Job losses cut deep, says union

CPSU national deputy secretary Rupert Evans told the rally federal budget cuts were being felt disproportionately in Tasmania. Picture: KIM EISZELE

ABOUT 70 federal public servants rallied in Hobart today to demand an end to job losses in Tasmania.

They stood in a circle of mutual support, holding paper cut-outs of figures representing 500 colleagues who had lost their jobs since 2008.

Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) regional secretary Paul Blake said 126 federal public service jobs disappeared in Tasmania last financial year. Nationally, the public service grew slightly in the same period.

Budget cuts and centralisation had affected a range of federal services, from Centrelink to the Australian Taxation Office. Latest example was the ABC television production unit.

"Department heads and bureau chiefs can't handle having jobs they can't see in front of them," Mr Blake said.

"This is about sending a strong message to ABC and public sector management that Tasmanians need these quality jobs."

CPSU national deputy secretary Rupert Evans said federal budget cuts were being felt disproportionately in Tasmania and they had a devastating effect on the local economy.

"For every public service job lost, another two to three indirect jobs are lost," he said.

"The technology exists to do any job in the public service anywhere in Australia so why not here? The Australian public service is not the mainland Australian public service."

Senator Lin Thorp also spoke at the rally in St David's Park.

She said Tasmanian Labor senators were doing all they could to save the local ABC TV production unit.

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Souped-up forensic services

Tasmania Police issued a warning last month that opportunistic thieves have been breaking into homes while the owners are still inside or briefly absent in their quest for valuable jewellery.

BUSTING burglars may become easier thanks to an equipment upgrade at Forensic Science Service Tasmania.

FSST – which services clients including Tasmania Police, the DPP's office, defence lawyers and coroners – unveiled about $320,000 worth of new and upgraded equipment at its New Town headquarters today.

Funded by the State Government, it includes a near-new Scanning Electron Microscope which allows scientists to analyse small glass and paint particles to see if they match material found at a crime scene.

This could be used, for example, to match paint from an offender's crowbar to paint on a window or door at a burglary scene.

Assistant Police Commissioner Phil Wilkinson said the SEM was bought at less than half its original price from a UK laboratory that was closing down.

"Police rely on timely and accurate results from FSST scientists in identifying offenders and solving crime," he said in a statement.

"The new equipment will increase the throughput and accuracy of results."

Police issued a public warning early last month about opportunist thieves breaking into homes while the owners were still inside or briefly absent in a quest for valuable jewellery.

Bellerive CIB later announced it had arrested and charged 15 alleged offenders since September 1 over burglaries in the Warrane, Lindisfarne, Howrah and Tranmere areas. 

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Forum on smoke-free future

A FORUM in Hobart today is investigating new approaches to tackle Tasmania's continued high smoking rates.

Opening the "A Smoke-Free Community -- Is It Possible?" forum at the University of Tasmania this morning, Health Minister Michelle O'Byrne said the state's smoking rates remained too high.

Speakers at today's forum include Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper, Australian Council on Smoking and Health president Professor Mike Daube, ASH Australia chief executive Anne Jones, and local experts from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.

"This forum will help shape change and policy formation around tobacco control and prevention for many years to come," Ms O'Byrne said in a statement.

"It's being held as part of the Australian Government's program to promote public interest in and action on tobacco control -- something Tasmania strongly supports.

"The recent Australian Health Survey results were yet another wake-up call for Tasmanians, showing only a slight decrease in the state's smoking rate.

"We are making some in-roads, but the number of Tasmanians still smoking remains unacceptably high."

Ms O'Byrne said the State Government had moved to reduce smoking in many public areas.

She cited the new ban on smoking between the flags on patrolled beaches, adding to earlier bans in locations like bus malls, playgrounds and sport grounds.

"For the first time this year, Carols by Candlelight services will be smoke-free, sending a clear message to our children that they can enjoy themselves without being exposed to second-hand smoke."

Read Elizabeth Lord's story in tomorrow's Mercury.

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Caution on online credit

Police are investigating a number of online scams in Tasmania following reports of goods being purchased using stolen credit cards. Picture: THINKSTOCK

TASMANIAN shoppers need to be on guard when giving credit card details to online retailers this festive season.

Police are investigating a number of online scams in Tasmania following reports of goods being purchased using stolen credit cards.

"People need to be vigilant at all times in order to protect themselves against fraud," Tasmania Police fraud and e-crime division Detective Sergeant Natasha Leaman cautioned last week.

The warning follows recent Australian Federal Police arrests of international organised crime members who have been charged with stealing the credit-card data of up to 500,000 Australians.

Thousands of counterfeit transactions were carried out in numerous overseas locations including Europe, Hong Kong and the US.

Banks have agreed to shoulder the burden of the losses which totalled about $30 million but consumers have been put on high alert to protect their details.

Australians lost $4.8 billion an average of $212 per citizen through direct cash and lost productivity to online criminals last year, a Norton cybercrime report has found.

While some online hackers emptied bank accounts in one hit, the majority were silently fleecing bank accounts of small amounts, leaving the victims none the wiser.

A recent study showed one in four Australians has been a victim of credit-card fraud or had money taken from their bank account.

Despite this, the study by software company Kaspersky Lab found that three out of four Australians would still buy Christmas presents online this year.

Product specialist Wayne Kirby said scammers preyed on people during the Christmas season.

"It's a time when people are busy ... shopping online and generally sharing a lot of content via email or social media," he said.

"Before clicking on any links or opening any attachments, ask yourself, is that email from a legitimate company.

"Thinking before your click can save your computer, your credit-card details and also your privacy. Scammers will prey on unsuspecting victims who trust easily and fall for financial or personal hardship stories."

Fake emails and website pages are often used.

Additional reporting Ken McGregor

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Toy run touched by tragedy

SOUTHERN Tasmania was brought to a standstill yesterday as 8000 motorcycles snaked their way into Hobart on the 33rd Toy Run.

But the event, which grows larger each year, was marred by tragedy with the death of an Ulverstone motorcyclist at Conara.

Riders travelling from the north of the state experienced lengthy delays on the Midland Highway after the 45-year-old woman apparently crashed into a roadside railing about 10.40am.

The woman died at the scene.

Police investigating the crash said high winds were reported by other motorcyclists in the area at the time and could have been a factor in the accident.

Riders from around the state converged on the Derwent Entertainment Centre about noon and began riding along the Brooker Highway into Hobart.

Many were unaware of the tragedy that had taken place as they waved to onlookers and threw sweets to thousands of people who lined the route.

Arriving at Parliament House lawns on classic Harley-Davidsons, sidecars and motorised pushbikes, the bikers donated toys, food and money to the Salvation Army for the state's needy children and families.

Southern Motorbike Riders Association president Dean Horsey said there was a sombre mood at the gathering and a minute's silence was held for the rider before festivities began.

Numbers at this year's event increased by more than 500 participants on previous years as the Toy Run grows in popularity among the motorcycling community.

"It brings the motorcycle community together for a good cause," Mr Horsey said.

Damian Thompson, of Ulverstone, has been taking part since his first run in 1979.

"It's a really good opportunity to help the little tackers," he said.

"Every person here does it for the same reason, it's a chance to give back to the community."

A motorbike enthusiast of 54 years, John Wallander, of Gravelly Beach, has participated in the run seven times.

"It's beautiful if the bikers can raise a heap of money for charity for Christmas," he said.

Yesterday's crash was the second fatal crash on Tasmanian roads in less than 24 hours.

On Friday a woman was killed and five injured after a van rolled on the Arthur Highway at Copping.

The death brought the state's road toll to 28, compared with 22 at the same time last year.

Any witnesses to the bike crash are asked to contact Northern Crash Investigation on 6336 3936.

elizabeth.lord@news.com.au

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Fire fury hits Tassie

A burnt-out Kombi van at Glen Huon yesterday. Pictures: LUKE BOWDEN

EMERGENCY crews battled fires through the night after 60 blazes broke out across the state yesterday.

Temperatures up to 34C in the South and strong winds fanned the flames in an early warning of the summer fire season ahead.

Several shacks and vehicles in the Glen Huon area were destroyed.

Some residents evacuated areas affected by the worst fires, including Glen Huon and Geeveston in the South and Glenlusk near Collinsvale, north-west of Hobart.

For some residents the fire brought back memories of past catastrophic bushfires.

Tom Healy said he watched the fire nervously from his family's Judbury farm.

"I think this will push people [to prepare], especially after the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria," Mr Healy said.

"We have a lot of stock on the property and I've had family members ringing me because they're worried. I've had the whipper snipper out because of all the grass but it's so hot.

"It's been such a wet winter and now it's really sunny and the grass gets really long and dangerous."

Late last night the Glenlusk fire was causing the most concern for the Tasmania Fire Service.

Roads were closed as a small fire suddenly took hold, sending embers, smoke and ash across Collinsvale and surrounds.

Fire authorities warned of the dangers of spot fires that could threaten homes ahead of the fire front.

The biggest fire, in the Central Plateau, was expected to threaten shack communities at Jonah Bay and Arthurs Lake overnight and today. The blaze covered 1000ha and was burning on both sides of the Poatina Rd between Great Lake and Arthurs Lake.

Incident controller Chris Arthur from Parks and Wildlife Service said about 35 people were working on the fire, which had raced through the low heather, and workers would be relieved by three crews who would patrol the fire overnight.

About seven firefighters suffered burns as they battled a serious blaze near Forcett, east of Hobart.

More than 200 firefighters were at work statewide.

TFS officer Michael Goldsmith said the number of fires reflected the high winds and temperatures.

"We're hoping the weather will work in our favour overnight but the winds are still quite high in certain areas," Mr Goldsmith said last night.

Mr Goldsmith said crews were quickly redirected to the Collinsvale-Glenlusk fire, which was reported just before 5pm but soon came close to homes.

"We haven't advised anyone to evacuate but some people have taken that option if they weren't prepared."

Yesterday was one of the hottest November days on record, reaching 33.7C and not dropping below 22.3.

About 5900 households were without power in the Huon area for about 20 minutes last night.

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Plateau blaze still raging

A fire burning close to properties today at Forcett, in Tasmania's south-east. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

A BUSHFIRE is still burning out of control at Poatina, on Tasmania's Central Plateau, with other blazes across the state much closer to being contained.

Career and volunteer firefighters were today tackling fires at Forcett, in the state's south-east, Glen Huon and Geeveston, in the Huon Valley, Glenlusk, near Collinsvale, Musselroe Bay, in the north-east, and Bruny Island in the south.

Strong winds overnight and earlier today whipped the flames into life, causing particular danger to residents at Glenlusk, Geeveston and Forcett.

Tonight no properties were considered to be in immediate danger but residents were urged to remain alert.

Some fires appear to have been deliberately lit and are under investigation.

Tasmania Fire Service spokesman Andrew McGuinness said the strong north-westerly and westerly winds created very difficult fire-fighting conditions but no properties had been lost in any of the bushfires late today, only makeshift dwellings and sheds at Glen Huon.

"We had had in excess of 30 crews out there today, that's well over 100 firefighters -- about 90 per cent of them are volunteers -- plus 30 to-40 people in management teams statewide," he said.

"We've seen a great effort out there from the firefighters, with many teams working in very difficult terrain, and it's great that they have been able to prevent further losses."

The state's biggest blaze, at Poatina, has burnt more than 6000ha since it was first reported on Thursday.

The area is only sparsely populated and all residents and campers have already been evacuated.

"That one's likely to burn for a week unless we get considerable rain on Monday or Tuesday," Mr McGuinness said.

"It's unlikely to be contained in the next two or three days because it's difficult to contain it or lock it in.

"It's burning in tall timber country, so it's hard to get machinery in there, and it's likely to burn for a while in the large area."

Windy conditions eased late today, leading the TFS to lower alert levels for most areas.

Backburning operations are continuing into the night to help contain the fires by morning.

Residents at Glenlusk, Forcett, Glen Huon, Geeveston, Poatina and Bruny Island have been advised to keep an eye on conditions and check frequently for updates.

Tomorrow's weather is expected to be cooler and wind is expected to ease, making conditions less difficult.

Rain has been forecast in coming days, which will also help to bring the fires under control.

For the latest updates, click here or listen to ABC Local Radio.

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Rape accused granted bail

A HOBART taxi driver accused of raping a schoolgirl passenger has been granted bail.

Rajdeep Singh, 30, of Claremont, appeared in the Magistrates' Court in Hobart this morning.

He is yet to enter a plea on charges of rape, aggravated sexual assault and three counts of indecent assault.

Magistrate Catherine Rheinberger granted bail after a hearing this morning.

She ordered Singh reappear in court on December 20.

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Weather fans Tassie fires

A recent controlled burn at Forcett, where a bushfire has broken out today.

A LARGE bushfire burning out of control in Tasmania's Central Highlands is threatening several small communities and the region's power supply.

Residents of Jonah Bay, Cramps Bay and the surrounds of Arthurs Lake, where many of the dwellings are holiday shacks, are being told to activate their bushfire plans and consider leaving the area.

The major road in the region has been closed and people outside the area have been told to stay away.

An electricity feeder line is likely to be affected, the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) says, with power outages possible for communities around Great Lake.

The blaze, which started yesterday afternoon, has burnt out more than 600ha and a water-bombing helicopter has been used to fight it, local media reported.

"The fire is progressing, it's being pushed by the weather conditions that we've got," TFS spokesman Chris Arthur said.

"There's a total fire ban in the south of the state but we're being affected by that weather as well."

Smaller fires are burning in the Huon Valley and at Geeveston, both south of Hobart, and residents have been asked to check their bushfire plans.

Another fire was reported late today at Glenlusk, near Collinsvale, in the state's south.

The TFS said the fire may affect the communities of Fawkner Rd, Glenlusk, and Collinsvale Rd between Lime Kiln and Glenlusk.

A smaller blaze had also been reported at Forcett, near Sorell.

Embers and ash have been falling on those areas, which are also shrouded by smoke.

Temperatures have soared into the 30s in southern Tasmania after Hobart tossed and turned through its warmest November night -- 22C -- since 1937.

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Ricky announces retirement

RICKY Ponting has announced his retirement from Test cricket.

The former Australian captain has underperformed so far this series and confirmed the third Test against South Africa in Perth will be his last.

Ponting will equal Steve Waugh's mark of 168 Test matches in this match, the most in the history of Australian cricket.

The entire Australian squad turned up for the press conference today in Perth where Ponting made his announcement.

Turning 38 next month, Ponting is the highest Australian run-scorer of all time and has been described as the greatest Australian batsman since Sir Donald Bradman.

The Tasmanian has 13,336 Test runs to his name. Only Indian Sachin Tendulkar has scored more in the history of cricket.

Ponting suggested after the second Test in Adelaide, where he made four and 16, that the end might be near, and his fate was now in the hands of selectors.

He will continue to play for Tasmania in the domestic competition for the remainder of the summer.

Ponting told his teammates of his decision to quit Test cricket this morning and announced it publicly in a media conference at the WACA.

"Over the last couple of weeks my level of performance hasn't been good enough," he said.

"My passion and love for the game hasn't changed.

"At the end of the day (the decision) was based on my results.

"In this series so far they have not been up to the level required of batsmen and players in the Australian team.

"I'm glad I have got the opportunity to finish on my terms."

Ponting said he would in no way be distracted for the series-deciding Test against South Africa where the world No.1 ranking is up for grabs.

"I want this win more than any other game I have played in."

Ponting was also quick to announce his news on social media.

"Thing that struck home was even though my preparation and feeling was good I was falling at the big moments" he said on Twitter

"I've given cricket my all."

Australia captain Michael Clarke said the announcement gave his side extra incentive to win the third Test.

"It will only give us more inspiration," said an emotional Clarke as he fought back tears.

"He has been a great player for a long time.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland paid tribute to Ponting's contribution to Australian cricket.

"Ricky has had an extraordinary career and has made an extraordinary contribution, including through the example he has set for other elite players and through the excitement he has given fans, young and old," Sutherland said.

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