Page 306 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 31 May 1989
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A study done for the ACT Administration last year suggested ways by which ACT charter operators could gain access to business in New South Wales. The ACT Government will be examining these matters taking into account the needs of the ACT public and coach operators. Mrs Nolan may wish to contact Mr Greiner in New South Wales. Operators can come into the ACT and pick up, but a coach that is on its way to Sydney from the ACT cannot stop at Batemans Bay and pick up a passenger. If she gets in touch with Mr Greiner he may like to change those laws. We are talking to him at the moment, hoping that he will.
ACT PARKS AND CONSERVATION CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
MS FOLLETT: Yesterday Mr Moore asked me a question about the reconstitution of the ACT Parks and Conservation Consultative Committee. The reply to his question is that it is expected that the Government will be seeking nominations to the committee from interested community organisations this week. Appointments will be made following the receipt and consideration of these nominations, and the objective would be to have the reconstituted committee in place as quickly as possible.
MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE
MR BERRY: On 25 May, Mr Moore asked me what my position was on the proposal for a mental health Act and I supply this answer: After discussions with some of the sponsors of this proposal, I formed the view that more work needs to be done before it can be given serious consideration by the Government because there might be some resource implications. Accordingly, I have asked the ACT Council for Social Service to develop their thinking further on the matter and prepare a proposal for further consideration. That will then be discussed and evaluated both with the Mental Health Services Advisory Committee and with officers of my department.
It may be possible for the Government to consider this proposal in the budget context, subject to any community contribution on the matter. Whilst I appreciate that some people suffering from mental illness could benefit from an advocate to protect their interests, I will be concerned to see the extent of need for the service and whether there are areas of greater or equal need. For example, people with intellectual disability may have the same need.
I will also be concerned to establish whether the proposal for mental health advocates will duplicate or supersede existing services, or whether those services, with some refinement, can meet the needs of people with mental illness. I thank Mr Moore for bringing that matter to the attention of the Assembly, it is an important one, and I am
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