Page 5297 - Week 12 - Thursday, 28 October 2010
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MR SPEAKER: Ms Porter, a supplementary question?
MS PORTER: Could the minister update the Assembly on the book Just Change the Channel launched on Monday as part of Children’s Week?
MS BURCH: I thank Ms Porter for her question. The book titled Just Change the Channel was launched on Monday at the Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre as part of Children’s Week activities. The publication was developed by Communities@Work and drew on the innocent but, indeed, most powerful voices of children about their views of this year’s Children’s Week theme, which is “A caring world shares”.
Ms Molly Rhodin, the director of Communities@Work childcare and education centres, decided to speak with children who attend their childcare centres about their views on caring, happiness and respect. While Mollie was speaking with one child about her views, she observed two boys having a discussion about a bike. The young girl commented, “It’s a bit like watching the news.” When Molly asked what she meant by that, the young girl said, “TV news is sad. Bad things happen on TV news but you can always change the channel.” I think that is quite insightful of the young girl’s reflection on the world around her.
In June of this year, I launched the children’s plan for the ACT, which strives to build Canberra as a child-friendly city. In the book Just Change the Channel Molly asks children what is important to them and it has captured their commentary. It is, indeed, well worth a read. Stopping to think what children are telling us helps to better understand and support children in our community.
Mr Hanson: Advice you should have taken, perhaps.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, you are on a warning.
MS BURCH: Children who participated in the development of the booklet, their parents and staff at Communities@Work and the director should be congratulated for producing such a quality book. It will be used by Communities@Work as they move through the community and connect stronger with ACT families.
Ms Gallagher: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answers to questions without notice
Environment—building materials
MR BARR: On Tuesday in question time, Ms Le Couteur, Ms Hunter and Ms Bresnan asked me a series of related questions on the regulations that govern the use of toxic and sustainable materials in buildings in the ACT. I responded to those questions, as I did to similar questions put to me in May this year. In May, I also provided some additional information on the government’s position to Ms Le Couteur, and I am happy to table that information again for the benefit of members today. I present the following paper:
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