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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 12 Hansard (20 November) . . Page.. 4471 ..

(2) The waiver of development application fees for developers encourages industry to focus on the area most in need of redevelopment. The waiver is aimed at providing incentives for developers to assist with comprehensively redeveloping Sections 3 and 5 in City West. The policy does not expressly seek to lower the sale price of developments. It will However, it will provide public benefits in terms of an improved urban environment around the buildings, encourage a greater mix of land uses, and attract long-term residents to the City. These matters will be addressed when the revitalisation incentives policy is determined.

Syringes

(Question No 993)

Mr Smyth asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 25 September 2003:

In relation to syringes:

(1) Is there any cost associated with a needlestick injury after it is reported, if so, what is that cost;

(2) How many needles were handed out by the needle exchange in Canberra in (a) 2000-01, (b) 2001-02 and (c) 2002-03;

(3) How many of these needles were (a) 1ml, (b) 5ml and (c) other;

(4) What was the cost of handing out syringes through the needle exchange in (a) 2000-01, (b) 2001-02 and (c) 2002-03;

(5) Have retractable needles even been issued as part of the needle exchange program, if so, how many were issued in (a) 2000-01, (b) 2001-02 and (c) 2002-03;

(6) What is the average cost of a retractable needle;

(7) Has the government given consideration to ensuring retractable needles are issued from the needle exchange service, if so, when will you progress a decision in this area, if not, why not;

(8) Who is contracted to supply the needle exchange service in Canberra;

(9) What is the cost of (a) a FITPACK of four syringes and (b) a FITPACK of eight syringes;

(10) What is the average cost annually to the ACT for deposit containers for syringes.

Mr Corbell

(1) There are a variety of costs associated with managing a needlestick injury. All needlestick injury management occurs through the Canberra Hospital. Community members affected by an environmental needlestick receive a Hepatitis B vaccination. In addition, there is a staffing cost of approximately an hour in Accident and Emergency and an hour of counseling time. These costs are variable depending on the level of the employees carrying out the vaccinations and counseling;

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