(1)-(4)

The Government has outlined, in detail, its response to the recommendations of the Board of Inquiry into Disability Services. This was tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly on 26 September 2002.

In responding to the recommendations of the Board of Inquiry, the Government sought and received advice from the Disability Reform Group which included people with a disability, family members of people with a disability, service providers and peak agencies as well as Government representatives. This process has been important in terms of involving people with disabilities in the reform process.

When I tabled the Government's response, I undertook to provide six-monthly updates to the Legislative Assembly on progress in implementing those recommendations accepted by the Government. The first progress report was tabled in the Legislative Assembly in April 2003 and I will be tabling the second progress report in the September 2003 sitting period. These reports demonstrate the significant progress that has occurred in implementing reform in the area of disability services in the ACT.

In implementing the reforms, the Government has established the following disability reform working groups to address specific issues. These working groups involve government and non-government members, including people with disabilities, and have determined workplans to address how best to implement the reforms. The working groups provide advice to the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services on the priority areas for action.

Access, Eligibility and Funding Working Group

Legislation Reform Working Group

Workforce Working Group

Quality and Standards Working Group

Housing and Tenancy Working Group

The Government's response and the six-monthly progress report can be accessed via the

Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services' website (www.dhcs.act.gov.au/DisabilityACT/Publications/Publications.htm).