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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 2 Hansard (11 March) . . Page.. 594 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

So, to answer the question, a number of the recommendations I believe actually have been implemented, Mr Berry. I will have a look at the report to see whether there is any problem in tabling it or not tabling it. Obviously, if there is, I will get back to you on that.

MR BERRY: I have a supplementary question. Is the reason why the recommendations of the report have not been fully implemented that it is too independent? Would you reconsider your reluctance to table the report against the background of the possibility of a motion requiring you to?

MR STEFANIAK: Mr Berry, I will have a look at whether there is anything in relation to the report that would mean that it should not be tabled. That is an advisory committee. There might be some issues around that. My understanding is that there were some recommendations there. As I indicated, I think some of them have been implemented. I will go back and have a look at the report and see, if there are recommendations which have not been implemented, why that is the case. It is an advisory committee which still operates.

The Government, I think, is always very keen to ensure that we do what we can to manage declining enrolments. That is a fact of life, and that is also a reason, Mr Berry, why I think it is important to have this debate in relation to declining enrolments, certainly in large areas of Canberra right across the system - because that report really was just aimed at looking at colleges and, I think, to a lesser extent, high schools - including, of course, primary schools as well. So, I think it is important to have the debate now in relation to declining enrolments right across the school system, realising that there are certain areas of Canberra where, in fact, enrolments will increase - obviously, in the new area of Gungahlin and, to a lesser extent, South Tuggeranong.

MS TUCKER: My question is to Mr Smyth, as Minister for Urban Services. Minister, in light of International Women's Day being celebrated this week, this is an important question. The Women's Information and Referral Centre provides support, counselling and a full referral service to women in crisis and those needing assistance. This service is widely used by other organisations in the community sector as well, particularly the Women's Legal Centre. I believe that there was a review undertaken into the Women's Information and Referral Centre and a report provided to government. Will this report be made public?

MR SMYTH: Mr Speaker, the report has been provided to government. I am still considering that report. When appropriate, if appropriate, I will release it to the Assembly.

Ms Tucker: I think that was a yes. Was that a yes?

MR SMYTH: If appropriate, yes.

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