Page 4280 - Week 11 - Thursday, 25 October 2018
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policies were entered into is that the scope of activities across community councils and some of their affiliated resident groups has broadened considerably. The original policy that was in place for all community councils does not cover that broader range of activities, so the government is meeting with individual community councils.
Across the territory there are some that have no affiliated suburban residential groups; others have 10 or 11 affiliated suburban residential groups that form part of a range of activities that a community council would undertake. The government funds community councils to undertake a range of consultative activities in the community. We will continue to do so and insurance arrangements will be part of that.
MS LE COUTEUR: Has the government increased, or will it increase, its financial support for the councils to cover whatever increased costs they may have for insurance?
MR BARR: We may not have increased costs for insurance; it will, of course, depend on the nature of any changes sought by community councils. It has now moved from a one-size-fits-all insurance policy to needing to tailor insurance policies to meet the different needs of different sections of our city. Those negotiations and discussions with insurance brokers and the like are ongoing. I am advised that there have been some meetings to date with community councils but that there are some who are yet to have their more detailed meeting about their insurance needs.
The directorate is continuing to work closely with the various community councils. From memory, we provide funding of around $12,851 or thereabouts for community councils for these sorts of purposes. That figure may be indexed annually. I am not sure; I will check on that. But I do not think it is going to be a problem in relation to capacity to afford insurance as the additionality of the community organisations’ coverage should be manageable. That is what I have been advised, but we will continue to work closely with the councils.
MS CODY: Chief Minister, what support does the ACT government currently provide to community councils?
MR BARR: The government does, of course, provide annual grants to community councils to assist in their activities. We also provide the bulk of in-kind support for community councils by way of information dissemination assistance, providing, I would imagine, a fair proportion of the guest speakers who attend regular meetings from across the ACT government directorates. There is very considerable support for community councils.
Of course, they differ in the range of activities that they undertake. Some are involved in running community festivals and suburban-level events; others have a much more consultative focus, with a particular emphasis on, for example, planning issues.
Visitors
MADAM SPEAKER: Members, I want to welcome to the Assembly a group that has been part of a getting to know your Assembly group today. Welcome to your
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