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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 9 Hansard (4 September) . . Page.. 2930 ..

MR STEFANIAK: This position will also provide an advocacy service for older people on housing issues in both public and private housing. In addition, she will advise on how to assess housing modifications and design which will allow older people to live independently for as long as possible. Also, she will advise on the availability and installation of safety and security devices which will afford protections and safety for older people in their homes.

I understand that the housing options adviser has already met with and held constructive discussions with a number of community groups. Since a radio interview yesterday she has received many telephone calls and has made appointments with a number of clients with housing concerns. I understand that those appointments are taking place as we speak. I am more than happy with the community's reaction. I think this is an excellent initiative by ACT Housing, and I appreciate the assistance given by the Council on the Ageing. I think it is another demonstration of this Government's commitment to providing suitable housing for aged people living in the ACT. I thank Mr Hird for the question.

MR HIRD: I have a supplementary question. Minister, it is a very worthy cause. Who funds this organisation? I am not quite clear after that interjection. To what amount is it being funded today compared with what it got prior to 1995?

MR STEFANIAK: There was not a position prior to 1995, I am sad to say. It is too imaginative for this lot opposite. It is funded by ACT Housing, Mr Hird, to the tune of $50,000 per annum.

MS REILLY: My question is to the Chief Minister in her role as the Minister for Health. Minister, as you are about to sign up a third provider of youth health services in as many years, can you explain why there have been so many different providers for youth health services and why there has been no continuity in the provision of these services, when you consider some of the health problems suffered by young people in the ACT with high injectable drug use, other substance abuse, high rates of suicide and high rates of mental illness? What have been the additional costs of all these changes of providers?

MRS CARNELL: Mr Speaker, with regard to providers of services generally, I think in the area of youth health services there are some very proactive things happening. The ACT Government and I will always respond well to good propositions put to me or good ideas from providers, Mr Speaker, and I think that is exactly what we are doing at the moment. I think some of the announcements that will, I hope, occur in the very near future with regard to youth health services in the ACT might even get those opposite thinking that it is quite a step in the right direction.

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