Page 2495 - Week 08 - Thursday, 30 August 2007
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the systemic challenges of poor wages and conditions, high staff turnover and skill shortages within the sector. We recognise that there are shocking skill shortages in this particular sector, but there is very little focus and future investment apparent in this budget in developing the community sector workforce. Accordingly, the funding for disability and mental health services could end up being meaningless because of the skill shortage unless the government shows some innovation here.
To add to and recap some areas of concern, it is worthwhile to place on the public record some matters raised by People with Disabilities ACT, a peak consumer voice for people with disabilities in Canberra. This was a report that People with Disabilities have recently put out, and it is a dynamic document. It is a living document, continually updated. Let us look at some of the issues that they raise. First of all, there is access and disabled car parking spaces. As I said, I welcome the review of parking in Civic; I think that is terrific. Well done to the government for that. But there are still insufficient spaces available in Civic within an appropriate distance of Garema Place and City Walk. Undercover drop-off points at shopping centres for people with disabilities seem also to be a matter of contention.
Mr Hargreaves: Point of order. I am sorry, Mrs Burke; I do not mean to interrupt you, but this is the subject of a question on notice from Dr Foskey and is on the notice paper. You may have missed it, because it has only come out in the last couple of days.
Mrs Dunne: She can still speak about it.
MRS BURKE: I can still speak about it.
Mr Hargreaves: Yes, but you cannot debate it, that is all.
Mrs Dunne: No, you cannot ask a question if it is on the notice paper.
Mr Hargreaves: Just in case you were not aware of it, that is all.
MRS BURKE: Thank you, minister, I appreciate that. (Second speaking period taken.) Undercover drop-off points at major shopping centres for people with disabilities is an issue. A wheelchair parking scheme is needed and two levels of disability parking. People with Disabilities talk about building access, that the ACT building code is in place and is clear about accessibility. That is good news. Some good stuff is happening there with the building code. Many older buildings remain inaccessible until major refurbishments are done. Obviously, a lot of this cannot fall on the government, but it can be working more actively and energetically with the community to make sure that these things are speeded up in whatever way we can.
With regard to general access in the community, many major suburban play areas and parks are not accessible, even for adults not wanting to use the equipment. I really applaud the government for the swings for people with a disability—liberty swings. The minister and I both have the same feel for people.
Mr Hargreaves: Buzz—we got a real buzz out of it.
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