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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 8 Hansard (31 August) . . Page.. 2714 ..

This motion, circulated in my name this week, has certainly created a division of opinion. Whilst the Assembly appears to be united in wanting to deal with the issues relating to the standard of care and complaints mechanisms in disability services, I believe that it is also important that we be united in how we go about it.

Confidential information that I have received, and I am sure other members have received, since coming to office indicates that there is dissatisfaction among and problems areas for disabled people and carers working in the sector. This anecdotal evidence is, of course, second-hand and I have encouraged all informants with first-hand knowledge to pursue these matters through the appropriate channels. I certainly do not intend to breach this privilege by identifying specific cases.

All members are aware of recent tragic events in disability care which have really brought a range of concerned people out of the woodwork. I am sure that fellow members can attest to similar responses in their offices to what I have received in mine. I am worried about the degree of abuse that allegedly has been levelled at both people requiring care and their carers. It is important that we get to the bottom of this issue and obtain an outcome that weeds out the problems and enhances the sector.

I spoke about this matter with Ms Tucker yesterday afternoon and she put a case for having an independent inquiry. I have seriously considered that option. Having spoken to other members this morning, I have come to the conclusion that it could be more conducive to having a positive outcome if the crossbenchers in particular were not divided on the approach.

Initially, I had thought that the health committee was the appropriate forum to investigate this issue, but I think it is in the best interests of all concerned that we have a cooperative approach. In this instance, I am sure that that can be achieved with further discussion and consultation. The bottom line for me is that we have the highest possible scrutiny on this issue. If this is to be achieved through a cooperative effort and the united will of the Assembly, I am happy if this occurs following consultation with other members.

I have agreed to discuss this matter further over the next week with Ms Tucker and others, and together perhaps draw up terms of reference that are suitable to all parties. In the meantime, I will be happy for debate on this motion today to be adjourned after a while and a revised one brought back for the Assembly to consider at a later date. I sincerely thank Ms Tucker for her discussions, her passion, her interest and her cooperation in working through this extremely serious issue.

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