Page 4227 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 23 October 2019
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While this is unfortunately not something that is currently provided in the ACT, we have made it very clear that a publicly run crematorium will provide for the needs of religiously and culturally diverse Canberrans, and we will be consulting with them further as we continue the development of this project.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, what are the next steps to provide a publicly operated crematorium in Canberra?
MR STEEL: I thank Mr Pettersson for his interest in ensuring that the government can get the crematorium operating as soon as possible to provide services to the Canberra community. The government have announced our intention for a public crematorium to be built and operated in the ACT at Gungahlin Cemetery. In terms of the next steps, the ICRC will begin work on helping to set the prices at the crematorium and will be applying competitive neutrality principles to the crematorium. Work will commence over the next year to progress the design and construction of the facility located at Gungahlin Cemetery, which will be operated by the ACT Public Cemeteries Authority.
This follows the ACT government’s broader review of cemeteries and crematoria in the ACT and particularly how we meet the current and future needs and preferences of Canberrans when it comes to burial and cremation services. We are also continuing work on planning for further burial places, and potentially a future crematorium at Great Southern Memorial Park to provide those services on the south side as well. I look forward to keeping the Assembly and Canberrans updated on the government’s works to ensure that even more Canberrans have access to the services they need, particularly at the end of their life.
MR BARR: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answer to question without notice
Bimberi Youth Justice Centre—staffing
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: In question time I was asked a number of questions about Bimberi Youth Justice Centre, and I spoke about recruitment. I have an update for the Assembly. I will repeat some of the information that was provided in response to a question on notice and provide some further information. There was a recruitment round that commenced in January 2019 that received 145 applications, with 10 applicants found suitable for permanent and temporary positions. Unfortunately, four of the 10 withdrew before the induction commenced. That does speak to one of the challenges when we are trying to recruit excellent staff. Retention is also an issue.
The next round commenced on 21 January and, as advised in the answer to the question on notice recently, interviews occurred in September. A new induction process commenced on 21 October, this week. Nine new staff have been employed through this process, with eight commencing the induction on Monday, 21 October. One staff member employed was an existing casual and therefore has already completed the induction training. This round of induction training finishes on 12 December 2019.
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