Page 3638 - Week 10 - Thursday, 19 September 2019
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MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Le Couteur for the question. Of course, the government does believe in having important discussions with the community. In relation to this particular forum, it has been held for quite some time. We do, of course, believe that we should engage in regular consultations with individuals, community groups and industry bodies. The environment and planning forum is one way in which the planning directorate engages with community groups. It is important that we have those engagements.
In relation to this particular forum, the directorate looked for the ability to engage in new ways. I did not make the decision to cancel the forum; it was the Director-General of EPSDD, in looking at new ways that we can communicate with the rest of the ACT in regard to future planning.
MS LE COUTEUR: Minister, the forum was a good opportunity for attendees to hear each other’s views plus to get information for the directorate. What new consultation arrangements will there be and how will they deliver the benefits of the previous forum?
MR GENTLEMAN: When Mr Ponton began in the role of chief planner he gave an undertaking that he would look at new and innovative ways to engage with our community to make sure that engagement was as effective as it possibly could be. We want to hear from a range of voices across Canberra on matters important to planning and the environment. Mr Ponton has advised members of the forum that he takes engagement with community and stakeholders very seriously. The cancellation of the forum is to allow a review off its effectiveness; it should not be taken as a move away from his commitment to engaging with the community.
MR PARTON: Minister, why do you continue to trumpet your consultation credentials but then shut down avenues by which members of the community can engage, particularly those members who disagree with your position?
MR GENTLEMAN: I did not shut it down at all.
Ms Lawder: You cancelled it.
MR GENTLEMAN: No, I did not cancel it. The directorate that was engaged in the forum made the cancellation. I support the work that Mr Ponton does. He is looking for new and innovative ways to engage with the community. He advised the forum of this and they are seeking a new opportunity.
Hospitals—aged-care transition
MRS DUNNE: My question is to the Minister for Health. Do ACT Health and Canberra Health Services comply with the federal aged-care policy relating to the maximum number of days a patient spends in hospital after being found to require permanent residential care?
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