Page 1804 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 18 October 1989
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MS FOLLETT: I thank Mr Jensen for that question. Mr Speaker, I do not have with me either of the documents to which Mr Jensen has referred. I suspect that what he is referring to is a question of wording and an attempted explanation of the wording. I would prefer to take that on notice and give the Assembly an explanation tomorrow.
Children's Services Legislation
MR DUBY: My question is directed to the Minister for Community Services and Health. I read with concern in the Canberra Times last Saturday of a four-year-old Canberra girl who was returned to her intellectually disabled mother, against the wishes of local welfare authorities. This was able to happen due to an inadequacy in the ACT children's services laws. The article went on to say that moves were afoot to amend the Act to prevent this situation happening in the future. I ask the Minister whether he can comment on that and when we may expect to see the legislation regarding this matter.
MR BERRY: I am aware of the report to which Mr Duby refers, but I am unable to reply in any detail to the question that he has put. I would prefer to take that on notice and respond more fully at some time in the future.
ACT Ambulance Service
MRS NOLAN: My question also is directed to the Minister for Community Services and Health. When will the Canberra community be advised of administrative arrangements to refund those who have already paid 12-month ambulance subscriptions, given that, as of 1 January, new collection arrangements for ambulance subscriptions will be in place for those who have private medical benefits? Are people still expected to pay for a 12-month ambulance cover, even though they require cover only to 1 January if they have private health benefits?
MR BERRY: Of course, the tax on health fund contributors for the ambulance levy will increase the revenue base for the ACT ambulance service and provide broader ambulance insurance cover than the scheme it replaces. It provides an automatic additional benefit for people who have hospital insurance cover and simplifies arrangements for subscribing to the ambulance services. As you might be aware, pensioners, of course, are exempt from the levy and they will not be charged for the ambulance services. The administrative arrangements, as far as I am aware, have not been settled as to how people to whom you refer might get refunds, but I can look into that. I am afraid I missed the second question.
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