
Issue No 73		13 October 2000

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News

dot.humanservices

A one day conference called Human Services dot.com, sponsored by NCOSS is to be held on November 2. The conference will cover the benefits and costs of embracing IT in human services.

Information technology is fast becoming an essential part of delivering human services. The last few years have witnessed the development of call centres to provide direct information and referral for consumers in various nations and in some states of Australia.

Electronic transfer of financial and performance data, and common assessment and client referral systems are two of the computer applications earmarked for introduction, on a broad scale, over the next 5 years.

The non profit community sector in NSW is slowly becoming IT literate. At one end of the spectrum, we are already seeing regionally based intranet services in the sector, linked data bases, internet based interactive reference sites and the beginnings of e-commerce. At the other, we know that the sector faces huge hurdles to upgrade its computer hardware and software to keep up, to access reliable and affordable maintenance and emergency IT help, and to train its staff and volunteers to effectively use IT products.

This conference will provide a snapshot of recent IT developments, affecting human services in NSW. It will also throw light on options for all of those in the community service sector to move forward.

Human Services dot.com will be held on November 2 at the Masonic Centre, corner Goulburn and Castlereagh Streets, from 9am. For more details contact Miguel Heatwolle Tel: 02 9211 2599, Fax: 02 9281 1968, email [email protected].

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Issue 73 contents

Interview: Righting The Wrongs
Improving the lives of Aboriginal people can't be taken out of the context of the economy, welfare and other areas says Bob McMullan, Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.

Economics: At The Mercy Of Gamblers
The plunge of the Australian dollar relative to the greenback has consequences for Aussie workers according to Frank Stillwell.

History: Labour History Under Seige Again
The Friends of the Noel Butlin Archives Centre have recently been informed of proposed changes to the Noel Butlin Archives Centre (NBAC), changes that will cut staff by more than 50% and leave the Archives mothballed in the tunnel where the repository is situated.

Workplace: Fighting The Flexible Firm
We are told that hardship and exploitation at work is dying out, and the new economy offers opportunity, freedom and job satisfaction for all. Richard Sennett unveils the true nature of the flexible workplace.

Safety: Being bossed around is bad for your health
A survey of more than 3,000 Australian workers has revealed that some 54% of workers experience intimidating behaviour in their workplace. In almost 85% of cases it is employers, managers and supervisors who are identified as the culprits.

Unions: Discrimination
New to the union and the maritime industry and with only a few days casual work to live off, Stephen Rolls courageously spoke up against individual contracts during a job interview with Burnie Port Corp.

International: Serbian Workers and Their Unions Fight for Freedom
Serbian workers and their unions have been at the forefront of the struggle for democracy in Yugoslavia as they led a general strike in response to attempts by President Slobodan Milosevic to nullify the defeat he faced in the Sept. 24 election.

Satire: A few more years of civilised brutality will advantage Aborigines: Ruddock
CANBERRA, Tuesday: The Minister for Reconciliation Philip Ruddock has defended his comments to French newspaper Le Monde claiming that Aborigines were disadvantaged because they were late in coming into contact with developed civilisations.

Review: Poetry For Workers By Workers
Poems about the trials and tribulations of a waitress and what you learn in a chocolate factory are among the gems from the 925 anthology.

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