Page 1179 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 10 April 2018
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MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Orr for her supplementary question. As we all know, young Canberrans have a unique experience of our city and provide a unique perspective into the challenges we face as a community. The ACT government recognises and supports young people through funding awards and the youth InterACTÂ grants and scholarships but also through consulting young people to ensure that their voice is heard.
One way this recognition is realised is through the Youth Advisory Council. The Youth Advisory Council, or YAC, provides strategic advice to the ACT government on issues affecting young people in the ACT. Membership of YAC reflects the diversity of young people residing in the ACT, including gender balance, people living with a disability and representation from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We are working hard towards better outcomes for young carers, young people with disabilities, young people who come from CALD backgrounds, LGBTIQ young people, young workers and young people who are involved in the justice system.
While it is important that we take the opportunity to reflect on the challenges and contributions of these specific cohorts of young people we must also ensure that we consider the experiences of young people more broadly. The celebration of Youth Week and the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year awards are opportunities to bring the stories of young people to the forefront, highlighting the successes of individual young people to remind us all of the contributions they make to our society and the unique challenges they overcome to do so. Empowering young people to celebrate each other and reflect on their own achievements sets the stage for a confident, successful and inclusive generation of Canberrans into the future.
Light rail—safety
MISS C BURCH: My question is to the Minister for Transport and City Services. Minister, last Thursday, 5 April, you launched the rail-ready light rail safety program. Why have you not coordinated with emergency services to ensure that they were rail-ready before launching this program?
MS FITZHARRIS: We have coordinated with the Emergency Services Agency and the campaign will continue until the operation of light rail.
MISS C BURCH: Minister, why is the government proceeding with light rail track testing on public roads before the emergency services have been fully equipped, trained and resourced to deal with any accidents involving light rail?
MS FITZHARRIS: That is incorrect. We have a highly skilled and well-resourced emergency services agency, which, like all agencies across government that have involvement with the light rail project, has been consulted and engaged with since day one.
MS LAWDER: Minister, what reassurance will you give Canberra drivers, cyclists and pedestrians that they will be safe during track testing of light rail?
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