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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-02-19 Daily Xml
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CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AWARDS

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:51): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Correctional Services a question regarding the recent 2009 Correctional Services awards ceremony.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: I understand that the Minister for Correctional Services attended a Department for Correctional Services awards ceremony on 9 February this year. It was held at the Adelaide Town Hall, and she presented awards recognising outstanding professionalism and conduct by the staff of the department. Will the minister, above all the interjections from the other side, provide some details of the individual awards presented?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Gambling, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:52): I thank the honourable member for his very important question. I am sorry that those opposite are not interested in hard working public servants in this state. All they are interested in is whingeing and nothing more than that. It gave me great pleasure to attend the Correctional Services awards ceremony, and I congratulate all the award recipients on behalf of the government and also personally for their hard work and achievements.

I want to recognise the individual award recipients in this place. The Individual Commendation Award is presented to employees who show efficiency and diligence in their role through their commitment to leadership, innovation, knowledge and professionalism. Individual commendation awards were given to Mr Bernie Gelstone, Mr Neil Gillies, Mr Chris Johnson and Ms Anna Kemp. Bernie Gelstone, who is a manager at Mobilong Prison, has demonstrated outstanding leadership and organisational skills throughout his career in the department. Neil Gillies is a supervisor at the Adelaide Remand Centre with over 20 years experience in both community corrections and custodial services.

Chris Johnson is the Manager, Executive Services and is an exceptional example of commitment to high levels of excellence in quality service provision. Anna Kemp is a community corrections officer with outstanding commitment and dedication in her work in bettering the lives of women whilst in the Adelaide Women's Prison and increasing their opportunities to succeed in the community once released.

I also express sincere recognition to Lange Powell, who was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal. The Meritorious Service Medal is presented to employees for outstanding service above and beyond what is required in their paid employment and in leadership and management; initiative through enhancing and developing significant work practices, procedures and service delivery; distinguished service; and outstanding contribution to the corporate goals and mission of the department and stakeholders.

I suspect there would be quite a few members in this chamber who know of Lange Powell. Lange has been an outstanding state public servant for 28 years. Throughout his career he has made significant contributions to human services delivery in South Australia through his many roles and responsibilities. Lange worked in both country and metropolitan areas and has a rich and diverse background across many areas, including social welfare, dealing with ageing citizens, housing, social justice, Aboriginal people and, for the past 10 years, in correctional services.

Lange was the director of Community Corrections for nine years, and during this time he initiated and implemented many important reforms and service improvements. For 12 months prior to commencing a period of long service leave leading to retirement, Lange was the director of Custodial Services.

Lange's outstanding leadership qualities are firmly based on a sound set of human service principles, always seeking new and innovative solutions to improve outcomes for disadvantaged people in our community. He is known for his impressive ability to link services and his capacity to think outside the square. Lange also tirelessly contributes to organisations and services outside his workplace. He is honoured for his vision, leadership, dedication, commitment and achievements during his career—particularly with the Department for Correctional Services.

Other individual awards presented were Australia Day achievement medallions. The Australia Day Council recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of extraordinary Australians, and the Australia Day achievement medallions acknowledge dedicated public employees. They are presented to employees who have made a significant contribution to the work of their department during the past year or who have given outstanding service over a number of years. The names of the recipients of Australia Day achievement medallions are listed on the National Australia Day Council website and in the Commonwealth Public Service Gazette.

Australia Day achievement medallions were awarded to Kevin Baohm, John Peake and David Thompson. Kevin Baohm joined the Department for Correctional Services in 1982 and in 1995 was appointed general manager of the Adelaide Pre-release Centre, a position he still holds today. Kevin's commitment to the excellent correctional program that is Adelaide Pre-Release Centre is a credit to him. He is to be commended for his leadership, vision and dedication.

John Peake joined the South Australian Public Service in 1986 and joined the Department for Correctional Services in 2000. His role is now senior procurement officer. John is well respected by staff, peers and senior management for his sound knowledge and experience in the procurement function. David Thompson joined the Department for Correctional Services in 1985 and is currently regional manager for the northern country region. David has led initiatives in that region in regard to Aboriginal issues, and he is currently leading work in the remote area family violence program and cross-border legislation project.

I would like to sincerely congratulate all the award recipients on behalf of the government—and, I am sure, on behalf of all in this chamber. I would also like to personally thank them for their hard work and achievements.

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