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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 14 Hansard (10 December) . . Page.. 5123 ..

MR WOOD (continuing):

The first significant step in this process was the creation last year of the ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services. We began the important task of integrating the development of policy and the delivery of a range of quality services to the community. A most important component of this integration has been the bringing together of the management of the provision of community services and accommodation for community organisations throughout the territory.

The department is developing an asset management strategy for the 37 community facilities-the Griffin Centre is but one-that the department manages on behalf of the community. The government is not only developing that strategy; it is also funding it. I believe I am correct when I say that the current year's budget included money specifically for maintenance and things of that nature. I expect that funding to increase. So this government, which is taking action, is well down the path towards implementing its strategy.

One of the underpinning principles in the strategy is that accommodation for community organisations must be considered in conjunction with the services that those organisations offer. For too long the accommodation needs of organisations have been considered separately from their services. The role of community organisations that have a lease to manage the facilities and deliver community services is a central feature of the strategy.

The Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services is undertaking extensive consultation with community service providers to ensure that the strategy aligns with the needs, plans and aspirations of community groups. The board of the Griffin Centre has been included in those consultations. The new Griffin Centre will provide a contemporary and quality building to accommodate a large number of organisations supporting various activities in the community. Compared with the existing facility, the new modern facility will have 370 square metres of additional space. Mrs Cross should bear in mind that that was negotiated during the term of the former government.

The former government secured for the community a facility that further adds to the quality of services that are provided in a building that utilises contemporary design and building engineering. The new building will substantially improve the facilities that are available to tenants at the Griffin Centre. I understand that a large number of tenants and a wide range of needs must be accommodated. I am advised that, as of today, additional space in the centre has not been fully allocated. As well as having sufficient space for all existing tenants, over 100 square metres remain available to organisations that might choose to apply.

A condition of the brief that was issued either by this government or by the former government to the Queensland Investment Corporation was to ensure that sufficient space was built to accommodate all existing tenants. It is clear that this commitment has been adhered to and added to as a result of the provision of additional space. A not-for-profit incorporated association with membership drawn from tenant organisations manages the centre. That means that the membership of the board also reflects the current tenant mix. In line with its own constitution I am advised that elections for the board of the Griffin Centre were held in October.

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