Page 3098 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 22 August 2017
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Mr Parton for the supplementary question. In a number of ways; I am aware that there have been some changes to bus routes in past years, but there is, of course, the flexible bus service, which I have just undertaken to further explore. We also look forward to the green rapid, starting in the next couple of months, which will further improve rapid bus services to residents of the inner south coming from Woden and through the inner south into the city.
Access Canberra—structural change
MR PETTERSSON: My question is to the Minister for Regulatory Services. Can the Minister update the Assembly on the planned structural changes within Access Canberra?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Pettersson for his question. The government is committed to ensuring that we are continually assessing our service delivery models and amending our processes or structures wherever we see room for improvement in services for the ACT community.
One of these changes is a partial reconstruction within Access Canberra to better ensure work safety, enforcement of construction and trade standards, and protection of the environment in the ACT. In the incredibly liveable city we have that is continuously growing we must ensure that we keep pace with the expanding needs and expectations of the growing community.
Previously the Work Safety Commissioner, the Construction Occupations Registrar and the commissioner for the Environment Protection Authority were all positions vested in one person. We have been very ably served by the current commissioner in this position. He has done and continues to do excellent work in these positions. However, with the growth in volume and complexity of his workload it is time to spread the load to include other experts.
As part of this change, the current Work Safety Commissioner will remain in his position. I look forward to his ongoing continued excellent work and increased focus on ensuring that Canberrans get home safely. The change will see the Construction Occupations Registrar position being vested in an existing senior executive in Access Canberra. We will also be creating a new position within Access Canberra for a dedicated Environment Protection Authority Commissioner.
MR PETTERSSON: Can the minister outline how this change to Access Canberra’s structure will help strengthen the government’s commitment to getting workers home safely?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Pettersson for his supplementary question. This change will ensure that Worksafe has the best possible senior executive support for its functions. The current Worksafe commissioner has a very broad remit across a number of functions in Access Canberra with his three current statutory roles. This change will boost the amount of time he has to dedicate to the important role of Work Safety Commissioner.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video