Sep 29, 2016 - online. Round 3 of the Digital Ready program commenced in July ... The three successful Extended Care Paramedics (ECPs) commenced.
AGENDA 2016 SECOND QUARTER UPDATE (July to September 2016) AGENDA 2016 was released in March 2016. It lays out the Tasmanian Government’s practical work-plan for the year, and includes over 200 initiatives as part of the step-by-step delivery of our long-term Plan for a Brighter Future.
PRIORITY AREA 1: FUTURE-PROOFING OUR STATE Initiative Implement Initiatives
2016-17
Progress Budget
All Budget initiatives are on track, including the Tasmania Brand Review, the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) Bushfire and Climate Change Research Project, and the new emergency warning system.
Release “A sustainable Agri-Food System for Tasmania” to advance next stage of Agrivision 2050 Policy
The Tasmanian Agri-Food Plan 2016-2018 was launched on 29 September 2016, clearly laying out a system for sustainably growing the agriculture and food sector in Tasmania, including seafood, and providing a progress report on initiatives delivered so far.
Commence tender for the management of Defined Benefit Superannuation Schemes
The first stage of the tender process commenced on 25 June 2016 with Expressions of Interest advertised. The EOI closed on 26 July 2016 and Treasury is currently evaluating responses to determine providers to progress to the second stage (Request for Proposal). It is expected contracts will be executed prior to 31 March 2017.
Undertake an inaugural Trade Mission to India to harness emerging tourism and trade opportunities for Tasmania
The inaugural Trade Mission to India, and South-East Asia, including Indonesia, Singapore and Sri Lanka, over 11 days, with Ambassadors for Tasmania, Bill Lark, Ricky Ponting and David Boon, generated strong investment interest in Tasmania. The Mission sets the groundwork for a long-term successful relationship with some of the world’s fastest growing economies.
Finalise and release the Climate Change Action Plan
The finalisation of the Climate Change Action Plan has been rescheduled in light of the establishment of the Energy Security Taskforce and its investigation into risk management strategies and future energy mix for Tasmania. The interim report of the Energy Security Taskforce is expected in December 2016. Further, an independent review on the Climate Change Act is also proceeding and this is expected to be finalised in November. Both are key inputs into the climate change action plan and hence the need to reschedule the plan to consider the progress of these pieces of work.
Government response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the State Fire Commission
A key recommendation of the Inquiry was the commencement of a major review of the Fire Service Act. This has been initiated with scoping underway. The review will address the majority of the recommendations of the Inquiry and legislation is currently being drafted to specifically address the recommendation regarding the Chair of the State Fire Commission.
Release Strategic Growth Plan for Forest Industries in Tasmania
Considerable progress has been made on the draft of the Strategic Growth Plan under the auspices of the Ministerial Advisory Council. The finalisation of the Plan has been deferred pending the completion of decisions on the operating model for Forestry Tasmania and the associated sale of part or all of the hardwood plantation estate.
2 Commence year 3 of the $28.5 million Statewide cross-tenure fuel reduction program
The third year of the four-year $28.5 million fuel reduction program commenced in August, to ensure Tasmanian communities are safer from the threat of bushfires. In the first two years, the program delivered 204 burns over 24,829 hectares. So far in 2016-17, there have been 6 burns over 105 hectares.
Commence work on the Cape Raoul Stage of the successful Three Capes Track
Tenders were advertised in August 2016 for the Cape Raoul and final stage of the Three Capes Track, while on-ground work has commenced, including track survey work and construction of helipad sites. Bookings for the Three Capes Track have now exceeded 10,000, confirming it as one of the world’s top tourist destinations. The Cape Raoul stage will take around two years to complete and will provide up to 20 jobs during construction.
Begin work on the Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme, as part of the five new proposed schemes in Tranche 2
Work commenced on the distribution pipeline in June 2016 and below ground work on Southernfield Dam was underway by July 2016. This $31 million project is expected to deliver water across 8000ha and help make farming more intensive, creating 40 jobs.
Begin work on the Swan Valley Irrigation Scheme, as part of five new proposed schemes in Tranche 2
Preliminary site works for the Melrose Dam, pipeline and substation were underway by July 2016. This $18 million project is expected to deliver reliable irrigation to 8000 ha of land, unlocking opportunity for farmers in the region. Construction is expected to create 16 jobs.
Receive report into review of post border biosecurity and agriculture hygiene infrastructure requirements
A report detailing a strategic review of biosecurity hygiene facilities suitable to wash-down livestock and agricultural trucks has been received by Government and is currently being considered. Following consideration, further consultation with stakeholders will be undertaken.
Release the draft Agri-Tourism position paper for consultation to grow the valuable paddock to plate sector.
The draft Agri-Tourism Position Paper was released for public comment on 1 October. This Paper outlines Tasmania’s advantages for Agri-Tourism to ensure future initiatives in this niche area are well-informed. The Draft Paper is available on the Department of State Growth’s website for comment until February 2017.
Release the Tasmanian Engagement Strategy.
The Tasmanian Visitor Engagement Strategy has been developed with industry to provide a State-wide consistent approach for improving visitor engagement. The T21 Steering Committee will oversee the implementation of the Strategy and report progress to the Premier’s Visitor Economy Advisory Council. The Strategy has been finalised and will be launched at the ASCOT Tourism Ministers Meeting held in Hobart in October 2016.
Visitor
3 Announce Round three funding arrangements signed and first instalment payments under the Regional Tourism Infrastructure and Innovation Fund (RTIIF)
The Regional Tourism Infrastructure and Innovation Fund (RTIIF) and Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Fund (TDDI) are Federal Government funding initiatives administered by the State Government. The RTIIF project funding and grant deeds were announced in the previous quarter. Successful funding applications for TDDI require finalisation and clearance by the Federal Government and will be announced shortly.
PRIORITY AREA 2: JOBS AND SKILLS Initiative Implement Initiatives
2016-17
Progress Budget
All Budget initiatives are on track, including support for Great Eastern Drive, the Northern Cities major development initiative, improved support for small business through the Enterprise Centres Tasmania program, the $5m Community Infrastructure Fund, the Work Readiness for Growth Industries initiative, the Wood and Fibre Processing Innovation Program, and the new Geoscience Initiative Program.
Second stage of Mineral Resources Tasmania move to Burnie, with relocation including Inspectors and client service staff
Second stage has been completed and stages 3 and 4 of relocation have commenced. Ten positions have been filled at the new Burnie office, with appointed staff having extensive qualifications as well as mining industry experience in Tasmania, interstate and overseas.
Completion of feasibility studies into local government resource-sharing and amalgamations
The Southern feasibility studies have been completed and are proceeding to “recommendation to Councils” stage. Further consultation with communities about recommendations will occur before the end of the year. The North and North-West feasibility studies will commence in September 2016 and be completed by the end of 2016.
Consultation on further reform of the planning system, including on third party appeals, associated fees and legislative processes
Consultation has been underway for some months, with the timeframes for the Commission to provide its report on the State Planning Provisions extended to 9 December with further public hearings scheduled during September and October. Targeted consultation is continuing on the major projects approval process and third party appeals.
Release draft of first Tasmanian Cycling Tourism Strategy
The draft Cycle Tourism Strategic Action Plan was released at the Bicycle Network Cycle Futures Conference on 22 September 2016. There are three priority areas identified in the draft Plan to support the growth and development of cycle tourism in the State out to 2020, including consolidating trails and route; marketing; and supporting infrastructure and services to provide the right experience once cycle tourists arrive. The Draft Action Plan is available for comment on the Department of State Growth website.
4 Commence the drafting of legislative changes resulting from the governance and legislative review in the arts sector
A draft Bill has been prepared in consultation with the TMAG Trustees and will be available for broad consultation in October.
Completion of the free Wi-Fi rollout in Tasmanian tourism hotspots, to give tourists opportunity to share their experiences, and businesses the chance to promote to tourists
The free Wi-Fi network is now fully operational, covering 120 Wi-Fi hotspots in 50 locations. The network stretching across Tasmania, including iconic locations like Cradle Mountain and Freycinet, was launched on 25 August 2016, fulfilling an election promise. Tourists, as well as Tasmanians, can access 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi per user, per device, per location, per day.
Commence new Digital Ready programs including East Coast, Flinders Island and King Island – helping small business to operate online
Round 3 of the Digital Ready program commenced in July 2016, with sessions on the East Coast, Flinders Island and King Island. Round 4 was run in September, with sessions in Hobart and on Flinders Island. The program, which assists small business to be digital savvy, is being offered through 97 public seminars this year.
Commencement of next phase in reducing red tape in Tasmania’s workers compensation scheme, through Worksafe Tasmania
A second round of consultation has been held on proposed amendments to the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1998.
State Planning provisions declared
Consultation was extended until 9 December 2016. State-wide Planning Provisions are expected to be declared and provided to Councils late this year, or early in 2017. The local provisions will then be prepared in 2017 prior to assessment by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
Roll-out workforce development initiatives for the Tasmanian Hospitality Industry
The Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) has prepared a fiveyear industry jobs plan as part of the Workforce Development Strategy, which has been released for comment. The $300,000 Great Customer Experience program was launched in August 2016 to provide high quality experiences to drive our visitor economy. A further $100,000 was set aside to help the hospitality sector fill critical cookery skill shortages.
Commence implementation of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery’s Strategic Plan
The new Strategic Plan was announced in June and the 2016-17 Budget provided $700,000 over three years to further build upon the Government’s already significant investment in the arts sector, and has enabled TMAG to start implementing the Plan. Already, TMAG has had strong growth in visitation in 2015-16. Average daily visitors were up 11% and total visitation was up 6% from the previous year.
Amendments to Stamp Duty legislation introduced to reduce red tape and address corporate restructuring
Legislation was introduced in Parliament on 17 August 2016. The legislation was passed by the House of Assembly on 20 September and is currently awaiting debate in the Legislative Council.
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PRIORITY AREA 3: IMPROVING HEALTH RESULTS Initiative Implement Initiatives
2016-17
Progress Budget
Implementation of initiatives has commenced for the majority of initiatives.
Commence consolidated NorthWest birthing services in Burnie under the One Health System reforms to provide a better and safer service for mothers and babies
A new Integrated Maternity Service for the North-West was announced on 19 August, with public inpatient and birthing services to be delivered by the North-West Private Hospital in Burnie, and the expansion of antenatal and postnatal care delivered by the Tasmanian Health Service at the Mersey, NWRH in Burnie and a number of other rural sites via outreach. The new service officially begins on 1 November 2016.
Commence 23 hour elective surgery service at the Mersey Community Hospital under One Health System reforms, to ensure Tasmanians can get their operations sooner
Implementation of the day surgery service commenced on 1 July 2016, with increased access to urology and vascular services. The High Dependency Unit has been reconfigured to a post-operative surgical support unit to support additional elective surgery.
Commence Extended Care Paramedic and First Intervention Vehicle in Launceston as part of One Health system reforms
The three successful Extended Care Paramedics (ECPs) commenced operating the First Intervention Vehicle in September 2016. This service provides a first and rapid response in the Launceston area, an additional resource for ambulance services in the region.
Undertake cost-benefit audit preventative health programs
As per the Healthy Tasmania Five-Year Strategic Plan, the costeffectiveness assessment tool has been developed, and will provide an overarching means to assess preventative health programs – existing and new. The assessment of current Tasmanian programs using the tool will occur during the next six months.
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Commence new low-cost bus service for patients and families between the LGH, MCH and NWRH, and roll-out additional nonemergency patient transport services on North-West.
The new subsidised bus service commenced on 19 September. The Government is providing $300,000 each year for the new service, which will provide patient and public pick-up and drop-off points at the NWRH and Mersey hospitals, as well as Devonport, Ulverstone, Burnie, and the University of Tasmania’s Burnie Campus. The new Hospital Link service will operate 7 days a week including public holidays, and will be extended to Launceston later in the year. Free return trips are available for patients and hospital visitors. Arrangements for a new panel of Non-Emergency Patient Transport services commenced on 30 September 2016.
Introduce amendments to Mental Health Act to rectify inconsistencies and stakeholder concerns about the operations of the new legislation
Amendments to the Mental Health Act 2013 were introduced to the Parliament on 15 September 2016. The Bill seeks to improve various aspects of the Act’s operation including amending the assessment and treatment pathway and streamlining treatment processes. These changes will improve the delivery of treatment for mental health clients and provide greater clarity around the rights and responsibilities of both consumers and clinicians under the Act.
Introduce new laws to provide for drug treatment orders and enhanced police and legislative responses for dealing with ice
The Sentencing Amendment Bill, which expands the use of Drug Treatment Orders to the Supreme Court, was introduced in September. The Bill is due to be debated in the Legislative Council in October and represents the first tranche of the phasing in of new alternative sentencing options to replace the ineffective option of
6 suspended sentences. The Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management is currently reviewing laws relating to consorting and fortification, aimed at enhancing police response to the drug ice as a matter of priority. Begin six-month review of reduction of nursing double shifts and overtime following new policy
Data definitions for the review were agreed and a draft evaluation framework has been discussed with Nurse Management Executive in September 2016. The first two quarters of data have been validated and show double shifts trending down by up to 25% in the three months to June 2016, compared to the same period the year before, and also a 2.5% reduction in nurse overtime in the first six months of 2016.
Scoping and commencement of Trial project to give priority access to oral health services for pregnant women in the North-West
The Healthy Smiles for Two Pilot Project commenced on 1 August 2016 at the Mersey Community Hospital. Priority access to oral health services is provided to eligible pregnant women. In addition, Oral Health Services Tasmania will provide dental check-ups for the child at 12 and 18 months of age, and provide preventive advice to minimise oral health risks. During this financial year, the project will roll-out across the North-West following the transition to a new Integrated Maternity Service for the region.
Commence construction of the Glenorchy Health Centre, for improved primary health services in the northern suburbs
Preliminary site works have commenced. The tender for this $21 million project was awarded to Hansen Yuncken in June, with the project scheduled for completion in late 2017. The Centre will be a multi-disciplinary health facility, delivering key services to the northern suburbs.
PRIORITY AREA 4: BETTER EDUCATION FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE Initiative Implement Initiatives
2016-17
Progress Budget
All Budget initiatives are on track, including the program to combat bullying with the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, the Literacy and Numeracy Support Principal Project, the specialist Youth Justice Courts program, and the Strong Families – Safe Kids Implementation Plan.
Completion of capital works at New Town High School as part of $94.9 million capital investment program
Capital works were completed in April 2016. This $2.83m project created disability access, with the addition of a lift and level access to the school. Other work included a new front office and administration area, undertaken by local Tasmanian businesses, Macquarie Builders and Heffernan Button Voss Architects.
7 New Education Act introduced to Parliament
The new Education Act was introduced to Parliament on 21 September 2016 following an extensive two-year consultation period. The changes represent the most significant transformation of, and investment in, the structural reform of education in more than half a century, and give Tasmanian students the same opportunities as other Australian students, backed by targeted investment in excess of $100 million from 2018-19.
Stage two roll-out of school nurses in Government primary and secondary schools across Tasmania, with a further five FTE school nurses commencing from July 2016
An additional five FTE school nurses commenced on 4 July 2016. They will work across 21 schools across every region of the State, adding to the 10 FTE nurses who started work in 41 schools in 2015. This is part of the Hodgman Liberal Government’s $5.8 million election commitment to reintroduce school nurses through the School Health Nurse Program. A further five FTE nurses will commence in July 2017.
Commence training of frontline Department of Education and TasTAFE staff in family violence
Family Violence awareness training commenced for frontline staff in the Department of Education and TasTAFE in September 2016.
Develop pilot speciality agriculture course for Year 11-12 students, with partners, TasTAFE, UTAS and Department of Education farm schools
The courses, Agriculture Enterprise 2 and Agriculture Systems 3, have been developed and are awaiting accreditation. The proposed courses will introduce students to farming systems and operations through an integrated Science, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) inquiry.
PRIORITY AREA 5: PROTECTING OUR MOST VULNERABLE Initiative Implement Initiatives
2016-17
Progress Budget
Implementation has commenced for the majority of initiatives, including additional funding of $496,000 to the legal assistance sector to deliver important legal advice to the community.
Begin transition to full NDIS scheme to progressively support around 10,600 Tasmanians living with a disability by 2019. In 2016-17, another 1100 new people are expected to enter the NDIS with services being available to children aged 12 to 14 from 1 July 2016
The transition to the full NDIS scheme commenced on 1 July 2016. This is a life-changing reform that will provide people with disability with choice and control around their care needs. The NDIS will also create significant job opportunities for Tasmania, with up to 2500 jobs expected to be created to support growth beyond 2020 - 1750 of those expected to be created over the next three years. The Government is helping industry achieve this by subsidising more than $12 million worth of training in the disability-aged services sector.
Provide the first annual update under the 2015-2020 Women on Boards Strategy
The Women on Boards strategy update will be released on 2 October.
8 Establish a custodial inspectorate position at Risdon Prison to strengthen independent oversight of prison operations
The Custodial Inspector Bill passed both Houses of Parliament on 25 August 2016. The legislation establishes an independent Custodial Inspector for Tasmania’s prison system, and fulfils a key recommendation of the Palmer Report into Risdon Prison, delivering external scrutiny of Tasmania’s prisoners, and detainees at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre. Funding to establish this position was provided as part of the 2016-17 Budget.
Release draft legislation to progress the next tranche of the Government’s commitment to provide for mandatory minimum sentences for assaults on emergency services to other occupational groups
The drafting of a Bill has commenced and is expected to be introduced into Parliament later this year to expand the categories of workers to which the provision applies. Consultation will occur with employee groups and unions as part of extending the protection to other frontline emergency workers.
Commence new perpetrator programs for low to medium risk offenders under the Family Violence Action Plan
New early intervention initiatives aimed at assisting in the rehabilitation of low to medium-risk family violence perpetrators have commenced. Relationships Australia was selected to deliver a Men’s Behaviour Change Program and a specialist family violence education and training program for workers who come into contact with offenders. The Men’s Referral Service was selected to provide telephone counselling, information and referral.
Final report relating to the Review of the Purchasing Framework for Outsourced Services completed
The final report has been completed and will now be the subject of further consultation with the community sector. The Review was established to improve the way DHHS manages grants to community sector organisations, aiming to identify opportunities to streamline grant management processes, reduce the administrative burden on the community, make reporting easier for both the sector and DHHS, and to develop a more robust approach to assessing the value of community grants.
Third instalment of additional funding ($9 million over four years) to the community sector to be provided
Funding has been provided to around 230 community sector organisations that provide vital on-the-ground services and support to Tasmanians in need in every region of the State. This is the third instalment of the Government’s election commitment to community sector organisations to meet demand for services and help with operational expenses.
Begin construction of new Youth Homeless facility on the NorthWest Coast
Turning of the sod commenced on 26 September, with building to commence by the end of December. The Project will include 23 fullyserviced residential lots for affordable housing under the Homeshare Scheme, a youth accommodation centre for 25 young Tasmanians, and 5 purpose-built units for young people with a disability, together with a caretaker residence, communal areas, consulting rooms and space for a social enterprise business. The project will deliver more than $13 million in construction activity and create 100 jobs for the local community. An Ulverstone-based firm will deliver $700,000 subdivision works, employing 10 local workers.
9 Progress further legislative amendments to the Family Violence Act following the review of selfdefence laws, and the Sentencing Advisory Council Report on the Sentencing of Adult Family Violence Offenders, building on the Safe Homes, Safe Families Action Plan to hold perpetrators of family violence to account and improve the safety of victims of family violence
Legislation to adopt model laws to provide automatic recognition and enforcement of family or domestic violence orders across Australia passed both Houses on 25 August 2016.
Finalisation of the Breaking the Cycle Throughcare corrections strategy
Breaking the Cycle – A Safer Community: Strategies for Improving Throughcare for Offenders was released on 29 August, outlining clear goals and strategies to help those who come into contact with the corrections system to get their lives back on track through support and intervention to reduce the risk of reoffending.
Government to release its response to the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute’s report into bullying and cyber-bullying
A draft response has been prepared and is being circulated among government agencies for feedback.
Neighbourhood House Food Coops operational
All eight food co-operatives are now operational in a number of Tasmanian communities. This project honours an election commitment, and was delivered in consultation with the Heart Foundation and Eat Well Tasmania, and is aimed at providing affordable, nutritional food to Tasmanians in need.
Second stage of Key Initiatives under the 2015-2019 Tasmanian Affordable Housing Action Plan commences
Sixteen initiatives are being progressed, and a further seven initiatives commenced by the end of September 2016. Quarter 2 targets under the Affordable Housing Action Plan have all been achieved, helping 140 households to access safe and affordable housing.
Introduce eligibility criteria for Aboriginal-specific Tasmanian Government programs and services that align with the Commonwealth approach
The new, more inclusive approach to determining eligibility for Aboriginal programs and services was introduced on 1 July 2016, and will ensure that Aboriginal people in Tasmania who can access Australian Government Aboriginal Services can also now access Tasmanian Government Aboriginal Services.
Further legislation to strengthen the legislative framework that holds perpetrators to account and protects victims will be tabled in November 2016. A consultation paper will also be released before the end of the year detailing further legislative changes, including those related to selfdefence.
