Sector In Queensland Research Articles

How Farmers, Graziers, Miners, and Gas-Industry Personnel See Their Potential for Coexistence in Rural Queensland

Summary The rapid expansion of the coal-seam-gas (CSG) sector in Queensland has fueled debate on the sector's contributions to community sustainability in a rural economy dominated by the farming of food and cotton, cattle grazing, coal mining, and a modest level of tourism. For example, will the impacts of CSG extraction on surface and groundwater have sustained negative impacts on the growing of grain, and if so, what should one expect of the CSG industry today? The intensity of debate is accompanied by an array of operating conditions placed on CSG projects by the state government, extensive media coverage, and a focus on what it takes to maintain a “social license to operate.” Such a context is a challenge for resource companies committed to sustainability principles and to contributing to the social, economic, and institutional development of the communities in which they operate as well as to the conservation of biodiversity and integrated approaches to land-use planning. In this context, our research explored perceptions of the social and environmental impacts in two local government areas of rural Queensland. We surveyed and interviewed stakeholders affected by—and/or influential in—decision making and the management of mining, CSG extraction, and agriculture in these areas. We asked their views on the state of the environment, the economy, social fabric, human capital, and local infrastructure, comparing today to 5 years ago. Their responses reveal how this contested arena harbors “wicked” problems: issues that are hard to formulate in simple terms and in which every potential solution has irreversible consequences. Our findings suggest further that the successful coexistence of multiple industries and a social license to operate for CSG companies depend on effective management by resource companies, and by regulators, of operating practices, off-site impacts, and the distribution of benefits.

Queensland’s Threatened Animals.

THE explosion of the mining industry, recent change of government and ongoing debates over climate change and use of national parks makes threatened animals and their protection a red hot issue for many in the conservation sector in Queensland. Under “How to use this book” (p. 16) Lee Curtis states that “we hope that the information offered will lead you quickly and efficiently to the next step that will help to halt the population declines of threatened animals in our state”; the naivety of such a statement will not appeal to scientists in the field who constantly fight for increased legislative protections for threatened species, and actively work on on-ground management programs in attempts to halt such population declines. Anybody who has reached a stage where they are able to effect such a change

Challenging the ‘care penalty’: The Queensland pay equity campaign for community services workers

In 2009, the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission delivered a historic pay equity decision for the social and community services sector in Queensland. Employers were persuaded not to oppose the need for pay equity, and government – the major funder of the sector – was persuaded to agree to funding increases, as a result of a campaign coordinated by the relevant trade union, the Queensland Services Union, and the peak body representing the sector, the Queensland Council of Social Service. Informed by participant observation, interviews and documentary analysis, this article identifies key elements of the campaign’s success using the literature on union campaign strategy, especially studies of coalitions. The study contributes to the developing literature on ‘care movements’ and to knowledge of strategies for building and maintaining successful campaign coalitions involving unions.

Mo1118 Clinical and Pathologic Features of Elderly Gastric Cancer

Background: Meeting the demand for services and training appropriate numbers of qualified staff are key challenges for health care systems. Population growth and demographic changes as well as changes in clinical practice can increase the demand for services. However, predicting the growth of demand is difficult and open to many uncertainties. In order to define the growth of demand a state-wide survey was undertaken in the public sector in Queensland regarding the volume of endoscopic services provided and changes in waiting lists. Methods: All state-owned Queensland Health facilities providing endoscopic services were asked to participate. Thus in total 27 sites across all geographic regions of Queensland were asked to provide data on the endoscopic activity and the waiting lists at the end of the financial years 2009/2010 and 2010/11. Cumulated numbers for the various types of procedures were calculated. The change of demand was calculated based upon the change of activity adjusted for the changes in patients on waiting lists for specific procedures. Results: In total 46,119 endoscopic procedures were performed in the public sector in 2009/ 2010 as compared to 52,299 in 2010/11 (+13.4%). At the same time the medical workforce grew by 8.1% as compared to 25.2% of the nursing workforce involved in the provision of endoscopic services. Combining changes in endoscopic activity plus the increase in waiting lists for endoscopic procedures, there was a 25.4% increase of demand. Interestingly, there is considerable variability with regard to the increase of procedures (Table 1). Conclusions: From 2009/2010 to 2010/2011 the demand for endoscopic services grew by 25.4%. This growth is mainly driven by demand for colonoscopies and EUS. While growth of the population (approx. 1%/year) partly increases the demand other factors also need to be considered. The substantial increase of demand for colonoscopies can be at least partially explained by the colon cancer screening activities which potentially have considerable spin off effects. Interestingly, the demand for ERCP grew by 12%. Since the population of Queensland is ageing similar to the populations in most Western countries, this demographic change with a substantial increase of the population aged 55 or more, may cause considerable increase in future demand for services in the field of Gastroenterology. Table 1: Growth of endoscopic procedures in 2009/10 vs 2010/11

Mo1120 Suicidal Ideation and Attempts in Cancer Survivors: Community Health Survey 2008

Background: Meeting the demand for services and training appropriate numbers of qualified staff are key challenges for health care systems. Population growth and demographic changes as well as changes in clinical practice can increase the demand for services. However, predicting the growth of demand is difficult and open to many uncertainties. In order to define the growth of demand a state-wide survey was undertaken in the public sector in Queensland regarding the volume of endoscopic services provided and changes in waiting lists. Methods: All state-owned Queensland Health facilities providing endoscopic services were asked to participate. Thus in total 27 sites across all geographic regions of Queensland were asked to provide data on the endoscopic activity and the waiting lists at the end of the financial years 2009/2010 and 2010/11. Cumulated numbers for the various types of procedures were calculated. The change of demand was calculated based upon the change of activity adjusted for the changes in patients on waiting lists for specific procedures. Results: In total 46,119 endoscopic procedures were performed in the public sector in 2009/ 2010 as compared to 52,299 in 2010/11 (+13.4%). At the same time the medical workforce grew by 8.1% as compared to 25.2% of the nursing workforce involved in the provision of endoscopic services. Combining changes in endoscopic activity plus the increase in waiting lists for endoscopic procedures, there was a 25.4% increase of demand. Interestingly, there is considerable variability with regard to the increase of procedures (Table 1). Conclusions: From 2009/2010 to 2010/2011 the demand for endoscopic services grew by 25.4%. This growth is mainly driven by demand for colonoscopies and EUS. While growth of the population (approx. 1%/year) partly increases the demand other factors also need to be considered. The substantial increase of demand for colonoscopies can be at least partially explained by the colon cancer screening activities which potentially have considerable spin off effects. Interestingly, the demand for ERCP grew by 12%. Since the population of Queensland is ageing similar to the populations in most Western countries, this demographic change with a substantial increase of the population aged 55 or more, may cause considerable increase in future demand for services in the field of Gastroenterology. Table 1: Growth of endoscopic procedures in 2009/10 vs 2010/11

Planning estimates for the mental health community support sector

To describe the approach undertaken to derive planning estimates for the mental health community support sector in Queensland, Australia. We quantified the needs for services by calculating the prevalence of mental illness in Queensland and by stratifying mental illness by severity. A taxonomy of services in the mental health community support sector was developed and target groups for services identified. Resource targets were set based on a review of the academic and grey literature, expert opinion and consultation with the funding body. To provide adequate supported accommodation, 88 beds per 100,000 population are required, with 33.6 full-time equivalents (FTEs) per 100,000 population of attached personalised support. An additional 12.7 FTEs per 100,000 population of personalised support is required for individuals living independently in the community. We estimated that 6.9 FTEs per 100,000 population would be required for the provision of group support services. We estimated that a target of 1.6% of total mental health community support sector budget should be allocated to mutual support and self-help and 5% to community development. The mental health community support sector is now a major provider of services for people with mental illness, and is likely to continue to grow. When compared to public sector clinical mental health services, the mental health community support sector has lacked clarity surrounding what services are provided, and the quantity of resources required to provide these services. In the absence of other planning information for the community mental health support sector, the estimates described here provide a first step to guide governments and policymakers. Further research and testing in the real world by mental health community support sector practitioners is required to increase the evidence base and refine resource targets.

Does Australian state location influence MRS practitioners' access to and use of the internet?

AbstractThe internet is an important information resource used by health practitioners to access the most current health and medical information. In Australia, the public health system is managed and operated independently at state and territory level and this raises the potential for differential access to the internet to exist within workplaces across government boundaries such as Australian states. This paper examines the effect of Australian state on access to and use of the internet by comparing medical radiation science (MRS) workplaces in Queensland and Victoria.Survey design was used to collect data. In 2007, a questionnaire was sent to 1067 Australian MRS practitioners in Victoria and Queensland, with a response rate of 31.1%. The results show that internet access within workplaces varied across and within Australian states. Victorian practitioners in the public sector reported the highest level of internet connectivity within their workplace with 64% of practitioners reporting internet access on all workplace computers compared to 13% of practitioners employed in the public sector in Queensland (P = 0.000). Victorian practitioners in the public sector also reported greater use of the internet (P = 0.000) and valued it higher as a resource for updating their professional knowledge (P = 0.011) than their colleagues in the public sector in Queensland. Approximately one‐third of practitioners employed in the private sector in both Queensland and Victoria reported internet access on all computers in their workplace (P = 0.885). There exists a digital divide within MRS workplaces which must be addressed so regardless of state or health sector of employment, practitioners can avail themselves of current health and medical information made available through the internet that supports them in staying up‐to‐date with the changing knowledge base of their profession.

Getting “Women” on Butcher’S Paper at the Australia 2020 Summit: “Social Inclusion” and Women’S Place in the 21st Century

1.0 INTRODUCTION Just over a month after the Australia 2020 Summit an extraordinary 'first' was reported in the Australian media. Two Australian women, Cheryl and Nikki Bart, became the first mother and daughter team to scale the summit of Mt Everest, having climbed the tallest peak on every other continent.1 Well, I thought, from my vantage point of a month's contemplation since the excitement of being a summiteer: That's one way of getting women on to a summit!' The media interest in the Bart story suggests at least two things; women can do anything, as we have been saying for years, but we are still doing 'firsts' because women still experience many barriers as they try to do everything. And while Cheryl and Nikki were toiling up that awesome mountain, 1,000 people met in Canberra at that other Summit 'to explore the challenges facing Australia over the next decade and beyond'.2 Part of the purpose of this article is to provide a narrative - a personal story of attending and participating in the Summit. However, another purpose is to explore the way in which women were included in and excluded from the processes, content and discussions of that event, in the hope that the analysis may assist in formulating ways to enhance effective strategic thinking, policy development and service delivery which specifically addresses the needs of and opportunities for women in Australia over the next decade and beyond. 1.1 I'm Going! At about 9.30am on the morning of Saturday 29 March, 2008 my friend Danielle rang me to ask: 'So are you going? I saw outside a newsagent that the list has been published.' It was only three weeks before the Australia 2020 Summit would commence in Canberra and four weeks after the closure date for nominations. This pace of process is a feature of the Summit to which I will return. I had actually opened The Weekend Australian by the time of the phone call but had missed the smallish notice on the front page that advised that the 1,000 selected participants were named in the Inquirer? I expected not to find my name because I had not heard anything since submitting my nomination on 29 February, but I scanned through the list, noting its break up into the ten discussion areas or 'steams' to be covered, and the further break up into states and territories. And there amongst the twelve Queenslanders in the 'Strengthening communities, supporting families and social inclusion' stream list, I found my name! To my surprise, despite working in the community sector in Queensland in various ways for over twenty years, I did not personally know any of the other eleven co-summiteers in this group.4 I learned at the Summit that many summiteers had a similar experience. The Steering Committee certainly chose many people who were outside of the 'usual suspects' in terms of government consultation - and the diversity and freshness created by these groupings of people who did not have a long history with each other was one of the strengths of the Summit.5 Further nearly all 1,000 people were given the same space in the published list. Whoever it was, however well known - everyone was just in the list - in about size 6 font! There were nine photographs of some particularly distinguished participants, but I felt that the equalitarian way of recording us boded well for the Summit. Twenty years in the community legal centre sector has left me a little cynical about governments and process, so I was a bit surprised at the genuine sense of honour and pride I felt to be selected. I considered soberly that, having nominated myself (at the instigation of others), I now had an obligation to contribute to making this event positive, to be part of something energising and exciting for Australia. I also knew that there would be criticism and that we would have to be robust about that. As Professor Michael Wesley said in his opening address: In our conversations this weekend we will discuss major challenges and worrying problems, aspirations and comparisons. …

Aged care nursing in Queensland – the nurses’ view

Through comparison of two studies undertaken three years apart the opinions of nurses working in aged care facilities in Queensland were determined. Results will support policy planning for the Queensland Nurses Union. An ageing population in Australia is placing increased demands on residential aged care facilities. In Queensland, the national situation is exacerbated by an influx of retirees from other states and territories. The ongoing problem of shortages of nurses in the workforce may be addressed by gaining further insight into the nurses' own views of their conditions and experiences. One thousand nurses working in public and privately owned residential aged care facilities were surveyed by postal questionnaire in 2004. Results were compared with data collected in an identical study in 2001. Respondents offered their opinions on working hours and conditions, professional development and experiences in nursing. The predominately female aged care nursing workforce is ageing. Reported workplace violence has increased substantially since 2001. Some improvements are reported in staff numbers, skill mix and workplace policies. Nurses expressed very serious concerns about pay, workload, stress, physical and emotional demands and staff morale. Working conditions for nurses in the residential aged care sector in Queensland must be addressed to retain the current nurses and to encourage new nurses to replace those that retire. The findings of this study provide information not only for the Queensland Nurses Union but also policy makers and nurse managers both nationally and internationally on areas that need to be addressed to maintain the required workforce within the aged care sector.

Exhumation Study in the Cooper-Eromanga Basins, Australia and the Implications for Hydrocarbon Exploration

The Cooper-Eromanga Basins of South Australia and Queensland are not at their maximum burial-depth due to Late Cretaceous-Tertiary and Late Triassic-Early Jurassic exhumation. The main tool used for estimating the exhumation is the available vitrinite reflectance data. Exhumation studies using compaction analysis have also been compiled in order that exhumation is better constrained. The results suggest that Late Cretaceous-Tertiary exhumation increases eastwards from the South Australia to the Queensland sector of the basins. This study has major implications for hydrocarbon exploration. Predicted maturation of source rocks will be greater for any given geothermal history if exhumation is incorporated in maturation modeling.

Quantification of Exhumation from Sonic Velocity Data, Cooper Basin, Australia, and Implications for Hydrocarbon Exploration

Exhumation (defined as rock uplift minus surface uplift) in the Cooper Basin of South Australia and Queensland has been quantified using the compaction methodology. The sonic log, which is strongly controlled by the amount of porosity, is an appropriate indicator of compaction, and hence is used for quantifying exhumation from compaction. The traditional way of estimating exhumation based on the degree of overcompaction of a single shale unit has been modified and five units ranging in age from Permian to Triassic have been analysed. The results reveal that exhumation increases eastwards from the South Australia into the Queensland sector of the basin. The results show that exhumation in Late Triassic – Early Jurassic times, after the Cooper Basin deposition, seems to be 200–400 m higher than exhumation in Late Cretaceous – Tertiary times, after the Eromanga Basin deposition. This study has major implications for hydrocarbon exploration. Maturation of source rocks will be greater for any given geothermal history if exhumation is incorporated in maturation modelling. Exhumation values can also be used to improve porosity predictions of reservoir units in undrilled targets.

Quantification of exhumation in the Eromanga Basin and its implications for hydrocarbon exploration

Exhumation in the Eromanga Basin of South Australia and Queensland has been quantified using compaction methodology. All methods of estimating exhumation utilize rock properties that are affected by, and retain a memory of, burial in excess of that presently observed. The tool used for estimating the exhumation in this study is analysis of the degree of overcompaction of rock units. Since porosity describes compaction state, the sonic log, controlled strongly by the amount of porosity, is an appropriate indicator of compaction and, hence, is used for quantifying exhumation from compaction. The standard method of estimating exhumation based on the degree of overcompaction of a single shale unit has been modified, and seven units, predominantly shales ranging in age from the Cretaceous to the Jurassic, have been analysed. All units yield similar results. Burial at depth greater than currently observed is the most likely cause of overcompaction since it is unlikely that sedimentological and/or diagenetic processes are responsible for similar amounts of overcompaction in different lithologies. The results of the compaction analysis reveal that Late Cretaceous–Tertiary exhumation increases eastwards from the Patchawarra Trough, through the Gidgealpa–Merrimelia–Innamincka Trend and Nappamerri Trough into the Queensland sector of the basins. This study has major implications for hydrocarbon exploration. Predicted maturation of source rocks will be greater for any given geothermal history if exhumation is incorporated in maturation modelling. The exhumation study helps to quantify velocity anomalies associated with overcompaction. Exhumation values can also be used to improve porosity predictions of reservoir units in undrilled targets.

CAN VIRTUE BE REGULATED? AN EXAMINATION OF THE EARC PROPOSALS FOR A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS IN QUEENSLAND

Abstract: This paper reviews the proposed Code of Conduct and accompanying ethics regime under consideration for the public sector in Queensland. While noting the limitations of codes of conduct, it examines the proposition that ethics regulation has the potential to enhance good government, concluding that it has under certain conditions. It canvasses the need to give priority to an educative process within an ethics regime, considers some implications for ethical theory about codes, and includes a prognosis for the Queensland initiative with its converging objectives of regulating and nurturing virtue in public office.

DISCOVERY AND EXPLOITATION OF NEW OILFIELDS IN THE COOPER-EROMANGA BASINS

Since 1975 the level of petroleum exploration in the Cooper-Eromanga basins has undergone an unprecedented expansion due to the discovery and development of an increasing number of oil reservoirs, largely in the Eromanga Basin sequence. The commercial incentive provided by the Commonwealth Government's Import Parity Pricing and excise arrangements have been instrumental in the lead up to and continuation of this series of discoveries.Three types of oil discovery in the Eromanga Basin sequence are evident; firstly, shallow pools above Cooper Basin gas fields; secondly, separate single-field discoveries in areas of limited exploration; and thirdly, as multifield discoveries along major structural trends. Exploitation of the Eromanga Basin oil discoveries has been made possible by a combination of rapid appraisal and development drilling and early commencement of production.The initial Eromanga Basin oil discoveries overlie major Cooper Basin gas fields and were located during appraisal and development drilling of deeper Cooper Basin gas reservoirs. Wildcat and appraisal drilling on Eromanga Basin prospects, such as Wancoocha and Narcoonowie, has upgraded the prospectivity of the Eromanga Basin sequence in the southern Cooper Basin—an area where earlier exploration for Cooper Basin gas was unsuccessful. Significant oil discoveries in Bodalla South 1 and Tintaburra 1, in the Queensland sector of the Eromanga Basin, have extended the range of exploration success and generated considerable interest in lesser known parts of the Eromanga Basin.Three successive phases of Cooper-Eromanga exploration have led to the present high level of success. Early exploration, before 1969, led to the initial discovery and development of Cooper Basin gas fields and was largely supported by the Petroleum Search Subsidy Acts (19571974). The results of the second phase, between 1970 and 1975, provided little encouragement to operators to extend exploration beyond the limits of the then known gas accumulations. In the decade since 1975, the oil potential of the Eromanga and parts of the Cooper Basin sequences has become a major factor in the exploration and development activity of the region. Since 1975, the favourable commercial conditions prevailing under the Import Parity Pricing scheme and the concessional crude oil excise arrangments for production from 'newly discovered' oilfields provided a significant incentive for development and exploitation of the post-1975 oil discoveries.

TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE AND EMPLOYMENT IN THE INFORMATION ECONOMY: THE EXAMPLE OF QUEENSLAND

This paper presents the results of a study which identifies the extent of the Queensland information sector and assesses the role of information technology within it. In terms of employment, the information sector in Queensland in 1981 comprised about 36 per cent of the State's labour force. Information technologies are diffusing rapidly and widely into all sectors of the Queensland economy. Their impact on organisation and employment are investigated.

CASH TRANSFERS BY THE QUEENSLAND STATE GOVERNMENT TO NON‐GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract: This is the first in a series of studies into cash transfers from the State government to non‐government organizations in Queensland. It focuses particularly on transfers from the Departments of Welfare Services and Children's Services. Information has been obtained from public government documents, departmental files and records, and from interviews with representatives of eight non‐government organizations in receipt of cash transfers. The study documents the pattern and process of transfers and explores existing means of achieving accountability, accessibility, effectiveness, efficiency and equity. While transfers to the non‐government sector in Queensland are a well established practice, the proportion of government funds going to the non‐government sector is small. The larger, well‐established organizations receive the most and are best satisfied with their relationship to government. It would appear that much could be done to improve accessibility to government transfers in Queensland, where program accountability has not been emphasized. The final section of the paper questions the advisability of jumping on the program evaluation bandwagon. The need for more research into the impact of government funding on program development, efficient use of resources, social cohesion, political position and meeting the most pressing needs in the community is emphasized. Glennerster's “pluralist planning model” is suggested as a possible guide for improving the process of allocation of transfers in Queensland.

A SEISMIC SURVEY IN THE COOPER BASIN IN QUEENSLAND

Seismic reflection and refraction surveys in the Queensland sector of the Cooper Basin have commonly been impaired by strongly reflecting Permian coal measures and irregular near-surface duricrust. Penetration problems have consequently frustrated attempts to delineate the thickness of the assumed-prospective Permian section. The problem is well illustrated in and around Authority To Prospect No. 219P, where extensive seismic exploration has been unable to establish whether the thin Permian section, intersected in the various wells on structural highs, thickens substantially on the associated flanks. The Clifton seismic survey commissioned by the University of Sydney has exploited multifold CDP profiling using an array of shallow explosive sources, in combination with high fidelity digital recording and processing, to provide effective penetration in an area to the west of Alliance Oil Development N.L. Thunda I well.The Clifton data reveal an unconformity beneath the Permian "P" horizon near the Thunda well: the unconformity dies out off-structure It is probable that thickening of a Devonian-Lower Carboniferous section is chiefly responsible for the accumulation of sediments evident in both seismic and gravity data between the Thunda and Galway structures. A combined interpretation of gravity and seismic data indicates a complex pattern of faulting not previously delineated. Two dimensional modelling indicates that the gravity field comprises significant components from structure within the sediments, from the sediment-basement interface, and from isostatic compensation at the Moho.Deep crustal reflections were successfully recorded in the Clifton survey using source charges of only 5 x 4.5 k. An event at 11-12 secs is identified as a reflection from a laminated-type Moho transition zone near a depth of 33 km.