Page 3948 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 20 September 2017
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I do wish to note for the Assembly that I believe that the amendment that has been moved by Mr Parton is unfortunately, but not surprisingly, based on inaccuracy, on misrepresentation, on misunderstanding. It uses hyperbole and confuses the nature of the positions of power, inclusion and exclusion and ongoing government policy. The focus of the government’s work in gambling reform which is alluded to in part of the amendment is and will remain always about those affected by problem gambling, who are some of our most marginalised members of our society. We are continuing to implement our important policies to increase inclusion and to increase support. I note for the attention of the Assembly that ClubsACT were part of the roundtable last Friday. Again there is misunderstanding and misrepresentation contained in the amendment.
The focus of the government’s work in ending the greyhound racing industry is and always has been consistent since day one of this government. It is about animal welfare. We will provide services, and we are providing services. Again, I encourage Mr Parton, with his links with the greyhound racing industry, to connect people to the greyhound task force, who are open and who are consulting well on this matter.
I believe that inclusion for all people, particularly the vulnerable, has been a matter of focus of mine for many years, as I previously served on the ACT Community Inclusion Board and worked on the targeted assistance strategy. I believe that as a society we are best measured by the way that we include and value our most vulnerable members. An inclusive justice system means that we will be focused on providing timely, accessible and transparent justice to all Canberrans, mindful specifically of those who are vulnerable or experiencing disadvantage. The 2017-18 budget provides funding to help ensure that the most vulnerable people in Canberra can access the rights and protections of the justice system. The budget reflects this government’s focus on delivering services to people who need them most and making Canberra the most socially inclusive city in Australia.
That is why the $2.5 million in this budget that was given to the community legal centres is so critical for the justice system. Funding our CLCs means funding for lawyers who will help people facing disadvantage. It will mean the programs to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with family law and other court matters are enhanced. It means StreetLaw, which focuses on people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, has recurrent funding for the first time. Canberra Community Law, the Women’s Legal Centre and the Environmental Defender’s Office will all have funding to provide their core services. Earlier this year I joined our CLCs at the Hub on Barry Drive to hear firsthand what this funding would support. Anyone who visits this hub will see the enthusiasm for and dedication to serving this community’s most vulnerable people.
One of the areas of our justice system that are unfortunately central to addressing disadvantage is the criminal system, and the government is committed to maintaining a fair criminal justice system, with a focus on restoration and on rehabilitation. We have provided an additional $1.24 million for Legal Aid ACT, which represents people in court who face disadvantage and who cannot afford legal representation.
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