Page 278 - Week 01 - Thursday, 9 December 2004
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The government is committed to seeing a new and independent commissioner for children and young people. This new position will report directly to the Attorney-General and is currently the subject of public consultation over the form and scope of the position. The achievements in child protection and children’s services more generally are noteworthy, but more remains to be done. The goodwill extended by the community stakeholders has been exceptional and all who have been involved in this process appreciate their continuing engagement. Particular credit and emphasis must go to the staff of the new Office for Children, Youth and Family Support for their work to recruit new staff and manage an effective transition.
The government will continue to promote the needs of women so that all women can engage as community members in the debates and discussions of the next few years. In terms of working to improve the status of women in the ACT, this government has prioritised the needs of women and implemented effective reforms and assistance.
The government did the groundwork by immediately setting up a committee to inquire into the status of women in the ACT. We used the outcomes of that inquiry to formulate our policies in the last term, and we are continuing to make real progress. We have a women’s plan that will guide us for the future. This plan seeks to provide a framework through which to focus strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for all women and girls.
The six priority areas detailed in the plan are: representation and recognition; good health and wellbeing; responsive housing; safe inclusive communities; economic security and opportunities; and flexible education and training. Through this plan we have given the issues relating to women the serious consideration and action they deserve, and we have promised to continue that hard work in this term of government.
In the area of representation and recognition we have introduced a new women’s grants program. The program provides financial assistance to individuals and groups for the development of activities that improve the status of women.
In mid-December I will be launching the ACT women’s honour roll. This project provides an opportunity for recipients of the past three International Women’s Day awards to tell their stories. The honour roll will further acknowledge women in the ACT community and inspire others. This will be an ongoing commitment from the government.
The government committed in its election promises to an undertaking to hold a women’s summit every two years in Canberra. This summit will aim to bring together women from different backgrounds and with different experiences, along with experts, to discuss current issues affecting women and women’s participation with society—issues such as balancing work and family, violence, housing and crisis accommodation, economic security and health, to name a few. These summits will encourage ACT women to provide input to the government’s agenda and future policy directions for women in the ACT.
We will continue to work to increase the availability of affordable housing for women. The government will continue to provide appropriate support to women escaping
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