Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report 1996-97

group members) indicated that the Gallery was perceived as a non- providing assistance to the Artisans in the workshop. discriminatory work environment with supportive managers who are flexible in relation to work and family and provide opportunities for Some staff members attended computer training programs that enabled development. However, high workloads were perceived as an obstacle them to assist the Design area prepare signage and labels for the display to balancing work and family responsibilities and accessing developmental areas. A number of the supervisors attended professional development opportunities. Overall the Gallery is showing progress in relation to target programs that enhanced their knowledge and skills in protective security. groups with increasing representation except in the area of people with a disability. Reviews of the Gallery's security and emergency systems continued throughout the year to ensure applicability for current needs and the Following an invitation from the Executive Director Equity and Resolution Gallery's future expansion. (Office of the Public Service), the Gallery has opted to be exempted from the detailed reporting and planning previously required under the EOPE These reviews resulted in an upgrade of perimeter security, the installation Act. In future the Gallery will more closely incorporate EEO objectives of a radio communications system and an audit of the workplace health and issues into strategic and operational planning and report only significant and safety systems by an external auditor. achievements and outcomes. To supplement the number of permanent staff needed during major A new Hours of Work arrangement was implemented throughout the exhibitions and other periods of peak demand on the Unit's resources, Public Sector, effective from 16 September 1996. Within the framework recruitment of 'casual' Protection Officers continued during the year. of a broad industrial agreement and in consultation with staff, the Gallery has implemented arrangements which provide as much flexibility as possible This sub-program provided effective protective security service, including in relation to working hours. emergency procedures, first aid response and workplace health and safety systems to ensure the safety and security of staff, visitors and Gallery A policy for Volunteers was developed by a working party in consultation property. with staff and volunteers to clarify conditions, entitlements and responsibilities of volunteers. Consultancy Expenditure During the year the Gallery utilised the services of consultants in areas in Information Technology which it did not have the expertise for specific tasks, or where there was The Gallery continued to expand its information technology including a a need for an objective or independent opinion. Expenditure in various Wide Area Network link to the Queensland Cultural Centre Trust and categories was as follows: the State Library of Queensland for e-mail and Internet services. Information Technology $28 660 During the second Triennial, an interactive imaging database of selected Human Resource Management 5 650 works was made available for public access. Management 7 500 Professional/Technical 29 686 The success of the Gallery's Information Technology Services was recognised Total $71 496 when, at the 1996 Network World Masters, Mr Allan Brand, the Gallery's Information System Administrator, was presented with a Merit Award for achievement in Networking. This Award acknowledged the foresight of the Gallery's technology strategies in the competitive and fast-moving industry of computers. Protection & Services The Unit provides advice on risk management, protective security, emergency procedures and workplace health and safety issues. The staff of the Unit, through their presence in the public galleries, performed a discreet security role whilst delivering a high level of front- of-house services for Gallery visitors. Behind the scenes, staff assisted other sub-program areas with the installation and de-mounting of exhibitions, the mounting and framing of works, the preparation of labels, the packing and unpacking of works of art and