The Government believes it is important the public service continues to play its part in delivering savings to the Budget given tight fiscal conditions.

The Government expects agencies to continue to meet the efficiency dividend without resorting to forced redundancies.

We know the Liberal Party likes to boast about sacking 12,000 workers:

“For a start, 12,000 public servants in Canberra will be made redundant over a two-year period immediately upon us being elected.” HOCKEY – Q&A – 27 JUNE 2011

However we expect agencies to create savings in areas including: reductions in the use of big consultancy firms and contractors; replacing travel with the use of virtual meeting facilities; reductions in agency spend on hospitality and entertainment; minimising media and advertising expenditure; reductions in printing and publication expenditure, and more efficient and consistent delivery of training.

The future figures for wages and salaries used by the Canberra Times do not account for new policies that may be agreed to by government in future budgets. Adjusting for this would change the projections.

The figures also do not reflect the Government’s expectation that agencies meet the Efficiency Dividend from non-salary expenditure. This means in future years the wage and salary figures are expected to increase at the expense of non-wage and salary departmental expenditure.

Unlike the Liberals, we believe that a strong public service is essential to support the community and deliver critical government programs.

PRIME MINISTER

PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR IMMIGRATION AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS

 

PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA AMBASSADORS

Harry O'Brien, Kate Lundy and the Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the People of Australia Ambassador launch

Prime Minister Julia Gillard today congratulated 40 Australians who have been recognised for their outstanding work in building strong and cohesive local communities.

The 40 local champions have been independently selected as the new People of Australia Ambassadors following hundreds of nominations from the public.

Australians were encouraged to nominate inspirational people who have helped to build bridges, promote inclusion and strengthen ties in their communities.

The Prime Minister and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Kate Lundy announced the new Ambassadors in Melbourne today.

They were joined by football champion and new Ambassador Harry O’Brien, who is actively involved in the AFL’s own Multicultural Program and engaged in a variety of community projects.

The Ambassador program is a key initiative of the Gillard Labor Government’s multicultural policy, The People of Australia, announced last year.

The 40 Ambassadors now have a new platform to promote their good work and share their ideas and initiatives that can help inspire others.

The Gillard Government recognises good work that is happening in our communities and that good work deserves to be championed at the national level.

The new Ambassadors will be able to provide advice to Government and the Australian Multicultural Council if they wish.

Their contributions will help assist and strengthen the Government’s multicultural policy.

The Ambassadors have been recognised for the real impact they are having on the lives of many Australians – from bringing kids together through sport, to helping small business owners from diverse backgrounds get up and running.

The inaugural Ambassador program speaks to the strength of our Australian communities and our capacity as a nation to welcome people and make them feel part of our community.

The 2012 Ambassadors’ term commences today and ends on 30 December 2012.

Further information on the Ambassadors is available at http://www.amc.gov.au/ambassadors/ambassadors-2012.htm

LIST OF PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA AMBASSADORS

Australian Capital Territory

Sam Wong AM

Northern Territory

Ms Sascha McKell

Mr Kevin Kadirgamar

New South Wales

Sister Diana Santleben

Mr Ali Reza Yunespour

Dr Cen Amores

Ms Ricci Bartels

Mr Susai Benjamin JP

Mr Jeremy Jones AM

Ms Vivi Germanos-Koutsounadis

Mr Lawrence Dimech OAM, JP

Ms Carmen Lazar

Mrs Jenny Siv Phan Tew

Mr Samir Yousif

Dr Tien Manh Nguyen OAM

Queensland

Mrs Adele Rice

Mr Daniel Zingifuaboro

Mr Warren McMillan

Dr Farvardin Daliri OAM

Mr Umesh Chandra

South Australia

Pastor Brad Chilcott

Ms Dorinda Hafner

Mrs Claudia Cream

Ms Denise McEvoy

Ms Elizabeth Ho

Tasmania

Mr Fayia Isaiah Lahai

Mrs Sajini Sumar

Victoria

Mr Harry O’Brien

Ms Melissa Barbieri

Mrs Elleni Bereded-Samuel

Mr Deepak Vinayak

Mrs Jennifer Barrera

Ms Marion Lau OAM, JP

Mr Chap Chow

Mr Phong Nguyen

Mr Ahmed Dini

Mr David Nyuol Vincent

Western Australia

Ms Maria Grazia Saraceni

Ms Zeliha Iscel

Mr Salim Youssef

The announcement follows the review of a pilot initiative undertaken in 2009-10 which extended free telephone interpreting services to selected real estate agents around Australia. The review showed the service has been successful in helping non-English speaking residents to communicate with real estate agents.

“Declining affordability and vacancy rates in recent years have led to an increasingly competitive private rental market, which poses particular challenges for new humanitarian settlers with little or no English,” Senator Lundy said.

“As part of this successful pilot, selected real estate agents were offered access to free telephone interpreting, through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s translating and interpreting service, TIS National.”

Participating real estate agents reported that the service helped them to communicate more easily with their non-English speaking clients on tenancy issues including contract signings, rental payments and inspections.
The pilot was linked to a small number of housing-related projects being delivered under DIAC’s settlement grants program in locations of high migrant and humanitarian settlement.

Senator Lundy said the pilot has now been expanded, providing three times as many real estate agents with access to the free telephone interpreting service.

The expanded pilot will capture other major areas of high settlement need acrossAustraliaand in addition to wider metropolitan coverage, will include more regional centres.

“Last year, the Australian Government provided settlement support to about 13 750 refugees and humanitarian entrants,” Senator Lundy said.

“Strategies for embracing new arrivals as part of Australian society are a critical element of this commitment, but it is also important for them to build self-reliance and foster connections with mainstream services as soon as possible after arrival, to assist them in becoming participating members of the Australian community.”

The extended pilot will run from October 2011 for 12 months.

Sen the Hon Mark Arbib

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development

Minister for Sport

Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness

Sen the Hon Kate Lundy

Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister

Senator Kate Lundy tonight joined the Australian tennis community to congratulate the winner of the 2011 Newcombe Medal Sam Stosur at the Australian Tennis Awards in Melbourne.

The Newcombe Medal is awarded to Australia’s most outstanding elite player in recognition of Australian tennis legend John Newcombe.

Representing the Minister for Sport Senator Mark Arbib, Senator Lundy said in September Stosur become the first Australian female Grand Slam winner since Evonne Goolagong in 1980 when she won the US Open.

“Sam united a nation with her fantastic performance at the US Open.  The win capped off a fantastic 2011 after years of dedication and hard work,” Senator Lundy said.

 “Her win will inspire the next generation of tennis players and give young girls another role model to look up to. I look forward to seeing a new crop of girls pick up a tennis racquet and join their local tennis club to follow Sam’s success.

“I also congratulated her coach, Dave Taylor, on winning the Coaching Excellence-High Performance award for this work and success with Sam in 2011.”

Senator Lundy presented the Volunteer Achievement award at the awards and extended her congratulations to Tom Hancy.

“Volunteers are the unsung heroes that make Australian sport what it is today and I congratulate Tom on this very well deserved award,” Senator Lundy said.

Senator Arbib congratulated joint winners of the Junior Athlete of the Year Ashleigh Barty and Luke Saville.

“Luke and Ashleigh showed that Australian tennis has the potential to enter another golden era with their individual triumphs in the 2011 junior Wimbledon boys’ and girls’ singles,” Senator Arbib said.

“Along with Bernard Tomic, who made the quarter-finals of the men’s singles draw at Wimbledon, Australia has a fine crop of youngsters aiming to replicate the great tennis players who have gone before them.”

Senator Arbib praised 15 year veteran Kelly Wren in winning the Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability.

“Kelly is a wonderful role model and advocate for people with disability. Her award comes in a year where she also won two gold medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Greece,” Senator Arbib said.

The Australian Government is a strong supporter of Australian tennis and provides over $1.4 million of funding annually to support the AIS program and help develop the sport at grassroots level.

Partnering with Volunteering ACT the awards recognise local volunteers and the contribution they play in our community.

These awards pay tribute to individuals who make an important contribution to the ACT community through volunteering.

“Volunteering is an essential part of the ACT community. Volunteering connects us, strengthens our sense of belonging and creates positive relationships that build a stronger community,” said Gai Brodtmann.

“Canberrans are more likely to volunteer than people in any other part of Australia. Our volunteers are the unsung heroes who give up their free time to deliver services, in the areas of sport, emergency services and community welfare,” said Andrew Leigh.

Senator Kate Lundy said “2011 marks the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. The theme for the world-wide celebrations is ‘Inspire the Volunteer in You’ – recognising that everyone can be a volunteer and make a valuable contribution to their community.”

Maureen Cane, CEO of Volunteering ACT, said “International Day of the Volunteer thanks volunteers around the world for their efforts and to increase public awareness of the contribution of volunteers to society.”

To mark this special year we are recognising those individuals who work tirelessly as volunteers whose commitment to helping others goes above and beyond.

The following local volunteers and organisations received awards:

These ten award winners received a custom-designed award pack which included a letter of recognition from the Prime Minister and the Minister for Social Inclusion, a certificate of appreciation for their volunteering efforts and an IYV+10 commemorative stamp and coin set.

The ACT National Volunteer Award ceremony also provided an opportunity for Volunteering ACT to announce a new partnership with Community CPS Credit Union called ‘Community Volunteers’, and to launch its new branding and website.

“We look forward to a long and positive relationship as partners with Community CPS Credit Union to promote and support volunteering in Canberra through the Community Volunteers initiative,” said Maureen Cane.

National Volunteer Award ceremonies will be held across the country today. Over 100 Federal Members of Parliament are participating in the awards.

The Gillard Government is working to acknowledge the important role volunteers play in the community.

Last week the Government launched the National Volunteering Strategy. The strategy sets out how volunteering will be encouraged, supported and recognised across the nation over the next ten years.

The strategy can be downloaded at www.notforprofit.gov.au/news/launch-national-volunteering-strategy

The Volunteering ACT website is now at  www.volunteeringact.org.au

Smaller agencies have been exempted from the one-off efficiency dividend (appendix A), including our national cultural institutions, and the Government’s strong expectation is that agencies will continue to meet the efficiency dividend without resorting to forced redundancies.

Federal Labor representatives for the ACT, Senator the Hon Kate Lundy, Gai Brodtmann and Dr Andrew Leigh, welcomed the announcement to exempt smaller agencies and protect jobs, but expressed their concern the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG), the National Portrait Gallery (NPG), and the National Capital Authority (NCA) had not been included among the list of agencies exempt from the temporary efficiency dividend.  

We will be making strong representations to the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Simon Crean and the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Tony Burke to ensure these important national cultural institutions are protected, in line with the Government’s policy to apply the efficiency divided at the portfolio level.

A working group involving the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) and the Department of Finance and Deregulation (DoFD) will advise on the implementation of this measure and wider public sector reforms including Senior Executive Service reforms. The group will be led by the Special Minister of State Gary Gray and report to Minister Penny Wong.

At a time of considerable economic turbulence, the Gillard Government is determined to deliver savings and expects agencies to find savings in a range of areas including:

• Reductions in the use of consultants and contractors;
• Replacing domestic and international travel with the use of the Government’s virtual meeting (telepresence) facilities;
• Reductions in agency spend on hospitality and entertainment;
• Minimising media and advertising expenditure;
• Reductions in printing and publication expenditure; and
• More efficient and consistent delivery of training.

The efficiency dividend is a one-off measure and will return to 1.25 per cent in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Appendix (A)

Agencies exempt from additional efficiency dividend

Cultural Institutions

Australian War Memorial (DVA)

National Gallery of Australia (PM&C)

National Museum of Australia (PM&C)

National Library of Australia (PM&C)

National Film and Sound Archive (PM&C)

National Archives (PM&C)

Old Parliament House (PM&C)

Screen Australia (PM&C)

Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Studies (DIISR)

Australian National Maritime Museum (PM&C)

Australia Council (PM&C)

Australian Film Television and Radio School (PM&C)

Australian Sports Commission (PM&C)

Courts and tribunals

High Court (AG)

Family Court (AG)

Federal Court (AG)

Federal Magistrates Court (AG)

Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AG)

Social Security Appeals Tribunal (FaHCSIA)

National Native Title Tribunal (AG)

Migration Review Tribunal – Refugee Review Tribunal (DIAC)

ATSI Organisations

Torres Strait Regional Authority (FaHCSIA)

Aboriginal Hostels Limited (FaHCSIA)

Indigenous Business Australia (FaHCSIA)

Indigenous Land Corporation (FaHCSIA)

Other

Australian Communications and Media Authority (DBCDE)

Sen the Hon Kate Lundy

Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minsiter

Mr Geoff Lyons MP

Federal Member for Bass

Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, today announced a $41 000 grant to assist young former refugees in northernTasmaniabuild literacy, numeracy and life skills.

The Migrant Resource Centre Northern Tasmania will receive funding under the 2011-12 Settlement Grants Program (SGP) to run specialist homework groups for young refugees.

Federal Member for Bass, Geoff Lyons, welcomed the federal funding to help young refugees excel at school and adapt to life inAustralia.

“The homework project will help young refugees build literacy and numeracy skills and it will provide the support they need to succeed at school and thrive inAustralia,” Mr Lyons said.

 “The Northern Tasmania Migrant Resource Centre is in a great position to provide these services toTasmania’s newly arrived Australians.

“For nearly 30 years, the centre has been making significant contributions to the successful settlement and wellbeing of refugee and migrant entrants in the northern and north-west regions ofTasmania.

“They’re an outstanding local organisation serving the community and they also receive funding through other grants to provide orientation services to refugee and migrant entrants of all ages.”

Senator Lundy said in 2011-12, the grants program will provide $38 million to organisations acrossAustraliato support refugees and migrants, with a total of $1.1 million allocated to Tasmanian agencies.

“The projects that are supported by theSGPhelp migrants and refugees to settle successfully into their new communities, promoting social participation and assisting their cultural transition,” Senator Lundy said.

“This grant provides a great opportunity for humanitarian entrants in northernTasmaniato build on their skills, self-esteem and confidence, as well as create friendships and connections to local communities.”

A complete list of successful applicants in the 2011-12SGPfunding round is available on Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) website at:

www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/delivering-assistance/settlement-grants

Sen the Hon Kate Lundy

Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister

Mr Geoff Lyons MP

Federal Member for Bass

Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, today announced the Northern Suburbs Community Centre has received $84 000 to assist refugee and migrant communities in the region.

Senator Lundy said project was funded under the Gillard Government’s Settlement Grants Program which aims to help refugees and migrants become self-reliant, contribute to the national economy, and acquire essential skills and knowledge about life in Australia.

Federal Member for Bass, Geoff Lyons, welcomed the federal funding to help young refugees build strong links to the Launceston community.

“The project will involve young refugees in activities such as training, group discussions, skills audits and career guidance, providing them with a great opportunity to make connections with local clubs and services, such as sporting and youth clubs,” Mr Lyons said.

“The program is a wonderful initiative of the Northern Suburbs Community Centre and will assist new arrivals gain a stronger understanding of our cultural, social and legal norms and become self-sufficient members of the community.”

Senator Lundy said the project aims to promote positive community development opportunities for young humanitarian entrants and between the ages of 16 and 24 years in Launceston.

“The project will improve settlement outcomes for new arrivals and increase community participation.

“This is a great initiative that will ensure young refugees are equipped with the skills they need to find employment and fully participate in the community”

A complete list of successful application in the latest SGP funding round is available on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) website:

http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/delivering-assistance/settlement-grants/funded-orgs.htm

Sen the Hon Kate Lundy

Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister

Mr Geoff Lyons MP

Federal Member for Bass 

Interweave Arts will receive $45 500 to bring Launceston’s culturally diverse communities together and help refugees connect with their local neighbourhoods, Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, announced in Launceston today.

Senator Lundy said the local project was funded under the Gillard Government’s Diversity and Social Cohesion Program (DSCP) and will allow new arrivals to get to know their neighbours while building a strong sense of cohesion and trust in the community.

Federal Member for Bass, Geoff Lyons, welcomed the federal funding to assist new arrivals settle successfully in the Launceston.

“The Interweave Meet the Street project is designed to bring locals together, reduce social isolation for new arrivals and promote community participation,” Mr Lyons said.

“The Interweave initiative will enable new arrivals to form friendships and connections in the Australian community.

“Launceston is a wonderful place to live and this project will ensure our community remains strong and cohesive.   

Senator Lundy said the project seeks to increase social connectivity for new refugees through a series of street parties which have been modeled on a number of Victorian based programs including the Port Phillip Community Group’s Street Life program and Sustainability Street.

“The project aims to reduce social isolation and address community safety issues experienced by diverse communities in Launceston,” Senator Lundy said.

“This initiative is to be applauded as it will ensure new arrivals develop a strong sense of community and will create safer streets for the our neighbourhoods.

“Many new arrivals face significant challenges settling into the community due to years spent in refugee camps, and past experiences of torture and trauma.

“Projects such as Meet the Street really help newly arrived refugees and migrants successfully settle into the Australian community by encouraging participation and integration.”

A complete list of successful DSCP grants projects is available on: www.harmony.gov.au

SENATOR THE HON MARK ARBIB

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development

Minister for Sport

Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness

SENATOR THE HON KATE LUNDY

Senator for Australian Capital Territory

Minister for Sport Mark Arbib and ACT Senator Kate Lundy have congratulated Laura Geitz on winning the prestigious Liz Ellis Diamond trophy at tonight’s Australian Netball Annual Awards.

Attending the awards, Senator Lundy said the Liz Ellis Diamond recognised the player who received the most votes for outstanding achievement in both the international arena and the ANZ Championship.

Geitz was also named ANZ Championship Player of the Year, adding to her 2011 trophy haul including the ANZ Championship premiership and World Netball Championship winner’s medallion.

“Laura has enjoyed an outstanding year both domestically for the Queensland Firebirds and internationally with the Australian Diamonds where Australia defeated the New Zealand Silver Ferns to be crowned World Champions,” Senator Lundy said.

“As a former Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder Laura has come through the world’s best netball programs to be a key member of the Diamonds squad.

“Congratulations to all of the award winners tonight. The quality of this year’s winners shows what a fantastic year it has been for Australian netball.”

The Liz Ellis Diamond is named after former Diamond’s captain and most capped Australian player Liz Ellis AM, who was tonight inducted into the Australian Netball Hall of Fame. Previous winners include: Mo’onia Gerrard (2008), Julie Corletto (2009) and Natalie von Bertouch (2010).

Senator Arbib paid tribute to the Spirit of Netball award winner Norman Plummer who retired from coaching the Diamonds after this year’s successful World Championships.

“Norma Plummer has been an outstanding Australian netball coach, leading the Diamonds to back-to-back world titles in Singapore last month,” Senator Arbib said.

“She is passionate about the game and developed the skills of some of our greatest netball talents during her eight years in the job. This award is fitting recognition of her dedication to netball.”

The Australian Government is a strong supporter of Australian netball, contributing more than $3 million in annual funding to support the development of the sport at both the elite and grassroots level.

This includes an additional $500,000 per year in high performance funding as part of the Australian Government’s record investment in sport announced last year.

2011 Australian Netball Award winners:

Liz Ellis Diamond: Laura Geitz
International Player of the Year: Kimberlee Green
Championship player of the year: Laura Geitz, Queensland Firebirds
Favourite Diamond: Catherine Cox
Australian Netball League Player of the Year: Karyn Bailey, Victoria Fury
Australian 21/U Player of the Year: April Letton
Australian Sports Commission Coach of the Year: Roselee Jencke, Queensland Firebirds
Umpire of the Year: Sharon Kelly
All Australian Umpire Awards: Diana Toppi, Tara Warner
Tanya Denver Media Award: Warren Partland, The Adelaide Advertiser
Service Awards: Amanda Lulham (Journalist – News Ltd), Linda Pearce (Journalist – Fairfax Media)
Hall of Fame Inductees: Liz Ellis, Julie Francou

Spirit of Netball Award: Norma Plummer