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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 8 Hansard (19 August) . . Page.. 2778 ..

MS MacDONALD: Mr Speaker, I ask a supplementary question, and the minister has alluded somewhat to it. As the provision of GPs is a Commonwealth responsibility, was the Commonwealth requested to fund this project and what was their response?

MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, as I indicated, the Commonwealth was requested to fund this project through the Division of General Practice, with the active support of the ACT government, and the Commonwealth said no. That is extremely disappointing. We have made the commitment instead. I will be lobbying Senator Kay Patterson, the federal minister, further to ensure that we see better GP service support from the Commonwealth. I have already had discussions with Senator Patterson at our most recent meeting of health ministers. I will be following those discussions up further.

But it is disappointing that to date there has been no recognition from the Commonwealth of their preparedness or indeed their understanding of the unique circumstances the ACT community faces and I think it is just typical of the Liberal's approach when it comes to failing to support health care services, particularly primary care services, here in Canberra.

Mr Stanhope: Mr Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the notice paper.

Supplementary answers to questions without notice

Chan Street-pedestrian safety

MR WOOD: These are answers to questions from the last sitting. I think I may have written to the members concerned, but this should also appear in the record. Ms Dundas asked me about Chan Street and safety there. I have responded to her, but these are the details.

There are some traffic and pedestrian problems there. The redevelopment of part of Belconnen offices on Chan Street is taking place, and in two stages. The second stage is expected to be completed in November 2004, still some time away. The temporary traffic management in place is considered adequate to assist pedestrians to move around safely in the vicinity of the development site. The facilities currently available are traffic lights at Benjamin Way and a median refuge along Chan Street.

I accept that pedestrian activities across Chan Street may change with the introduction of paid parking. I have asked Roads ACT to monitor the situation and, if necessary, introduce measures to improve pedestrian and traffic safety.

Adopt a Road program-insurance

MR WOOD: Mr Cornwell asked me about the Adopt a Road program and insurance. Yes, those issues continue. The Adopt a Road groups are aware of the situation. Those without public liability insurance have not been active and will only resume activities when insurance is in place. The Department of Urban Services, in conjunction with Treasury, is currently negotiating with the Community Care Underwriting Agency to obtain cost-effective insurance for Adopt a Road groups. When the underwriter is

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