Page 1451 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 1 June 2022
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limited Senate representation—actually respecting the ACT’s right to make its own laws, puts us in a much stronger position to see the Andrews bill scrapped. This is long overdue.
In anticipation of having our rights restored in this federal parliamentary term, I am pleased to announce that work will commence on the preparation of a consultation document and draft legislation to enable voluntary assisted dying in the territory. This will begin with a comparative examination of the laws passed in all of the states in recent years, and it will draw from the evidence and community views heard during the end of life choices inquiry held in the last term of this place.
The federal election result is cause for optimism. It signals a new approach to territory-commonwealth relations that will be more productive and more collaborative. So many roadblocks to reform have been removed. I am confident that this will result in better outcomes for our community and movement on issues that have frustrated Canberrans for years.
I look forward to working with my federal colleagues to deliver the infrastructure and services that this growing city needs, whilst progressing all of the social and legislative reforms that matter for our community. I present the following paper:
Federal Election—Impact on the ACT—Ministerial statement, 1 June 2022.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
Debate (on motion by Mr Gentleman) adjourned to the next sitting.
COVID-19 pandemic—update
Ministerial statement
MS STEPHEN-SMITH (Kurrajong—Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister for Families and Community Services and Minister for Health) (10.53): I rise today to provide the Assembly with my fifth update of 2022 on the COVID-19 situation in the ACT and the actions taken by the government to protect the health and wellbeing of Canberrans.
I would like to start by once again thanking Canberrans for their continuing efforts to adhere to the public health advice and protect the community from COVID-19. Since my last update on 3 May, the COVID-19 situation in the ACT has again remained relatively consistent. However, our health system and many other parts of the community have faced additional pressures due to workforce shortages.
As we move through the current winter period, I encourage all Canberrans to continue practising COVID smart behaviours, including getting tested if any respiratory symptoms develop, to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses.
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