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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 9 Hansard (21 August) . . Page.. 2750 ..

Project Magellan

(Question No 225)

Mr Cornwell asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 26 June 2002:

(1) Are you aware of Project Magellan which has been trialed in Victoria.

(2) Has the ACT Government assessed Project Magellan's suitability for use in the ACT to speed up the legal process in such cases.

(3) Will co-operation be sought between ACT agencies and will funding be sought from the Federal Government to develop a local Magellan initiative and if not, why not.

Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member's question is as follows:

(1) 1 am aware of Project Magellan, trialed from 1998 to 2000 in the Melbourne and Dandenong Registries of the Family Court of Australia. The trial was a new approach to the handling of cases with new child abuse allegations made to the Family Court.

(2) An initial assessment has been conducted by the Government as to the desirability of integrating the investigation of child abuse allegations with a program similar to Project Magellan in the Canberra Registry of the Family Court. The Victorian trial found significant reductions in the processing of matters through the Court in addressing such allegations and making orders in the best interests of the child. The Government is interested in exploring the possible implementation of a local Magellan initiative.

(3) It is not possible at this stage to indicate what level of funding would be needed and whether to seek Federal funding for a local Magellan initiative. Once an assessment of all financial implications is completed, approaches will be made to the relevant child services, Legal Aid, Family Court and other providers for collaboration on an initiative. The Government remains committed to finding new ways to investigate and ameliorate the effects of child abuse in family breakdowns.

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V8 supercar race

(Question No 226)

Mr Cornwell asked the Minister for Urban Services, upon notice:

In relation to the V8 car race roadworks.

(1) Why were the roadworks undertaken in the central Canberra area during the operation of the V8 car race, given that the race already would cause road closures and traffic redeployment.

(2) What liaison occurs between the various sections of government concerning road maintenance and major road disruption, such as the V8 race.

(3) If no liaison occurs, why not.

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