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Aged & Community Services
SA & NT Inc©
246 Glen Osmond Road,
Fullarton SA 5063
Phone: (08) 8338 7111
Fax: (08) 8338 7077
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Snippets – Volume 9 Issue 2
February 2009
Please note some of the articles
provided have additional papers which can be downloaded or links to
another website page. In some cases these documents are linked to the ACS
Members Only section of this website and will require a Username and Password.
All members have been issued with a Username and Password. If you have not received
this please contact the Communications Officer with your contact details and you will be issued with your access
details.
Index
From the CEO's desk
A Vision for Aged and Community Care in SA
By now you should have received a copy of Partnering with State Government: A Vision for Aged and Community Care in SA, which aims to enhance discussion on matters that affect, both directly and indirectly, older South Australians.
ACS has provided copies of the Vision document to State parliamentarians and key State Government Department officials and is seeking to meet with the Minister for Ageing, relevant Ministers of the Opposition and others, to discuss a number of the policy initiatives identified in the document. The document was also circulated to other state ACS offices and potentially interested parties – a number of unsolicited compliments have been received.
On 3 February 2009, ACS issued a media release regarding the Vision document – please click here for a copy.
If you require additional hard copies of the Vision, phone 8338 7111 or email.
ACS submission to the 2009-2010 Budget
The ACS submission to the 2009-2010 Budget was released on 10 February 2009 – it outlines a number of initiatives in three priority areas taken from the Vision document:
- Equipment and assistive technology
- Reduction of environmental impact
- Health and wellbeing (health care and oral care)
The initiatives suggested in the submission will go some way to addressing immediate priorities but also importantly towards SA leading the nation in developing best practice models to meet the needs of older individuals. ACS will follow up the submission during the State budget announcements.
Please click here for a copy of the submission and the media release.
Schedule 8 Drugs: Credentialing of Care Workers
In spite of assurances last year by Minister Lomax-Smith, and the lobbying work done by the office around Schedule 8 Drugs with various state Parliamentarians, the office has recently been advised that a further roundtable involving interested parties will be held on 12 March. Minister Lomax-Smith is intent on exploring whether the parties can reach a satisfactory agreed position.
While I am sure many will be disappointed by this further delay (it is now over two years since the proposal was first introduced) I want to assure you that ACS is well aware of the difficulties you will experience if common sense does not prevail (and care workers are not allowed to administer drugs). We will be doing everything possible to achieve this objective.
In the meantime please be advised that changes to the regulations allowing enrolled nurses to administer Schedule 8 Drugs should be proclaimed very soon, which will help alleviate some of the burden for many providers.
We will keep you informed about developments surrounding the credentialing matter.
Changes to terms and conditions for training cancellations
ACS has recently undertaken a review of our training and events cancellation policy. We have researched policies in similar not-for-profit organisations to establish current cancellation and transfer arrangements, and consequently have tightened up on some of our current practices. In summary, ACS’ policy is that:
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Cancellation of registration can be made up to five working days before an event.
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Cancellations made less than five working days before an event will be charged a 50% cancellation fee.
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Full payment is due for ‘no shows’ except in exceptional circumstances.
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Transfer of a registration is permitted to a colleague within the same organisation, or another organisation that is an ACS SA&NT member.
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Notice for transfer must be received by ACS in writing (email, fax, mail) at least five working days before the event. A 10% administration fee will be charged if the request for transfer is received 5 or less days before an event.
Could you please make any relevant staff in your organisation aware of these changes to the ACS policy.
ACS Advocacy (Lobbying) Federal and State
This new section in Snippets will provide updates on the advocacy (lobbying) ACS is undertaking on behalf of members at the Federal and State levels, and in the media..
Federal
The primary focus of the ACS effort has been at the Federal level with the Chair, Board Executive member Peter Wright and the CEO visiting Canberra 5 February. Meetings were held with:
- Chris Twomey, Policy Adviser Australian Greens (Senator Siewert who had to return to WA)
- Phil Morgans, Policy adviser Senator Doug Cameron*
- Doug Stewart, Policy adviser Senator Claire Moore*
- Senator Scott Ryan
- Senator Gary Humphries
- Craig Thomson MP (CEO only)
- Senator Simon Birmingham (CEO only)
- Krystyna Homik, Adviser Opposition Ageing spokesperson (CEO only)
* Senators Moore and Cameron were called to a Senate division
Unplanned meetings were also held with Steve Georganas (and adviser Heather Witham) Senator Nick Xenophon (and adviser Brenton Prosser) and Jeremy Stuparich Senior adviser to Senator Fielding Family First.
The visit coincided with the Government’s announcement of the stimulus package and consequently the intended matters to be raised were altered. The original aim was to meet with as many as possible of the Senators involved with the Finance and Public Administration particularly, as it was understood that there would be no hearing in Adelaide.
Although the discussions with Steve Georganas were more wide ranging, four prime subjects, including two directly related to the stimulus package, were raised at all the meetings:
- The importance of retaining the Conditional Adjustment Payment (CAP) pending a review considering a sustainable new arrangement aligned with costs. (Advised that it was imperative that it was in the sector’s best interests to meet with the Minister for Finance as a matter of priority – referred to ACSA)
- The need to establish a meaningful capital raising system which provided certainty to the sector with this being a high priority in the next 12–18 months.
- Possibly broadening the stimulus package to include an environmental initiative targeting aged care facilities or at least ensuring that ILUs and other forms of older person housing were not excluded from the insulation proposal.
- Canvassed the idea of additional money being allocated to community packages recognising the direct employment opportunity that was created.
It is understood that the insulation proposal will be broadened but will not cover residential aged care facilities. Although specific details are not known at this time, the Greens have advised that in their negotiations around the stimulus package, a $200m Community Fund will be established. Residential aged care and at-home community care, housing and homelessness support services, family relationship services and family violence programs and youth support services can all apply for this funding.
To compliment the discussions that took place during the Canberra visit, ACS prepared a short submission to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee, who were conducting an inquiry into the stimulus (Nation Building and Jobs Plan).
The Business@Breakfast with Senator Xenophon was well attended with a commitment made that he was prepared to meet with the sector at a future date to gain a better appreciation of aged care issues. The meeting is planned for early March. Further business@breafast sessions are planned with Senator Siewert (Australian Greens Ageing spokesperson) and Steve Georganas, Chair, House of Representatives Health and Ageing committee.
State
‘Partnering with State Government’: The ACS vision document has been circulated (see CEO section for details).
ACS State Budget submission: The ACS submission has been forwarded (see CEO section for details).
Draft Strategy for Country Health Planning : The ACS submission was forwarded in early January.
Media
An interview was conducted with ABC radio South East on 19 January covering funding concerns in the sector prompted by earlier articles that appeared nationally.
Interviews were conducted with ABC Radio and News (Adelaide) on 2 February regarding concerns about power cuts.
Media releases were also prepared for the Partnering with State Government and State Budget submission. While there was no external uptake, internal aged care newsletters did publish the material.
ACS SA&NT staff profile: Peta Braendler
This year in Snippets we will profile one ACS staff member each month to provide members with a better idea of individual roles within the Association. This month features Peta Braendler, our Community Services Manager, who will also be acting CEO while Alan Graham is on leave.
Background and current role
Peta has worked in aged and community care programs for over 28 years - more than half of that time was spent in the Commonwealth Government. She joined ACS in 2000 and is responsible for ensuring that member organisations of ACS that provide community and home aged care services are provided with information, advice and other support. To this end, she works closely with ACSA, external agencies and several committees dedicated to addressing community care issues on behalf of the wider ACS membership and contributes to the development of ACS initiatives regarding community aged care issues.
Other interests
Peta has a son, 19, and daughter, 16, and finds much of her time is taken up with their many activities. She also enjoys spending time with a large circle of friends, including regular Sunday afternoon wine and cheese gatherings and relaxing holidays at the beach or Murray River. She stays closely connected to her siblings and their families through weekly “chaotic family dinners”, which were started by her parents many years ago.
General News
National Report Issue 197
The latest edition of the National Report is now available from the Members Only section. Click here to download. Issues covered in the latest edition include:
- Victorian Bushfires
- Queensland Floods
- Aged Care Industry Award: Correction to report in Issue 196
- Department Clarifies Heat Wave Advice
- Housing Stimulus for Older People Too
- Political Debate about Aged Care Sector and Stimulus Package
- ACFI - Bed Construction Link
- Government Capital Funding
- ACSA's New Business Alliances
- Psychogeriatric Research Grants: Murnane Report
- Grant Thornton Second 2008 Aged Care Survey Report
- Research into High Care Services Facilities
- ATO Warning on Tax Refund Email Scam
Attention Admissions Manager: FREE Information Session for your waiting list
Are you or a family member on a waiting list for a residential aged care facility? Need more information about how the admission process works? This session will cover:
- Applying to an aged care facility (hints to make the process as smooth as possible, how to keep your application current, when to update your application with changes)
- What to expect when moving into an aged care facility (preparation required and residents' rights)
- Financial implications (costs involved for high and low care, how your pension will be affected, whether to keep, rent or sell your home)
Date: Monday 23 February
Time: 7.00-8.15 pm
Venue: Adelaide Pavilion, Veale Gardens
Park View Room, Cnr South Terrace & Peacock Rd
Bookings essential: phone Aged & Community Services SA & NT on 8338 7111 or email.
Draft Migration Amendment Regulations 2009
The Federal Government has released draft regulations outlining new sponsorship obligations for employers of temporary skilled overseas workers on Subclass 457 visas.
A panel of industry, union and state government representatives will begin assessing the proposed regulations to provide feedback to Government. Advice from the Skilled Migration Consultative Panel will assist the Government to finalise the sponsorship obligations that will apply to all employers of Subclass 457 visa holders. The employer obligations were drafted following the Visa Subclass 457Integrity Review conducted by industrial relations expert Barbara Deegan last year.
Proposed employer obligations to be considered by the panel include:
- Payment of a minimum salary to Subclass 457 visa holders
- Payment of return travel costs for visa holders and their spouses
- Cooperating with inspectors exercising powers under the Worker Protection Act.
Click here for the draft regulations.
Inquiry into the draft Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs is currently holding an inquiry into the draft Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards.
Three draft Australian Standards have just been released to assist organisations and other stakeholders in preparing their submissions to the Committee’s inquiry. These documents can be viewed here.
Submissions close on Friday 27 February. Please click here for further information about submissions, including Terms of Reference.
Q&As from the Department of Health and Ageing
We recently received some responses to questions from the Department of Health & Ageing regarding the recent legislative amendments and the way they were explained in the Guide. The questions relate to the following topics:
- police checks
- transitional arrangements
- sanctions
- notifiying the Deparment when residents are reported missing to police
- ACAT assessments
Please click here for a copy.
Exhibition space available for ACS members
Looking for a place to exhibit your work? The ACS Training Room is available for members' exhibitions. There is no charge for the space but exhibitors are required to pay for hanging and transportation costs.
Please contact Kellie Kulinski for further information and bookings on 08 8338 7111.
Police check requirements update
In April 2006 the Government announced that operators of aged care services, directly subsidised by the Australian Government, would be subject to new police check requirements for certain staff and volunteers.
As part of the new police check requirements, approved providers are required to make a one-off written declaration to the Secretary by 30 April 2009, that they have met the new requirements. Please refer to the Guide to changes to the Regulatory Framework for Aged Care, December 2008.
A representative from the Department of Health and Ageing has informed ACS that all aged care providers will be receiving further correspondence within the next two weeks which will provide full details on the administrative requirements for this declaration.
New Advisory Structure for Medicines Policy
The Australian Government has announced arrangements for the new advisory structure to support Australia’s National Medicines Policy. The new structure allows National Medicines Policy partners including individual experts, related organisations and committees, Government representatives and stakeholder groups, to provide input into the principles, policy and practice of the policy.
The new three-tiered structure comprises:
- a National Medicines Policy Executive
- a National Medicines Policy Committee
- an annual National Medicines Policy Partnerships Forum
The Committee will provide advice on emerging medicines policy issues. It will also undertake, oversee or consider projects and research requested by the Executive.
The Executive will advise the Government on implementing the National Medicines Policy within the health portfolio.
Please click here for further information on the National Medicines Policy and the new advisory structure.
Helping Hand director named City of Salisbury citizen of the year
ACS warmly congratulates Susan Emerson, director of care environments and service strategy at Helping Hand, who was named the City of Salisbury’s citizen of the year on Australia Day. The award recognises Ms Emerson’s coordination of several successful intergenerational programs over the past decade.
In 1997, Ms Emerson formed a partnership between Helping Hand, Parafield Gardens, and the Parafield Gardens R-12 School to bring residents and students together. This partnership includes Australia’s first internet cafe in a nursing home - a joint art project between students and residents.
The judges acknowledged Ms Emerson's skill in challenging stereotypes between the generations and creating learning opportunities for students.
Ms Emerson said that she was delighted her award also provided some positive publicity for aged care in the community.
SA & NT Dementia Training Study Centre Survey
You are invited to participate in a survey on the Dementia Training Study Centres (DTSCs) and the Dementia Collaborative Research Centres, as part of the evaluation of the Australian Government's Dementia Initiative. It will help the Australian Government decide on future funding arrangements and give you a chance to express your views on the DTSC.
You can participate in the survey by completing the short questionnaire (takes 5–10 minutes to complete).
Social Security and Veterans' Entitlements Amendment (Commonwealth Seniors Health Card) Bill 2009 – Second Reading Speech
This Bill introduces a further measure from the 2008 Budget, refining the adjusted taxable income test for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card to make it fairer.
Click here for a copy of the Second Reading Speech, which provides a good summary of the Bill.
Grant Thornton Second Report released
The second Grant Thornton report has been released and clearly shows the financial stress of residential care. It also reports that recently-released Government statistics indicate occupancy rates are dropping in a number of key regions and that the ACFI is having a significant impact on low care facilities.
Please click here to read the second report.
Diana Rudd Fellowship applications close 27 February 2009
Just a reminder that applications for the 2009 Diana Rudd Fellowship close 27 February 2009.
The nature of the Fellowship is intended to reflect Diana's values and interests as reflected by her own professional life:
- A lifelong commitment to the care of the sick
- A believe in the value of continuing education and professional development
- and a love of international travel
Application forms and FAQs can be found on the Palliative Care SA website.
Reminder: Do you know Australia’s most remarkable nurse?
HESTA Super Fund, in conjunction with Members Equity Bank, is proud to present the 2009 HESTA Australia Nursing Awards. They seek your help in discovering nurses who go above and beyond the call of duty, and deserve to be recognised by this national awards program.
You can nominate a nurse in one of the three categories below:
- Nurse of the Year ($5,000 travel voucher plus $5,000 education grant)
- Innovation in Nursing ($10,000 development grant)
- Graduate Nurse of the Year: ($2,500 travel voucher plus $2,500 education grant)
Click here for more information. Nominations close on 28 February 2009.
New Resources
National dementia resource to change lives
A new set of national resources for people living with dementia and their carers is now available - it includes an interactive website featuring virtual tours, DVD, help sheets, checklists and poster book. The resources were developed by Baptist Community Services NSW & ACT.
All resources are available by contacting the Department of Health and Ageing or phoning the National Dementia Hotline on 1800 100 500. You can also visit the website.
Nurse the Nation website
Catholic hospitals and aged care facilities across Australia have launched an innovative new website to encourage nurses and midwives to broaden their professional experience and fund their travels around the nation.
Nurse The Nation is part travel guide, part employment agency and matches short-term hospital and aged care vacancies with qualified nurses who are backpacking or caravanning, or who want to live and work in a new environment without resigning from their existing job.
Please click here for the full media release.
Aged Care IT Implementation Kit
The Department of Health and Ageing has developed IT for Aged Care Providers: A Step by Step Guide, for aged care service providers. The guide covers topics such as the benefits of using IT within the aged care sector, how to use computers as an effective business tool, demystifying modern technology and how to go about practical issues like purchasing IT equipment, staff training and support.
Please click here for further information.
News for Residential Members
Deeming rates to be lowered
The deeming rate for the first $41,000 of a single pensioner’s financial investments ($68,200 for a couple) will remain unchanged at three percent – this rate was lowered in November 2008.
The higher deeming rate will be four percent for the balance of financial investments over these amounts. These changes are effective from 27 January 2009 and will be included in payments made from 12 February 2009.
The Income Tested Fees for Residential Care – Information Sheet 11 will be updated in March 2009 to show these changes.
Further information: please call the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recalls
Please click here for the TGA Safety Notice summary of recalls for January 2009.
ACFI Update
ACFI/ACAT Issues
Within the ACS membership there is a growing concern over delays being experienced with ACAT assessments especially where a resident has entered an aged care facility with a low ACAT approval and their first ACFI appraisal is high care. A second ACAT approval for high level care is required before the home is entitled to receive funding for the higher level.
ACS met with Mr Tony Pike (Manager, Adelaide Aged Care Assessment Team) and Ms Vicki Hyde (OFTA) to discuss members’ concerns. The meeting was constructive and informative with Mr Pyke suggesting he would investigate current time frames experienced with ‘priority 2’ ACAT assessments. This matter will also be discussed at the next National Residential Care Advisors Committee meeting in Melbourne later this month.
Members should be aware of the new legislative changes taking effect on 1 July 2009 and the implications these changes may have in alleviating future delays in ACAT assessments.
Further information and answers to questions about changes to the regulatory framework for aged care, which take effect as of 1 July 2009, can be found here.
ACFI from a validator’s perspective (notes from feedback session)
The Aged Care Association Australia – WA held an ACFI validator feedback session in Perth on 30 January 2009.
They have provided their notes from the session, which mostly relate to record-keeping issues. Please click here for a copy.
News for the Retirement Sector
National Rental Incentives mandatory requirements and hints
Applications for National Rental Incentives available under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) need to comply with mandatory requirements, which apply to each call for applications and year of the Scheme's operation.
Mandatory requirements include:
- dwellings will be rented to "eligible tenants";
- dwellings will be rented for a period of 10 years;
- dwellings will be rented at a rate that is at least 20 per cent below the market rate;
- dwellings must either:
- a) not have been lived in as a residence; or
- b) not have been lived in as a residence since having been made fit for occupancy where otherwise the dwelling was recognised as being uninhabitable; or
- c) if it has been converted to create additional residences, then a part of the dwelling or building that is capable of being lived in as a separate residence must not have been lived in as a separate residence;
- dwellings will comply with State, Territory and local government planning and building codes and requirements.
Three tips from Affordable Housing Consulting:
- significant refurbishment of Independent Living Units which are “uninhabitable” and are at risk of being removed from the supply of affordable housing may qualify for NRAS funding;
- an application of not less than 20 dwellings (but less than 100) will be considered if it “addresses especially high rental stress or delivers innovative and affordable housing solutions”;
- projects currently under construction but not yet tenanted may also qualify for NRAS funding.
Update on Federal Government's Stimulus Package - Nation Building and Jobs Plan
To learn more about how you can be a part of South Australia’s share of the Rudd Government’s $41 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan, you are invited to attend a presentation by Rod Hook, South Australia's Coordinator General and the nominated State Program Coordinators.
Building Industry Briefing
Date: Monday 23 February 2009
Time: 3 pm to 4:30 pm
Venue: Adelaide Convention Centre
Bookings are via this website.
Retirement Housing dates for your diary
Business @ Breakfast - Tuesday 7 April 2009
Venue: The Monastery
Hot topic to be confirmed - look out for flyer.
ACS / RVA Retirement Housing Forum - Friday 5 May 2009
Legal, financial and environmental considerations for retirement housing operators.
Time: 9 am–6 pm, followed by cocktails and canapés
Venue: Adelaide Pavilion
Theme: Viability and sustainability in retirement housing.
Keynote speaker: John Brodie, principal of VIM Sustainability (NSW)
Please click here for the full program and registration form.
Business @ Breakfast - Thursday 6 August 2009
Venue: Adelaide Oval
Topic to be advised - look out for flyer
ACS Annual Housing Forum - Friday 4 December 2009
Venue: Morphettville Junction
Full program to be advised.
The National Housing Report
In its second issue of the National Housing Report (NHR), ACSA reports on some key and promising initiatives in developing housing options for older people. Please click here for a copy.
Russell Kennedy Alert re proposed retirement villages regulations
Please click here for a Russell Kennedy Client Alert regarding the proposed Retirement Villages (Contractual Arrangements) Amendment (Formula) Regulations 2008
Aged Care and Retirement Villages Seminar
Lawyers Alf Macolino and Sonia Bolzon will cover:
- The Nuts and Bolts of operating a Retirement Village
- Recent Changes to Police Checks and Missing Residents Requirements for Aged Care Facilities
- Risk Management Strategies for Unusual Deaths
Date: Tuesday 24 February
Time: 8.30-10.30 am
Venue:
Lynch Meyer boardroom - 190 Flinders St, Adelaide
Please RSVP to Ashleigh Windsor by Friday 20 February 2009 on 8236 7642.
Please click here for further information.
3rd Annual Retirement Communities World Australasia
Investment and development for operators, developers and investors
Date: 30 March-2 April 2009
Venue: Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney
Click here for further information.
Rural & Regional News
$12m Rural Health Construction and Equipment Boost
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, announced $12m to be invested in rural and regional health infrastructure under the Government’s new National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program (NRRHIP). The NRRHIP is funded under the 2008-09 Federal Budget and will provide $46m over four years for rural and remote communities.
The first 53 projects of the first round aim to improve access to essential health infrastructure and equipment for rural and remote communities.
Click here for the full media release.
Volunteer News
Dealing with conflict and grievances when managing volunteers
This new guide from Volunteering Australia (VA) addresses issues that may lead to conflict with volunteers. It recommends that all not-for-profit organisations invest time, energy and resources to prevent such problems arising.
Research, Publications & Grants
Report on Government Services 2009
The Productivity Commission has just released the Report on Government Services 2009. This is the fourteenth edition of the Report, produced by a Steering Committee of senior officials from Australian, State and Territory governments for the Council of Australian Governments.
This is a very large report (7 Megabytes); however, it can be downloaded in sections. Chapter 13 specifically addresses Aged Care services.
Click here to view the report.
Measuring the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
This recently-released AIHW report provides a picture of the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous Australians using data from the 2004-05 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS) and a range of administrative datasets. The report makes recommendations to improve measures of social and emotional well-being. It is a useful resource for policy makers, program administrators and researchers with an interest in issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Click here to view the report.
Flinders University Research Scholarships
Applications are now invited for the following postgraduate research scholarships at Flinders University.
Advanced Community Care Scholarship
More information: email or phone 8201 3115
ARC Scholarships – Healthy Ageing Research (eg psychological, nutrition and/or lifestyle factors)
Further information: Dr Ruth Walker, Flinders Centre for Ageing Studies, email or phone 8201 4253.
Applications close 28 February 2009. Application kits and further information available here.
South Australian Multicultural Grants Scheme – Round 2, 2008/2009
Community groups are invited to apply for assistance under the latest round of the SA Multicultural Grants Scheme – $300,000 is available.
Grants are available for:
- Projects and events
- Festivals
- Community Development
- Using the media to promote multiculturalism
Applications close 27 March 2009. Further information: phone 1800 063 535 or 8226 1944 or visit the website.
Community Benefit SA funding round 27 now open
Community Benefit SA provide one-off project funding to assist incorporated, non-government non-profit charitable and social welfare organisations to:
- Improve the well-being, quality of life, community participation and life management skills of disadvantaged individuals and communities
- Develop and strengthen communities across the metropolitan, rural and remote regions of South Australia.
Round 27 closes on Monday 23 February 2009 at 5:00 pm. Applicants will be notified in June 2009.
To download the Funding Guidelines and Application Form Booklet, visit Community Benefit SA forms.
Geographic variation in oral health and use of dental services
Oral health among people who live in non-capital-city areas is poorer than capital-city dwellers, according to a recent report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The report, Geographic variation in oral health and use of dental services in the Australian population 2004-06, showed that people living in non-capital-city areas were less likely to visit the dentist for check-ups, less likely to make an annual dental visit, and less likely to have a particular dentist that they usually visit.
Click here for the full report.
Lynch Meyer Workplace Relations Alert
Please click here for Lynch Meyer's latest Workplace Relations Alert: Employers Beware - Unfair Dismissal Laws to Change on 1 July 2009.
Lynch Meyer Workplace Relations Seminar - Tuesday 24 March
Forward with Fairness - implications
Date: Tuesday 24 March 2009
Time:
8.30 am-10.00 am
Venue:
190 Flinders Street, Adelaide
Lawyers Sonia Bolzon and Daria Matthews will cover:
- The National Employment Standards
- Enterprise Agreements
- Industrial Action
- The new Unfair Dismissal regime
- Right of Entry and union activity
RSVP by Thursday 19 March 2009 to Ashleigh Windsor.
Industrial updates from EMA
EMA Note Issue 7 2009 - First Sham Contracting Prosecution.
EMA Note: Issue 4 2009 - Anzac Day Public Holiday in South Australia.
ACS Education & Training Events
ACS 2009 Training Program
The first six months of the 2009 Training Program is now available. Registration forms for the events will be placed on the website as they are prepared, and also sent to members. Please mark this page as a bookmark and return to it regularly to view any changes and additions.
ACFI courses
ACFI Uncovered
ACFI in a nutshell . . . course will be adapted to capture new knowledge as it arises.
Date: Thursday 26 February 2009
Time: 9 am-4 pm (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided)
Venue: ACS Training Room
New! ACFI from the care worker's perspective
Date: Friday 27 February 2009
Time: 11.30 am-4.30 pm (lunch and afternoon tea provided)
Venue: ACS Training Room
New courses and forums
Food Safety Plan and HACCP
Date: Thursday 5 March 2009
Time: 9 am-4 pm
Venue: ACS Training Room
Students are the Future of Aged Care Forum
For ACS members and training providers
Date: Monday 16 March or Tuesday 24 March
Time: 9 am-11.30 am (Monday) or 5 pm-7.30 pm
(Tuesday)
Venue:
Fullarton Park Community Centre
Rehabilitation & Return to Work Co-ordinators (legislated training as of 1/1/09)
Date: 3 days - Monday 30 March, Tuesday 31 March & Wednesday 1 April 2009
Time: 9 am-4 pm
Venue: ACS Training Room
Papers and Presentations from ACS Forums
Papers and Presentations from some of the recently held ACS Forums are available for members-only access. Click here to view the list of presentations available.
Visit the ACS Training & Events Program
E-learning
The following recruitment courses are offered online via the ACSA e-Learning system:
- EEO – Best Practice Recruitment Guidelines
- Privacy For The Onhire and Recruitment Industry
- Effective Reference Checking
- Workchoices – Fundamentals
- Recruitment and Selection
- Develop Business Strategies To Source and Assess Candidates
- Develop Employment Management Services For Candidates
- Manage The Recruitment Process For Client Organisations
Formal Qualifications:
- Certificate IV in Business (Employment Services)
Click here for full details.
Industry Education & Training
Current Easy Moves for Active Ageing® (EMAA) Tai Chi training
There are still places left for the first Tai Chi Chair Training to be held in Adelaide on 11 and 12 March 2009.
Tai Chi Chair is a combination of traditional and contemporary Tai Chi forms based on the very popular Yang style of Tai Chi. It has been created by Rosemary Palmer exclusively for Active Ageing Australia® and is designed to compliment the EMAA course. It is primarily chair-based but includes footwork for those participants who are more mobile.
Closing date for bookings is Tuesday 24 February. Please click here for further information and booking form.
SAGE Europe 09 . . . bookings closing soon
Organisation for the Europe09 study tour is well underway, and bookings are flowing in. The following tour options are available:
Tour Option 1: 11-22 July
U.K. Facilitiestours + IAHSA 8th Annual Conference in London
Tour Option 2: 17-29 July
IAHSA 8th Annual Conference in London + Belgium & Germany Facilities tours
Tour Option 3: 11-29 July
U.K. Facilities tours + IAHSA 8th Annual Conference in London + Belgium & Germany Facilities tours
Tour Option 4: Additional Netherlands Tour 11-22 July – A small delegation (maximum eight) to tour facilities in the Netherlands. NOTE: Subject to availability.
All tours include attendance at IAHSA09 in London. Please click here for further information.
Member Services
ACS SA&NT has entered into arrangements with a range of businesses to provide cost effective and quality services to its members. Please be advised that ACS SA&NT has entered into these arrangements with a financial benefit for the Association. Currently arrangements have been made with:
Access OCAR – Employment Assistance
Program
EMA Consulting – Industrial
Advice Service
Do you have an Employee Assistance Program?
As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen services and opportunities for Members, ACS SA&NT is pleased to be able to provide members with access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). ACS SA&NT has entered into an agreement with Access OCAR Workplace Consulting to provide an EAP to members at a substantially reduced rate. (Payment is made on a quartlery basis)
An EAP is a confidential counselling service designed to offer an effective means of assisting employees with problems that may eventually affect job performance and personal well-being. Employees have access to qualified counsellors who are located outside of their workplace and are trained to help people identify and resolve their problems. It has been advised that the Unions are in favour of EAP in businesses and often quality and standards accreditation also favour EA programs.
Access
OCAR Workplace Consulting will provide the services of the EAP to members
who join this service.
Click
here to download an expression of interest form. Upon completion of this
form Access OCAR will contact you to commence
the service.
Industrial Advice Service
Since 1 July 2006 EMA Consulting has been providing ACS Members with Industrial Relations Assistance. EMA consultants are highly qualified, trained, experienced and are contemporary leaders in their profession. As an ACS Member, you have access to EMA for the following services:
Telephone Advisory Service
- Unlimited access to discuss any Industrial Relations topic
- Deal with IR Consultants
- No charge per call ~ generally limited to 15 minutes per issue. If it does take longer than this, it generally means the issue is complex and you need to get specific advice.
Wage Rate Summary
- Nurses (ANF ~ SA Private Sector)
- Nurses SA
- Clerks SA
- Health Service Employees
Consultant Service
EMA will provide consulting services for all ACS Members at a discounted hourly rate of $175 per hour, which is a saving of $50 per hour. This includes access to a full range of user pays services such as AWAs, training, workers compensation, disputes and collective agreements.
Simply contact EMA with your organisation's name and provide your client access number as shown on your client card (sent with your renewal of membership for 07/08). If you do not know your client number please contact Business Development Manager Kellie Kulinski.
Telephone (VIP toll free number) 1800
632 812
Advisory Service (08) 8221
6565
Telephone (08) 8221 6665
Facsimile (08 8221 6660
Website www.emaconsulting.com.au