Page 2100 - Week 07 - Thursday, 16 June 1994

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Madam Speaker, we will continue the process of industrial reform within the Department of Urban Services. This industrial reform has already seen significant gains to the Territory via significant reductions in oncosts. As an example, ACTION will continue to produce savings, and a further reduction of nearly $4m in its deficit will occur this financial year. In 1991-92, when Mr Kaine was the Chief Minister and Treasurer, when his principal adviser obviously was the person sitting next to him, and the man sitting over at the back was on his personal staff - we have three of the villains here - ACTION had a deficit of $54m. Under this Labor Government that has been reduced, incredibly, to about $39m. What has been proposed in the alternative budget strategy? Here it is. We have a deficit of $39m. Bang! "ACTION reform - $27m". I presume that what Mrs Carnell is going to do is what Jeff Kennett would like to do - just cut out public transport altogether, and 1,000 jobs. Mrs Carnell is talking about 1,000 jobs. That is absolutely outrageous. Mrs Carnell, I can understand why you have been prepared to put out only a one-page budget strategy. You would be too ashamed to stand up and tell the people of the Territory, and particularly ACT Government employees, that what you are on about is cutting 1,000 jobs in ACTION. That is absolutely outrageous.

Madam Speaker, I could go on and talk about a whole range of other initiatives which are outlined in these substantial documents that the Government has developed as part of its budget strategy this year, but I wish to talk about some of the things that we are doing in the Housing and Community Services area. The strategy of this year's budget is to focus on the needs of the most disadvantaged groups in our community in this year, the International Year of the Family. The Government has increased funding to the ACT Housing and Community Services Bureau to increase support for the home and community care program as well as to build a stronger and more responsive child protection service.

The home and community care program commitment reflects the Government's concern for the frail aged, people with disabilities, and their carers. The home and community care program is a joint Commonwealth-ACT funded program. The aim of the program was to give people the opportunity to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life and range of choices so that they could live fulfilling lives in the community, not tucked away as Mr Kaine obviously would prefer to see them. The home and community care program services include home help and personal care, assessment, referral and information, community respite care, paramedical services, home nursing, home maintenance and transport.

In recognition of the need for increased services to assist the frail aged, and younger people with disabilities and their carers, the program this year will receive cost supplementation of 2 per cent to enable it to maintain the current level of service. The program will also receive a 3 per cent boost in funding to cater for the growth in the number of people with disabilities, as well as the increasing proportion of aged people in the population. Those are two substantial initiatives by this Government. As well as recognising the growth in the aged population, the increased home and community care program funds will, through a pilot home modification and equipment scheme, assist people to remain in the community rather than rely on residential care. This year home and community care program and other service providers will also receive training in the protection of the elderly. This initiative is in line with the United Nations principles for older persons which say that older persons should be able to live in dignity and security and be free of exploitation and physical or mental abuse. The training proposals will alert service providers to the seriousness of the issue and enhance the safety and well-being of older people.


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