Page 486 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 15 February 2017
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Mr Coe: A point of order. Madam Speaker, on relevance. The specific supplementary question was about the reason for this spike, in effect, not how the children are being managed after they have come into care. In particular, what is the reason why they are coming into care?
MADAM SPEAKER: Perhaps the minister can get to that in her remaining time.
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: As I said earlier, there is a range of reasons why children come into care. I do not think you can say there is one specific reason why any child, or any group of children and young people, is coming into care. That applies to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people as well. We are working through a range of strategies through the child and family centres and through Koori preschools at early intervention and prevention. That is the key to preventing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people from coming into care; to strengthen families. We are working with the elected body, through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agreement, as well to do that.
Greyhound racing—government policy
MR PARTON: My question is to the Minister for Regulatory Services in relation to racing and gaming, and in particular, greyhounds. Minister, I am aware of a letter sent to your office yesterday advising of the industry’s firm resolve to continue racing and operating from 1 July 2017 regardless of the state of government funding. I have a very simple yes-no question: Minister, will you tell the Assembly whether or not it will be legal to conduct greyhound racing in the ACT after 1 July? Yes or no?
MR RAMSAY: Yes.
MR PARTON: Minister, will you be pursuing the transition packages, given that the greyhound racing industry has stated that they will be continuing to operate after July 1?
MR RAMSAY: Yes, I am aware of the letter that has come in. It remains the government’s position that the continued operation of greyhound racing in the ACT is out of step with community values. That is a position that was clear when it was taken to the election.
Opposition members interjecting—
MR RAMSAY: It was endorsed by the people of Canberra.
Opposition members interjecting—
MR RAMSAY: We are continuing to—
Ms Berry: Point of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: Resume your seat, please, minister. There is a point of order.
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