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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 1 Hansard (13 December) . . Page.. 237 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

With more community pharmacies now becoming part of the needle program, it is anticipated that use of Calvary as a 24-hour outlet is not desirable for these clients. Ms Dundas, I think that that was the particular issue of concern to you, and I am happy to provide you with further information around and about the decision to desist from the 24-hour outlet at Calvary Hospital.

To sum up the information, a review of after-hours usage by the client group reveals that on average only five clients per night use the Calvary service between the hours of 9.00 pm and 9.00 am-that Calvary, on average, is receiving requests from only five people in that 12-hour period. We anticipate that this number will decrease even further as more pharmacies join the program. Calvary has also indicated its desire to close the needle outlet at its emergency department at the end of January.

I am therefore, with my department and the sector, looking at options to ensure that needles and syringes remain accessible after hours. At the same time, the needle program itself is actively working with the client group to identify accessible options for the few people who currently collect injecting equipment after hours. The Community Care web site does have information relating to the needle program. However, inquiries have confirmed that this information is not current, as Ms Dundas indicated.

The Community Care alcohol and drug program is currently updating the information in consultation with Directions, who are the coordinating agency of the needle program. Up-to-date information can be found on the newly developed Directions web site, which is now replacing the ADIN web site. As new outlets, particularly through pharmacies, are coming on board the program, this information will be reviewed and updated.

ACTTAB

MR QUINLAN: Yesterday, Ms Tucker asked the question: does any commercial arrangement exist between ACTTAB and the owner of the block in Bruce, the Hindmarsh Group, that commits ACTTAB to taking up the building once it is constructed and, if so, what are the terms of the agreement and can it be broken?

I will answer the member's question as best I can at this point. I am advised that ACTTAB has entered a contractual arrangement with John Hindmarsh ACT Pty Ltd for the construction and acquisition of a new head office building at Fernhill Park, Bruce. I am also advised that the terms of that contractual arrangement were developed prudently for ACTTAB, assisted by independent professionals. Contractual arrangements are always subject to the parties complying with their terms. I understand that there are still some points of difference out there-some contention in relation to car parking.

I understand that there has been a decision by the Commissioner for Land and Planning that no ACTTAB branch can be placed there, so the impact of the complaints lodged by residents of Fernhill have had some impact. But at this stage the exact detail of the contract can only be released if I get the agreement of ACTTAB, which should be quite easy, and the Hindmarsh Group. I am unaware at this point of whether it can be broken. and that will take a little time. I did not say commercial-in-confidence, did I? Don't look at me like that.

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