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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 2 Hansard (29 February) . . Page.. 503 ..

MR DE DOMENICO: Mr Speaker, this afternoon Mr Whitecross asked me a question in relation to the Can It Squad. Information has been supplied to me in relation to training. For Mr Whitecross's edification, when the Can It Squad was set up, all squad members received formal training from the CIT. There have been some changes in personnel since its establishment. I am advised that new squad members receive on-the-job training, in particular on occupational health and safety matters, safety, et cetera, and will also be formally trained by CIT.

Mr Whitecross also asked about the application of cleaning materials. The information I have before me is that it does not matter whether it is damped on or sprayed on. Both methods could be potentially harmful if proper safety equipment is not used. So appropriate equipment, including respiratory protection, face masks, et cetera, is used. Mr Whitecross also asked questions about playground equipment. For Mr Whitecross's information, I am advised that all occupational health and safety issues, both for squad members and from the public perspective, are taken into account. The cleaning material used is one that evaporates rapidly and is washed off immediately after being applied. This makes it safe, even for play equipment.

MRS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, during question time on 22 February 1996 Mr Moore asked me a question concerning the $10m provided to business in our last budget and productivity gains we had demanded before agreeing to this expenditure. I undertook to table in the Assembly the guidelines for the business incentive scheme, as well as some of the proposals that have been supported by the CanTrade board. I table that information.

MRS CARNELL: In question time today I suggested to Ms Tucker that I would get back to her with further information on homebirths in the ACT. The homebirth approach is going ahead as planned. The reference group for the CMP has given in-principle endorsement to recommendations which will ensure that women participating in the project who choose to give birth at home will be able to do so. This will also meet the requirements of the Commonwealth for funding that was provided under the alternative birthing services program. More importantly, this will give the department the opportunity to evaluate homebirth as part of the pilot before any incorporation into mainstream maternity services. Two of the four GP obstetricians who are currently providing medical support for the midwives and clients on the project have indicated their willingness to continue that care for women giving birth at home, if necessary. In the case of a transfer to hospital for maternal or neonatal care, there are already protocols in place and those women will receive the same care as any other public patient.

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