Page 1478 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 26 September 1989
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Federal Airports Corporation legislation and so already includes a number of the more significant elements of business enterprise reform as outlined in Commonwealth policy. In this respect ACT Electricity and Water is required to produce both a corporate plan and a financial plan for consideration by government. These must address a period of some three to five years ahead and must be approved by me as Minister before being adopted by the organisation.
The authority is also required to recommend a dividend to the Government to accord with normal commercial practice. The agreed dividend for payment in 1989-90 is $5m, as indicated in the budget papers.
In view of the Territory's financial position, it is most important that ACTEW is as efficient and customer responsive as practicable. We need this so as to maximise the potential for financial returns to government, while at the same time ensuring that the cost of essential services to ACT customers, both existing and prospective, is maintained at the lowest possible level to encourage growth in the Territory and to sustain the application of principles of fairness and equity to the people of the ACT.
As the major elements of commercial operations already exist in the present legislation, there is no need at this stage to consider further moves to commercialise the authority. I believe more detailed consideration of the extent of additional change, if any, will ensure the benefits to the Territory are maximised.
Youth Homelessness
Mr Humphries asked the Minister for Community Services and Health, without notice, on 23 August 1989:
My question is directed to the Minister for Community Services and Health. I draw the Minister's attention to the plight of the CANA [Caring for Adolescents in Need] youth refuge in Manuka run by Mr Nathan Stirling. Is the Minister aware that this youth refuge is in a very difficult financial position, that it cannot apply for CDF funds for several months and that it is likely to close unless the Minister intervenes? Given this Government's claimed commitment to youth homelessness, what action does the Government intend to take to ensure CANA does not close before it can apply for and receive CDF funding?
Mr Berry: The answer to Mr Humphries' question is as follows:
Representations from Mr Nathan Stirling regarding the refuge's funding have already been responded to by the State grants program and the supported accommodation assistance program within my department.
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