Page 2994 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 5 December 1989
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acceptance. It is vital that the people of Canberra work together for our own good government and for the common good of our Territory.
None of this is achievable if there is uncertainty. To develop community confidence we need a stated and certain agenda for the ACT. On 11 May, when I was elected Chief Minister, I set out to this Assembly the objectives of our Government. These objectives came as no surprise, for they were the policies on which Labor had campaigned. Our agenda was not, and is not, extravagant. I believe that a major function of ACT government is to ensure that Canberra stays Canberra, that we retain the great community environment in which we live. I do not support change for the sake of change.
There are two themes which underlie all the actions of this Government. Our policies are based on the objective of developing a socially just community, a community with extensive economic security. Secondly, our Government is committed to open and accountable processes. I believe that we are taking a more consultative approach than any other government in this country.
This approach is highlighted by the innovative consultation processes that we have undertaken, and are undertaking, with respect to the budget, planning, transport, housing and the environment. An indication of our commitment to accountability is the swift implementation of procedures for all members of the Assembly to publicly declare their pecuniary interests.
On 11 May I undertook to implement a broad program of progressive policies for the people of Canberra. I promised the introduction of effective occupational health and safety protection. This was done, although its effectiveness was butchered in this Assembly. As part of my commitment to social justice, I indicated that we would be establishing a social justice unit within my department. In fact I have gone further than this: I have established a social policy division which contains, as one element, a social justice unit. This division is responsible for the overall coordination of government policy and it ensures that our objective of a fairer, more equal society is met.
Of particular concern to me is that programs are targeted to assist those most in need. In particular, I am concerned that young people, particularly young unemployed people, are assisted. In the budget several programs were implemented in this area - policies designed to help young people find work and to assist in the prevention of youth homelessness. I also draw members' attention to the Government's response to the Burdekin report, which I released recently. This response sets out in some detail what our Government has been doing for homeless youth.
Another crucial component of any effective social justice agenda must be the existence of workable antidiscrimination
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