Page 294 - Week 01 - Thursday, 17 February 2011
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MS BURCH: I will take some advice on the program. I know that we are investing strongly in induction. When I was out at Bimberi a number of weeks ago I met a cohort—I think there were seven new youth workers—who were currently going through an induction there. They were enthusiastic about the opportunities and their future employment at Bimberi. It is something that we invest strongly in, with areas of occupational health and safety, in preparation for working in the challenging environment of Bimberi.
Mr Hanson: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, the question was specifically about changes that have been made to staff induction programs, comparing 2010 to 2011, and she has not moved to the point of the question. I would ask the minister to address directly: have any changes been made either in content or duration of induction programs?
MR SPEAKER: Yes, there is a point of order. Ms Burch, would you like to continue?
MS BURCH: Thank you. If they were actually listening, I think I said at the beginning that I would take some detail. They are just waiting to line up. There is actually a beer on offer to see if I get every question from those opposite and so far it is working.
MR SPEAKER: Mrs Dunne, a supplementary.
MRS DUNNE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, were there any instances when requests for recreation leave over the December-January period were refused? If yes, why?
MS BURCH: I will take advice.
Childcare—after-school care
MR DOSZPOT: My question is to the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services. In its 2010 report, the Standing Committee on Health, Community and Social Services, under recommendation 4 in the Love has its limits report, advised:
… the ACT Government seeks to establish after-school care programs at the four ACT Government special schools, The Woden School, Black Mountain School, Cranleigh School and Malkara School to ease the pressure on respite care services and working carers.
Minister, given the urgency of this issue, what measures and steps have you taken or are you taking to address the committee’s recommendation?
MS BURCH: I do look forward to being able to provide a government response to that. But in relation to this, we are commissioning, going out and getting, a business case to look at the issue of specialised after-school care. Some parents are very
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