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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 13 Hansard (20 November) . . Page.. 3837 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

The community sector includes a wide range of not-for-profit organisations, consumer advocacy bodies and self-help groups. I fully agree with Ms Tucker that advocacy and representation of the socially excluded is a critical function of the community sector. This includes ensuring that individuals receive key entitlements and quality services. Representation also covers broader community development activities such as promoting participation and service planning. The government is committed to the notion that services for any target group will be more effective if potential consumers are involved in the service development phase.

Mr Speaker, I note that the motion refers, at clause 1 (b) to the generally poor standard of accommodation and equipment in the community sector. In recent months, government agencies have been taking a range of steps to review the condition of community facilities and act on the findings.

The former Department of Education and Community Services recently commissioned and received two relevant reports-a strategic framework for the management of community services facilities and a building condition assessment of community facilities. These reports have confirmed that the condition and accommodation standard of some government-owned community facilities does not meet community expectations. The government recognises the need to address the issues identified.

With changes in administrative arrangements earlier this year, responsibility for these facilities is now more broadly spread across agencies. The new Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services is undertaking a review of its asset management plan, with a view to formulating a strategic approach to asset management. It is also formulating an integrated approach to asset maintenance through its minor new works and repair and maintenance programs. This will concentrate on developing long-term programs to address OH&S, access and equity, amenity, functionality and viability for community sector occupants of government-owned community facilities. Programs will also focus on works to upgrade facilities to meet changing building standards, energy efficiency improvements, maintenance of building fabric and structure, and upgrading of grounds.

The Department of Education, Youth and Family Services also manages a range of community facilities including schools, preschools, child-care centres and youth centres. It regularly undertakes building condition assessments of these facilities and develops appropriate asset management plans to keep the facilities in a safe and suitable condition for delivery of services to children. In addition, there are ongoing programs for the upgrade of facilities and playgrounds funded by government through the annual capital works program. This work means that I am happy to support the motion which sees marked improvements in the quality of accommodation and equipment for community organisations.

In relation to certain aspects of the motion moved by Ms Tucker, there are some potential budget implications. The government support for this motion is clearly on the understanding that all decisions we make in relation to budget matters will be made in the budget context and will not be pre-empted by the government. On my reading of this motion, it does not require us to do that, although it does refer to the government's support for the community sector and future budgets.

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