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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 1 Hansard (18 February) . . Page.. 337 ..

MR MOORE (continuing):

It is certainly true that some young carers are providing a high level of support and may be at risk of disadvantage to their physical, educational and social development. It is important that these young people receive assistance to minimise this potential disadvantage. Service providers are expected to tailor assistance to meet the specific needs of all families who use their service. Barnados for example provide respite care for children with a mental illness and children of parents with a mental illness, including school holiday respite and camps.

At a practical level, I am advised that where ACT Community Care Intake and Assessment Unit is contacted for assistance a check is made to determine if a child is involved. If so, the Community Nurse is alerted . Where there is a single adult with complex health needs with a child /children as prime carers a comprehensive assessment is undertaken by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and the necessary support services will be organised eg. home help, personal care, nursing allied health. If medical support is required eg. colostomy, wound care, services will be organised during the day and after hours or contact telephone numbers made available. If urgent care is needed the client is advised to contact the hospital or Canberra After Hours Medical Centre (CALMS).

You can see from these activities that the department is not only aware of the issue of children as carers in the community, but is adopting proactive approaches to addressing some of the needs of these young people.

I thank Mr Obsorne for raising this matter and being able to talk about our response. Of course more needs to be done and we will work with the Carers Association in particular to take this matter forward.

MR SMYTH: Mr Speaker, I have further information for both Mr Corbell and Mr Wood, who asked questions yesterday. The ACT Heritage Council at its meeting in October 1998 considered the proposed variation to the Territory Plan which covers the Ainslie Primary School. The variation includes the following conservation policy:

The school buildings, shelter sheds, former lavatory, original internal fittings and grounds are to be conserved and appropriately maintained consistent with their heritage significance.

The ACT Heritage Council considers that the overall significance of the place can be protected by this conservation policy, which does not specify a particular use.

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