Page 2259 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 15 September 1992
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In recognition of two areas of need, the Government has allocated additional resources for improved pastoral care and career advisory programs in high schools, at a cost of $300,000 in a full year. Funding is also provided for the integration of primary students with special needs into mainstream classes, at a cost of $300,000 in a full year. The longer-term funding arrangements for non-government schools will follow from our consideration of the Berkeley report. For this year, recurrent funding of non-government schools will be maintained at the current level of 50 per cent of the Commonwealth rate, but discretionary funding of specific grants will be reduced.
I turn, Madam Speaker, to community support services. This budget protects Canberra's community. There are many who are disadvantaged, many who, for the first time, are experiencing the financial and personal hardship of being out of work. Social justice demands that those in need are assisted. This budget increases funding to the Housing and Community Services Bureau by $7.1m, or 8 per cent, to $91.1m, in recognition of those needs. The cost of concessions for electricity, transport and other essential services is expected to increase by $800,000. Under the extended national child-care strategy, the ACT will provide an extra $500,000 per annum by 1993-94. There will be 230 new long day-care places and 660 new outside school hours care places over the next four years. Our own work-related child-care centres at Acton and at Campbell will be opening this financial year.
Despite the ACT's difficult financial circumstances, community service organisations, home and community care and family support services will be provided with an additional $500,000 each year, in recognition of the increasing demands being placed upon them, including their superannuation levy and their training obligations. We will establish a community-based support service with counselling for problem gamblers and their families. The long overdue reform of the law governing the availability of information to adoptees will result in a demand for counselling and information services. The Government has provided $400,000 for this need, with $200,000 in 1992-93.
Following the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, and recognising that 1993 is the International Year for the World's Indigenous Peoples, the Government is funding the establishment of an Aboriginal Advisory Council and adviser and is providing funds for specific projects. These are to be decided in association with the council. Expenditure in 1992-93 is estimated at $200,000. Cross-cultural training in the Government Service will support improved access to and equity in service delivery.
The ACT has assumed responsibility for accommodation and support services for people with disabilities. We will be expanding and improving those services under a three-year plan. The remaining residents of Bruce Hostel will move to group houses during this year and consultation is taking place with all concerned on the future options for the John Knight Hostel. Madam Speaker, through our urban renewal strategy we will provide a greater choice of housing and greater accessibility to employment and services. Over 50 per cent of the Housing Trust's new housing commencements will be in renewal areas.
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