parolees – the state government is seeking public comment on a Bill regarding electronic monitoring of prisoners who are granted parole. The Corrections Amendment (Electronic Monitoring) Bill 2020 will amend the Corrections Act 1997 to specifically provide the Parole Board with legislative authority to impose electronic monitoring as a condition of parole, as is the case in all other Australian jurisdictions except the Australian Capital Territory. In Tasmania, no specific provisions for electronic monitoring of parolees are currently contained within the Act, and courts do have powers to impose a condition requiring electronic monitoring when making a home detention order or family violence order.
The Bill aims to ensure that the location of a parolee will be able to be tracked via GPS through an electronic device. The devices provide a means to monitor, in real-time, whether the offender is complying with relevant conditions of their parole order, such as curfews or prohibitions on entry into proscribed areas or residences. Monitoring is performed by the Department of Justice Monitoring and Compliance Unit in Hobart. The Bill can be downloaded and public submissions can be made on the Department of Justice website. The consultation period closes on 29 July 2020.
work ready – University of Tasmania has launched a new unit – called the Work-Ready Toolkit – to help Tasmanians overcome the employment challenges created by COVID-19. It covers a range of vital workplace topics such as networking, teamwork, interviewing skills and CV writing. Students will explore a range of personal and career development skills, and come away with a unique set of techniques and strategies that can be applied to both their personal life and career. The Work-Ready Toolkit is delivered fully online, with no cost or tuition fees. Tasmanians are encouraged to apply regardless of their educational or professional background.
“The Work-Ready Toolkit is suitable for anyone who is interested in developing skills, techniques and attributes to prepare or upskill for work in contemporary workplaces,” Lee Whiteley, Chief Executive, University College, said. “Offered online, the unit has flexible options to suit your lifestyle and commitments.” For more information on the Work-Ready Toolkit, including enrolment details, visit the FAQ page, or contact the Future Students team on 1300 363 864 who can assist with enrolment process or via email [email protected]
Tom & Jan Teniswood, Sarah Courtney, John Heck.
need help? – a six-page, pocket-sized booklet of staffed phone support organisations has just been launched. The booklet is a partnership of Eastcoast Regional Development Organisation Inc (ERDO), Orford Triabunna Chamber of Commerce Inc (OTCC) and Rural Alive & Well (RAW). These organisations recognised a state need for access to support for the many without
a computer or smart phone during this time of uncertainty. The print of 10,000 booklets will be distributed statewide.
At a launch event for Need Help – Connect, Sarah Courtney State Minister for Health, Women, Strategic Growth, Small Business, Hospitality & Events spoke about the state government’s response to COVID-19. John Heck from OTCC, spoke of the Chamber’s intent in promoting Triabunna’s Fibre To The Premises advantages and rural coastal lifestyle. Tom Teniswood and Sally Westbury, from ERDO, spoke of this organisation’s role in supporting the community and of the Small Business and Self- Employment EXPO to be held at The Village in Triabunna in November. Jane Teniswood, Director of the Australian Garden Council, spoke of the potential for growth in the horticultural/gardening industry post COVID-19.
Royal Theatre survey – the Theatre is currently working toward making the theatre as safe as possible for when they reopen. They now have another survey, which although slightly similar to a previous survey in May, includes new questions. It is also intended for the Theatre to understand if your thoughts around the situation regarding COVID-19 have altered in the past month. Click here to access the new July survey. Don’t forget to leave your email address at the completion of the survey for your opportunity to win a $100 Theatre voucher. The deadline for completion of this survey is Tue 4 Aug at 4pm.
firefighting – Expressions of Interest have opened for Tasmanian volunteer firefighters to join the specialist remote area firefighting capability. Remote area firefighters access difficult terrain by helicopter or on foot, and use special light weight pumps or hand tools to fight bushfires, protect lives and keep properties safe. Successful volunteers will be provided with the additional skills needed to work in Tasmania’s remote forest wilderness areas. Creating a team of volunteer remote area firefighters was a recommendation from the AFAC review of the 2018-19 bushfires season. Anyone interested in remote area firefighting should first join their local fire brigade.
west coast – Destination West Coast, the region’s local business group, and West Coast Council have recently partnered to launch a competition aimed at locals and state-based visitors to get them travelling the west coast region following COVID-related lockdowns. The competition features two prizes and aims to make the most of road tripping in western Tasmania, where the journey is a feature in itself. Read more about it here.
Buy Something Tasmanian – Tasmania’s economy and local businesses are taking a major hit due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the necessary trading restrictions to keep people safe. The new Buy Something Tasmanian internet marketplace allows Tasmanian businesses to list and sell their products and services to a new and wider range of customers than they currently have. Buy Something Tasmanian will help customers find the best products and services local businesses have on offer, and you can search and purchase from your phone, tablet or computer at home. Any products you buy can be delivered or safely collected during the current contactless time of social distancing, with the added bonus of no interstate or international shipping delays.
Many Tasmanian businesses already have sophisticated e-commerce services, while others may be making the move to online for the first time. This online marketplace is for all Tasmanian businesses, and it is completely free to list. All Tasmanian businesses – large or small – are encouraged to sign up and build a Buy Something Tasmanian profile and start connecting with new customers. To get started, visit https://buysomethingtasmanian.
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