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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 1 Hansard (12 December) . . Page.. 163 ..

MR QUINLAN (continuing):

Funding will also be made available through the sport and recreation grants program for the development of community programs for women and older persons from the 2003 funding round.

It is obvious that our sport and recreation industry needs much closer analysis. As a burgeoning local industry of the ACT, a comprehensive examination of industry needs, including future facility requirements, is necessary to assist in long-term planning for community sport and recreation provision. This survey process, through profiling, is examining the demographics of the 90 sport and recreation organisations, their management structures, programs, key issues, and future needs. With regard to facility provision, the sports facility plan will be presented to the government by mid-2002 following further industry consultation.

A preliminary assessment and feasibility study, including development costs, for a motor sport facility is due for completion in January 2002. Deliberation on the proposal will commence from that time.

Commercial support for women's sport does not go anywhere near the support provided for men's sport. We made a commitment to act to help redress the great inequality that exists. Our proposed system of tax credits to be provided to licensed clubs that contribute to women's sport in the ACT is an innovative response to this longstanding concern.

Mr Speaker, there have been some recent dramatic successes in improving the responsiveness of our police force to the concerns of the Canberra community. At the same time, our ambulance and fire services are regarded as amongst the best in the country. We want to build on those successes.

The government has a strong commitment to ensuring that Canberrans continue to have confidence in the capability of their police force. We will ensure that the AFP has appropriate resources to effectively implement crime prevention strategies that safeguard personal safety and security. The government also acknowledges the excellent record of service to the community provided by the Australian Federal Police.

We will work with the AFP and its officers to ensure that the government's objectives for a safer community are achieved. To this end, major priorities will include maintaining a high visibility of police presence and the involvement of the broader community in the development and implementation of a range of initiatives aimed at effective crime prevention.

The government recognises the excellent reputation and contribution of the ACT's fire, ambulance, bushfire, and volunteer personnel who comprise our emergency services. We will ensure that the necessary support arrangements exist to maintain the responsiveness and effectiveness of these services to the ACT community.

The government recognises that an assessment of the longer-term needs for correctional facilities in the ACT has to be considered thoroughly. We will look closely at the ACT's correctional needs and make a decision on the prison project once this review of needs is completed. Pending a decision on the prison and in recognition of the current stress on the existing Belconnen Remand Centre, we will seek to advance a capital works program to upgrade facilities at the Periodic Detention Centre for dual purpose uses as a periodic

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