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people of the Canberra region. This asset is an important element in our understanding of the early history of Canberra and illustrates the wealth and diversity of places available for public use. They appeal to all ages and tastes, they add flavour to our appreciation of our environment and they are points of interest for visitors to our city.

As new towns grow and develop, this Government is committed to integrating, where possible, heritage assets in the new urban fabric. The development of Gungahlin presents such a challenge. There are many places, from Aboriginal sites to homesteads, and natural habitats which are being carefully planned in this development. They are seen by this Government as an integral part of the new urban environment. They also provide an avenue for encouraging the new communities in these areas to focus on their local environment and to get involved in enhancing its qualities. The Tuggeranong Homestead process is a good example, as is the work going on to engage the community in planning the Gungahlin Town Centre.

To look wider afield, these assets provide us as a community with opportunities for cultural tourism. We can be confident in presenting to visitors not only our modern, twentieth century, planned city with all its attributes, but heritage. Tourists will increasingly have the opportunity to visit local as well as national attractions in the Territory. In saying this, Mr Speaker, much will depend on us all, as members of the community, expressing pride in our city and its heritage and getting involved in its conservation and preservation. I table the statement and move:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

Debate (on motion by Mr Wood) adjourned.

CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU – ESTABLISHMENT

Ministerial Statement

MR STEFANIAK (Minister for Education and Training and Minister for Children’s and Youth Services): I ask for leave of the Assembly to make a ministerial statement on the establishment of the Children's and Youth Services Bureau.

Leave granted.

MR STEFANIAK: Today I would like to speak about the creation of the Children's and Youth Services Bureau. The establishment of a new Children's and Youth Services Bureau under the Department of Education and Training fulfils an election commitment to ensure improved coordination of service delivery for children, young people and their families. The new bureau recognises the need for strong links between all services for children and young people and supports the connections which preschools may have with their local community. The bureau will have responsibility for early intervention services; child care; preschools; the Child Health and Development Service; youth programs, including the Adolescent Day Unit; and youth policy development.

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