Page 22 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 23 May 1989
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deliberate decision to link within one portfolio the responsibility for schooling, tertiary and vocational education, economic development and industrial relations.
This grouping goes beyond that achieved by Commonwealth and most State governments and provides a basis for the Territory to develop more effective employment and education strategies. In addition to its current functions, the Office of Industry and Development will take on responsibility for coordination of government sport and recreation policy.
We have also chosen to bring within the Industry, Employment and Education portfolio responsibility for key government services which impact on the private sector - in particular, the public works and purchasing functions. This will ensure that management of the ACT Government's construction and purchasing functions has regard to the need for development of stable, ongoing employment opportunities in this Territory.
My colleague, the Minister for Community Services and Health, Wayne Berry, will have responsibility for the ACT Community and Health Service and for the Canberra Hospitals Board. Together, these agencies account for over 20 per cent of the Territory's budget and almost 30 per cent of the ACT Government employment. The success of the various community services and of the health system will play a key part in achieving our social justice objectives. Mr Berry has already spoken to me about the many ideas he has for improvements in programs and services in his portfolio.
The creation of the Housing and Urban Services portfolio under Mrs Grassby will reinforce and take a stage further the consolidation process already begun in the Office of City Management. In a typical State context, urban services such as housing, transport, open space and waste management may involve three or four separate Ministers and departments, together with a range of councils and statutory authorities. Overlapping responsibilities lead to inadequate services, delays and additional costs. We are determined to avoid these problems in the ACT. The full range of normal urban services will therefore be coordinated by the Office of City Management.
The Electricity and Water Authority will also be located within the Housing and Urban Services portfolio as there are close functional linkages between the Office of City Management and ACTEA. Housing will be a priority area for this Government. The Minister will discuss with other parties the draft terms of reference for a major review of housing policy which will be announced this week.
I commend these arrangements to the Assembly, and I present the following paper:
ACT Gazette No S1, 18 May 1989 - The First Follett Ministry - Administrative Arrangements
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