in the Latrobe Valley. The member for

8 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE

The government rain dance Trout Cod or were knocked unconscious by residential carers, Melbourne has started winter with its water storages Environment Victoria’s Water & Healthy Rivers and some were physically assaulted or raped by other at a four-year high, raising the chances of a second cut Bulletin (June 2010) reported that Trout Cod is the minors, The Age reported. It is unacceptable that these to water restrictions before November’s state election. only Victorian freshwater fish listed as an endangered children were harmed when there was information Water storages at the start of June were 32.7 per cent species. They are threatened by overfishing, available to indicate that their carers posed a risk to full compared with 26.3 per cent at the same time environmental factors and introduced trout species. It them, Brouwer said. An editorial in the Herald Sun last year. Premier John Brumby credited much of the also reported that it was Groundhog Day on 1 June said Community Services Minister must extra water to government water projects, including with Premier John Brumby suggesting that water be removed from a difficult portfolio. the North-South pipeline, reconnecting the Tarago restrictions might again be relaxed in Melbourne, reservoir and the Target 155 water saving campaign, despite dam inflows being 4 per cent below average. Tough decisions The Age reported. Water Minister announced an easing of The number of foster carers in Victoria has dropped water restrictions on April 1. sharply in the past decade, prompting concerns about Money bowl how children at risk of abuse and neglect will be cared In The Age, Melissa Fyfe reported that the $2b for in the future. Government figures show there irrigation project is transforming northern Victoria. But were 1,752 registered foster carers at June last year, is it worth the cash – or the pain? She gives particular Gaming compared to 3,250 in June 2001. This includes carers examples and opinions from farmers, politicians and providing long-term respite care. The figures come water bureaucrats from the government. The same A bath before a report by the Ombudsman (see above) into paper reported that Premier John Brumby launched An editorial in the Herald Sun asserted that after the state of the home care system – which includes a passionate defence of the upgrade of northern the Government’s disastrous sale of poker machine foster care, residential care and children placed in Victoria’s irrigation system. He was responding to licences for $1b less than expected, it may lose another the care of relatives. It also comes as data obtained reports that some food bowl farmers and irrigators billion if Intralot pulls out of Victoria. The agreement by the Opposition under freedom of information laws believed hundreds of new water meters – many between the Greek lottery company and the Brumby indicate a continuing trend of children moving from costing about $50,000 each – were being installed government, with its forecast of $1b in taxes over charity care because their placements are breaking unnecessarily. And some farmers were being told to 10 years, is now looking like a lost bet. The earlier down. ‘move on’ as their properties would no longer have decision to carve up Victoria’s poker machine licences water. to end the Tatts-Tabcorp duopoly saw the government Viable or value for money? take what was described by an industry expert as the A series of documents from the networks that run Water into milk biggest bath in gambling history. Driven by a similar hospitals across Victoria reveal a litany of problems The Age reported that Sustainable Soils and Farms, desire to end the tatts monopoly on scratchies and and dissatisfaction with the HealthSmart system, a little-known company chaired by former federal lotteries, the Government deal with Intralot is under which is running four years late and $35m over budget. MP Neil O’Keefe, and backed by Parliamentary pressure with the company falling $226m behind The health board minutes show hospitals being left colleagues Gavan O’Connor and , is budget in its first year and the government missing to make up funding gaps for millions of dollars, with buying out farms that have been irrigation based. They out on the taxes. networks writing to Health Minister are looking to transform groups of heavily irrigation and his department to try to find money for hidden dependent dairy properties into water efficient farms costs. The Opposition and the Australian Medical specialising in organic milk. Association said patients and doctors were losing out. Health The new revelations follow a 2008 auditor-general’s Doing for doings sake report into the system that found the original 2007 In a critique, in the Irrigation Efficiency Programs report, Not good enough completion date was too ambitious and criticised the of the $2b food bowl modernisation and the $750m Children in the care of the state have suffered further lack of analysis on whether the system is viable and north-south pipeline, the Auditor-General found Labor abuse and harm at the hands of the people chosen by value for money, The Age reported. had failed to demonstrate the need for the expenditure authorities to keep them safe, an investigation by the and to properly explore alternatives, The Age reported. Ombudsman has found. George Brouwer’s report The job of a politician The food bowl project, the largest irrigation upgrade reveals cases of children being physically assaulted The Age reported that Premier John Brumby’s office ever undertaken in Australia, is intended to save 225 by foster carers and relatives who were supposed to moved a media conference away from The Alfred billion litres of water a year in its first stage, with up be caring for them. Other children had limbs broken to avoid embarrassment at revelations that senior to 75 billion litres delivered to Melbourne and the rest shared between farmers and the environment. As the state waits for the Commonwealth to sign off on a $1b contribution to stage two of the project, critics Lobbying 101 Workshop said the auditor’s report could sway Canberra to Become the expert on lobbying and communication. invest the money on other water saving methods. The opposition claimed the auditor’s report as vindication of its long-standing criticism of the projects and called for an independent judicial inquiry. Country water resources spokesman Peter Walsh described the food bowl modernisation and pipeline as ill-conceived +LZPNULKZWLJPÄJHSS`MVY`V\HUK`V\Y[LHT[OPZVULKH`M\SS`PU[LYHJ[P]L projects planned by a panicked government which, ^VYRZOVW^PSSOLSW`V\NL[^OH[`V\^HU[MYVTNV]LYUTLU[HUKVY`V\Y for 10 years, failed to plan for Victoria’s water needs. stakeholders. The Financial Review reported that according to the Auditor-General’s report the government rushed 5V[MVYWYVÄ[Z)\ZPULZZLZ 0UKP]PK\HSZ 0U[LYLZ[NYV\WZ to spend the money on the water projects without knowing if it was pursuing the best option and whether Presented by Alistair Urquhart the spending would deliver results. Affairs of State 14 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 03 9654 1300 [email protected] www.affairs.com.au

9

1 JUNE to 3 JULY 2010

Quotable quotes that will benefit their communities, such as park

The Department of Human Services issued a upgrades, new bike tracks or tourism brochures, The U P AG A I N S T I T? Request for Quotation: Review of Victorian Youth Age reported.

Need a report or memo written Homelessness and Reconciliation Services, 03 9096 8127. A plague on our house last week and haven’t found the The Age reported the Victorian Plague Locust words or time for it? Good job Commissioner Gordon Berg warned that locust beyondblue seeks a chief executive officer, brigid. outbreaks in spring were likely. ‘The sad reality is the We provide a full prompt [email protected]. magnitude of the outbreak could be such that, with the service – we are professionals best efforts of farmers, local councils for roadsides, in public affairs with DPI for public land and all the rest, there is still a pretty international experience. Just high likelihood we will get some major outbreaks that call anytime and we are at your Investment can’t be controlled, and damage occurring,’ he said. service. A mouse plague is damaging South Australian and south-east Australian farms. WriteRight Business Contact Anthony Prices of the lambs 0412 281 388 Adieu The Herald Sun reported government figures reveal David Jones chief executive Mark McInnes has more feral dogs than ever are being trapped, shot or resigned after behaving in a manner unbecoming poisoned by the Department of Primary Industries. towards a female staff member, The Age reported. Between 2004 and 2008, 5,009 wild dogs were killed doctors believe the hospital’s computer system is The Herald Sun revealed the woman at the centre of by the Government – almost 3 a day. But farmers said putting patients lives at risk. The announcement the case, Kristy Fraser-Kirk, 25, is a junior David wild dog numbers continue to expand and a rise of by Brumby and Health Minister Daniel Andrews of Jones publicist. David Jones’s new chief executive attacks is a major factor in the jump in lamb prices. measures to cope with winter illnesses was moved is Paul Zahra. Gunns’ chairman John Gay resigned. to the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton. It was Share prices rose significantly, closing up 12c, or On the udder reported earlier that medical staff regard The Alfred’s nearly 44 per cent, The Age reported. The United Dairy Farmers of Victoria, the Victorian electronic medical record system as a disaster, with Farmers Federation and the Australian Dairy Farmers surgeons forced to compete with nursing staff and Spendthrifts return have agreed to work together, but there are serious anaesthetists for access to computer terminals. At the beginning of June, the Herald Sun reported that doubts about whether they can, the Weekly Times retailers were cutting prices at mid-year sales in an reported. UDV members are frustrated that the VFF A positive out of a negative effort to lure spending-shy shoppers into their stores. has control of their group’s purse strings. The Herald Sun reported that Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, a former state president of the Australian Medical Congratulations Dreamland, again Association, has put $30,000 into setting up a The 2010 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Proposed river red gum parks along the Murray are secure messaging system which will allow GPs, Award Winners were Australian Turntable Company, set to burden flood plain farmers with fencing costs medical specialists and allied health professionals BlueScope Steel Limited, Champion Compressors and isolated farm infrastructure, the Weekly Times in Melbourne’s west to send patient information and Pty Ltd, Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses Pty Ltd, Jindi reported. Under the new legislation, farmers are to referrals safely. Haikerwal, the victim of a brutal Cheese Pty Ltd, Kraft Foods, Mett Pty Ltd, Murray phase out grazing from river frontages by 2014 to bashing some months ago, said the experience of his Goulburn Co-Operative Co. Ltd, and Viridian Glass. make way for expanded river red gum parks. Farmers recovery had allowed him to view the health system learned their water frontage licences would become through a patient’s perspective and better understand Target Japan parks when they received letters from the Department the delays, frustrations and paperwork involved. The The Department Innovation, Industry and Regional of Sustainability and Environment. The new parks are e-mail type secure messaging system will for the Development seeks an Investment Manager Japan a result of a three-year investigation and community first time allow GPs to send electronic patient notes, for Invest Victoria, www.careers.vic.gov.au. consultation by the Victorian Environment and referrals, x-rays and test results to specialists. Assessment Council on river red gum woodlands. Worth a look Murray River Action Group chairman Ian Lobban said Triple bypass The Resources Victoria Conference, 12 to northern flood plain farmers had been left shocked At least three major Melbourne hospitals – Royal 14 July, is at the Hilton on the Park, www. and distressed by the decision to phase out grazing. Melbourne, Frankston and Sunshine – went on bypass resourcesvictoriaconference.com. (meaning they were too busy to cater for ambulance arrivals) for a night at the beginning of June, forcing long waits at several emergency departments. Agriculture. regional Justice Ambulance Victoria has warned that more delays will be likely as hospitals approached the busiest time of Half-communities A softening of stance the year, with the winter influx of patients with cold Figures from the Auditor-General show that of a The Government shifted ground on whether Victoria and flu complications, theHerald Sun reported. $10m fund set up by the Government four years ago needs an Independent Commission Against Corruption to improve life in rural towns, only $5.1m in grants before the imminent collapse of the murder case Cigarette flavoured cigarettes still get them has been given out so far, while a further $2.6m has against the former drug squad detective Paul Dale The Herald Sun reported that fruit and lolly-flavoured been funnelled into ‘administrative and operating (see below). The Proust inquiry (being conducted by cigarettes allegedly used to trick young people costs’. The fund – known as the Community Building former Kennett government Department of Premier into smoking will be banned by the end of July. As Initiative – was designed to run between 2006 and and Cabinet chief Elizabeth Proust, who last year promising new research revealed the number of 2010 in a bid to strengthen rural towns, particularly was appointed by Brumby to review the effectiveness teenagers smoking has halved since 2002, Health those experiencing growth, population decline or of Victoria’s anticorruption regime) significantly Minister Daniel Andrews announced new laws disadvantage. Under the scheme, the Department softened John Brumby’s policy stance against banning flavoured cigarettes would shortly be of Planning and Community Development provides the establishment of an independent, broad-based enforced. grants to dozens of regional councils for small projects anticorruption watchdog. Brumby said he would be

10 REDUCINGMARGINAL CRIME ELECTORATE - LAW & ORDER A SLEEPER FOR THE NEXT ELECTION LINK TO UNEMPLOYMENT As a national issue, ‘Crime and Law & Order’ has taken a ‘back Is ReducingWhere Crime are andthe highestMaintaining levels Law of unemployment?and Order an Issue of Importance? Royseat’ Morgan to economic Unemployment issues during estimatethe Global for Financial April 2010 Crisis is 6.6%, and anagain estimated with much 760,000, public down debate 76,000,over the the controversial lowest since Mining MoreMore than than 17% 11% 15%9.5% to to 17% 11 % DecemberTax. However, 2008. clearly While ‘Crime this is 13%8% toto 9.515% % goodand Law news & for Order’ the Rudd is more 11%6.5% to to 13% 8% 9%5% to to 11% 6.5% Governmentimportant in certainit is critical areas to than 7%3.5% to 9%to 5% Less than 7% recogniseothers. that unemployment is Less than 3.5% neverThe Roy uniform Morgan across electoral the profile country.data shows clearly – electors’ concerns about ‘Crime and Law In& theOrder’ two ranges years, fromsince asthe low ALP as came3.8% to Government,as high as 21.9%. unemployment has averaged 6.3%Electorates but has with been greatest much higherconcern inabout some ‘Crime crucial and ALP Law marginal & Order’ seatsinclude like the Leichhardt, key ALP marginal (unemploymentseats of Swan (WA) 11.2%); 20.2%, BonnerHasluck (9.7%); (WA) 17.7%, Flynn (9.7%);Greenway Eden-Monaro(NSW) 15.3%, (9.2%); Robertson Forde (NSW) (8.9%);14.6%, Macarthurand Dickson (NSW) (8.8%); 14.0% and Leichhardt (Qld) 12.6%.

GreyWakefield SA SA 16.3%21.9%Gellibrand Murray VIC VIC 14.1%8.3% Solomon Gippsland NT VIC 12.0%6.9% HerbertBanks NSW QLD 10.2%5.6% MelbourneHughes NSW Ports VIC 4.0%8.2% WideSwan Bay WA QLD 13.8%20.2% ScullinCowper VIC NSW 14.1%8.3% Lyne NSW QLD 12.0%6.7% PearceStirling WAWA 10.1%5.5% HothamMitchell NSWVIC 4.0%8.1% BarkerMakin SASA 13.6%19.0% AdelaideCasey VIC SA 14.0%8.2% DunkleyOxley QLD VIC 11.9%6.7% Chisholm Mackellar NSWVIC 10.1%5.5% FremantleBatm an VIC WA 4.0%8.0% CalareIsaacs NSWVIC 12.7%18.9% RyanMacarthur QLD NSW 14.0%8.2% BatmBonner an QLDVIC 11.9%6.6% CapricorniaWright QLD QLD10.1% 5.4% RiverinaDickson NSWQLD 3.9%7.9% McPhersonHasluck WA QLD 12.0%17.7% ParkesLa Trobe NSW VIC 13.9%8.1% NewcastleLindsay NSW NSW 11.9%6.6% ReidBoothby NSW SA 10.0%5.4% CorangamiteFowler NSW VIC7.7% 3.9% LeichhardtMcMahon NSW QLD 11.2%17.6% ForrestGrey SA WA 13.8%8.0% JagajagaGellibrand VIC VIC 11.8%6.5% DawsonFlynn QLD QLD 10.0%5.4% GreenwayEden-Monaro NSW NSW 3.8%7.7% CowperCanning NSW WA 11.0%17.2% CharltonBlair QLD NSW 13.7%7.9% Canning Richmond WA NSW 11.8%6.5% O'ConnorWentworth WA NSW5.4% 9.9% GoldsteinBradfield NSW VIC 3.8%7.5% GippslandBlaxland NSW VIC 10.5%17.1% BlairNewcastle QLD NSW 13.7%7.9% MurrayCunningham VIC NSW 11.8%6.5% HumeSolomon NSW NT 5.2%9.9% LaMacquarie Trobe VIC NSW 3.8%7.4% MoncrieffChifley NSW QLD 10.4%16.9% GroomHolt VIC QLD 13.6%7.9% PageForde NSW QLD 11.7%6.5% MayoFremantle SA WA 5.2%9.9% MakinCanberra SA ACT 3.7%7.3% WakefieldMoore WA SA 10.2%16.9% PerthWills VICWA 13.4%7.8% Werriwa NSW 11.6%6.5% MoretonLongman QLD QLD 5.2%9.8% WarringahBerowra NSW NSW 3.7%7.3% CorioCharlton VIC NSW 10.1%16.4%Braddon Scullin VIC TAS 13.3%7.8% McMahon Kingsford NSWSmith NSW 11.6%6.4% NewDawson England QLD NSW 5.2%9.8% HughesKooyong NSW VIC 7.3%3.7% BendigoCapricornia VIC QLD 16.3%9.8% MaranoaMcPherson QLD QLD 13.3%7.8% LyneBendigo NSW VIC 11.5%6.4% Hasluck Denison WATAS 9.8%5.1% FowlerFisher QLDNSW 3.7%7.2% BonnerMcMillan QLD VIC 15.9%9.7% Chifley Aston VICNSW 13.3%7.7% BlaxlandGroom QLD NSW 11.5%6.3% Bass Ballarat TAS VIC 9.7%5.1% Tangney Griffith QLD WA 3.3%6.9% BrandHunter WA NSW 15.8%9.7% Paterson Cook NSW NSW 13.2%7.7% McEwenHinkler QLD VIC 11.5%6.3% CowanHindmarsh WA SA 5.1%9.7% RobertsonMcEwen VIC NSW 3.3%6.7% FlynnDurack QLD WA 15.7%9.7% Wannon Corio VIC VIC 13.1%7.6% IndiKingston VIC SA 11.4%6.3% AstonLyons VICTAS 9.6%4.9% Macquarie Fadden QLD NSW 6.7%3.3% BartonBrand WANSW 15.6%9.6% McMillan Curtin WA VIC 12.9%7.5% HunterSturt SA NSW 11.3%6.3% HoltDobell VIC NSW 4.9%9.5% CaseyDeakin VIC VIC 3.3%6.6% ParramattaHotham VIC NSW15.5% 9.6% Dobell Riverina NSW NSW 12.8%7.5% Rankin Port Adelaide QLD SA 11.1%6.2% DurackCorangamite WA VIC4.9% 9.4% FlindersWatson NSWVIC 3.3%6.6% KennedyParramatta QLD NSW 15.3%9.4% GortonPerth WA VIC 12.7%7.5% FraserBarker ACTSA 11.1%6.1% GrayndlerGilmore NSW NSW 4.8%9.4% NorthFairfax Sydney QLD NSW 3.2%6.6% LalorGreenway VIC NSW 15.3%9.3% MalleeLilley QLD VIC 12.6%7.4% PortKennedy Adelaide QLD SA11.1% 6.1% KingsfordHerbert QLD Smith NSW 4.7%9.3% CurtinSydney WA NSW 3.0%6.5% Eden-MonaroBowman QLD NSW 15.3%9.2% SturtLeichhardt SA QLD 12.6%7.3% CunninghamCalare NSW NSW10.9% 6.1% MooreBass TAS WA 4.6%9.3% SwanHiggins WA VIC 6.5%2.9% RichmondPaterson NSW NSW 15.1%9.1% BowmanLalor VIC QLD 12.5%7.2% Bruce Flinders VIC VIC 10.8%6.1% Bennelong Bruce VIC NSW 9.0%4.6% BradfieldFranklin TAS NSW 2.9%6.1% FordeTangney QLD WA 15.1%8.9% Calwell Moreton VIC QLD 12.5%7.2% Gilmore Warringah NSW NSW 10.7%6.1% Lilley Maribyrnong QLD VIC 4.6%8.9% LindsayBennelong NSW NSW 2.8%6.1% HinklerCalwell QLD VIC 15.0%8.9% Kingston Rankin QLD SA 12.5%7.2% MelbourneReid NSW VIC 10.7%6.0% Cook Adelaide NSW SA 4.5%8.8%Hindmarsh Grayndler NSW SA 5.9%2.8% DicksonRobertson QLD NSW 14.6%8.8% LingiariPetrie QLD NT 12.3%7.0% KooyongBraddon VICTAS 10.7%6.0% IsaacsPage NSW VIC 4.4%8.7% WentworthNorth Sydney NSW NSW 2.8%5.9% FaddenWannon QLD VIC 14.5%8.7% BanksGorton NSW VIC 12.3%7.0% MacarthurCowan WA NSW 10.5%5.9% FranklinParkes NSW TAS 8.7%4.3% MackellarRyan QLD NSW 2.6%5.9% BoothbyO'Connor SA WA 14.3%8.6% Petrie Menzies QLD VIC 12.3%7.0% Maribyrnong Melbourne Ports VIC VIC 10.5%5.9% Fairfax New England QLD NSW 8.6%4.3% FisherFraser QLDACT 5.2%2.3% BallaratPearce WAVIC 14.2%8.6% GriffithThrosby QLD NSW 12.3%6.9% DenisonMayo SA TAS 10.4%5.8% SydneyIndi VIC NSW 4.3%8.5% HigginsBrisbane VIC QLD 2.3%5.2% ThrosbyLingiari NTNSW 14.2%8.4% OxleyMallee QLD VIC 12.2%6.9% Longman Moncrieff QLD QLD 10.3%5.8% Canberra Farrer NSW ACT 4.0%8.4% BerowraMelbourne NSW VIC 2.1%4.9% LyonsShortland TAS NSW 14.2%8.4% DeHumeakin NSW VIC 12.1%6.9% MenziesMaranoa VIC QLD 10.3%5.8% Wright Wide Bay QLD QLD 8.4%4.0% Mitchell Goldstein NSW VIC 1.8%4.0% StirlingForrest WAWA 14.2%8.4% WillsJagajaga VIC VIC 12.1%6.9% ShortlandDunkley VIC NSW 10.3%5.6% WatsonBarton NSW NSW 4.0%8.2% FarrerChisholm NSW VIC 1.7%3.8% Marginal ALP Federal Electorate Seats Marginal LNP Federal Electorate Seats Source: Roy Morgan Research January 2008 – December 2009 Total Australian 14+ WorkforceAustralian 2 year Electors sample n = 35,91561,598

11 EDUCATION -State BACK of the Nation (4) ONFocus on theTHE Wealth Effect and Investor Stress What are Australians In the Australian marketplace what actually happens is never as important as how people feel. But short term perspectives can be misleading. What does the dramatic reduction in the value of Australians’ investments, AGENDA FORcoupled THE with increased ConsumerNEXT Confidence really ELECTION mean? Only with the perspective of a long term view thinking, doing and can we begin to understand how people really feel and the impact on their behaviour. As a national issue, ‘Education’ may have The fourth State of the Nation Report provides a new level of understanding of how Australian taken a ‘back seat’ to economic issues Is Improving Education an Issue of Importance? wanting today? during the Global Financial Crisis and consumers will react in these uncertain economic times in terms of their spending habits – again with much public debate over the one of the main drivers of the economy. There are more than 2,000 Reports and Target Profiles on the Roy Morgan Online Store available controversialfor Mining Tax. However, clearly ‘Education’ is more important in More than 1,000 Target Profiles are available Website Visitor Profiles More than 20% immediate download. Here is a short selection of documents ranging in price from $950 to $65,000.certain areas than others. 18% to 20% from RoyMorganOnlineStore.com. A profile of those Australians who visited16% to 18% a range of The Roy Morgan electoral profile individual websites including: 14% to 16% State of the Nation (Report 3) - Spotlight on Financial Customer Satisfaction - Small Business 12% to 14% data shows clearlyAll – electors’Target Profiles include profiling by: Zuji Visitor Profile 10% to 12% Automotive Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Australia Owners in Australia - May 2009 Less than 10% This report is the third in the series of our Roy Morgan State This report measures small business owners’ satisfaction concernstrends about ‘Education’• Demographics ranges Cartoon Network Website Visitor Profile of the Nation reports and examines the current state of the with the major financial institutions in Australia. It looksfrom as low as 6.4%• Gender to as highand Age as Australia.com (Tourism Australia) Visitor Profile automotive industry in Australia and the impact Australian at long and short term trends for overall business owners’24%. • Income • Occupation YouTube Website Visitor Profile drivers have on Automotive Carbon Emissions. satisfaction. Electorates with greatest• Socio-Economic concern Status and Discretionary Expenditure Seek Website Visitor Profile For over 5 years we have surveyed a sample of approximatelyabout ‘Education’• include Attitudinal the Profilekey (agree with statements) PSIS Website Visitor Profile • Health and Fitness Supermarket Satisfaction - April 2009 3,500 small business owners face to face regarding their levelALP marginal seats of Melbourne MySpace Website Visitor Profile • Societal Issues • Shopping Preferences This Report provides a uniquely independent and reliable of satisfaction with the financial institutions they deal with.(Vic) – where one in five electors Amazon Website Visitor Profile measure of customer satisfaction for the major Supermarket • Food Preferences The report is released monthly and provides a rolling 6 ratemonth education as one of the three Chains in Australia. Collected continuously from an annual • Finance Preferences average satisfaction score for each institution. issues that are of most importance Roy Morgan Values Segments* Profiles sample of around 16,000 Main Grocery Buyers, this report is • Advertising and Media Preferences to them; Franklin (Tas) 19.6%; A profile of those Australians who are classified into each of produced monthly and contains 5 year rolling trends. • Activities Profile (Participation) General Insurance Industry – Currency Report ten Roy Morgan Values Segments*. Bennelong (NSW)• Eating19.2%; Out/Fast Braddon Food This Report provides an independent and detailed measure(Tas) of 19.2%; Bass (Tas) 18%; Basic Needs Profile Time Spent with Media - Trend • Leisure Activities • General Entertainment the Australian General Insurance market. Swan (WA) 18%; and Hasluck A Fairer Deal Profile These tables show time spent with different types of media • TV Sport Watched Real Conservatism Profile across different groups in the population, including by States, (WA) 17.8%. • Sports and Activities Participated in Personal Lending - Product Performance • Roy Morgan Values Segments Conventional Family Life Profile age, sex, socio-economic status, heavy, medium, light and no This Report monitors and tracks, over the last four years, the internet usage. • Media Profile Traditional Family Life Profile major institutions within the Personal Lending market on key • Major Magazines Read Something Better Profile measures such as customer penetration, market share (dollars),Fraser ACT 24.0% Blaxland NSW 17.8% Eden-Monaro NSW 15.4% Dickson QLD 13.1% Hughes NSW 11.4% Banking & Finance Industry Currency Report Newcastle NSW• 23.0% NationalGreenway Newspapers NSW Read17.4% Ryan QLD 15.3% Lyne NSWLook at Me Profile13.1% Wannon VIC 11.3% share of customer wallet and share of products. Sydney NSW •22.8% Heavy Bradfield Media NSW Usage 17.4% Fairfax QLD 15.2% Reid NSW 13.1% Fadden QLD 11.3% This report provides an independent and detailed measure Young Optimism Profile Goldstein VIC •21.6% Newspaper Watson NSW Usage • Magazine17.3% UsageSolomon NT 15.0% Fremantle WA 13.1% Hume NSW 11.3% of the Australian Financial Services market. It not only Canberra ACT 20.9% Adelaide SA 17.3% McEwen VIC 14.9% Calare VisibleNSW Achievement13.0% Lalor Profile VIC 11.2% Major Cards – Product Performance • TV Watching • Radio Listening monitors and tracks, over the last four years, the financial North Sydney NSW 20.4% Banks NSW 17.0% Lilley QLD 14.8% MaranoaSocially QLD Aware13.0% Profile Corio VIC 11.1% This Report monitors and tracks over the last four years Kooyongthe VIC •20.4% InternetBoothby Usage SA • Cinema16.9% AttendanceDurack WA 14.7% Richmond NSW 12.9% Groom QLD 11.1% performance of major financial institutions at national and major institutions within the Major Cards market on keyWentworth NSW• 20.3% MediaPort Typology Adelaide SA Index (Summary) 16.7% Bendigo VIC 14.7% Hinkler QLD 12.9% Shortland NSW 11.1% state levels but also provides non-financial information which Melbourne VIC 20.0% Parramatta NSW 16.6% Longman QLD 14.7% Gellibrand VIC 12.8% Hindmarsh SA 11.0% measures such as customer penetration, market share (dollars), • Print Media Typology Index • TV Media Typology Index Electorate Profiles enables a holistic understanding of each person’s financial Moore WA 19.9% Perth WA 16.5% Stirling WA 14.7% Scullin InVIC addition to 12.8%our standard Cook NSW Profile contents,10.9% electorate profiles share of customer wallet and share of products. Grayndler NSW 19.9% Herbert QLD 16.5% Lindsay NSW 14.7% Macarthur NSW 12.7% Lyons TAS 10.8% needs and behaviour. also include the most important political issues rated by Franklin TAS A19.6% smallDawson selection QLD of Target16.4% ProfilesMurray VICincludes: 14.6% Casey VIC 12.6% Blair QLD 10.7% All finance reports are based on data collected continuously Higgins VIC 19.6% Berowra NSW 16.3% Page NSW 14.5% Tangneyelectors WA in each12.6% electorateRobertson and NSW which political 10.6% party or parties’ Other Financial Product Reports include: Mackellar NSW 19.4% Jagajaga VIC 16.3% Riverina NSW 14.4% Throsby NSW 12.4% Werriwa NSW 10.6% from an annual sample of over 50,000 Australians aged 14+. electors believe are better for the each of the issues. Mortgages - Product Performance Bennelong NSWOverseas 19.2% Sturt Leisure SA Travelers16.1% Gippsland VIC 14.4% Wakefield SA 12.4% Ballarat VIC 10.3% Braddon TAS 19.2% Macquarie NSW 16.1% Deakin VIC 14.3% MoretonIssues QLD include:12.4% 1. Reducing O'Connor taxes. WA 2. Reducing10.3% crime and Roy Morgan Research is the industry standard in Australia Deposits & Transactions - Product Performance A profile of those Australians who have taken an overseas Barton NSW 19.2% Melbourne Ports VIC 16.1% Brisbane QLD 14.3% Hunter maintainingNSW law12.2% and order.Forde QLD 3. Improving10.3% business. for data relating to consumers’ financial behaviour and value. Traditional Banking Market - Market Overview Farrer NSW 19.1% Wide Bay QLD 12.2% Holt VIC 10.3% holidayBonner in the QLD last 12 months,16.0% comparedLa Trobe toVIC the Australian14.2% 4. Reducing unemployment. 5. Looking after the Household Insurance – Performance by State Denison TAS 18.7% Pearce WA 16.0% Cunningham NSW 14.2% Corangamite VIC 12.2% McPherson QLD 10.2% All major financial institutions in Australia subscribe to Roy Population 14+ generally. environment. 6. Open and honest government. 7. The Motor Insurance - Market Overview Hotham VIC 18.6% Kingsford Smith NSW 15.9% Gilmore NSW 14.2% Isaacs VIC 12.1% Calwell VIC 10.2% Morgan Research’s data and it is or has been used extensively Lingiari NT 18.6% Bruce VIC 15.9% Capricornia QLD 13.9% Dobell NSWneeds of people12.1% outsideMallee cities. VIC 8. Managing9.9% the economy. in government agencies and inquiries, by financial analysts, in Batm an VIC National18.6% Curtin Park/Forest WA visitors15.8% Leichhardt QLD 13.8% Menzies9. VIC Improving education.12.1% Fowler 10. NSW Improving health9.8% services and Gorton VIC 18.5% Fisher QLD 15.6% Kennedy QLD 13.7% Mayo SA 12.0% Oxley QLD 9.7% company presentations and by the financial press. Capital Cities Tourism Report - November 2008 A profile of those Australians who visited a National Park or hospitals. 11. Defence and national security. 12. Australia’s Derived from the Holiday Tracking Survey of over 50,000Griffith QLD 18.4% Flynn QLD 15.5% Parkes NSW 13.5% Petrie QLD 12.0% Barker SA 9.4% Chisholm VIC forest18.3% on Cowper their NSW last holiday. 15.5% Wills VIC 13.5% Maribyrnongageing VIC population. 11.9% 13. Brand The WA needs of families.9.2% 14. Global Australians annually, this report examines the behaviour and Superannuation and Wealth Management in Australia McMahon NSW 18.1% Chifley NSW 15.4% Warringah NSW 13.4% Indi VICwarming. 15. 11.9%Fair workplace Rankin QLD and employment9.1% regulations. profile of Australians who holiday at Australian capital cities.Paterson NSW Public18.0% CowanTransport WA Users travel15.4% byMitchell public NSW transport13.4% Forrest WA 11.7% Bowman QLD 8.7% This ground-breaking report reveals where Australia’s wealth Bass TAS 18.0% Canning WA 15.4% Charlton NSW 13.4% Flinders VIC 11.7% Grey SA 7.8% Plus Target Profiles ofPublic Transport Users Who Traveled: really resides, with profiles of Wealth Management Customers Swan WA 18.0% McMillan VIC 15.4% Dunkley VIC 13.3% New EnglandVisit NSW www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com 11.6% Wright QLD 7.0% & Quintiles, Channels used to purchase wealth management Health and Spa Tourism – March 2009 Hasluck WA By17.8% Ferry,Kingston Jetcat SA or Rivercat15.4% Makin SA 13.2% Aston VICnow to browse,11.5% Moncrieffsearch QLD 6.4% This report quantifies the number and value of health and spa products, Satisfaction & Switching Intentions by product Marginal ALP Federal ElectorateBy Train Seats Marginal LNP Federal Electorate Seats Source: orRoy view Morgan aResearch sample January report. 2008 – December 2009 category and brand. holidays taken by Australians both domestically and overseas. By Tram Australian Electors n = 35,915 By Bus *Roy Morgan Values Segments devised by Michele Levine of Roy Morgan Research and Colin Benjamin of the Horizons Network. 12 BLACK HOLESState of the IN Nation CONSUMER (4) Focus on the Wealth Effect CONFIDENCE and Investor Stress What are Australians In the Australian marketplace what actually happens is never as important as how people feel. But short term IN SOME MARGINALperspectives can be misleading. What ALP does the dramatic SEATS reduction in the value of Australians’ investments, coupled with increased Consumer Confidence really mean? Only with the perspective of a long term view thinking, doing and can we begin to understand how people really feel and the impact on their behaviour. Around the world, Consumer Confidence below 100 is a ‘danger signal’ for the incumbentThe Federalfourth State of the Nation Report provides a new level of understanding of how Australian wanting today? Government approaching an election.consumers will react in theseRoy uncertain Morgan economic Consumer times Confidence in terms Rating of their across spending Australia habits – This analysis has never beforeone been of taken the main to drivers of the economy. the level of individual electorates. Roy There are more than 2,000 Reports and Target Profiles on the Roy Morgan Online Store available for Morgan Research measures Consumer ConfidenceMore than continuously. 1,000 Target(Almost 90,000Profiles are available Website Visitor Profiles immediate download. Here is a short selection of documents ranging in price from $950 to $65,000. electors surveyed since the ALP was elected in More than 110 A profile of those Australians who visited a range of 108 to 110 2007.)from For RoyMorganOnlineStore.com. the first time it is possible to individual websites including: 106 to 108 State of the Nation (Report 3) - Spotlight on Financial Customer Satisfaction - Small Business identify Consumer Confidence ‘black holes’ 104 to 106 onAll an electorateTarget Profiles by electorate include basis. profiling by: Zuji Visitor Profile 102 to 104 Automotive Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Australia Owners in Australia - May 2009 100 to 102 Cartoon Network Website Visitor Profile Less than 100 This report is the third in the series of our Roy Morgan State This report measures small business owners’ satisfaction trends Ranking• Demographics electorates from highest to of the Nation reports and examines the current state of the with the major financial institutions in Australia. It looks lowest• Gender according and Ageto their Consumer Australia.com (Tourism Australia) Visitor Profile automotive industry in Australia and the impact Australian at long and short term trends for overall business owners’ Confidence• Income shows • Occupation the crucial ALP YouTube Website Visitor Profile drivers have on Automotive Carbon Emissions. satisfaction. marginal• Socio-Economic seats are generally Status over- and Discretionary Expenditure Seek Website Visitor Profile represented in the ‘top band’. Overall, For over 5 years we have surveyed a sample of approximately • Attitudinal Profile (agree with statements) PSIS Website Visitor Profile people• Health in ALP and marginal Fitness seats are more Supermarket Satisfaction - April 2009 3,500 small business owners face to face regarding their level confident than the average. MySpace Website Visitor Profile This Report provides a uniquely independent and reliable of satisfaction with the financial institutions they deal with. • Societal Issues • Shopping Preferences Amazon Website Visitor Profile However, the marginal ALP seat of Bass measure of customer satisfaction for the major Supermarket The report is released monthly and provides a rolling 6 month • Food Preferences Chains in Australia. Collected continuously from an annual in• Tasmania Finance hasPreferences the second lowest level average satisfaction score for each institution. of Consumer Confidence (93.4) of any Roy Morgan Values Segments* Profiles • Advertising and Media Preferences sample of around 16,000 Main Grocery Buyers, this report is seat. And Gilmore (NSW) 100.1, Flynn A profile of those Australians who are classified into each of produced monthly and contains 5 year rolling trends. • Activities Profile (Participation) General Insurance Industry – Currency Report (Qld) 101.0, and Petrie (Qld) 101.0 are ten Roy Morgan Values Segments*. • Eating Out/Fast Food This Report provides an independent and detailed measure of all in the bottom confidence quintile. • Leisure Activities • General Entertainment Basic Needs Profile Time Spent with Media - Trend the Australian General Insurance market. A •further TV Sport seven Watched electorates are in the second lowest quintile A Fairer Deal Profile These tables show time spent with different types of media for confidence: Greenway (NSW) 101.2, Braddon (Tas) • Sports and Activities Participated in Real Conservatism Profile across different groups in the population, including by States, Personal Lending - Product Performance 101.6, Macquarie (NSW) 102.3, Leichhardt (Qld) 102.4, Longman• Roy Morgan (Qld) 102.8, Values Page Segments (NSW) 102.8, Herbert (Qld) 103.9. Conventional Family Life Profile age, sex, socio-economic status, heavy, medium, light and no This Report monitors and tracks, over the last four years, the internet usage. • Media Profile Traditional Family Life Profile major institutions within the Personal Lending market on key • Major Magazines Read Something Better Profile measures such as customer penetration, market share (dollars), Stirling• National W A Newspapers118.8 ReadMacarthur NSW 109.6 Gellibrand VIC Look106.5 at Me McPherson Profile QLD 104.0 Petrie QLD 101.0 Banking & Finance Industry Currency Report Moore WA 118.2 Adelaide SA 109.5 Banks NSW 106.5 share of customer wallet and share of products. • Heavy Media Usage Herbert QLD 103.9 Flynn QLD 101.0 This report provides an independent and detailed measure Durack WA 117.9 Hindmarsh SA 109.5 Parramatta NSWYoung 106.5 Optimism Bradfield NSW Profile 103.6 Moreton QLD 100.9 Lingiari• Newspaper NT Usage116.7 • Magazine Usage Batm an VIC 103.4 Mackellar NSW 100.8 of the Australian Financial Services market. It not only Ryan QLD 109.5 Canning WA Visible106.5 Achievement Profile Major Cards – Product Performance Perth• TV WA Watching •115.3 Radio Canberra Listening ACT 109.3 Tangney WA 106.4 McEwen VIC 103.4 Dunkley VIC 100.3 monitors and tracks, over the last four years, the financial Socially Aware Profile This Report monitors and tracks over the last four years the Forrest• Internet WA Usage 113.8• Cinema Fisher Attendance QLD 109.3 Lindsay NSW 106.2 Wannon VIC 103.3 Gilmore NSW 100.1 performance of major financial institutions at national and Fraser ACT 113.7 Dobell NSW 108.8 Forde QLD 106.2 Fadden QLD 103.0 Indi VIC 100.1 major institutions within the Major Cards market on key • Media Typology Index (Summary) state levels but also provides non-financial information which Boothby SA 112.9 Grayndler NSW 108.7 Lalor VIC Electorate106.0 ProfilesPage NSW 102.8 Lyne NSW 99.9 measures such as customer penetration, market share (dollars), Brisbane• Print QLD Media Typology112.8 CowanIndex WA • TV Media108.7 TypologyGriffith Index QLD 106.0 Longman QLD 102.8 Kingsford Smith NSW 99.5 enables a holistic understanding of each person’s financial share of customer wallet and share of products. Curtin WA 112.8 Deakin VIC 108.4 Corio VIC In addition105.9 to Goldstein our standard VIC Profile102.8 contents, Ballarat VIC electorate profiles99.4 needs and behaviour. Pearce WA 112.1 Solomon NT 108.4 Berowra NSW also include105.9 Maribyrnongthe most VICimportant102.7 politicalGrey issues SA rated by 99.3 FranklinA small TAS selection111.9 of TargetKingston Profiles SA includes:108.3 Fowler NSW electors105.6 in eachWentworth electorate NSW and which 102.7 politicalBarker SA party or parties’99.2 All finance reports are based on data collected continuously Other Financial Product Reports include: Robertson NSW 111.8 Fairfax QLD 108.3 Blair QLD 105.6 Calare NSW 102.7 Mallee VIC 99.0 from an annual sample of over 50,000 Australians aged 14+. Mortgages - Product Performance Higgins VIC 111.8 Casey VIC 108.3 Cunningham NSWelectors 105.4 believe Groom are QLD better for the102.7 each ofPaterson the issues. NSW 98.8 OxleyOverseas QLD Leisure111.6 Travelers Capricornia QLD 108.2 Corangamite VICIssues 105.4 include:Bowman 1. Reducing QLD taxes.102.6 2. Reducing McMillan VIC crime and 98.7 Roy Morgan Research is the industry standard in Australia Deposits & Transactions - Product Performance Makin SA 111.3 Holt VIC 108.2 Kooyong VIC 105.4 New England NSW 102.5 Hinkler QLD 98.6 A profile of those Australians who have taken an overseas maintaining law and order. 3. Improving business. for data relating to consumers’ financial behaviour and value. Traditional Banking Market - Market Overview Chisholmholiday VIC in the last 111.212 months,Melbourne compared VIC to the108.2 AustralianFremantle WA 105.3 Barton NSW 102.4 Parkes NSW 98.5 Hasluck WA 111.0 Lilley QLD 107.9 Bruce VIC 4. Reducing105.2 Leichhardt unemployment. QLD 5. 102.4LookingCharlton after NSW the 98.4 Household Insurance – Performance by State Population 14+ generally. All major financial institutions in Australia subscribe to Roy Watson NSW 110.8 Lyons TAS 107.8 Moncrieff QLD environment.105.2 Macquarie 6. Open NSW and honest 102.3 government.McMahon NSW 7. The 98.0 Motor Insurance - Market Overview Morgan Research’s data and it is or has been used extensively Hughes NSW 110.7 Swan WA 107.8 Throsby NSW needs105.1 of people Scullin outside VIC cities. 8.102.0 Managing Chifley NSWthe economy. 97.9 Reid NSW 110.6 Wills VIC 107.5 Aston VIC 105.0 North Sydney NSW 102.0 Newcastle NSW 97.8 in government agencies and inquiries, by financial analysts, in National Park/Forest visitors 9. Improving education. 10. Improving health services and Capital Cities Tourism Report - November 2008 Denison TAS 110.3 Bonner QLD 107.5 Rankin QLD 104.9 Werriwa NSW 101.9 Wide Bay QLD 97.6 company presentations and by the financial press. Blaxland A profile NSW of those110.2 AustraliansSturt SA who visited a 107.5NationalMitchell Park NSW or hospitals.104.9 11. Jagajaga Defence VIC and national101.6 security. Shortland 12.NSW Australia’s97.4 Derived from the Holiday Tracking Survey of over 50,000 Dawsonforest QLD on their last110.2 holiday.La Trobe VIC 107.2 Murray VIC ageing104.8 population.Braddon TAS 13. The needs101.6 of families.Cook NSW 14. Global 96.9 Australians annually, this report examines the behaviour and Riverina NSW 110.2 Bendigo VIC 107.0 Eden-Monaro NSW 104.7 Maranoa QLD 101.6 Flinders VIC 96.3 Superannuation and Wealth Management in Australia Sydney NSW 110.0 Port Adelaide SA 106.9 Bennelong NSW warming.104.7 15.Calwell Fair VIC workplace and101.5 employment Kennedy QLD regulations.96.0 profile of Australians who holiday at Australian capital cities. This ground-breaking report reveals where Australia’s wealth BrandPublic WA Transport109.9 UsersDickson travel QLD by public transport106.9 Farrer NSW 104.7 Mayo SA 101.4 Cowper NSW 95.9 really resides, with profiles of Wealth Management Customers HumePlus NSW Target Profiles109.8 ofPublic O'Connor Transport WA Users106.8 Who MenziesTraveled: VIC Visit104.5 www.RoyMorganOnlineStore.com Hotham VIC 101.2 Wakefield SA 94.2 Health and Spa Tourism – March 2009 IsaacsBy Ferry,VIC Jetcat or109.7 Rivercat Warringah NSW 106.7 Melbourne Ports VIC 104.4 Greenway NSW 101.2 Bass TAS 93.4 & Quintiles, Channels used to purchase wealth management Richmond NSW 109.6 Gorton VIC 106.6 Gippsland VIC now104.3 to browse, Hunter NSW search 101.0 Wright QLD 90.9 This report quantifies the number and value of health and spa By Train products, Satisfaction & Switching Intentions by product Marginal ALP Federal Electorate Seats Marginal LNP Federal Electorate Seatsor view Source:a sample Roy Morgan report. Research January 2008 – December 2009 category and brand. holidays taken by Australians both domestically and overseas. By Tram Australian Electors n = 88,852 By Bus *Roy Morgan Values Segments devised by Michele Levine of Roy Morgan Research and Colin Benjamin of the Horizons Network. 13 AUSTRALIA’S SELF-EMPLOYED HAVE SWUNG BEHIND

Roy Morgan Research Pty. Ltd. HAVE SWUNGA.B.N. 91 007 092 944 – Quality BEHINDSystem Certified to AS/NZS ISO 9001 L-NP Approximately 5.6% of all Article No. 1082 Australians classify themselves Which ElectoratesOn May have25, 2010the highest proportion of Self-employed workers? as Self-Employed according to Roy Morgan Online Store Roy Morgan Research. A close analysisMelbourne of Roy Morgan more voting appealing than the Gold Coast for domestic holidays intention figures for the past Melbourne now clearly leads the Gold Coast as the most preferred domestic holiday destination accordingMore than to 9% a three months (April – June 8% to 9% 2010) recentshows studythe Self- by Roy Morgan Research. A year ago the two cities were equally popular, but Melbourne’s7% to 8% popularity has been increasing over the past 12 months, whilst the Gold Coast’s has been decreasing. 6% to 7% Employed now heavily in 5% to 6% 4% to 5% favourIn of March the L-NP 2010, (58%) 21% of Australians said they would like to take a holiday in Melbourne in the next 2 years, upLess fromthan 4% ahead 19%of the in ALPMarch (42%) 2001. on19% a nominated the Gold Coast, down from 22% in March 2001. Two-PartySunshine Preferred Coast hasbasis also – been losing popularity. In March 2010, 13% said they would like to take a holiday at the duringSunshine the two Coast,years sincedown thefrom 16% in March 2001. ALP wasSydney elected has experiencedthe 2PP vote the largest decline in popularity over the past 9 years but, in the most recent 12 months, has was L-NPseen (53%)a recovery. to ALP Of Australians 12% would like to holiday in Sydney in the next 2 years, which is lower than the (47%).16% in March 2001, but up from the 10% experienced from early 2007 to late 2009. Domestic holiday destinations at which would like to take a holiday in next 2 years Electorates with a much higher proportion of Self-Employed Base: Australian population aged 14+ than the national average include the24% ALP marginal seats 22% of Franklin (Tas) 10.8%, Forde Gold Coast 22% (Qld) 10.6%, Page (NSW) 21%

10.4%, Leichhardt20% (Qld) 9.7%, Bennelong (NSW)19% 9.7% and Melbourne 19% Deakin (Vic)18% 7.6%.

Wentworth NSW16% 15.0% Adelaide SA 8.3% Ballarat VIC Sunshine6.5% Coast Higgins VIC 5.3% Riverina NSW 4.0% 16% McEwen VIC 14.0% Cowper NSW 8.3% Mayo SA 6.5% Aston VIC 5.2% Bonner QLD 3.9% 16% O'Connor WA 13.8% Mitchell NSW 8.3% Farrer NSW Sydney 6.5% Parkes NSW 5.2% Dickson QLD 3.9% North Sydney NSW14% 12.4% Fremantle WA 8.1% Watson NSW 6.3% Sturt SA 5.1% Wannon 13%VIC 3.9% Durack WA 11.8% Mallee VIC 8.1% Dobell NSW 6.2% Hume NSW 5.1% Werriwa NSW 3.8% Bradfield NSW 11.6% Moore WA 7.8% Brisbane QLD 6.2% Dawson QLD 5.0% Griffith QLD 3.8% 12% 12% Berowra NSW 11.0% Holt VIC 7.7% Canning WA 6.2% Flynn QLD 5.0% Canberra ACT 3.8% Franklin TAS 10.8% Deakin VIC 7.6% Flinders VIC 6.2% Barker SA 5.0% Greenway NSW 3.8% Warringah NSW10% 10.7% McPherson QLD 7.6% Grayndler NSW 6.1% Wills VIC 4.9% Robertson NSW 3.8% % whowant to take a holiday at destinationin thenext 2 years

FordeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE QLD 10.6% Kennedy QLD 7.6% Maribyrnong VIC 6.1% Petrie QLD 4.8% Dunkley VIC 3.8% Rankin QLD 7.5% Lilley QLD 3.7% McMillan VIC 8% 10.5% Hasluck WA 6.1% Herbert QLD 4.8% Pearce WA 10.5% Wakefield SA 7.5% Gilmore NSW 6.1% Hughes NSW 4.8% Blair QLD 3.7% 5 0 03 04 0 08 09 1 Page NSW 10.4% Macquarie NSW- 7.4%- Hothamr- VIC 6.0% Corangamite VIC- 4.7%- Boothby SAr- 3.7% a a Lyons TAS Mar-01 10.0%Mar-02 Goldstein VICMar Mar7.4% CapricorniaM QLDMar-06 6.0% Mar-07Solomon NT Mar 4.7%Mar Banks NSWM 3.6% Wide Bay QLD 10.0% Swan WA 7.3% Hindmarsh SA 5.9% Macarthur NSW 4.7% Cunningham NSW 3.5% Source: Roy Morgan Single Source, April 2000 - March 2010, n=232,432; last 12 monthly sample = 18,929 Maranoa QLD 9.9% Melbourne Ports VIC 7.2% Bendigo VIC 5.8% Grey SA 4.7% Chifley NSW 3.2% Leichhardt QLD 9.7% Ryan QLD 7.2% Bass TAS 5.8% New England NSW 4.7% Throsby NSW 3.2% BennelongJane NSW Ianniello,9.7% InternationalFairfax QLD Director7.2% – Tourism,Murray VIC Travel and5.8% Leisure Bruce says:VIC 4.6% Perth WA 3.2% Casey VIC 9.7% Moncrieff QLD 7.2% Scullin VIC 5.7% Calare NSW 4.5% Charlton NSW 3.1% Cook NSW “Australians9.4% Denison increasingly TAS want7.1% to holiday Lalor VIC overseas and5.7% as a Isresult aacs VIC most domestic4.4% destinations Brand WA have lost 3.1% La Trobe VIC appeal9.2% for Cowan Australians. WA Melbourne7.1% Gorton is the VIC exception, 5.6% havingFisher lifted QLD its preference4.4% levelKingston over SA the past 3.1% Wright QLD decade.9.0% MelbourneBatm an VIC is renowned6.9% forPaterson it events; NSW cultural5.6% attractions;Port Adelaide SA shopping; 4.3% café Gellibrand society; VIC and fine 2.9% Fadden QLD 9.0% Barton NSW 6.9% Lingiari NT 5.5% Newcastle NSW 4.3% Oxley QLD 2.9% Gippsland VIC dining.8.8% Sydney Moreton byQLD contrast has6.9% lostBowman popularity, QLD especially5.5% McMahon after the NSW negative 4.3% media Corio surrounding VIC the 2.9% Menzies VIC Cronulla8.7% riots Kingsford in SmithDecember NSW 2005. 6.8% ForrestHowever WA the recent5.5% lift inJagajaga preference VIC indicates4.2% thatLongman Sydney’s QLD latest 2.9% Lyne NSW marketing8.7% Richmondcampaign NSW has been6.8% successful.” Groom QLD 5.5% Makin SA 4.2% Lindsay NSW 2.8% Tangney WA 8.6% Melbourne VIC 6.8% Kooyong VIC 5.5% Shortland NSW 4.1% Hunter NSW 2.6% Sydney NSWFull Details:8.5% http://www.roymorganonlinestore.com/Browse/Australia/Tourism/Holiday-Travel-Visitation.aspx Curtin WA 6.8% Calwell VIC 5.4% Blaxland NSW 4.0% Stirling WA 2.6% Indi VIC 8.5% Reid NSW 6.7% Eden-Monaro NSW 5.3% Chisholm VIC 4.0% Fowler NSW 1.7% Mackellar NSW Jane8.4% Ianniello Parramatta — NSW Roy Morgan 6.5% International Hinkler QLD Director5.3% B rofaddon Tourism, TAS Travel4.0% &Fraser Leisure ACT 1.7%

Marginal ALP Federal ElectorateOffice: Seats 07 3318Marginal 7000 LNP Federal Facsimile: Electorate 07 Seats 3318 7097Source: Mobile: Roy Morgan 0423 Research 024 412 January 2008 – December 2009 Australian Workers 14+ n = 57,808 Email: [email protected] 14 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE open to any suggestion and recommendation for all Brumby. It was bitter because it contradicts the Labor The Australian reported that the Opposition will use anticorruption bodies to be put together under a single government’s 11-year-old mantra that corruption in Parliament to force the Government to release all roof. Since the Proust review was commissioned, Victoria can be managed by a hodgepodge of separate documents relating to the Office of Police Integrity the Office of Police Integrity has come under intense bodies that hold no powers to properly scrutinise local investigation of former Assistant Police Commissioner scrutiny for the failure of its high-profile investigations government, judges, politicians and their staffers. It Noel Ashby. Documents requested by the Opposition into former Police Assistant Commissioner Noel was sweet because the Proust report gave Brumby a under parliamentary privilege will include transcripts of Ashby and former Police Association boss Paul plausible political way out from his dogmatic refusal to interviews given by to OPI investigators Mullett to lead to criminal convictions. Dale was the take action in the face of mounting evidence of failures after he passed on information gained from telephone subject of OPI public hearings in 2008 to determine and gaps in the state’s fight against corruption. But intercepts to prevent the aforementioned gossip item whether police officers attempted to derail a taskforce what is the next level of fighting corruption and what airing on Melbourne radio. investigation into the murders of police informer will it achieve? Proust’s model for an anti-corruption Terence Hodson and his wife Christine four years regime has received a mixed response because there In amongst it all earlier, The Australian reported. is uncertainty and confusion about Proust’s chosen The Office of Police Integrity suffered another setback structure and its effectiveness. when a judge dismissed the perjury convictions of A changing of mind former police media boss Stephen Linnell. Linnell The Age reported that Victoria will get an anticorruption Brouwer troubled had been the solitary conviction claimed by the commission whoever wins this year’s state election, The Age reported that Ombudsman George Brouwer, police watchdog from its 2007 Operation Diana, after a change of mind by Premier John Brumby. in forceful submissions to the Proust review of the a covert investigation into an alleged chain of high- The new Victorian Integrity and Anti-Corruption anti-corruption system, made clear he believes the level leaks that was said to have compromised a Commission will hold most of its hearings in private best and cheapest way to confront official corruption murder investigation, Operation Briars, The Australian and the new integrity system will curtail the powers is to bolster the powers of existing agencies and reported. of the Ombudsman. The 68-page integrity report by allow his office to scrutinise Cabinet documents former senior public servant Elizabeth Proust calling and investigate ministers, other MPs, ministerial Down dale for a commission had changed Brumby’s mind. Under advisers and local councillors, rather than accepting The Age reported that the Office of Public Prosecutions the Government’s changes: the new anticorruption Proust’s recommendation that the Ombudsman formally applied to have charges against former police commission will investigate serious misconduct and be downgraded and a complex new anticorruption drug squad detective Paul Noel Dale withdrawn in the corruption in the public sector as well as uphold policy system put in place. Melbourne Magistrates Court, before the disgraced integrity; a parliamentary integrity commission will policeman made a claim for legal costs against his investigate complaints against members of Parliament In search of lost time former employer. Dale is accused of organising the and their staff; a judicial commission will investigate On the opinion pages of The Age, Greg Davies, the murder of police informer Terence Hodson to prevent complaints against judges and magistrates; the secretary of the Police Association, wrote that the him testifying against Dale and former detective senior Ombudsman will no longer be responsible for Proust plan for a Victorian anticorruption body is in the constable David Miechel over an attempt to steal whistleblower complaints and will now report to a spirit of Yes Minister. $1.3m of drugs during a botched robbery of a drug parliamentary committee. safe house being used in a covert drug squad sting. Leaky faucet Miechel was subsequently jailed but the case against For years, the Victorian Government has insisted The Australian reported that Chief Commissioner Dale collapsed. set up Task Force Petra that the systems it has in place – an Ombudsman Simon Overland divulged secret intelligence from in 2007 to investigate the Hodson murders. The Herald to oversee the public sector, the Office of Police a phone tap, unwittingly triggering the collapse of a Sun reported that the decision to drop the case follows Integrity to investigate police corruption, the Auditor- murder investigation because he wanted to avoid the death of a key witness. Another crucial witness, General to check financial compliance in government media scrutiny of his proposed attendance at a Nicola Gobbo, has refused to give evidence because departments – were good enough to weed out taxpayer funded management course in France. of her medical condition and is suing the police force corruption and misconduct. Proust said during her six- In the same paper, Hedley Thomas wrote that it over the treatment she has received since agreeing to month investigation she had heard credible allegations is staggering that Overland’s conduct, which was be a witness. about serious misconduct and corruption currently known to the Office of Police Integrity, did not raise occurring in Victoria. Her report found members of an eyebrow in the anticorruption body. Overland’s Smile, you’re on candid camera the judiciary, politicians and their staff do not come action in passing on the secret intelligence from the Melbourne City Council plans to expand the monitoring under the same scrutiny as public sector workers. phone tap had been illegal, according to Paul Mullett, capabilities of its 54 CCTV cameras, allowing them Agencies are unable to share intelligence and crucial former secretary of the Police Association, Victoria’s to be used to identify offenders for a much broader information. And in some of the worst cases, different registered trade union for police. range of laws. Privacy Commissioner Helen Versey watchdogs have investigated the same thing – with is concerned about cameras being used for minor one finding misconduct while the other dismissed it. The Age reported that the Office Police Integrity cleared infringements. Under preliminary recommendations Overland of wrongdoing over the leak, as details by the council’s Future Melbourne Committee, Nearby emerged of alleged attempts by Rupert Murdoch’s security footage would be scrutinised for laws and The Australian reported that former New South Wales media empire to intimidate law-enforcement agencies. bylaws, such as dumping rubbish or drinking alcohol ICAC Commissioner Barry O’Keefe said the fact the OPI director Michael Strong issued a statement saying in prohibited areas. CCTV vision is monitored only for new Victorian Integrity and Anticorruption Commission he believed Overland acted lawfully when he told his serious offences, such as assault. Only police, victims would investigate suspected dodgy politicians only then media director about intelligence that came and lawyers have access to CCTV footage. Under the after a referral from a new Parliamentary Integrity from covertly taped phone calls. A series of articles proposed changes to the Safe City Camera Program, Commission, or a whistleblower complaint, was an in the Murdoch-owned Australian newspaper claimed council enforcement officers could be given access issue. ‘That is a bit narrower than the IC AC in New South Overland’s conversation undermined an investigation to CCTV footage for the first time, the Herald Sun Wales,’ O’Keefe said. ‘It doesn’t require a reference into the 2003 murder of prostitute Shane Chartres reported. from anybody for ICAC to inquire into members Abbott. Overland says that he has been marked by a of parliament, including ministers.’ On the opinion campaign to tarnish his reputation. Watch this space. Aid backgrounds pages of the same paper, Cameron Stewart wrote If the topic interests you, you will read more in The The Herald Sun reported that three new magistrates that the report by Elizabeth Proust recommending Australian than in The Age. with legal aid backgrounds have been appointed the establishment of an independent anticorruption to the Magistrates’ Court: Michael White, Roslyn regime for Victoria was a bittersweet document for Porter and Peter Dotchin. All three have worked at

15

1 JUNE to 3 JULY 2010

Farrugia It was a Richmond versus Fremantle game C Engineering, Father Victor Farrugia, a Melbourne priest, the Victoria’s biggest ever citizenship ceremony was held social science subject of a mishandled internal Catholic Church in mid June at the MCG. It was attended by about and business inquiry, has been charged with sexual assault, The 2,600 people from 90 countries, The Age reported. reported. The Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, services Age SG Denis Hart, has written a Pastoral Letter of Sexual Dumped butts Abuse, to people of the Catholic Archdiocese of The Age reported that the promised blitz on cigarette Melbourne, all 273. butts was little more than an education campaign, The experts for Melbourne’s acting Lord Mayor Susan Riley business connections, Death by contact conceded. Only 18 people were fined. Early in May, strategic planning, The Office of Police Integrity is calling for Lord Mayor said he was sick of his research, industry submissions into its investigation of deaths associated council having to clean up the 10,500 cigarette butts with police contact, www.opi.vic.gov.au. dumped daily by smokers in city streets. development and public policy advice. Good jobs MTRuggling Victoria Police seeks a Director Strategic Business Fledging talkback station MTR 1377 must change Strategic Connections Engagement, www.jofisher.com.au. its format to succeed, media observers warned after Group The Supreme Court of Victoria seeks a Prothonotary, its poor performance in a recent ratings report. MTR www.careers.vic.gov.au. attracted a market share of just 1.7 per cent or an Lawrie Groom average audience of 10,000, making it Melbourne’s lowest rating station. More than 1.5 million people [email protected] listened to 3AW or 774 ABC during the 10-week 0407 533 282 Melbourne survey period, of which MTR was on air for seven weeks. 3AW (owned by Fairfax media, owner of The MELBOURNE CANBERRA SYDNEY Out hippying the hippies Age) remained the top rating station on 14.8 per cent, The Age reported that the mayors of Sydney and losing 0.2 points, and 774 ABC declined by the same Victoria Legal Aid while Porter and Dotchin also have Melbourne are out-greening state and federal amount to 12.7 per cent, The Age reported. Children’s Court experience. leaders with ambitious CO2 reduction targets, with huge implications for property owners in each CBD. Attica way Got the sniffles Trigeneration – getting electricity, heating and cooling Melbourne restaurant, Attica, has been rated in the Cocaine seizures in Victoria have almost doubled in a from local gas-fired power units – is a key tactic for top 100 by the highly regarded S. Pelgrino World’s year as use of the drug grows among lower income each city but doubts are surfacing about how widely Best Restaurant list. Chef Ben Shewry’s Ripponlea groups, according to research at the Australian Crime the technology should be used in Australia. Melbourne restaurant was ranked 73rd. Three Sydney restaurants Commission, The Age reported. City Council plans deeper and faster cuts than Sydney, were listed, including two – Quay and Tetsuya’s – in aiming to achieve zero net emissions by 2020, which the top 50, the Herald Sun reported. The Age reported Hmmm means eliminating or offsetting 5.8 megatonnes of that its Epicure section was named best food and/or Four senior constables from Maryborough police CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). Of that, the largest drink section in a newspaper at the 2010 Le Cordon station were suspended after allegations of serious single chunk of abatement will come from co- or Bleu World Food Media awards held in Adelaide. The assault, The Age reported. trigeneration, hopefully saving 1.4 megatonnes of section’s editor, Veronica Ridge, was named best CO2e per annum by the end of the decade. Lord Mayor food journalist. The saints Robert Doyle says Melbourne is looking to New York, Saints star Steven Milne wasn’t charged with rape rather than London, and is focusing on retrofitting two Receptacles partly because a failed case would cost too much, the thirds of the city’s existing properties with its ‘1200 The Age reported that CBD café owners are upset Herald Sun reported. Former detective Mike Smith buildings’ project. The aim is to cut CO2e emissions by new Melbourne City Council regulations forcing said that money was one of the reasons he and fellow by 400,000 tonnes a year, attracting $1.3b in private them to store rubbish bins inside cafes overnight or officerScott Gladman were given for the decision not investment. face $1000 fines. The regulations take effect from to proceed with the case against Milne. He said it was July and state: no business can store waste and suggested that because Milne and teammate Leigh Off you go recycling bins permanently in public space other than Montagna could afford top lawyers, it would have Councillors in the City of Melbourne have accumulated in circumstances prescribed by the council. Todd cost the department a lot of money if the prosecution $77,000 in ratepayer funded travel expenses since Blake, chief executive of the Victoria Tourism Industry failed. The Age reported that Chief Commissioner they were elected to Town Hall, The Age reported. Council, said the new regulations did not fully consider Simon Overland declared that the case against Milne very small sites. may be revisited if it was believed that police officers Just up the road had deliberately compromised the investigation. Melbourne soccer fans are without a World Cup Simply not the best meeting place after Federation Square cancelled Melbourne Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, is not the best Husks of justice plans to run its ‘live site’ for fear of overcrowding. in the business, the Herald Sun reported. That’s the Key figures implicated in one of Australia’s most More than 10,000 people packed the square, and verdict of the more than 118,000 people voting on the notorious business scandals, the Australian Wheat spilled into Birrarung Marr, during each of the annual World Mayor title. Doyle’s predecessor, John Board kickbacks affair – are set to avoid criminal Socceroos clashes in 2006. Australia’s matches in So, won the international honour in 2006. This year charges after another backdown by the nation’s South Africa – the first against three-time winner just one Australian councillor has made the short list corporate regulator, the Australian Securities and Germany at 4:30am Melbourne time on June 14 – of 25 finalists – Brisbane’sCampbell Newman. Investments Commission. Its lawyers revealed that will not be on the square’s big screen. The Football criminal aspects of the long-running AWB investigation Federation of Australia and City of Melbourne are now Rock on had been abandoned, The Age reported. looking for an alternative live site venue, the Herald Famous Melbourne rock venue The Tote, on the corner Sun reported. Now, Birrarung Marr will become the of Johnston and Wellington streets, has reopened, the focus of thousands of fans, with World Cup matches Herald Sun reported. to be screened there.

16 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE

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17 1 JUNE to 3 JULY 2010

18 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE

Our lion Prior to the Red Cross, Andrew was Executive Director hearing, Madden struggled to maintain a consistent The Age reported that more than 70 volunteers are of Austhos a company running private training and line when explaining how he dealt with proponents behind Lion FM – Australia’s first Jewish radio station medical services at the Austin Hospital and overseas. and lobbyists. He claims that approaches have no – which started test broadcasts in mid-June. Lion FM, Prior experience included the Fashion Industry, the impact on his decisions. or Melbourne Jewish Radio, is found at 96.1 MHz. Victorian Government and the Shell Oil Company. Andrew is also the President of the Australia Britain In search of lost advice It’s power Society in Victoria. Premier John Brumby is refusing to allow government The Office of Knowledge Capital e-newsletter staff to appear before a parliamentary inquiry into the advertised that the third Knowledge Cities World Windsor Hotel planning scandal, despite his chief summit will be held in Melbourne, 16 to 19 anticorruption adviser, Elizabeth Proust, saying they November. Geelong should be investigated and held accountable, The Age reported. Proust has called for ministerial advisers to Be quick New stand be exposed to anticorruption investigators like others Run Melbourne is coming round again. July 18 will is planning to name a new on the public payroll. see thousands depart Federation Square to cover grandstand at Skilled Stadium after the club’s one of three different distances, to raise money for a legendary but controversial former star Gary Ablett The ideal platform charity of their choice. Snr. Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said the new The Age reported that developers have given Labor northern stand, part of a proposed $75m upgrade, $1.2m over a decade, bankrolling the party in was likely to be named in honour of Ablett, The Age Victoria for that time period. One large donor from the reported. The editor of Letter from Melbourne heard development industry has called for the introduction from one local that $20m of government money is of public funding of political parties to end the cash going towards the project, while local clubs Corio, grab in the lead up to elections. Many developers will North Shore and North Geelong get nothing. again be wooed for a Labor Party fundraising dinner in August that will include most of the Brumby Cabinet and federal Labor Cabinet ministers. Invitations to the $1000-a-head say it is the ideal platform for business Planning & Building and government leaders to interact and build dialogue. Large donations by developers have occurred at the The Windsor suite of problems same time the Government has moved to make more The Age reported that the Ombudsman has been land in Melbourne’s fringe available to developers called in to investigate the Hotel Windsor planning and has moved to speed up the planning process for scandal, including any involvement by Premier John suburban developments (see below). Brumby and Planning Minister in a bid to corrupt Victoria’s planning laws. The Opposition, How high? Greens and Democratic Labor Party used their The developer with plans to renovate the Windsor numbers in the Legislative Council (upper house) to Hotel is appealing against heritage restrictions role the ALP and order an Ombudsman’s inquiry into aimed at protecting the local precinct. Halim Group the affair. Ombudsman George Brouwer appears is challenging height restrictions imposed by Heritage to have the power to question anyone he likes about Victoria on a building to be constructed on the corner ANDREW HILTON the planning process for the $260m redevelopment of Bourke and Spring streets, where the Hard Rock of the Windsor, including the senior government Café used to operate. Heritage Victoria’s permit Andrew Hilton was appointed Executive Director of the advisers who have so far refused to speak about conditions for the $260m Windsor project call for the Australian Institute of International Affairs ( Victoria) in their role. Attorney-General Rob Hulls lashed out at reduction of the corner building to the level of the main December 2009.He was previously Executive Director the Liberals and the Greens for trying to politicise the cornice line of the Windsor Hotel. The condition would of the Australian Red Cross in Victoria for ten years. He Ombudsman. mean a reduction of 5.4 metres on the new building, was awarded both the Meritorious and Distinguished bringing it into line with the height of the one it is to Service medals for his work in supporting major Tell it to the judge replace. Halim argues the reduction would mean the fundraising campaigns including Bail ,Tsunami and The Financial Review reported the Planning Minister loss of one or two floors and 30 hotel rooms. It says Bushfire Appeals and disaster relief in the many Justin Madden has declared he always brings this would harm the economic case of the project, bushfires culminating in Black Saturday. He was also departmental officials to meetings with developers which aims to increase the number of guest rooms involved in first aid training for major events including and lobbyists – except when he attends Labor from 180 to 332, The Age reported. Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Melbourne Party fund-raisers or is approached in public. At a and the Olympic Games in Bejing. Parliamentary Accounts and Estimates Committee

19 1 JUNE to 3 JULY 2010

Questionable protection the new authority would take. A bureaucratic body, Melbourne The Age reported that the chief executive of the such as the former Melbourne and Metropolitan Board A development, dubbed Upper West Side by Hong National Trust, Martin Purslow, has attacked Heritage of Works? A Minister for Melbourne? Or a Greater Kong-based Far East Consortium, the size of a mini- Victoria’s decision to grant the Halim Group a heritage Melbourne Council? suburb and housed on a prime city block is being permit for the 91-metre hotel tower to be built at the considered by Planning Minister Justin Madden back of the Windsor Hotel. He said Heritage Victoria The young man from Stonnington – and work has already begun on building a display registration now offered questionable protection On the opinion pages of The Age, the mayor of the unit at the site. The development would see 2,500 for buildings given the Windsor permit is in an area City of Stonnington, Tim Smith, wrote that the apartments being built on the site of the old Lonsdale with a 23-metre height limit. Some Melburnians are Committee from Melbourne’s report (see above) Street Power Station – across the road from The Age’s now considering forming a new community group to gets down to business by calling for a single citywide former head office – if approved,The Age reported. champion the heritage protection of significant CBD planning agency in questioning the role of government buildings. In August, the Melbourne City Council will in the current planning process. When I hear the Equity chamber begin its first review in two decades of its heritage phrase ‘greater good for metropolitan Melbourne’ The 1930-31 Equity Chambers building at 472 Bourke overlays and protection of significant buildings in the or ‘metropolitan imperatives’ bandied around by the Street is the latest test case for planning and heritage city. development lobby, planners, bureaucrats, staffers processes in Victoria following the controversy over or ministers, he wrote, I am forced to ask what the Hotel Windsor redevelopment. Heritage Victoria No surprises here is this greater good? Surely it should be the very recommended that Equity Chambers – which at times The Age reported that Victoria is the only bright people who live here now and that have legitimate housed political and legal giants – be added to the light in an otherwise ailing residential construction concerns about the amenity of their suburbs. There heritage register. The recommendation comes almost industry, accounting for more than twice the private is a disturbing tendency for these abstract notions of 2 years after Melbourne City Council granted developer housing starts of any other state. Nearby, the boom in progress to morph into what my constituents describe Williamson Properties planning approval to build 215 Melbourne house prices has driven a rise in planning as ‘inappropriate development’, too often decided apartments on the site. The redevelopment includes applications for big apartment developments as centrally between bureaucrats at the Department of retention of the façade on the ground floor, mezzanine builders respond to strong demand for affordable Planning and Community Development, the minister level and level one with remaining floors transformed housing in the overheated property market. With and the developer. In my experience, almost every into apartments and a 16-storey apartment tower many suburban homes in Melbourne now costing month controversial planning applications are built behind the building, The Age reported. more than $1m, developers are rushing to bring multi- removed from local decision-making. unit projects to the market in inner and outer suburbs It’s a valley? at prices competitive with the traditional detached Barber-shop of opinions Planning Minister Justin Madden announced new house and land. The Age reported that Greens MP Greg Barber said guidelines by the Maribyrnong River Valley aimed at Melbourne needs a federation of local councils to ensuring planning consistency across the area. The New advice consider planning issues and ensure development Maribyrnong River Valley Guidelines identify priority The Central City Advisory Committee, a new occurs with the full input of the community. developments, such as bicycle trail links and park government and City of Melbourne joint advisory facilities, some of which will be funded out of $80,000 panel, will advise the Planning Minister on all Letting the water in allocated to the plan, The Age reported. developments over 25,000 square metres in the city Hamer Hall will close at the beginning of July for a centre. It comprises two councillors, Peter Clarke $128m facelift linking the venue to the Yarra River. On the coast and Jennifer Kanis, and the council’s chief urban Slabs of concrete between the concert hall and the Friends of Mallacoota have taken Planning Minister planner, Rob Adams. David Buckingham, Victoria’s river will be knocked down and replaced with big Justin Madden to the Supreme Court over plans former agent-general in London, will be committee windows, creating views towards Flinders Street to build a two lane boating facility at Bastion Point, chairman, while the Government representatives will Station and Federation Square. The heritage listed which includes a 130 metre long breakwater that be management consultant Ms Chris Gallagher and drum shaped hall will remain, but the 30-year-old goes through a reef and threatens one of the best surf planners Gaye McKenzie and Roger Eade. Planning venue will be virtually gutted on the inside to allow for breaks in eastern Victoria, The Age reported. Minister Justin Madden announced the committee at new equipment and staging, better acoustics and new the height of the controversy over the Hotel Windsor, auditorium seating. While the renovations are taking Legitimate democratic expression of interest The Age reported. place, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will return Parliament’s Law Reform Committee is conducting to where it first performed in 1906, the Melbourne an Inquiry into Arrangements for Security and Nearby Town Hall, The Age reported. Security Information Gathering at State Government The Age reported councils could lose some of their Construction Projects like the desalination plant under planning powers to a citywide planning authority, Boom towns construction at Wonthaggi/Kilcunda and whether under one of several proposals from the Committee The Population and Residential Building Hotspots the rights of Victorians, including those engaged in of Melbourne, of which The Age is a member. The report by the Housing Industry Association showed peaceful and legitimate democratic expression, have committee has released the first in a series of reports Whittlesea North topped the list with $484m worth been respected by this new arrangement, www. on planning Melbourne’s future that argues a long- of new building approvals in 2008-09. There was 18 parliament.vic.gov.au/lawreform. term vision must address the ultimate land size per cent population growth in Whittlesea North in the and physical shape of our city. The report calls for same period. Wyndham South took second place with community debate on a new governance structure for 13 per cent growth, with Cardinia-Pakenham and planning, and questions the role of councils in planning. Melton east fourth and fifth. The HIA says Victoria Local government An editorial in the same paper said the report calls has the fastest growing population, and building for the establishment of a citywide planning authority works must keep accelerating in areas of demand. Green light to new lights that would be responsible for some of the decisions The leading urban planner said the push to the fringes According to the Municipal Association of Victoria’s now made by individual councils. The proposal has meant the gap between the haves and have-nots was Bulletin, the MAV and the Maribyrnong City Council, in predictably annoyed the Municipal Association of rapidly increasing. HIA Victorian executive director Gil partnership with 40 other Victorian councils launched Victoria, which argues – not too persuasively – the King said there was no sign of boom suburb growth the Give Our Streets the Green Light campaign, councils already have sufficient cooperation across slowing, the Herald Sun reported. encouraging the federal and state governments municipal boundaries. More importantly, however, the to partner with local councils to replace old 1980s report leaves open the crucial question of what form New York (and Hong Kong) comes to lighting technology with new energy-efficient

20 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE streetlights. Councillor Bill McArthur, MAV president in the middle of June. The AFL Hall of Fame member Best performed team ever said Victoria had an estimated 330,000 local road has been stood down indefinitely without pay from his The Australian women’s soccer team, the Matildas, streetlights using old lamps that were typically the role as AusKick ambassador after telling a function in won a penalty shootout against North Korea in largest source of greenhouse gas emissions for local Adelaide that former Essendon Brownlow medallist Chengdu, China, to secure a cup victory. The team’s government. ‘If the state and commonwealth fund a was ‘not too bad for an Abo’, The performance qualified it for next year’s World Cup in quarter to a third of the total upgrade costs, we will Age reported. Germany, The Age reported. achieve a 78,000 tonne greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and a$7m cost saving each year.’ Sky clearing Disintegrating heart The Age reported that News Limited chief executive The Museum of New Zealand has confirmed it will Creative forms John Hartigan has held talks with four independent send Phar Lap’s skeleton to Australia, to be reunited There is a dispute at the City of Casey over pay and directors of the Melbourne Storm in a bid to persuade with the hide in Melbourne, provided agreement over career progression of staff, and a ballot of workers them to drop their legal action against the National loan details can be reached with the National Museum has endorsed some creative forms on industrial Rugby League. He raised the possibility of News of Victoria. But the National Museum in Canberra said action including allowing people to park for free in Limited handing over the club to the directors if they that it would not send Phar Lap’s heart to the 150th the municipality. Australian Services Union assistant withdrew their High Court challenge to penalties for anniversary of the Melbourne Cup because it was branch secretary Igor Grattan said Casey workers salary cap breaches. The directors’ action effectively too delicate to move. After consulting scholars in faced rising workloads in the fast-growing municipality pits one of Rupert Murdoch’s companies against four countries, the museum said the risk of the 3.2 and wanted to be paid as well as those at other nearby another – News Limited owns Storm out right and kilogram heart disintegrating was too high to move, councils, The Age reported. controls half of the NRL. The writ was lodged by the The Age reported. independent directors in mid-May in the Victorian Our paperwork!! Supreme Court in which they claimed the game’s Not in that way The Victorian Competition & Efficiency governing body had acted out on its own rules and the The Herald Sun reported that Tiger Woods has Commission released a 42-page publication Storm had been denied procedural fairness. agreed to defend his Australian Masters title at Local Government for a Better Victoria: Inquiry into Victoria Golf Club in November. His appearance fee Streamlining Local Government Regulation; Draft Melbourne Storm’s independent directors believed of $3m has once again ruffled some feathers, with Overview of Recommendations April 2010. that the club would have collapsed unless action was Rebecca Wilson writing in the same paper that not taken against the NRL and the penalties imposed for all Victorians support the Government’s assertion that Mitchell seeking, and the Grampians too salary cap cheating. The Storm’s four independent Tiger Woods is worth the money. The state is evenly Mitchell Shire Council seeks a chief executive directors, chairman Rob Moodie, Peter Maher, split on whether it is right to pay a serial adulterer to officer, www.mav.asn.au. Gerry Ryan and Petra Fawcett, are seeking a entertain us. The Northern Grampians Shire Council seeks a Victorian Supreme Court injunction to restrain the chief executive officer, ww.ngshire.vic.gov.au NRL from imposing the penalties, which included Aker stripping the club of its 2007 and 2009 premierships Gay and community leaders, as well as the AFL, and preventing it playing for competition points this heavily criticised Western Bulldogs footballer Jason season, The Age reported. Akermanis for his opinion that gay AFL players Sport should stay in the closet. Rugby league’s first openly The Herald Sun reported that as the investigation gay player, Ian Roberts, says Akermanis is living in Over before it began into the salary cap scandal rolls towards completion, another century, the Herald Sun reported. On the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup curtain raiser Storm players have vowed they are as tight as ever and in South Africa, the powers behind Australia’s bid to will maintain a focus on winning games this season. Lost its way host the world’s biggest sporting event confirmed they The players have been the focus of considerable The Age reported: Click on the team list on the AFL’s had dropped their tilt at hosting the 2018 tournament. speculation after they ignored requests for interviews website and betting odds will pop up before the list of The Asian Football Federation threw its weight behind with auditors Deloitte. Investigators looking at the players. According to anti-gambling campaigner Tim returning the contest to Europe in 2018. Australia will Storm rorts scandal are now looking at a chain of Costello, the AFL has lost its way. He said ‘in taking continue to contest the right to host the 2022 World emails that specifically referred to a range of ways in the easy money’, the AFL have lost their cultural role Cup, going up against the US, Qatar and unsuccessful which players could be paid outside the salary cap. of protecting kids and keeping it a family sport. European bidders for the 2018 tournament. The news came as FIFA wrapped up its 60th Congress ahead The Age reported that Victorian Supreme Court of the tournament beginning, the Financial Review Justice Tony Pagone said he would be staggered if reported. Recent news notes behind-the-scenes the National Rugby League could not quickly produce Tourism lobbying by Australia. documents relating to the salary cut penalties imposed on Melbourne Storm, rebuffing NRL barrister Nothing like an ad campaign Dippa Michael Colbran’s request for more time to gather Marketing experts have given the thumbs up to The AFL has stood down its children’s ambassador, the documents requested by the Storm’s independent Tourism Australia’s new $150m global ad campaign, Robert DiPierdomenico, after the former Brownlow directors. ‘There’s Nothing like Australia’, launched at the end medallist made allegedly racist remarks, the second of May. In the flagship 90 second TV commercial such controversy to engulf the league in a few days with its bouncy There’s Nothing like Australia song,

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21 1 JUNE to 3 JULY 2010

viewers can tick off the clichés – camels at sunset still cannot say when the smartcard stationing St John Ambulance paramedics at its on Broome’s Cable Beach, a flight over the Great will be turned on. Nearby, in 2006, the former chief five busiest stations during morning rush hours, The Barrier Reef, Aboriginal kids in billabong. Switch to executive of the Transport Ticketing Authority, Viv Age reported. A 2009 train operations report by the a couple driving through the countryside, a barbecue Miners, warned that the existing smartcard system Transport Department, obtained by the opposition, on a Queensland beach… and what’s this? A bit of was close to collapse. Meanwhile, the Herald Sun found the number of ill passengers is increasing, Victoria. A rowing team sing along as they scull down reported that Government research confirms just largely as a result of overcrowding. the Yarra with black clouds menacing the Melbourne one in 20 train travellers uses myki. In a bizarre twist, skyline, The Age reported. Metcard recorded its highest ever approval rating in the same research. It shows myki is rated 62 out of road. pedestrians 100, while Metcard scored 78. Operational effectiveness Transport The promotional truck The Herald Sun reported that Victoria Police has The Transport Ticketing Authority has paid Chadstone defended its policy of using unmarked mobile speed and Highpoint $3,000 for the right to park the cameras and not telling motorists where they are Rail promotional truck at the shopping centres. The each day. Budget papers reveal the Government $721,000 truck has also called by Westfield centres expects traffic camera fines to earn $476.8m in Good return on investment at airport West, Doncaster, Southgate, Plenty Valley 2010-11. Victoria Police refused to release the notice The Financial Review reported that a proposed $38b and Southland. The PTA has also spent $14,412 of where speed cameras would be found each day, in transport plan for Victoria would generate broader on small displays inside shopping centres and at time for locations to be published to deter motorists benefits of more than $180b, according to state- festivals. In the past year, more than 60,000 people speeding, because it would diminish the operational commissioned research the Brumby government have visited myki displays at 52 locations, the Herald effectiveness of mobile speed camera enforcement. hopes will boost its case for federal funding. The study Sun reported. In the letters to the editor of that paper, Colin of the costs and impact of the Victorian Transport Plan Andrews, of Doncaster, wrote ‘when I go to pick up by Ernst & Young considers the cumulative benefits Like schools of fish dodging predators my kids from school, a distance of 22 kilometres, I go of improvements to the entire system from 2009 to Transport Minister Martin Pakula says Melbourne’s through 18 speed zones. Roads I have driven on for 20 2061. trains are getting safer – even though the number of years now have speed limit changes up to four times crimes has not fallen over the past four years. Last in one kilometre. Under this government, if I miss one What’s the point? financial year there were 7055 offences, which because I’m actually looking at the road and traffic The Age reported that the $4.3b Regional Rail Link includes vandalism. That is a small increase on instead of signs and my speedo, I am practically a from Werribee to Southern Cross Station will not speed 2005-06 and 2006-07. Pakula said that because more criminal.’ up regional train services, according to a government people were using trains, people were statistically less submission. The state and federal governments likely to be victims. The rail unions and the Opposition Twas ever thus? are building the link, 47 kilometres of new track, to disagreed, saying this is at odds with the experience The Age reported that rules that came into effect last improve access for trains from Geelong, Ballarat and of passengers, The Age reported. November mean that both cyclists and drivers behind Bendigo. The Brumby government argues that it will trams must stop while tram doors remain open, or allow a boost in the number of regional services to Off the rails pedestrians are on the road at a tram stop. The fine for Melbourne and create capacity for an extra 9,000 A Connex ticket inspector bashed a man in the toilets running a red light on a bike, for which 750 riders were passengers an hour across the suburban and regional of Moorabbin train station. Paul Saluni, 32, punched fined last year, is now $292, the same as in a car. networks at peak times. Michael Kemp in the head three times while fellow The fine for not wearing a helmet has jumped $246 – inspectors David Smith, 42, and Mark Pankhurst, which is likely to bring in at least $1m in revenue for Consistent 25, watched, the Moorabbin Magistrate’s Court was the government this financial year. The Age reported that for the sixth consecutive month told. In the brief hearing, the court heard all three since it was hired by the Brumby government to ticket inspectors walked away after Kemp came out Helmet focus run Melbourne’s railways, Metro failed punctuality of the toilets and collapsed. Magistrate Paul Smith Melbourne has become the world’s first city with targets. Metro is remaking timetables in a bid to fit in adjourned the case to October 20 for a two-day compulsory helmet laws to also have a bicycle share more services and increase reliability. While almost all hearing. scheme. Roads Minister launched the lines will have tweaked timetables, the big changes scheme, which will allow users to pay a $50 yearly are to the Frankston, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines The maddening crowd subscription fee and then take one of the bicycles with in peak hour from early June. The Herald Sun reported Melbourne’s most crowded train line, the Sydenham no further charge for 30 minutes at a time. The first that Metro was fined the maximum $3m for poor line, is about to be extended to Sunbury, but the 10 docking stations were opened around the central management of the Melbourne rail network. Metro ageing infrastructure on the line cannot cope with business district, with 100 bicycles in them. By the end declined to comment about the fine, which comes after any extra services in peak hour. The news is revealed of July there will be 600 bikes, docked at 50 stations six straight months of failure to meet its performance in the Initial Strategic Operations Plan, the same around the CBD. The scheme will cost taxpayers targets. Public Transport Users Association president document that said passengers were happy to stand $5.5m over four years. Members of the bicycle share Daniel Bowen said it was not surprising that Metro whilst travelling for 45 minutes (and, also, that it was scheme get a small key card, which is inserted into a are being fined the maximum possible amount. assumed passengers needed just 40 cm x 40 cm of docking station to release one of the bicycles. They space), the Herald Sun reported. Patronage on the then have the use of the bicycle for 30 minutes, and Data-logged line is soaring amid booming population growth in it can be returned to any other docking station. If it is The Age reported that leaked government data logs Melbourne’s outer west. Public Transport Minister not returned within 24 hours, the user will be charged show that travellers with myki cards have used the Martin Pakula said the document was prepared by $500, The Age reported. system on trams 41,000 times over the first fortnight bureaucrats and bidders vying to run Melbourne’s train in June. However, myki is legally valid for use only on system and doesn’t reflect his view or government Slowing trains in Melbourne. To become valid on trams and policy. One of the eastern suburbs main routes into the city, buses, a new law must be gazetted. The troubled Albert Street, East Melbourne, will have its speed limit smartcard system has shown signs of improvement: Nearby cut to 50 kilometres an hour as new bicycle paths the leaked data shows it worked 96 per cent of Overcrowding on Melbourne’s trains is causing become operational, The Age reported. the time on trams in May. Public transport Minister so many passengers to become ill that Metro is

22 LETTER FROM MELBOURNE

Recipe for disaster jPad The Herald Sun reported that MP3 players, mobile The Australian reported that Jet Star is offering phones and noiseless electric cars are a recipe for passengers the opportunity to rent iPads on some of Account Ability pedestrian disaster, according to insurance company its flights. research. AAMI spokesman Mike Sopinski says Lucy MacIntyre research shows two in three pedestrians admit to Supersonic 0413 155 115 jaywalking. The Herald Sun reported that the first step in getting Concorde back in the air – possibly for a fly past at the Fantastic Dr Fox 2012 Olympic Games in London – are underway in Bookkeeping for Lindsay Fox was awarded an honorary doctorate by France. It is hoped to get the supersonic passenger jet smaller firms from Victoria University for his outstanding achievements flying again in a heritage capacity. wise owl who has in the transport industry and his contribution to the community through sustained efforts to reduce worked for large unemployment and his campaigning against youth accounting practices suicide, The Age reported. ports

On the move Back to front beach walked off the hospital site, part of a long-running The office site of 60 Denmark Street is currently The Age reported that the front beach at Portsea battle between the CFMEU and Bovis Lend Lease. occupied by VicRoads, but they may be on the move. facing Port Phillip Bay and the back beach, facing the ocean surf, are merging into one with the bay beach behind the Portsea hotel being washed away. air For many Portsea locals, there is only one possible Community answer as to why – the unprecedented dredging of Retrospectivity the bay during 2008 and 2009 to deepen shipping The opposite of Seachange The Herald Sun reported that hundreds of thousands channels. Don Hough, director of the government’s The tiny central Victorian settlement of Kirwans of dollars in fines issued at were Office of Environmental Monitor, set up to oversee the Bridge is fighting against plans to close a 110- validated after laws were rushed into Parliament. dredging project, is not certain, but said there was no year-old bridge that locals use to reach the outside A bureaucratic mistake left a loophole that could evidence to suggest dredging was to blame. Modelling world, the Herald Sun reported. Closure would also have seen about 70,000 parking fines nationwide before the channel deepening project suggested it bring social isolation and economic decline to nearby challenged in court, but the Federal Government would increase the range between the high and low Nagambie and cut Kirwans Bridge residents off from headed off challenges by back-dating the laws to 2004. tide mark around the bay by 20 millimetres. This has access to a new bypass. Strathbogie Shire Council is Parking is a major cash cow for Melbourne airport, happened, but only for short periods. The average tide against closure, but has told residents the bridge is which earned $90m from motorists in 2008-09, or has stayed the same. unsafe and no funds are available for its replacement about one fifth of total revenue. Melbourne Airport is or an upgrade… charging drivers more for short stays – $20 for one to two hours, up $2 – despite raking in record profits. Heavenly job the workplace The Bible Society, an interdenominational Christian Losing its virginity organisation, seeks a chief executive officer, www. New Virgin Blue chief executive John Borghetti will talent2.com. take the airline from a low fare only business to one that ir offers all travel classes, according to airline sources in Desperately seeking someone Brisbane, The Age reported. It will introduce business Never mind the children Relationships Australia Victoria six chief executive class, change its name and uniforms, and add larger The Herald Sun reported that the construction of officer, www.waite.com.au. planes to domestic routes in a bid to become a far the new Royal Children’s Hospital could fall behind more potent competitor to Qantas. schedule because of an industrial dispute. At the Vale beginning of June, hundreds of Construction, Forestry, Jim Braden, distinguished Rotarian, aged 99. Mining and Energy Union members downed tools and Richard Elvins, former president of the Institute of Public Administration. Ian Gittus, chairman of Kids Victoria and a former Chairman of the Board of the National SIDS Council of Australia. Margaret Thornborrow, past student of Firbank Grammar School. Jim Griffin, schoolteacher at Xavier College, history professor in Papua New Guinea, lecturer in Townsville where he made many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander friends, and then at the Australian National University, analyst at the top- secret Office of National Assessments, aged 80.Paul John McKeown AM, pioneered Geelong Grammar’s ‘Charles Kovess is Australia's Passion Provocateur.’ outdoor education program, early staff member www.kovess.com He has helped many large corporations and many p 03 9562 2248 at Timbertop, headmaster of Canberra Grammar m 0412 317 404 Government Departments to School. Bruce Sharp, architect and member of The PO Box 1412 improve leadership behaviours build better teams Buchan Group in 1971 until his retirement in 2000. Central Park Julian Randolph Stow, one of the forgotten greats East Malvern, Vic 3145 unleash passion and build world-class performance. of Australian writing, a poet, librettist and children’s Mention this ad when you contact us and we'll send you a FREE one-hour audio CD valued at $25.00" writer, aged 74. Air Vice Marshal Ernest Michael Caroll CBE, aged 85. Lieutenant Colonel Graham Maxwell Palmer ED, former 2/6 Battalion AIF and

23 1 JUNE to 3 JULY 2010

Victorian Scottish Regiment, a past president and senior Victorian public servant and ICT specialist. Walmsley, businessman. Eric Martin. Norman board member, welfare officer, and then executive Gloria Staley, restaurateur who established Fanny’s Rothfield OAM. Dr Charles William Wilson, medical officer for over 20 years at Carry On (Victoria), aged 89. and Glo Glo’s, with Fanny’s closing in 1993 after 33 practitioner, aged 90. Barbara Helen Blanche (nee Phyllis Connor, left school in 1927, past president of years, aged 89. Adriana Xenides, the glamorous Balderstone). Kevin McBeath, music industry the Old Grammarians Society aged 99. John Thomas Argentinian-born letter turner on the television show figure, ran Melbourne’s leading classical record Mahon, former principal of Aquinas College. Tove Wheel of Fortune for 15 years, aged 54. Mr Prisco Di retailer Thomas’ Music Warehouse, broadcaster with Helms OAM, an international career with UNICEF, Stasio, the father of Melbourne restaurateur Ronnie, the ABC, aged 85. Bruce Arthur Morgan, architect, aged 88. Peter Strickland, member of the De La Salle aged 91. Valentine Percy Cleary, forester who gave prefabricator, swimmer, aged 69. Peter Bowers, College community, aged 85. Michael Schildberger, Victoria an enviable an internationally recognised veteran Herald political journalist. reporter at The Sun News-Pictorial, news director and reputation in forest fire management, visiting lecturer in newsreader, executive producer and host of A Current fire protection at the Victorian School of Forestry from Arthur Gordon Linkletter, renowned American TV Affair, radio host on 3LO and Fox, and media trainer, 1960 until 1980, aged 87. Norma Eileen Campbell- host, aged 97. Dennis Hopper, the maverick director aged 72. Mary Funaki, artist, gallery owner (the Smith, teacher, preschool adviser with the Victorian and co-star of the landmark 1969 counterculture film National Gallery of Victoria will open her solo exhibition Health Department, member of the Melbourne classic Easy Rider, aged 74. Dame Pat Evison, New at its Federation Square building on August 6), aged Women’s Walking Club, aged 90. Andrew Wilson, Zealand actress, aged 85. Vladimir Arnold, Russian, 59. Nola Neuparth, designer, bush walker, aged 83. Victorian pilot who died with his passenger in a crash one of the most important mathematicians of the last Dr Blair Widmer MBBS OAM, dedicated medical landing attempt in Sydney’s west soon after taking century, the co-author of the KAM theorem of classical practitioner up until his 91st year. Mark Andrew off from nearby by Bankstown airport; Wilson just mechanics, which was developed in the 1950s and Bence, landscaper who, with his business partner, managed to miss a group of children who were on the bore the initials of its creators, Kolmogorov, Arnold Martin Semken, took the first Australian garden to way to a nearby primary school, aged 27. Rosemarie and Moser, aged nearly 73. Jack Harrison, believed the Chelsea Flower Show in London in 2004, fifth- Gillespie, also known as Waratah Rose, lawyer who to be the last survivor of the prisoner of war break generation Warrandyte resident whose grandfather, was a political prisoner in Fiji in the first military coup out immortalised in the film The Great Escape, one of Bill Hussey, ran the horse-drawn drag that connected in 1987 and acted as a human shield during the 2003 scores of Allied servicemen who tried to flee Stalag Warrandyte with the railway at Ringwood and Iraq war, aged 69. Andrew Wakely, Royal Australian Luft III during World War II, former RAF pilot, aged 97. Heidelberg. Friar William Edwards, member of Navy sailor on shore leave from HMAS Warramunga the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Australia-Pacific who went missing off Kaleti Beach resort in Tonga. Ian Province. Ted Innes, secretary of the Electrical Trades Stevenson, 50-year member of the Royal Brighton Letter From Melbourne ‘A vital contemporary source Union from 1964 until 1971, entered Parliament in Yacht Club. Norma Hodge, president of the Haileybury on Victorian politics and government’ - Geoffrey 1972 as a member of the Whitlam government. Darren Mothers Association and member of The Haileybury Blainey in A History of Victoria. Smith, Australian sapper killed in Afghanistan, aged Society. Harold Ernst Adam Pfeffer A.M. FCPA, 25. Jacob Moerland, Australian sapper who died in retired wing commander RAAF. Noel Dennis, third ‘I find Letter From Canberra’s sharp and succinct Afghanistan, aged 21. Their sniffer dog, Herbie, also generation Western Districts Polworth sheep farmer. briefings integral to staying informed about business, died. Father John Drury SJ, last rector of St Patrick’s Leonard Anthony Boffa. Beverly Kemp (Bell - nee policy and cultural news and events in Melbourne and College East Melbourne, aged 90. Thomas Henry Taylor). Thomas Aloysius Molomby, lawyer. Carlo Australia. If you are a frequent traveller or an expatriate, Jones, Captain of the Yarck Rural Fire Brigade. Tom Valmorbida. Kenneth D’Esterre Atkins. Alexander it’s a must-have when keeping tabs on home.’ - Leith Jones, Old Scotch Collegian. Susan Greenwood, Power OAM. Dr Colin Laing. Julian Leitch Doody, Austrade, Indonesia.

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