Page 5460 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 16 November 2010
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potential as equal citizens. Implementing the four-year plan will enable the ACT to meet its obligations under the national disability strategy.
The strategic governance group will have a leadership role in ensuring that the outcomes envisaged by the future directions framework are achieved over the next four years. The Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services has responsibility for ensuring the actions are implemented. The strategic government group will report annually on delivery, and the first report is due shortly.
I am heartened that so many community members continue to be involved in implementing this plan, and I believe that this in itself is proof that we are on the right track as a government and as a community. The task we have set is large, but significant achievements have already been delivered through future directions.
I firmly believe that we have the tools required to continue to assist people with a disability in the ACT to live the kind of life expressed so eloquently in 2002 by people with a disability. This is nothing less than each of us would wish for ourselves. I commend the four-year implementation plan for Future directions: towards challenge 2014 to the Assembly.
Movember
Discussion of matter of public importance
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Speaker has received letters from Ms Bresnan, Mr Coe, Mr Doszpot, Mrs Dunne, Mr Hanson, Mr Hargreaves, Ms Hunter, Ms Le Couteur, Ms Porter, Mr Seselja and Mr Smyth proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, Mr Speaker has determined that the matter proposed by Mrs Dunne be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
The importance of Movember.
MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (3.50): I am very pleased to take this opportunity today to speak about Movember and the importance of Movember and in this context to speak about the importance of men’s health. I received a bit of a ribbing around this place this morning because I was the only Liberal female member and my name came out of the hat. I think it is important that we speak about men’s health and I think it is very important that women speak about men’s health because it is a very important issue and one that should not be diminished by jibes and humour, although humour is always part of a healthy debate and a healthy discussion.
I spent a lot of time mulling on these issues and I did spend some time mulling on these issues with my senior staff this morning. Whilst dwelling on the fact that this is an important issue not just for men but one that women should be involved in as well, I did think I would want to reflect upon men’s health from what I hope is a man’s perspective.
I have taken some advice from Clinton, my adviser, about some of the issues and his appreciation of men’s health. His appreciation of men’s health and the importance of
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