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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 08 Hansard (Wednesday, 4 August 2004) . . Page.. 3425 ..

children. This includes $90 million for active after-school communities programs to involve sporting organisations in providing after-school physical activity.

The ACT welcomes any federal funding targeted at addressing rising obesity levels amongst children. However, sport is not the answer for all children. Some children are not interested in a sporting environment. The program will not target more disadvantaged sections that are more at risk of inactive lifestyles.

Kids-at-play will use specially branded vans to take active play opportunities—I just happen to have a little model with me—equipment, games and staff to various locations throughout Canberra. The brand has already been developed—bright, fun and active. Such opportunities will be developed in conjunction with accredited after-school providers and community organisations on weekdays and weekends. The location of kids-at-play vans will be promoted through the media, including on a website, in print on and TV. The program will begin in early October 2004. Daylight saving hours provide maximum opportunities to run it and to involve parents.

Kids-at-play will be staffed by three people per van. The recruitment process is currently under way in partnership with the University of Canberra, targeting sports administration, sports science and PE students. A pool of 30 casual employees will be required. Kids at play provides great industry experience for staff. Comprehensive training will be provided. Police checks will be mandatory.

Marketing, operational and risk management plans have already been developed. The ACT Insurance Authority has aided the development of a comprehensive risk management strategy. Sponsorship and relationships are being developed to maximise the effectiveness of kids-at-play, including with organisations such as the Heart Foundation and the YMCA, and with the media. Although wider than sporting participation, we will provide opportunities for high profile and sporting luminaries to assist in encouraging kids in enjoyable activity.

Operational costs of this program for the first year are $150,000, which includes the lease of vans, the equipment, staffing and marketing. A $66,000 grant has been provided to the Heart Foundation to aid the success of kids-at-play. Mr Speaker, this is a very positive program being introduced by this government, amongst so many other very positive programs in a sea of negativity here.

MR SPEAKER: Mrs Dunne raised a point of order in relation to how this might affect a later matter on the notice paper. The question certainly did not relate to a matter that is on the notice paper. I listened to it all the way through and I thought that the minister’s response was confined to the question that was asked of him.

Housing—supported accommodation services

MS MacDONALD: My question, which is directed to the minister for housing, Mr Wood, relates to homelessness. Can you tell the Assembly what actions are being taken at the national and local levels to handle homelessness?

MR WOOD: Homelessness continues to be a significant issue in the ACT and nationally. Last week I attended a meeting of community services ministers. One of the

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