Page 2988 - Week 07 - Thursday, 30 June 2011
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MS GALLAGHER: The government; it will then be re-donated, Mr Hanson, to an appropriate organisation. But that money will flow through. Any opposition to the budget tonight will put that money in question and all of the work that those community organisations do on behalf of the ACT community.
Domestic violence laws
MS HUNTER: My question is to the Attorney-General regarding domestic violence laws. Unfortunately, disability group homes are not immune from acts of domestic violence, and the Domestic Violence and Protection Orders Act 2008 does not recognise the types of living arrangements which occur in disability group homes. Minister, why are you waiting for COAG to fix this gap rather than amending the laws in the ACT?
MR CORBELL: This is a complex area of policy development, and it is appropriate that, at all times—
Opposition members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, members; let’s hear from the minister and give him a chance to answer the question.
MR CORBELL: It is always appropriate that we have regard to national developments in relation to this matter. That is the approach I am taking in relation to this matter. I do not rule out further steps being taken by the ACT, but it is important that we are properly informed of developments at a national level as well.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Hunter, a supplementary?
MS HUNTER: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, will you commit to using the definition in the New South Wales Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 that is far more inclusive, and includes residents of residential facilities?
MR CORBELL: I am not able to commit to that today.
MS LE COUTEUR: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Le Couteur.
MS LE COUTEUR: What is the COAG time frame for action on this issue?
MR CORBELL: I would have to take the question on notice, Mr Speaker.
MS BRESNAN: Supplementary?
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Bresnan?
MS BRESNAN: Minister, what community groups have approached you on this issue and what have been the outcomes of these discussions?
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