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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 8 Hansard (19 August) . . Page.. 2776 ..

MR STANHOPE: Cabinet did not give any directions, Mr Stefaniak.

MR STEFANIAK: As a result of the cabinet meeting of 16 January this year, Chief Minister-

MR SPEAKER: Come to the question.

MR STEFANIAK: Were any decisions made in relation to the bushfires, given that no directions were given to Emergency Services? Did you make any decisions in relation to the bushfires?

MR STANHOPE: The cabinet did not, Mr Speaker.

Disabled persons

MS DUNDAS: My question is to the minister for disabilities, Mr Wood. I understand that the government is undergoing a consultation process in relation to access by disabled persons to public buildings, but what is the government doing to ensure that our streets and footpaths can be travelled by those with disabilities?

MR WOOD: Constant monitoring would be one thing. As you would expect in the nature of the interested Canberra community, we get constant comment about where there are needs and we respond to those. But that happens with everything; it is not specific to disability issues.

A committee has been established which looks at all aspects of access to buildings and all aspects of linkages within the city. That committee works away and we respond to it. If you want particular details of what is happening, I will get them to you.

MS DUNDAS: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Minister, I have received correspondence from residents of Narrabundah regarding Nyrang Street, which is quite important as it is close to short and long-term accommodation for those in wheelchairs. When will a new footpath be completed along the length of Nyrang Street?

MR WOOD: I do not know and I do not know exactly what program is in place there, but I will find out for you whether something is to happen; if so, when.

Medical practitioners-services

MS MacDONALD: My question, through you, Mr Speaker, is to the Minister for Health, Mr Corbell. Minister, the ACT has the lowest bulk-billing rate of any state or territory and fewer GPs per capita than many regional and rural centres. In light of the Howard government's refusal to address the difficulties Canberrans face in accessing primary medical care, what steps has the ACT government taken to improve after-hours access to GPs?

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