Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 10 Hansard (5 September) . . Page.. 3158 ..

MR SPEAKER: I call Mr Stefaniak.

Mr Berry: Close the school. It is a very healthy place.

Mr Kaine: The same safeguards as were in place when you were in government.

Ms McRae: This has broken out since then. Ha, ha!

MR STEFANIAK: Do we have to have this carping from those opposite? Grow up! Anyway, it is a good question from Ms McRae; I will give her that, Mr Speaker. There has been an increase in the incidence of hepatitis A within the ACT this year. Unfortunately, some school age children have been diagnosed with the condition, as well as adults in the general community. The disease is usually transmitted by a breakdown in personal hygiene where there is close contact between people. Schools have been advised to emphasise the importance of good hygiene, particularly hand washing, and ensure there are adequate supplies of soap or detergent and handtowels in toilets and in areas where food is being prepared. Staff at special schools will be vaccinated as the need arises, in line with the National Health and Medical Research Council immunisation guidelines. I would like to thank the Department of Health, which has worked very closely with my department in this matter.

MR SPEAKER: Do you have a supplementary question, Ms McRae?

MS McRAE: Yes, Mr Speaker. So, what specific provisions have you made to ensure that schools actually have the soap, Mr Stefaniak?

MR STEFANIAK: Schools have been advised to emphasise the need to ensure that there are adequate supplies of soap. Ms McRae, if you have an incident where a school is not doing that or where there are not adequate supplies of soap, you tell me, because I would be very concerned about that.

Ms McRae: I will, but not here.

MR STEFANIAK: Good. I would not expect you to.

MR OSBORNE: Mr Speaker, my question is to the Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning, Mr Humphries, and is in regard to the issue of Northbourne Oval in Braddon. Minister, as most people are probably aware, there has been a dispute going for a number of years over who should have the use of Northbourne Oval. Could you briefly outline for us the history of this dispute; where it is at now; what options are being considered; and what action you have taken or considered taking to see it resolved?

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .