School of Geography - Theses
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ItemAsian migration and changing employment and occupation in Melbourne( 1997)This thesis examines the employment and occupation of South Asian migrants in Melbourne. To this end, census and cross sectional data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Bureau of Immigration and Population Research (0FR) as well as the survey data collected for this study, are used. In this study special attention is paid to South Asian migrants in terms of their demographic and economic characteristics, occupational adjustment, job quality and process of self-employment. The analysis of South Asian migrants is made according to birthplace, gender and policy category under which they enter into Australia. In examining the South Asian migrants, the study reviews the relevant literature and existing theories and models about their economic success and occupational adjustment overseas and in Australia. In this regard the main factors that influence migrants' occupational adjustment and economic success in the host country have been identified at and applied to the study of South Asian migrants in Melbourne. The study also reviews the Victorian economy in this context. The study describes demographic and economic characteristics, general flow and skill composition of South Asian migrants in Australia. According to the BIPR and survey data, most of the migrants from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka are professional and came under the skill migration category. The data also show that South Asian migrants are distinctively different from other non-English speaking background migrants or other Asian migrants in respect of education, professional and occupational backgrounds and skills. The study examines transition and occupational adjustment, quality of jobs and experience of unemployment held by South Asian migrants in the local labour market. The data reveal that the majority of the qualified migrants from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka have adjusted well in their own profession through a sequence of jobs. A considerable number have regained either the same or higher status jobs compared to their pre-migration position. Although a considerable number of South Asian migrants have adjusted into occupations similar to their pre-migration occupations, the data show that they in fact status lost. The data also provide evidence that a significant number of migrants have shifted from professional and managerial to non-professional blue collar jobs in the process of their occupational adjustment in Melbourne. The findings reveal that the economic success and occupational adjustment of the migrants in the labour market vary according to birthplace and gender. Although the statistical test indicated that there is no significant difference between the present occupation status and policy category of the migrants, the chi square test indicates that there is some difference between birthplace groups in terms of the distribution of migrants' present occupation and industry. The chi-square test confirmed the significant difference between gender in terms of the distribution of migrants' present occupation. The evidence also shows that a significant number have not been able to enter the labour market since their arrival in Australia and were not able to utilise their professional, technical and academic skills.The study also examines the experiences of self-employed South Asian migrants. Again, the evidence suggests that the majority of these migrants are able to utilise their skills and potentials in their business. However, the case studies indicate that the career advancement of some migrants has been blocked due to this self-employment. The study also analyses the influence of structural change, particularly changes in employment and labour force characteristics, upon the participation of Asian migrants in different industries and occupations. The evidence reveals that South Asian migrants have been affected in terms of their participation according to industry and occupation due to the structural changes occurred in the 10 years to 1996. In conclusion, the study of South Asian migrants discussed relevant theories and models in the light of ABS and survey data. The examination of these data provides evidence that the human capital of migrants plays a significant role in their economic success and occupational adjustment particularly in terms of income and /or employment. In this regard they are able to utilise their skills and potentials in the local labour market. However, the theory of migrants has not paid attention to occupational status which this study identifies as an important indicator for economic success and occupational adjustment of South Asian migrants. The theory of migrants mainly focused on the overall labour market outcomes of the migrants in relation to employment, income differences, participation and unemployment rates.
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ItemStakeholders' perceptions of the management of groundwater contamination in Altona, Melbourne: is there a problem?( 1997)The problem of chemical groundwater contamination in Altona has been well documented since 1962 (State Development Committee, 1962). A basalt hosted, upper most aquifer, approximately ten meters from the surface, has been the focus of investigation by the Altona Chemical Complex since the late 1980s. Currently, a contamination plume, containing known carcinogens and mutagens, extends from the Altona Chemical Complex approximately two kilometers to beneath wetlands and residents' homes (GTA, 1996). The existence of such toxic compounds, potentially in contact with biological receptors, warrants investigation into the adequacy of the current management of groundwater contamination in Altona. Interviews were conducted to analyse the perceptions of twenty eight representatives from Altona residents; the petroleum and chemical companies of Altona; the Environment Protection Authority of Victoria; City West Water (water supply company); the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment; environmental assessment and remediation consultancies; environmental pressure groups; Federal, State and local political representatives; academia; banking; and real estate agent stakeholders. Based upon the perceptions of these stakeholders and with reference to supporting literature, this thesis examines the processes of the current management of groundwater contamination with respect to, management effectiveness, management motives, adherence to the precautionary principle, intergenerational equity and compliance to ecologically sustainable development. Analysis of the interviews determined that the management of the groundwater contamination issue was effectively in the hands of the Altona Chemical Complex, with the EPA, albeit with limited resources, facilitating and reviewing works being carried out. The existence of unregistered domestic bores and a lack hydrogeological knowledge indicated that the risk to public health and the ecological environment had not been adequately defined, despite Altona Chemical Complex claims to the contrary (EVS, 1996). In addition, the current management system was found to favour chemical industry management interests as they are the most influential stakeholder. These uncertainties and conflicting motives render the current management strategy inadequate as the precautionary principle was not utilised, intergenerational equity was not safeguarded and ecologically sustainable development was not being practiced. The ramification of the current management of groundwater contamination in Altona is that while action now may appear to be cost effective, the longer term consequences for the Altona Chemical Complex, public health and the ecological environment may not be affordable. iii
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ItemStudents welfare co-ordinators' responses to homeless students in the south eastern educational region( 1997)School is an institution with which all members of society have contact at some stage in their lives. Next to the family, school is an important institution which has the opportunity to communicate with and support young Victorians. When young people can no longer rely upon their family for support, the school has the potential to act as a surrogate family. Student Welfare Co-ordinators are the people in Victorian schools who are more likely to deal with students who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless than anyone else in the school. There is little known about their attitudes and responses towards homeless young people, or their perceptions of their role. An understanding about the response students receive from their school's Student Welfare Co-ordinator is a necessary first step in gaining an insight into the role and the relationship schools have with homeless students and those at risk of becoming homeless. This thesis explores Student Welfare Co-ordinators' responses when dealing with students in their schools who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It examines their responses in the context of how they define homelessness and their overall perceptions of homeless young people. Ten Student Welfare Co-ordinators in the South Eastern educational region were interviewed, along with six homeless students living in supported accommodation in the region. The responses of Student Welfare Co-ordinators to homeless students, and those at risk were grouped into four broad categories: the referral; the mental health; the locksmith; and the mediation group. Each category of response was examined in relation to Student Welfare Co-ordinators' assumptions about their particular training and their definition of homelessness. The overall finding was that Student Welfare Co-ordinators were not guided by the individual needs and circumstances of homeless students or those at risk of becoming homeless, but by their particular ideologies and training.
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ItemThe regulation of dolphin tourism in Port Phillip Bay( 1997)This report investigates whether there is a need to take a more regulated approach to the conduct of dolphin tourism in Port Phillip Bay. This was achieved by seeking the views of interest groups and through an assessment of dolphin management experience in Australia and overseas. Views from respondents were received on the adequacy of the current voluntary Code of Practice for Dolphin Tour Operators in Port Phillip Bay, whether they believe dolphins suffered disturbance as a result of current tourism practices and whether there should be compulsory licensing of dolphin tour operators. The findings of this investigation were used to assess whether a more regulated approach to dolphin tour management is required to limit disturbance to the Port Phillip Bay dolphin population. The report reviews recent research which indicates that dolphins can become disturbed by unfettered and continued unwanted human interaction. It is believed that such disturbance can flow onto the dolphin population as a whole, however, the long-term effects are not clearly known, and because of this many of the respondents advocated that a precautionary approach be adopted in the management of dolphin tours. The vast majority of interest groups surveyed were of the view that some dolphin tourism practices adversely affect dolphins, particularly when coupled with the affects of harassment by the general public. To minimise such disturbance interest groups overwhelmingly supported a more regulated approach to govern dolphin tours. This approach included the incorporation of dolphin tour regulations into legislation and the introduction of a licensing system for dolphin tour operators. The main elements of the proposed dolphin regulations advocated by respondents would, at a minimum, include a consistent approach to the development of quality interpretive material, limitations on the type and number interactions and the adoption of general environmental management guidelines. To limit disturbance to the Port Phillip Bay dolphins from tour boats and the general public (particularly during peak Summer periods), it is proposed that Ticonderoga Bay at Point Nepean be proclaimed a 'no go' area (which would be an extension in protection to its current status) and that there be a limit to the number of dolphin tour operator licences. A national approach, in cooperation with states and territories, to the development of dolphin legislation is also advocated to ensure a consistency and transparency of the management of dolphin-based tourism throughout Australia.
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ItemCommunities of resistance: the closure of schools in Victoria, 1992-1994( 1996)The role of discourse in campaigns of local resistance to the Government has been neglected in most analyses of community protest. This thesis examines the way in which community resistance to the Victorian Government's policy of school closures has been constructed through discourse. In particular, this study demonstrates how discourses were strategically mobilised in the protests over the closures of the Fitzroy, Richmond and Northland Secondary Colleges. It is argued that constructions of community, race and gender were employed to counter the dominant economic discourse of the Liberal Government. This study also illustrates how notions of power and class were evoked to emphasise the unity and sense of purpose of the protest groups.
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ItemA comparative analysis of litter generated at shopping centres, roadsides and riverside-foothpaths within the Plenty River catchment and the extent to which litter from these sources is reflected in the composition of bank litter along the Plenty River( 1996)Litter studies often face the problem of category overlaps when attempts are made to classify litter items. This study proposes a classification that is aimed at minimising the problem of category overlaps. It then employs this classification in comparing litter characteristics at various generation points within the Plenty River catchment and the extent to which the litter found entangled on banks of the river relates to that at the various source sites. In addition, the local litter policies and management strategies are reviewed against experiences from other parts of the world. The litter classification employed in this study describes litter items on the basis of their use-origin and material-type. Litter generation areas at which survey was undertaken were Greensborough, Montmorency and Lower Plenty shopping centres; roadsides adjacent to bridge sites and riverside footpaths along the Plenty River. Riverbank litter sampling was undertaken at points near roadside and riversidefootpath survey sites. A comparative review of litter policies and management strategies from various parts of the world revealed some desirable aspects that could benefit litter management in Australia. The `Systems Approach' as the guide to litter policy and management strategy formulation in Victoria was found to have inherent weaknesses that partly account for the persistence of litter pollution. Using data from litter survey at shopping centres, roadsides and riverside footpaths, it was found that: (a) Litter generated within different shopping centres was not significantly different but smoking-related litter pose the most serious cause of concern owing to its dominant frequency, (b) litter at roadsides next to bridge-sites within the catchment had significant differences leading to a conclusion that roadside litter is mostly a function of factors specific to a site. At the same time, a higher relative incidence of litter was observed at roadside points nearer bridges than further up the road; (c) significant differences exist in material-type frequency composition of litter between riverside footpath sites and this was viewed as indicative of a higher likelihood among individuals to improperly dispose of certain litter items than others. On the basis of data from riverbank litter survey, this study found that: (a) the distribution of litter by type of material on different types and extent of riverbank vegetation cover is random; (b) riverbank morphology does not to influence the distribution of total litter items entangled on a riverbank; (c) litter generated at riverside footpaths has a higher relative likelihood of polluting the river banks than that generated at more remote locations (shopping centres and roadsides).
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ItemAttitudes to tourism in Victoria's Alpine National Park( 1996)Tourism is the next big issue facing managers, advocates and users of Victoria's Alpine National Park (ANP). While the logging and cattle grazing battles have been largely resolved, the debates over the acceptability of tourism, the appropriateness of a range of tourism activities and the desirability of attracting large numbers of people to the ANP are just beginning. A combination of Victorian government policy promoting greater use of its natural assets, increasing competition for access to the park from recreational users and the emergence of ecotourism as a commercial and consumer activity has resulted in increased pressures to develop the park as a tourist destination. At the same time, however, existing user groups may be at risk of being alienated by tourism activities and fear they will be displaced from the park. The thesis explores the attitudes to tourism of leaders of public and special interest groups who have become involved in the political debate about tourism in the Alpine National Park. It examines whether or not a state of conflict exists with tourism by exploring which user groups feel that tourism is or is not an appropriate ANP activity and which tourism activities are felt to be acceptable. More significantly, it strives to understand the causes of concerns about tourism by examining the similarities and differences in attitudes and ideal roles of the ANP that exist among stakeholders, including the opinion leaders of public and special interest groups, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources management staff and the tourism industry. In doing so, it examines the causes of these attitudinal differences to see if they are driven by identifiable differences towards the role and management of the park, identifiable value clash between user groups or by emotive perceptions that tourism and tourists are simply less appropriate user groups. At the time the study was completed, about half the opinion leaders surveyed expressed some level of opposition to tourism. Suspicion about tourism was evident, however, even among those people who expressed support for it. At its core, leaders of other park user groups fear that increased tourism activity will lead to their expulsion from the ANP. This displacement process could occur overtly, through the granting of exclusive or preferential use territories to tourist operators, or covertly, through a changed park experience that renders the Alps less attractive to non-tourism visitors.
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ItemLimited data, limited time: the use of groundwater models in salinity management( 1995)This thesis uses salinity management in the Lake Wellington catchment in Gippsland, Victoria to develop a systematic method of regional groundwater analysis which addresses the currently relevant issue of parameter uncertainty where data are limited and the need for the local community to understand the implications of this in decision making. The method is based on groundwater models which are used as a framework for assessing and evaluating all the data available in the catchment which will influence groundwater management for salinity control. These data come from a variety of sources; both quantitative and qualitative. A considerable amount of information about a catchment which, while not directly used in a model, may, because of management decisions, influence how a model is run. In particular, through an historical analysis of hydrological impacts this thesis emphasises the need to understand past land use changes to facilitate future salinity management. A procedure for the evaluation of the initial input data for a groundwater model is described. The data are assessed in two ways; first, in terms of their spatial variability and second, in terms of how parameter estimates are obtained. The latter includes estimates from work in similar environments and estimates from descriptive data. The information about the variability of data and its measurement are combined to form a qualitative classification of the reliability of initial input data. This classification is of value both to researchers, in terms of subsequent modelling, and to the community in creating an awareness of data limitations which may influence decision making. The thesis uses the classification to obtain estimates of the input parameters to run a simple two-dimensional finite element model based on AQUIFEMN-N. Emphasis in the thesis is placed on the spatial analysis of the model output. A technique is described which facilitates the rapid appraisal of output data in order to direct further data collection in the catchment.
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ItemA formative evaluation of the Gippsland psychogeriatric assessment and treatment team, Community Psychiatric Services for the Elderly: a study of consumer experience( 1995)This study critically examines consumer response to the Gippsland psychogeriatric assessment and treatment team. This service operates under the title, Community Psychiatric Services for the Elderly (C.P.S.E.) and has been operational since 1992. The primary focus of this evaluation is formative: It is envisaged that, as a result of this research, highly practical recommendations will be generated which may contribute towards the overall improvement in service-delivery. This implies that stakeholders will be the recipients of any improvements achieved, particularly the direct consumer groups (clients and families) towards whom such benefits are ultimately directed. The critical dimension to the evaluation design is the perception of consumer groups and the manner in which the quality of service is individually assessed. How appropriately are 'grass-roots needs, expectations, and day to day issues addressed by the service? Are the perceived needs of consumers effectively met, or does there exist an incongruity between the focus of the various stakeholders? The corollary to this is the level of consumer satisfaction with the service. If it is apparent that consumer expectations are not being effectively met, what changes are required to redress this problem? Is a wholesale realignment of the service required or will minor, incremental 'finetuning' suffice? This latter point will be taken up by a working party following the publication of the research results.
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ItemA question of choice: the match between family lifestyle and preschool service( 1995)This thesis explores the gap in the delivery of preschool services and the emerging diversity in family lifestyle. The prevalent model of preschool in the 1990s is b ased on a 1950s service w hich w as predicated u p o n the availability of mothers to deliver their children to frequent short sessions of kindergarten. The significant and sustained increase in the number of mothers who engage in the p a id workforce has rendered this style of service delivery inappropriate for the majority of families. However, juxtaposed is the high use and value placed up o n the preschool service by many families. This research sought to explore the factors which influenced a family's selection of a preschool, in order to identify th e elements of the service which pro v id ed su p p o rt to the different family lifestyles. The re se a rc h em p lo y ed a case s tu d y m e th o d to ex p lo re th e re a so n s u n d e rp in n in g a family's choice of preschool. A multi-method approach was ap p lied to d a ta collection and analysis, drawing u p o n b o th qualitative and quantitative d a ta to illuminate the topic. The empirical d a ta is d raw n from a m id d le class community, and as such the findings reflect the needs an d aspirations of such families. The re se a rch fo u n d th a t the diversity of family lifestyles (based u p o n household membership and employment status of the parents) demanded a range of preschool service models. In the case stu d y municipality there is currently an oversupply of the short sessional service and an u n d e rsu p p ly of preschool services that include a component of childcare. The mix of service models which a community needs will reflect the profile of resident families and their lifestyles. This project demonstrates th a t a range of service models sh o u ld be p ro v id ed . Determining the balance of service types requires investigation and vigilant monitoring of social change.