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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 3 Hansard (28 May) . . Page.. 710 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

Mr Speaker, the sad fact is that there will always be more need being identified in the community sector than our resources can meet. Mr Wood, in his remarks, was disappointed that the Government has acknowledged that it could not meet all needs that are identified. I believe that the Government's role is to take our limited resources and allocate them strategically to provide the greatest impact within the community. Invariably, that involves setting priorities; and that is where this report is most helpful. There is no denying that a lot more work needs to be done in providing appropriate services that truly meet the needs of children at risk. Mr Moore has already stated in this debate how seriously his portfolio will be taking the recommendations in this report, and I must reinforce this position on behalf of the Government as a whole.

While it is evident, Mr Speaker, that we have made significant progress in many of these areas, we remain committed to the ongoing improvement of services in this important area. In conclusion, I would like once again to take the opportunity to thank the members of the Social Policy Committee in the last Assembly for the work that they put into their report.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

MR HIRD (12.05): Pursuant to standing order 246A, I wish to inform the Assembly that on 22 May 1998 the Standing Committee on Urban Services resolved to inquire into and report on the 1998-99 draft capital works program. I ask for leave to move a motion to authorise the printing, circulation and publication of the report of that inquiry.

Leave granted.

MR HIRD: I move:

That:

(1) if the Assembly is not sitting when the Standing Committee on Urban Services has completed its inquiry into the Government's 1998-99 Draft Capital Works Program, the Committee may send its Report to the Speaker or, in the absence of the Speaker, to the Deputy Speaker, who is authorised to give directions for its printing, circulation and publication; and

(2) the foregoing provisions of this resolution have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the standing orders.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

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