Schools prepare to tighten belts

NO VOICE: Despite protests from United Voice teachers and members (pictured above) schools will have to find ways to deal with funding cuts, says the Education Department director-general.

WA SCHOOLS are facing their first ever "year of belt-tightening" in 2014 and will have to find ways to deal with funding cuts, the Education Department director-general has told a parliamentary committee.

Sharyn O'Neill came under fire today for using "weasel words" at the Education and Health Standing Committee hearing into her department's budget, as committee members queried whether she was in contempt of parliament for not revealing at the last hearing in June that a long-service leave levy was being considered.

The levy, which will see schools pay $600 per teacher and $400 per school support staff to help cover the cost of leave liability, is part of a raft of education cuts introduced in the transition to a new public school funding model for 2015.

The cuts also include a 30 per cent slash in funding for support programs, a stay on teacher numbers next year, and the loss of 500 jobs.

At the hearing today, Ms O'Neill said the levy was expected to bring in $15 million a year, but would only make a dent on the cost of the leave liability, which she put at about $60 million, meaning further savings would need to be found.

Committee member and Labor MP Janine Freeman quizzed Ms O'Neill on why she had not told the committee about the levy at a time when she knew it was under discussion, suggesting she was "not totally open with the committee" and may be in contempt of parliament.

Ms O'Neill said she had answered all questions and felt it was unreasonable to suggest anyone was misled.
Outside the hearing, Liberal MP and parliamentary chair Dr Graham Jacobs said the committee would decide at their next meeting whether to ask further questions or pursue the alleged contempt.

"There is a concern that we had weasel words, if you like," Dr Jacobs said.

"We will deliberate as a committee next when we come back to Parliament as to whether we go further with some of the questions.

"What we have to do today and in subsequent days in this committee is to establish a confidence in the Department of Education and the way they are managing so-called reform."
Ms O'Neill told reporters outside the hearing she had answered every question at the last committee meeting.

"I think I've been open, I've answered the questions I've been asked," she said.

"We've always known since mid-2012 that there is a leave liability. We're looked at a range of strategies. We're always trying to minimise the impact on schools and so were in a discussion about a range of things."

The director-general said 2014 would be a tough year for public schools.

 "In 2014, schools are going to have to find a way to do things a little differently," she said.

"We have had efficiency dividends put in place before, and on every other occasion we haven't had to have any impact in fact on schools.

"This year we're asking for a contribution towards leave liability."

Opposition education spokeswoman Sue Ellery said Ms O'Neill had "laid bare the lie from the (education) minister and the Premier that this is all about reform".

"I know from talking to schools across Western Australia that schools are shocked by the extent of the cuts, they're shocked that they're the ones being asked to take money out of the education of West Australian children," she said.

"Ms O'Neill has made it very clear that 2014 is about school budget cuts.

"The department will be forced to implement further cuts to cover staff leave liability."
 

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Harris trial set for April next year

A London court has been told veteran entertainer Rolf Harris will plead not guilty to 13 child sex offences.

Rolf Harris at Westminster Magistrates' Court on September 23. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS Source: AFP

Australian entertainer Rolf Harris is due to face trial in April 2014 on 13 child sex offences, a London court has heard.

Harris, 83, was excused from attending a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey criminal court on Monday morning.

The artist and singer is now likely to next appear in court for a plea and case-management hearing in mid-January. His trial is provisionally set to start on April 30.

Harris is facing six counts of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old girl in 1980 and 1981 and three charges of indecent assault on a girl aged 14 in 1986.

He is also charged with four counts of making indecent images of a child in the first half of 2012.

The prosecution will present expert computer evidence and the defence will rely on expert witnesses in rebuttal.

For the offences committed after 1985 Harris could face up to 10 years' jail.

At his first court appearance a fortnight ago the 83-year-old indicated through his lawyer, Sonia Woodley QC, that he would be pleading not guilty to the charges.

On Monday at the Old Bailey the judge asked Ms Woodley to confirm the case would be going to a trial.

"It is,'' she told the court.

A frail-looking Harris appeared in Westminster Magistrates Court two weeks ago for his first court appearance.

He spoke only briefly to confirm his personal details and was later mobbed by a large press pack as he slowly walked from the court building with his wife Alwen and daughter Bindi.

The Australian remains on conditional bail under which he is banned from having contact with anyone under 18 unless he's accompanied by someone over the age of 21.

###

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Oh ship! Luxury cruiser sinks boat

A boat collided with other boats moored at the Mandurah Marina, during the set up for the Mandurah Boat Show. Pictured is damage to a houseboat and the mast of a boat that was sunk. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

A BOAT has sunk and several others have been damaged in the Mandurah Ocean Marina after a luxury yacht smashed into them.

Mandurah Boatshow director Peter Woods told PerthNow they were setting up for the upcoming show when the incident happened just after 3pm.

"A Fairline (luxury yacht) backed into another yacht and it sunk," he said.

"It was pretty unfortunate. Accidents happen in boating. The other boat was in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Mr Woods said no one was injured, but a couple of houseboats and another power boat were damaged in the crash.

The reversing boat was a multi-million dollar vessel.

"It was drama more than anything, but it's sorted out now," he said.

The Mandurah Boatshow is being held at the marina from October 11 to 13.

The boat collided with other vessels moored at the Mandurah Marina, during the set up for the Mandurah Boat Show. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hit-run rampage in Huntingdale

A HIT-AND-RUN victim believes he was deliberately struck by a car that police believe had earlier run down a 66-year-old woman in Huntingdale.

Bill Isgar, a father of two, was hit by the car while standing on the verge on Balfour Road in Huntingdale on Saturday.

He received injuries to his arm, but the driver did not stop.

"The car just swerved in towards me, belted my arm," Mr Isgar told reporters.

"As I watched him drive away, he actually accelerated away and swerved back out again and kept going.

"He looked through his rear view mirror and gave me a bit of a wave, and then put his arm out, and drove off down the road."

Police believe the same dark blue Holden Commodore sedan ran down a woman in the same suburb while she was walking to the shops only minutes before striking Mr Isgar.

The woman is in a serious condition in Royal Perth Hospital with internal injuries and broken bones.

Police have seized a Holden sedan from a Thornlie home and believe it was involved in the hit and runs, but they are still trying to identify who was driving the vehicle at the time.

Witnesses are asked to come forward with information.

Anyone who saw the care in the area on Saturday between 12pm and 2pm should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 
 

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Callum Pinner murder: local, 36, charged

Police have launched a murder investigation after 19yo Callum Pinner was found dead with stab wounds to the neck in the Perth suburb of Doubleview. Courtesy Channel Nine.

MURDER INVESTIGATION: The fatally wounded teenager, Callum Pinner. Picture: Nine News Source: PerthNow

Callum Pinner, who was found dead on a Doubleview street with stab wounds to the neck. Picture: Nine News Source: PerthNow

MAJOR Crime Squad detectives have charged a 36-year-old man with the murder of Callum Pinner, a party-goer who was found dead on a Doubleview street.

The accused man, of Karrinyup, will appear in the Perth Magistrates Court tomorrow charged with one count of murder.

Police said late today that a search was continuing for a second man allegedly at the scene.

Mr Pinner, 19, died on the verge of Grand Promenade in Doubleview after an group of partygoers apparently clashed with two men. When police arrived at about 1.30am, after responding to residents calls about disturbance, they discovered Mr Pinner with a fatal stab wound to the throat.

M Pinner had been at a house party with about 60 friends.

Friends told Nine News that Mr Pinner was a "sociable, fun-loving guy who would always stick up for his mates."

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Revealed: Australia's top 80 boom suburbs

This week we inspect an $8million plus estate in Sydney, get blown away by a stunning rural home in Jilliby and see what a fabulous home can be bought for under $600,000 in the most researched suburb of Adelaide

Suburbs with median prices under $600,000 are experiencing the quickest flip rate. Source: Supplied

THEY'RE the average suburbs that have become highly desirable, where buyers stand to make a packet more than in gold-plated enclaves.

Australia's fastest selling locations aren't traditional blue ribbon suburbs or mining powerhouses. Most are affordable enclaves within reach of the average mortgage.

Admittedly, those buying a home - not an investment - might be looking at more subjective factors than "fastest selling" or "cheapest", but if you can manage to buy a property that suits your lifestyle and budget in an area on the cusp of soaring values, what's not to like?

Remember that prices in once-unfashionable, now-sexy Bondi Beach have risen more than 130 per cent in the past 10 years, and the same for previously out-of-favour Redfern.

Now there's a whole new set of ugly duckling suburbs with the potential to be tomorrow's Bondi or Redfern.

New RP Data research shows that Australia's fastest selling suburbs are in areas where median property prices range from $240,000 to $670,000. It's good news that pockets of realistically priced housing still exist, particularly for first-time buyers contending with the investor boom.

And it's an even better sign for vendors. Just two years ago, many listings were languishing on the market for months, even years. Now properties in sought-after suburbs are selling within days, on the back of lower interest rates, investor demand and renewed confidence in the housing sector.

RP Data senior research analyst Cameron Kusher says it's not surprising that suburbs with median prices under $600,000 are experiencing the quickest flip rate.

"This is reflective of figures from RP Data which shows the premium sector of the market has to date seen the weakest market conditions while relatively more affordable sectors are recording stronger values gains," Mr Kusher says.

"With upgraders and investors - the most active forces in the housing market currently - it is no wonder that suburbs which typically have a median price below $600,000 are experiencing the shortest length of time to sell."

Property powerhouses

If you're listing a house in Western Australia's Craigie, you'll find a buyer in less than three weeks, according to the RP Data annual figures. It has the fastest sales turnover in Australia.

The suburb, 20km north of Perth and about 2km from the beach, has a median house price of $443,500 - less than the Perth median house price of $500,000.

The average number of days a Craigie house will be on the market is 18 compared with the Perth average of 80.

Realmark Whitfords sales agent Alan Reay attributes Craigie's popularity to its location, development potential and affordability.

"A lot of homes have sold before they go online lately,'' Mr Reay says.

Meanwhile in NSW, units in Sydney's Lewisham are turning over within 25 days, making it the state's most sought-after suburb.

In Victoria, houses are taking just 30 days to sell in Coldstream, 36km from the Melbourne CBD, while in Brisbane, Fairfield units are selling in less than a month.

###

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Congestion complaints prompt review

Main Roads is reviewing traffic signal timing after receiving a record number of congestion complaints. Source: PerthNow

THE timing of traffic signals across Perth - including green lights on highways - is being reviewed after Main Roads received a record number of complaints about traffic congestion.

The agency received 2789 complaints in 2012-13, a 56 per cent increase from the 1783 the year before.

In 2005, there were just 204 complaints.

The figures show that one-in-five complaints were about congestion or traffic signals.

Roadworks and traffic management were also among the biggest headaches for road users.

"Traffic signals and congestion trend the highest and are linked," a Main Roads spokeswoman said.

"Most traffic signal complaints are as a result of timing issues.

"Most of these are as a result of congestion.

"We are currently reviewing our traffic signals to improve their co-ordination."

Main Roads relies on a computer system called SCATS, which monitors real-time traffic volumes to co-ordinate the 900 sets of signals it operates across WA.

The system is used in more than 50 countries.

A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Troy Buswell said Main Roads was reviewing the system to see if keeping some lights green for longer on routes such as the Canning and Stirling highways could ease congestion.

But Opposition transport spokesman Ken Travers said the rise in complaints to Main Roads was a result of the Barnett Government's mismanagement of city projects, such as the Elizabeth Quay waterfront development.

"There wouldn't be a week go by where I don't end up in a conversation with someone talking about congestion in the city," he said.

Mr Travers called on the Government to create a plan that predicted Perth's transport network needs over the next 50-100 years, instead of looking for "cheap fixes".

The Main Roads spokeswoman said its $105 million CBD Transport Plan, announced in April 2012, would ensure Perth's traffic could function during the development of big projects such as the Perth City Link and Elizabeth Quay.

The plan provided the $57 million needed for additional lanes in the Northbridge Tunnel and increased lane capacity on Mitchell Freeway northbound to Hutton St.

It also included a new Green CAT bus service between the Esplanade Busport and Leederville train station.

The spokeswoman said other improvements included enhancements to alternative transport facilities, such as cycle and footpaths, and reviewing pedestrian crossings at traffic signals in the city centre to improve traffic flow.

Other major complaints in the past year related to speed zones and noise.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man 'met missing Maddie McCann'

Detectives are set to reveal new information about the hunt for Madeleine McCann in a television appeal.

THE parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann said they were "greatly encouraged" by new information about the disappearance of their daughter on holiday in Portugal in 2007.

Kate and Gerry McCann said they were hopeful there would be developments from a major appeal based on "substantive" new information which is to be broadcast on a BBC television programme on October 14.

"We are greatly encouraged by new information coming to light with pieces of the jigsaw now fitting together," the McCanns said in a statement.

"We are really hopeful that the forthcoming appeal on Crimewatch will bring further new evidence which will take us a step closer to finding Madeleine and to bringing those responsible for her abduction to justice."

A three-year-old actor will play Madeleine in the reconstruction on the Crimewatch TV programme.

Kate and Gerry McCann say they are encouraged by the new information on the disappearance of their daughter Madeleine.

British police said that analysis of mobile phone data from thousands of people who were in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz when Madeleine McCann disappeared could provide a new lead.

They are also investigating 41 potential suspects, although no arrests have been made.

News of new information came as The Mirror reported that a witness admitted to a barrister that he had met the missing girl on a Mediterranean island just weeks ago.

The unnamed barrister said he spoke to the witness at a party in August and was stunned at the level of detail he gave about Maddie. The barrister said he has since given a full statement to police.

"I knew that by reporting it, it would ­compromise me in all sorts of ways. But it was something that I couldn't ignore. If I hadn't said anything I couldn't have lived with myself," he told the paper.

"I have told the police ­everything that I was told about her.

"They know what that was and that is why they have acted. I was able to be a bit more specific than just the island but I haven't been able to tell them exactly where the man said she was. I am now terrified that she has been moved elsewhere

Greater Manchester Police refused to comment on the matter when contacted by the paper for comment on the development.

Madeleine's parents have never abandoned their campaign to find their daughter, who was just about to turn four when she disappeared as she slept in the family's holiday apartment on May 3, 2007.

Her parents were dining with friends in a nearby restaurant at the time. Portuguese authorities closed their investigation in 2008. But London's Metropolitan Police spent two years reviewing the evidence and announced in July that they were launching an investigation into Madeleine's disappearance.

British police are working with senior detectives from Faro, in the Algarve.

###

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teen found dead on Doubleview street

A murder investiagtion has been launched after a body found on the corner of Grand Promenade and Moorland Street in Doubleview. Police and forensic officers on the scene. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

A MURDER investigation has been launched by WA Police after a teenager was found dead on a Perth street.

Major Crime Squad detectives have called for any information, after a 19-year-old man was found dead in the suburb of Doubleview.

A police spokesman said police were called to the intersection of Grand Promenade and Moorland Street at about 1.30am on Sunday morning in relation to a disturbance and an injured man.

The teenager was dead when police arrived. It's understood he died from stab wounds.

Surrounding streets have been closed for investigations.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

View Larger Map

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Prince Harry meets SAS on flying Perth visit

Prince Harry has waved goodbye to Sydney as he boarded a Royal Australian Air Force plane.

Prince Harry arrives at Campbell Barracks Swanbourne. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow

Prince Harry meets with Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbot before his depature for Perth at Sydney Airport. Prince Harry is on his second day of a two-day trip to Australia during which he participated in the International Fleet Review in Sydney as an official guest of the Australian Government. (Photo by Rob Griffith - Pool/Getty Images) Source: News Limited

PRINCE Harry has honoured fallen SAS soldiers, and comforted their families, as he completed his whirlwind tour of Australia with a brief stopover in Western Australia.

After the fleet and fireworks in Sydney on Saturday, the 29-year-old Prince made his first visit to Perth, with his day taken up mostly with a visit to the home of the SAS at the Campbell Barracks in Swanbourne.

A quick wardrobe change saw him ditch the dark-blue navy suit he arrived in to don combat fatigues for his meeting with the SAS troops, who have been based in Swanbourne since 1957.

Once there, he met past and present members of the unit, toured the base and joined families of fallen SAS members killed in the line of duty to lay wreaths in their memory.

The commanding officer of the SASR, who is known only as Lieutenant Colonel G to protect his identity, said the prince's visit was an honour and a privilege.

"Prince Harry knows what it means to serve his nation on operations and most importantly what it means to the families of those serving,'' Lieutenant Colonel G said.

"Families play a critical role for those serving in the SASR and indeed the whole of the ADF, and we are thankful that the families of some of our serving, former and fallen members were able to be here today.''

Tess Taylor waving the Australian flag, waiting for Prince Harry to arrive at Campbell Barracks Swanbourne. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow

Earlier today, lucky royal-watchers got a glimpse of Prince Harry, and a wave, as he visited the Campbell Barracks in Swanbourne, the first stop of his fleeting visit to Perth.

A small but enthusiastic crowd gathered near the barracks, hoping to see the Prince, who was widely tipped to be visiting despite the official schedule being kept under wraps.

His arrival was heralded by an armada of motorcycles, which brought the Alfred Street-West Coast Highway intersection to a standstill for several minutes.

After meeting with WA Premier Colin Barnett, Prince Harry along with Prime Minister Tony Abbott was whisked away in a ten-car armed convoy to the Campbell Barracks.

"It is a great thing he is spending some time with the SAS regiment - they have spent some time in Afghanistan, as he has, Mr Barnett said.

Mount Claremont Tess Taylor, who is British-born but has lived in Australia for more than 40 years, was among the crowd who saw the Prince arrive.

"I always to come here to see the monarchy when they're in town," she said.

"It's wonderful Prince Harry is in Perth. It's a pity he's not here longer, I really like Harry, he's such a scoundrel and an everyday person."

Ms Taylor added that she always came out to wish armed services personnel well when they were deployed overseas, saying: "Somebody's got to give them support."

Craig and Angela Johnston, of Canning Vale, came with boys Jack (7) and Mitchell (4) and they were thrilled when the Price returned their wave.

Angela said the family had been following his visit on the news: "He was just so handsome, so we wanted to come down and watch him arrive.

Jack said it was pretty exciting to see Prince Harry, while Mitch said he felt "pretty lucky" that he got a wave.

Craig said they made the effort to come down as: "You don't get too many opportunities to see a royal, and we didn't know when he would be back."

Britain's Prince Harry speaks with West Australian Premier Colin Barnett at Perth Airport. Picture: AFP/Paul Kane Source: News Limited

After sharing a Royal Australian Airforce flight across the country, the Prince and the PM were met by Mr Barnett and his wife Lyn, both avowed royalists.

And after an amiable chat on the tarmac, the premier and the prince spent 30 minutes discussing the state and it's attractions - with the best surfing spot high on the prince's agenda.

"Prince Harry was charming, a very nice young man and we just chatted about his trip and how pleased he was to be here,'' Mr Barnett said.

"He said it was a short visit because he had to be back to work on Thursday - a delightful young man, full of energy and enthusiastic.

"His query was where is the best surfing spot ... I should have said Cottesloe (where Mr Barnett lives) but I told him Margaret River. He showed close interest in the state and I am sure he would like to have a closer look around in the future.''

The prince also commented on his relief to be out of the Sydney heat.

Prince Harry touches down in Perth

Late this morning, Prince Harry landed for the second stop on his flying visit to Australia, touching down in Perth after sharing a flight with Prime Minister Tony Abbott across the country.

After being farewelled from Sydney by Premier Barry O'Farrell and the NSW Governor's official secretary Brian Davies earlier today, the prince was met in the west by Premier Colin Barnett.

A noted Royal admirer, Mr Barnett and his wife Lyn greeted the fourth-in-line to the British throne, two years after they hosted the Prince's grandmother Queen Elizabeth II during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

In contrast to his very public appearances in Sydney yesterday, centred around the International Fleet Review, Prince Harry's movements in Perth have been kept a closely guarded secret.

Prince Harry meets with West Australian Premier Colin Barnett and his wife Lyn Barnett after arriving at Perth Airport. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images Source: News Limited

Before his departure from Sydney, Prince Harry told reporters Australia already felt like a second home and he was very sad to be leaving.

"I just can't get the time off work these days,'' he said.

"The next time I come back you will be struggling to get rid of me I am sure.''

After being welcomed on Sydney Harbour by a 100-gun salute, Harry turned heads as he inspected the warship fleet in a white dress uniform of the British Army and a blue Army Air Corps beret.

Late yesterday, he shook hands with many among the thousands at The Rocks who were hugging the barricades in an effort to see him.

From there, the prince took a boat to Kirribilli House, where he was greeted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott, his wife Margie and daughters Bridget and Frances.

The prince will leave Perth later this afternoon en route to Dubai, where he is scheduled to attend the Sentebale "Forget Me Not'' ball on Monday.

Sentebale is a charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of the Lesotho royal family to help vulnerable children.

Mr Abbott is also due to fly from Perth at 2pm local time, to take his place at the APEC Summit in Bali.

And in a busy period for Perth airport staff, Mr Barnett is also due to fly out of Perth tomorrow to make his second trip to China in four months for meetings in Hangzhou and Shanghai.

with Tim Clarke, AAP

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More