In addition, the Authority made a payment of $2m to ACT Forests in respect of fire-fighting costs, salvage costs and other expenses.

(3) At this time, the outstanding amounts of the claims against the reinsurers are estimated at $110m.

(4) The $110m is expected to be received in 2003-04.

(5) The expectation is $50m to cover property and $60m for timber. These values are however subject to final determinations.

(6) It is difficult to separate the affect of the bushfires on the cost of cover from other influences such as the rise in premiums generally and the substantial increase in the value of the property insured, but the Authority has estimated that the cost of the bushfires may have increased the premium on the new property policy by as much as $1m for 2003-04.

In relation to 2003 retention of Year 10 to Year 12 students:

(1) As at the end of Term 2 in the school year did the number of ACT students involved in studies in (a) Year 10, (b) Year 11 or (c) Year 12 go down;

(2) If the figure did go down, by how many. If the figure went up, by how many or did the figure remain the same;

(3) Has the government been able to track any students who may have now left the system and is the minister aware of whether these students left due to (a) finding employment, (b) undertaking an apprenticeship, (c) moved away from the ACT, (d) any other reason including no option after leaving school.

(4) What guidance is offered to students throughout the year who are considering leaving school;

(5) Is the Government looking at other ways to retain students from year 10 to year 12.

Ms Gallagher