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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 1 Hansard (20 February) . . Page.. 227 ..

MS TUCKER: Yes, a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. I would have thought you had some idea by now, but I am interested to hear you do not. Is the Minister aware that some community agencies are considering refusing to be mandated - this might help you in your budget decisions, Mrs Carnell - where there is a choice, because they are concerned that they cannot handle even the existing demand for their services and are also very concerned about the ability of Family Services to deal with cases even at the present level of reporting?

MRS CARNELL: Members of this Assembly would be aware that the approach that the previous Government took to mandatory reporting, and that we have taken, is, I suppose, a slow but steady approach to the implementation of mandatory reporting, because we did not want to fall into the same sorts of traps as other States have where, in many cases, they mandated virtually almost overnight, with no lead-in whatsoever. We have taken the approach that we should do a sector of Canberra at a time with training, looking at how the mandating has actually affected requests for services. That information will be taken on board when we look at the next budget. Fascinatingly, again Ms Tucker shows her lack of understanding of the procedures. I am sure those opposite would be aware that in February a budget that is going to be brought down in May would be only a very preliminary draft at this stage. That is all of the information that we will take on board, Mr Speaker, when we look at the requirements in this budget - not just in the area of Family Services or Community Services, but right across the board.

MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, my question without notice is to the Minister for Planning, Mr Humphries, and relates to the development of a club at the Gungahlin Town Centre. Minister, are you satisfied that the tender process adopted by the GDA has ensured that the price paid by the successful tenderer for the site of a club only is the best possible price for a club site in Gungahlin, when the GDA changed the rules so often during the expression of interest process that the result was that the successful bid was the only one that met the changed criteria?

MR HUMPHRIES: Yes, Mr Speaker, I am satisfied of that.

MR SPEAKER: Do you have a supplementary question?

MR CORBELL: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, as it appears that, contrary to the original documents, the GDA now wants, has wanted and has sold a club site, will you direct the GDA to reopen the tender process for a club site so that all interested parties know what they are bidding for?

MR HUMPHRIES: I think that follows from my answer. My answer to the first part of the question should have answered the second part as well, Mr Speaker.

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