Page 2610 - Week 07 - Thursday, 1 August 2019
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Through our values, our expert public service and our strong local judiciary we will deliver a successful program to rehabilitate people with dependencies and reduce crime.
MR PETTERSSON: How does the new drug and alcohol court support the government’s broader aim of making Canberra a restorative city?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Pettersson for the supplementary question. The government believes that the justice system can be and should be restorative and rehabilitative. That means that our court system should support people to repair the harm that they have caused through offending and also restore their relationships with the community. Those principles hold true across criminal justice, civil disputes and all of the ways that our laws provide a framework for behaviour and interactions.
Restorative approaches help make our community whole again after a conflict, a crime or a loss. Holding people responsible for crime can happen whilst simultaneously addressing the underlying causes of their behaviour and fostering strong rehabilitation into the community.
The ACT drug and alcohol court will engage with people whose crimes are primarily the result of drug addiction. It is a form of therapeutic justice. Therapeutic justice is focused on how to help people live better lives as fully participating members of society. This means having a criminal process that is solution focused and that is measured by how it changes future behaviour.
In creating the new drug and alcohol court and across the diverse range of services that we deliver, this government is and will remain people focused and progressive.
Planning—master plans
MR MILLIGAN: My question is to the Minister for Planning and Land Management. Minister, at a meeting for community groups and stakeholders on 29 July, planning officials stated that “master plans no longer have standing” and that “there would be no master plan for Manuka Oval”. Is this the position of the government?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Milligan for his question. The government is committed, of course, to meaningful and relevant community engagement on planning matters, including for Manuka. In 2016, the government committed to a community panel to inform the development for the Manuka Oval precinct. After the completion of the Manuka media centre, the government has been clear that there will be no further redevelopment in Manuka Circle or the Manuka Oval beyond the current plan for the oval.
My decision to refuse an application to deconcessionalise the lease over the Canberra Services Club site reinforces the government commitment to protecting Manuka Circle from further development. The Chief Minister and I outlined our commitment to Manuka in letters to Inner South Community Council representatives in November last year and again in June this year.
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