PREMIER Ted Baillieu says his government will review Victoria's legislated target to cut greenhouse emissions by 20 per cent by 2020 because of the federal carbon price.

PREMIER Ted Baillieu has been rebuked by the public sector watchdog for the first time in his Government's eight-month history for its sloppy record keeping.
Ombudsman George Brouwer sent investigators to search Mr Baillieu's office following an official complaint from the Opposition.

The probe comes despite a promise by Mr Baillieu to strengthen Freedom of Information.

Labor MP Martin Pakula had complained about the way Mr Baillieu's office had handled FoI requests.

Mr Brouwer has written to Mr Pakula, supporting his complaint.

"My officers conducted a site visit, reviewed relevant files, documents and computer systems and interviewed staff," Mr Brouwer said.

Documents in Mr Baillieu's office were kept in such a way that made searches difficult, he said.

"Such inadequate records management and search systems rendered the office of the Premier incapable of efficiently and effectively fulfilling its obligations.

"I have brought these concerns to the attention of the Premier."

Mr Pakula was seeking copies of all correspondence between the Premier's office and Liberal identities including Jeff Kennett, John Howard and Tony Abbott.

Mr Pakula said Mr Brouwer's recommendations must be immediately implemented.

"It's disgraceful, and I hope the Premier's Office didn't deliberately set up this system to avoid scrutiny," Mr Pakula said.

A new gust of contention has swept over the border fuelling the on-going wind debate, after new legislation was passed in Victoria yesterday limiting the construction of wind farms in proximity to existing dwellings and regional centres.
Print page  Email this  Permalink  ShareThe Victorian State Government has outlined no-go zones for the establishment of wind farms in various locations around the State, including the Great Ocean Road and Wilsons Promontory, but South Australia has so far declined to jump on board.

SA Greens' MP Mark Parnell said it is not the right way to go.

"We need a smarter planning approach and we need to continue to work with wind companies to make sure they listen to local communities," he said.

Under new legislation in Victoria, the policy stops the construction of wind turbines within two-kilometres of houses, without the consent of the owner of the home as well as blocking developments within five-kilometres of major regional centres.

The South East has recently been going through its own paces since the development of a 46-turbine wind farm in Allendale East was upheld by the courts based on visual amenity.

Developers Acciona Energy have fronted up to address the Allendale East community this week in a series of meetings as they await their Supreme Court challenge in which they are appealing the decision.




The Waubra foundation has been instrumental in Australia trying to uncover health problems relating to wind turbines, however so far its findings are considered to be unfounded.

... but at least Victoria can be PROUD of it's "transparent" and "accoutable" government