Kids' advocate hits power limit

TASMANIA'S Commissioner for Children, Aileen Ashford, has left her post, calling for more support for Tasmania's young people.

Repeating the concerns of past commissioners, Ms Ashford called for her role to have greater powers.

She said yesterday she would leave in June, five months short of her three-year contract, to take a role as the chief executive of the Child Protection Society in Victoria.

"There is a misconception that the Commissioner for Children is powerful," Ms Ashford said.

"But the powers of the role are very limited. There is no inquiry without permission from the minister."

Ms Ashford is the latest high-profile government-appointed leader to leave the state.

Risdon Prison boss Barry Greenberry resigned earlier this month little over a year into his five-year contract.

Labor was rocked late last month when the head of the Treasury Department, Martin Wallace, announced he would step down from the role after the State Budget in May.

Ms Ashford called for the State Government to establish a youth portfolio and give future commissioners five-year terms.

"The Government does not have a youth policy," she said.

"We have a lot of emphasis on the early years but we seem to have missed kids eight years and up.

"Three years is not a very long time to enact change."

Ms Ashford said a new model for the Ashley Detention Centre also needed to be established.

"I'd like to see a different Ashley," she said, referring to the state's only youth detention centre, based in northern Tasmania.

"There will always be a place for detention.

"But when you talk to the kids it is too far away to have families and friends visit.

"The state needs a bail support system for the very small percentage of Tasmanian youth who end up in trouble with the law."

Ms Ashford thanked her staff and said the best part of the job was being able to talk to young people.

She said education and having jobs to go to were major concerns for youth.

She said education was the key to helping kids escape a cycle of poverty.

Children's Minister Michelle O'Byrne thanked Ms Ashford for her time in the role.

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Hold-up at Sandy Bay servo

TWO people held up a service station in Sandy Bay last night, one of them a male armed with a shotgun.

Police said the pair entered the Caltex Service Station on Regent St about 7.30pm.

The offenders fled the area with cash and cigarettes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hobart Criminal Investigation Branch or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Information may be left anonymously and people may be entitled to a reward.

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MP freeze for next state poll

TASMANIANS will head to the next state election still voting for a 25-seat Parliament.

The Mercury understands Premier Lara Giddings has told the Tasmanian Greens a proposal to increase the number of Lower House MPs by 10 to 35 will not be supported by Labor.

The proposal has been strongly pushed by the Greens and was previously supported by all three political parties.

But the precarious nature of the State Budget, to be delivered on May 23, is understood to be the catalyst for Labor telling the Greens it will no longer support the proposal. Lifting the number of MPs by 10 would cost the state about $3 million a year.

Neither Ms Giddings nor Greens leader Nick McKim would confirm yesterday that they have discussed the proposal.

But the move would frustrate Mr McKim, who has long campaigned to restore the size of Parliament. It was reduced to 25 members in 1998 in what is widely regarded as a ploy by Labor and the Liberals to reduce the influence of the Greens in the Tasmanian House of Assembly.

Mr McKim said yesterday he was still determined to push forward with his legislation to boost numbers.

Ms Giddings has consistently said Labor would support a move to increase the size of Parliament, if there was $3 million a year spare in the Budget to pay for the extra politicians.

"I believe with the strong economic management and budget management that we're putting in place that we will see that pathway towards a surplus being there for us to be able to consider having the next election under a 35-seat model," Ms Giddings said in January last year.

Yesterday Ms Giddings said she still supported an increase in principle and that the Government's position on the issue had not changed.

But she added: "We won't be supporting any moves to increase the size of Parliament until we are confident the Budget is heading in the right direction."

matthew.smith@news.com.au

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'Too young to know'

THE decision by a Christian school to allow students to attend an anti-abortion rally has angered politicians and psychologists but the principal is unapologetic about the children's presence.

About 200 people, including a large group of Southern Christian College students dressed in uniform and holding placards, attended the demonstration against the State Government's Reproductive Health Bill on Parliament House lawns on Wednesday.

Premier Lara Giddings said the presence of schoolchildren was "a step too far".

"I find it really abhorrent for that sort of campaign to be waged on a really sensitive issue," Ms Giddings said.

Health Minister Michelle O'Bryne said it was a decision for parents to allow their children to attend the protest but she said her own children would not have the ability to understand the complexity of the debate.

"It is a matter for those parents and those educational institutions to think about what the implications for those children might be," Ms O'Byrne said.

Tasmanian child and adolescent psychologist Darren Stops, who is the Australian Psychology Society schools adviser, said the onus was on parents and educators to provide learning that was "developmentally appropriate".

"Children don't have the ability to reason morally complex issues they believe rules are handed down by God and grown-ups. It's not until around the ages of 12 and 13 they start to develop the age of reasoning," Mr Stops said.

He questioned whether it was in the child's interest or the adults' to attend the demonstration.

"Are the children being used as tools to further the adults' interest?" he said.

Southern Christian College principal Alan Lawson said the negative comments were diverting the public "from the real issue".

"The children would not want that because they have real views and insight and they want to have their views heard," Mr Lawson said.

The school had asked parents to discuss the demonstration with their children.

"There was no sense of brainwashing. We had total respect for their views," he said.

A child from one family had attended the protest but another from the same family chose to stay at school.

Mr Lawson said he was surprised by Ms Giddings' reaction to "families and children whose concerns are genuine".

A pro-choice rally to support the legislation is planned for Sunday at noon on Parliament House lawns.

jennifer.crawley@news.com.au

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O'Byrne hit over 'criminal' tag

LIBERAL senator Eric Abetz has slammed Tasmanian Labor minister David O'Byrne for calling former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher a "war criminal" on Twitter.

Mr O'Byrne, whose portfolios include police and workplace relations, tweeted on Monday: "she was a war criminal, let's never forget the Belgrano".

The comment was a reference to the Argentine Navy ship the General Belgrano, which was sunk by the British during the Falklands War in 1982, killing more than 300 sailors.

Senator Abetz has described Mr O'Byrne as an "embarrassment" and accused him of flirting with Marxism.

"This kind of vile commentary, following the passing of one of the world's strongest leaders, is to be condemned in the strongest terms," Senator Abetz said in a statement.

"It is a national embarrassment to have this minister labelling a genuinely democratically elected leader from one of the world's oldest democracies a war criminal."

Senator Abetz lauded Lady Thatcher's achievements as British prime minister, which he said included "taking a tough stand against communism and socialism".

"By contrast David O'Byrne has worked to bring radical and socialist policies to Tasmania, even inviting the Marxist president of Venezuela (the late) Hugo Chavez to Australia," Senator Abetz said.

Mr O'Byrne stood by his Twitter comments, but added: "Her death is a tragic thing for her family & loved ones but does not erase her deeds."

Former Greens leader Bob Brown said on Tuesday his overriding memory of Lady Thatcher would be the "massacre" of the Belgrano sailors.

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Star scholar off to Cambridge

TASMANIAN Sarah Lynn Rees is among just four people to win a 2013 Charles Perkins Scholarship for indigenous Australians.

Sarah will start post-graduate studies in architecture and urban design at Cambridge University later this year.

A descendant of Dolly Dalrymple and the Plangermaireener people in Tasmania, she grew up in Hobart before achieving first-class honours in a Bachelor of Environments, majoring in architecture, at the University of Melbourne.

The 23-year-old now works for Melbourne's Jackson Clements Burrows Architects and was thrilled to be named a recipient.

"My research proposal was on the concept of nomadic housing and indigenous culture," Sarah said.

"It's still four more years of study and experience to become a registered architect, but I'd become the eighth indigenous person to be an architect in Australia. There are only seven."

Sarah attended MacKillop College at Mornington and Rosny College.

British High Commissioner Paul Madden announced the scholarships in Canberra today. Worth $50,000 a year, they are designed to assist post-graduate studies at Oxford and Cambridge.

In 1966, Dr Perkins became the first indigenous Australian man to graduate from university.

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Podiatrist denies sex assault

A PODIATRIST pulled a patient's underpants down before sexually assaulting her during a consultation for a foot problem in 2011, the Supreme Court in Launceston has heard.

Terence Williams has pleaded not guilty to indecently assaulting the woman by touching her breasts and one count of aggravated sexual assault.

The offences allegedly occurred at a clinic in suburban Kings Meadows on November 15, 2011.

The complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said it was the second time she had seen Mr Williams about a problem with her right foot.

The 30-year-old woman sobbed as she told a jury that Mr Williams said "I am going inside now " before putting his fingers into her bottom.

The woman said Mr Williams had not said anything else to her.

"I asked him if I was out of line," she said.

"He said 'I thought you were'."

She said she was shocked he had not used a glove or washed his hands.

The woman said Mr Williams had earlier undone her bra and moved his hands up and down her sides before cupping her breasts.

The trial, before Justice Peter Evans, is continuing.

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Churches blast reform 'tsunami'

TASMANIA'S church leaders have united to try to stop the "tsunami" of social changes being pushed by the State Government.

Anglican Bishop John Harrower and Catholic Archbishop Adrian Doyle were among those today calling for the Government not to ignore Christian values as it pushed for legislative reform on euthanasia, abortion and same-sex marriage.

Presbyterian moderator David Jones, the Baptist Union's John Smith, Australian Christian Churches Pastor Peter Shurley, and Salvation Army division commander Ritchie Watson were among the others to sign the "Salamanca Declaration".

The group said it affirmed the values of "life, liberty and legacy".

Bishop Harrower said the "appalling" abortion laws cemented social and economic factors that could include gender selection as reasons for justifying terminations up to full term.

"Are we moving to infanticide?" he asked.

He said it was wrong to expect proper responses to the "tsunami of legislation" and a few weeks were not enough to allow full consideration of the issues.

"This is not the same as Victorian legislation."

Legana Christian Church pastor Andrew Corbett said the termination law was more dramatic than the most liberalised in the world.

He said Christian views were specifically excluded in the legislation.

"Enough's enough," he said.

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Accused killer faces court

A MAN accused of the hammer murders of two academics at Mountain River last December has appeared via video-link in Hobart's Supreme Court.

Nicolau Francisco Soares, 27, of Western Australia, is accused of killing his mother Delys Weston, 62, and health economist Gavin Mooney, 69, at their property on December 20.

Mr Soares spoke only once -- to confirm his identity -- during today's proceedings.

Justice Helen Wood ordered him to appear again on July 22.

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New Metro deal on table

METRO Tasmania has raised its pay offer to bus drivers on the eve of talks aimed at ending the bitter public transport dispute.

During secret talks on the weekend between mediator Paul Lennon, Metro Tasmania CEO Heather Haselgrove and Rail, Tram and Bus Union chief Sam Simonetis, Metro increased its pay offer from 2.1 per cent to 2.5 per cent a year for three years.

In return the bus company wants drivers to work an extra five minutes a day.

Drivers are seeking a 3 per cent rise and have held several stop-work meetings in recent weeks in support of their claim.

Metro last Wednesday cancelled all services and locked workers out because it claimed two scheduled meetings would disrupt services and place passenger safety at risk.

The all-day shut-down affected about 38,000 passengers at a time when schools were returning from the Easter break.

Metro's decision to stand down drivers without pay was criticised by several Labor politicians, including Workplace Relations Minister David O'Byrne.

Young Labor went so far as to call for Sustainable Transport Minister Nick McKim to resign or be sacked for failing to condemn Metro's action and failing to get involved in the negotiations.

Mr McKim and Premier Lara Giddings have ruled out intervening in the dispute while urging the two sides to resolve their differences as soon as possible.

The parties meet at Campbell Town today for further talks.

Yesterday the union and Metro would not comment on the progress of negotiations.

Metro has argued that the taxpayer-subsidised company could not afford to fund a larger pay rise.

Drivers complained that Metro board members had received a substantial boost in pay but management said that decision was determined by an independent arbitrator.

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Tassie shucks oyster slight

TASMANIA'S reputation for seafood has taken a hit after the oyster contamination but can survive an isolated case, say industry leaders.

A gastroenteritis outbreak struck more than 200 people in Tasmania and Victoria after a sewerage line leaked near an oyster lease at Dunalley.

On Thursday night, viewers of The Footy Show heard remarks about Collingwood player Heath Shaw's gastro, which stopped him playing in last Sunday's match.

Panellists said he had eaten Tasmanian oysters.

Oyster pioneer Barilla Bay Seafoods recalled stock and destroyed harvested oysters.

Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council chief executive officer Neil Stump said action had been swift.

"The industry when alerted has acted promptly and put in the proper protocols and measures so, hopefully, consumers will be understanding this is not caused by the farmers," Dr Stump said.

"We're hoping for a bit of understanding."

Oyster-related gastro outbreaks interstate are not uncommon, but it was a first for Tasmania's commercial oyster industry, public health director Roscoe Taylor said.

Dr Taylor praised Barilla Bay's voluntary recall as a good example to business.

Oysters Tasmania executive officer Tom Lewis said public health bosses acted conservatively and everything had been done correctly.

Tourism Minister Scott Bacon said the case showed why water and sewerage reform was so important for health and environment.

"I think there's no question there's been some negative media around this," Mr Bacon said.

"We put in a lot of work to establish Tasmania's clean reputation for quality food right across the different types of produce and we want to see that continue."

Primary Industries and Water Minister Bryan Green said he was saddened.

"We fight so hard to make sure our seafood, our aquaculture industry, is sold around the world and it's disappointing we have affected oysters making people sick here and on the mainland," Mr Green said.

"The good thing is that we've been able to isolate the problem so people understand it's not a wider problem. This was an isolated incident, one we're now on top of, but it highlights how important it is we have water and sewerage reform. That will ensure our waters are and can remain pristine to provide for this fantastic industry."

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Keeping the V8 roar on track

WINNER: Fabian Coulthard crosses the line first - ahead of Jamie Whincup and Mark Winterbottom. Picture: ROSS MARSDEN

V8 SUPERCARS Australia and the State Government are negotiating a new deal to keep the V8s coming to Tasmania until at least 2017.

Talks include a multi-million-dollar upgrade of Symmons Plains raceway and creating new local jobs around the state's biggest sporting event.

Round two of the Australian V8 Supercar championships at Symmons this weekend, which Premier Lara Giddings will attend today, is the second instalment of a three-year contract between the Supercars and Government for the V8s to race in Tasmania.

Even though 2014 is locked in, talks started behind closed doors on Friday on a new three to five-year deal.

As well as an event guarantee, talks have centred on millions being spent on the track and its facilities in the next few years, with money coming from the State Government and V8 Supercars Australia.

Tasmanian Mark Perry, V8 Supercars Australia's new director of promoted events, is in the thick of negotiations.

The former boss of Targa Tasmania has just moved from Hobart to the Gold Coast to take up the post.

"Tasmania is definitely part of our future plans and we've started talking about a new three to five-year arrangement," Mr Perry said.

"The Government, us, and all the stakeholders would love to see more money spent at Symmons Plains to make the facilities better for the fans, drivers and everyone.

"That is definitely a key to our discussions right now putting a bit more into the track and also the local community and into getting more employment involved around the round and the economy.

"The Government is very much onside with that and we'll spend more money here as well and form some partnerships that will make this track better."

The investment in infrastructure would be a joint effort.

"No one expects the Government to be constantly dipping into its pocket," Perry said.

"It's unreasonable in the current world, and our sport and the fans get the benefit at the end of the day."

Upgrades may eventually include altering the track layout for the Supercars, which lap at an average 170km/h and reach 280km/h.

"This track was never built for cars that go as fast as they do these days, so we need to consider all of that for the long term," Perry said.

"Nothing happens overnight so you've got to start planning now so budgeting can be done and signed off."

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A festival of sound, swirl

STIRRING: The Tasmanian Massed Pipe Band.

THE historic site of Port Arthur was a sea of tartan as the sound of bagpipes rang through the crisp autumn air at the inaugural Port Arthur Tattoo.

Conditions were ideal and the site proved the perfect backdrop for the military traditions of the event.

"The site forms a natural amphitheatre it just works really well for this sort of event, especially when teamed with such fantastic weather," said Port Arthur Historic Site marketing manager Andrew Ross.

The program featured performances by the Tasmania Police Pipe Band, the Clarence Concert Band, City of Hobart Highland Pipe Band, St Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band, Derwent Scottish Pipe Band, Hobart Australian Navy Cadet Band, Army Band Tasmania, the Hobart Irish dancers and the Hobart Highland dancers.

The event was presented yesterday afternoon as a show of support to the local community following the January bushfires.

Mr Ross said nearly 2500 people converged on Port Arthur from around the state and their high expectations were exceeded.

"The sun shone, the bands were fabulous it was a spectacular event and feedback has been that everyone is hoping we might be able to do it again."

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Good Spirit in Bruny culture

SHARING THE DANCE: Craig Everett and other dancers at the Nayri Niara Festival at Great Bay, Bruny Island.
Picture: ANTHONY BROESE

ABOUT 600 people have been celebrating the wonders of indigenous culture at the Nayri Niara (Good Spirit) Festival on Bruny Island this weekend.

Camped out at Great Bay in perfect autumn weather, they have heard nationally renowned musician Xavier Rudd give a heartfelt, intimate concert and Tasmanian singers such as Dewayne Everettsmith add their voices to the mix.

They have shared the music, dance, stories, crafts and ceremonies of the world's oldest living cultures.

Visiting speakers have come from central Australia and overseas, including James Medicine Tree from the US, and it has been a chance for Tasmania's indigenous community to share its traditions.

Sinsa Mansell said Nayri Niara was an inspiring experience.

"It is so significant to Tasmanian culture and the local community," she said yesterday.

"Many of our elders are involved and it is bringing together families from around the state."

Artistic director Ruth Langford said the festival would end today with a focus on healing.

At a Concluding Ceremony this afternoon, cremated whale bones would be taken out into the bay on a traditional bark canoe made during the festival.

The Concluding Ceremony is from 2 to 4pm and is open to all.

Entry is by donation.

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