Answers to questions 1), 2) and 3) have been provided to Ms Dundas at an earlier date. The answer to question 4) required the recovery of files from archives prior to formulating the response.

4) The Government did not receive any advice from Ms Stanton dated 20 August 1996. Ms Stanton's comments appear to have been provided to Mr Buchanan in relation to a compensation claim he made ten years after ceasing to be an employee of the ACT Fire Brigade. While noting Ms Stanton's comments the Government's position remains unchanged. Legal advice is that Mr Buchanan has received his legal entitlements for compensation and retirement benefits. Ms Stanton's comments were considered by counsel prior to formulating the legal advice.

In relation to a proposed aged care facility at Kaleen:

(1) What is the status of the proposed 68 unit facility by and for the Chinese community;

(2) For how long has this proposal been under consideration by PALM;

(3) What is the reason for the delay in a decision being reached.

(1) The National Australian Chinese Association is proposing to develop 37 independent living units and a 10 bed assisted living house.

The Association has sought to develop the aged persons' complex on Block 7 Section 85 Kaleen however, they are now pursuing the possibility of developing an alternative site in Gungahlin.

(2) The proposal to acquire Block 7 by direct sale has been under consideration for five years.

(3) The previous Government gave 'in priciple' agreement to the direct sale of Block 7 to the Association subject to the requirements of a Disallowable Instrument being satisfied and the relevant care standards being met by the Association.