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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 13 Hansard (7 December) . . Page.. 3827 ..

Ms Carnell (continuing):

significantly increased funding. In fact, over 80 per cent of the funding for people with disabilities comes from this Government and less than 20 per cent from the Federal Government.

Mr Stanhope: Have you told Mr Howard that? Have you told your Liberal mates that?

MS CARNELL: Regularly and often, and so has Mr Moore. Nobody can argue that the commitment of this Government to people with disabilities is not the best in Australia. I would have to say that the groups representing people with disabilities would agree with that. They would like more, but they would agree that our commitment has been better than that of other governments, particularly the Labor Government over the border.

With regard to funding the arts for people with disabilities, a number of programs are funded directly, as Mr Wood would be aware. I would have to say that those programs are going from strength to strength. I do not know about the one at CIT. I am happy to take the question on notice. I will find out. But just remember that we put in an extra $1m this year to ensure that the level of disadvantage of people with disabilities was reduced. In terms of the arts, we fund an arts officer in the area of disability. We fund a number of other programs. I am very happy to make that information available to members.

MR WOOD: I wish to ask a supplementary question, Mr Speaker, as the answer was extremely disappointing.

MR SPEAKER: The Chief Minister has taken the question on notice.

MR WOOD: The program operates for, I think, a couple of hours a week and we cannot find some funds for that. That is outrageous.

Mr Humphries: Mr Speaker, is that a preamble to the question?

MR WOOD: What do you think about that, Mr Humphries? Do you support it?

MR SPEAKER: Is that your second question? Very well. Mr Humphries, would you like to answer the second question?

Mr Humphries: Yes, I would, Mr Speaker. I thank Mr Wood for the supplementary question. Mr Speaker, I think it would be better if Mr Wood were to resume his seat while I am answering his supplementary question.

MR WOOD: Wait until I sit down, Mr Humphries.

MR SPEAKER: I am sorry, but you asked a question and Mr Humphries is answering it.

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