Page 5960 - Week 14 - Thursday, 8 December 2011
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The roads program is only one element of ensuring a good transport system for the ACT. I am very keen to ensure that Canberrans have as much information as they can around roads, new roads, the proposals around them, the expansion of roads, duplications of roads, the speeds across roads, and any consideration of any changes to speed limits on roads. These are all matters that I would like to see have further community consultation and input on.
Disability services—housing
MS BRESNAN: My question is to the Minister for Community Services and concerns supported accommodation for people with disabilities. Minister, on the DHCS website it says that Disability ACT provides supported accommodation in 65Â households. While great effort needs to be placed on ensuring residents are appropriate to live together, we have been advised that there is a higher than expected vacancy in bedrooms in those houses, despite the high demand for placements. Minister, can you please advise what is the maximum number of people with disabilities those houses can provide for, and how many of those placements are not currently filled?
MS BURCH: The level of detail about empty bedrooms and whether they equate to vacancies I do not have in front of me. If we look at a group home, whether it is a two-bedroom, three-bedroom or larger property, it is important that we get the tenancy mix of those right. I have spoken to families that are looking to accommodate their children now and it is a long process involving all families involved in group houses, particularly when we are looking at young people who are turning into adulthood and looking to move into independent living. So it is more than just having a vacant bedroom and moving someone off the list into that. It is about making sure there is compatibility across the tenants in a group home.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Bresnan, a supplementary.
MS BRESNAN: Minister, how many people with disabilities are on the waiting list for group homes?
MS BURCH: I will need to come back with that. I am sure the department has that number, but I do not have it in front of me.
MS HUNTER: A supplementary.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Hunter.
MS HUNTER: Minister, what is the average waiting time for a person with disabilities on the waiting list for a group home placement?
MS BURCH: I thank Ms Hunter for her question. I do not believe there is an average waiting time, because of the conversation I mentioned in answer to the first question. When we are looking at, particularly, young people and young adults moving into independence, there is a very long conversation to make sure that they are compatible.
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