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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 12 Hansard (13 November) . . Page.. 4127 ..

MRS CARNELL (continuing):

This highlighted the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for both Canberra and Australia. The "Welcome to Canberra ACT Information Booklet for New Settlers" was published and made available in eight languages. It outlines the relevant services to assist new migrants.

A brochure, "Care Options for Older People from Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Backgrounds in the ACT", was produced in five languages to assist elderly people in ethnic communities which have the largest numbers of people aged 65 years and over. The "ACT Interpreter Card" was delivered to help people who speak little or no English gain access to the full range of ACT government services. It provides free access to interpreting services in 60 languages, and 3,000 cards were distributed to 100 ethnic organisations as well as to government and non-government organisations. The "1996 Directory of Multicultural Resources" has proven to be an extremely valuable document, not only for ACT and Commonwealth government agencies but also for community groups and ethnic and non-government organisations. A quarterly newsletter, "Communicado", is distributed regularly to more than 100 ethnic organisations.

The Government established a separate ACT Human Rights Office in December 1996, following the ending of the previous joint Commonwealth-ACT agreement on human rights services. The new office administers the ACT Discrimination Act and, at the request of the Attorney-General, is undertaking an expanded community education role on discrimination matters. All of the office's information material is available in nine community languages.

ACT Community Care has a network of bilingual community workers who have facilitated a range of women's and parenting programs which have enabled women to gain greater access to information regarding immunisation and health care. Another migrant health initiative is an orientation program for new arrivals to Canberra which gives an overview of health services in the ACT. The unit consistently provides information to staff regarding services available through the interpreters. Within the Attorney-General's Department, cross-cultural training has been provided for staff of Corrective Services, Magistrates and Supreme Courts and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Department of Urban Services has improved communication and access to information for its customers, using the latest technology through several initiatives. Austouch kiosks provide the public with a wide range of information on government and community services. Austouch on the Internet provides customers with quick and easy access to basic information on government services and contact details for ACTPS agencies. Government shopfronts also access this service to provide accurate, consistent information when assisting people. In March 1997 Austouch received a silver award in the Tenth Government Technology Productivity Awards. Planning and Land Management, PALM, have introduced a range of initiatives to improve communication and service to customers. They now have a comprehensive plain language information package that clearly sets out application requirements and rights for the development of land in the ACT.

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