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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 7 Hansard (21 June) . . Page.. 2333 ..

Orthodontic treatment

MR MOORE: Mr Speaker, I have a bit more information on a question from Ms Tucker that I answered earlier today with regard to a very serious specific case of orthodontic treatment. I understand that although we do not do any orthodontic work for adults, we do do orthodontic work in some serious cases for teenagers.

In the case that Ms Tucker referred to, I am informed by my staff that the woman has an appointment tomorrow and that the person who would normally do teenage orthodontic work is prepared to look at her and deal with this very serious case. At the time the question was asked, my staff were aware of this situation and of the appointment that had been made for tomorrow. I hope that information is useful. The broader policies will need to be addressed within the context of the next budget.

Family Services-court unit

MR MOORE: On 20 June Mr Rugendyke asked me a question about the court unit of Family Services losing experienced personnel. I would like to provide the following answer. First of all, I assure Mr Rugendyke that no reduction in staffing levels is planned for the court unit. However, a minor reorganisation of the unit will take place. Two positions in the court unit are or will be vacant. The advertisement for the manager position calls for social work or psychology qualifications and the advertisement for a court officer calls for legal qualifications. These position profiles will ensure the court unit will continue to provide effective and timely services. Extensive efforts are being made both locally and interstate to recruit well-qualified, experienced officers for these positions.

It has always been the case that the Government Solicitor's Office represents children in contested matters in the Children's Court. The practice has continued during the time that the manager's position has been vacant. Family Services have strong links to the Government Solicitor's Office and briefings and advice continue to be provided by them expeditiously.

Federation Line Incorporated

MR SMYTH: Mr Kaine asked for further information on the extent of government support to the Federation Line Incorporated. ACT government agencies are assisting this private sector organisation through funding and support and through patronage of the Federation Line Committee. Planning input is also provided through a steering committee for this study, comprising the National Film and Sound Archives, Urban Services, ANU, Chief Minister's Department, the Australian War Memorial, the National Museum of Australia, the NCA, ActewAGL and the Canberra Business Council.

The total contribution to the Federation Line is $15,000 for a study to investigate the business plan and financial modelling. The contribution is broken down into two sums: a contribution of $10,000, including GST, has been equally divided between Business ACT, the Canberra Tourism and Events Corporation and ActewAGL; and the remaining $5,000 has been contributed by Planning and Land Management. These costs have been absorbed in the existing year's budget.

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