Page 1043 - Week 03 - Thursday, 3 April 2008
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(1) What is the rate of survival of Wollemi Pines in the Arboretum;
(2) Are there strategies to replace those which have failed to survive.
Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) An inspection of the Wollemi Pine at the Arboretum reveals some losses. A total of about 225 trees (26%) of the 853 trees planted have died and some are looking stressed. However, the majority of the trees (571 or about 67% of trees) are healthy and looking well. A similar proportion of the replacement stock held at Yarralumla Nursery has been similarly affected. This would suggest that the planting out techniques and the site conditions have not played a major part for the failed plants.
(2) The Department intends to replace the losses but only following rigorous analysis and input from a range of tree experts. The Department’s consultant horticultural expert, Mr Mark Richardson, is working with Professor Peter Kanowki, at ANU Forestry, and with other members of the tree reference group to provide advice on the appropriate course of action and to further understand the factors impacting on the health of the Wollemi. Given the trees were only recently discovered in the wild, there is not a wealth of empirical data to draw upon and the trial of the Wollemi plantings at the Arboretum will contribute to this knowledge.
Finance—debt collection review
(Question No 1921)
Dr Foskey asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 4 March 2008:
(1) What is the progress of the Debt Collection Practices and Procedures review which began in 2007;
(2) Will the findings of this review be released publicly.
Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The Debt Collection Practices and Procedures Review IDC report is nearing completion. The base level data has been collated, but due to the complexity of this review some further research is required before the IDC can report to me.
(2) Following consideration of this paper and its recommendations, a decision will be made regarding its public disclosure.
Social welfare—corporate philanthropy
(Question No 1922)
Dr Foskey asked the Minister for Disability and Community Services, upon notice, on 4 March 2008:
(1) What is the progress of the Corporate Philanthropy in the ACT report;
(2) Will the findings of this review be released publicly.
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