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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 02 Hansard (Thursday, 4 March 2004) . . Page.. 840 ..

(5) What is the design of the machines to be used, for example, coin slot to get new needle or disposal of old needle to get new needle;

(6) How many vending machines will be used during the trial and where will they be located;

(7) What arrangements will be put in place to encourage safe disposal of needles after use;

(8) What educational activities will be put in place to advertise the availability of the syringes and promote the safe disposal of needles after use amongst relevant groups;

(9) What criteria will be used to assess whether or not the trial has been a success.

Mr Corbell: The answer to the member’s question is:

(1) The Government’s decision to move ahead with a trial of vending machines is consistent with recommendations made in the Standing Committee’s Report and with the Government’s response to the Standing Committee Report as tabled in the Legislative Assembly on 10 February 2004.

(2) The Government’s response to the Standing Committee’s report was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on 10 February 2004.

(3) A contract is yet to be signed with a vendor so the price per syringe pack is yet to be finalised.

(4) ACT Health will lease the machines for the period of the trial.

(5) The machines will accept coins. Disposal bins will be located beside the machines.

(6) The machines will be located outside the Community Health Centres at Civic, Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Phillip. Consideration is also being given to locating a machine outside the Narrabundah Community Health Centre.

(7) Disposal bins will be located beside the machines and they will be clearly signposted. Used needles will be able to be placed in the same packs they are issued in, and the packs re-sealed for safe disposal in the bins. Packs will be clearly labelled to remind consumers of safe disposal practices.

(8) The location of the machines and safe disposal practices will be promoted through the distribution of information leaflets and articles placed in newsletters/ magazines of existing alcohol and drug agencies such as the Canberra Alliance For Harm Minimisation (CAHMA) and the current Needle and Syringe Program outlets across the ACT.

(9) An external evaluation will be undertaken of the trial. The scope and methodology of the evaluation is currently being finalised.

Hospitals—New South Wales patients
(Question No 1248)

Mr Smyth asked the Minister for Health, upon notice:

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