Page 4365 - Week 12 - Thursday, 24 October 2019
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On two occasions visits were postponed or rescheduled as a result of the available staff needing to maintain the operations of the centre. On one of these days the morning visits progressed and the rescheduling was limited to those visits planned for the afternoon. The decision to reschedule or postpone visits is not taken lightly and every effort is made to accommodate them as planned. Where this cannot occur, visits are rescheduled to the soonest available opportunity.
I was also asked about education. Prior to 26 August 2019, young people had been attending the Murrumbidgee Education and Training Centre every day. After the major incident, the centre was required to be secured on 27 August, as per emergency operating procedures, as I have previously mentioned. Young people did not attend school on this day.
Bimberi and the Murrumbidgee Education and Training Centre have worked constructively to maximise young people’s engagement in education since the incident. There have been occasions where the centre or units of the centre have received their education within the Murrumbidgee Education and Training Centre, contrary to reporting which would indicate that the METC has been closed for the duration. However, education provisions have had to be managed to ensure the security of the centre and the safety of young people and staff.
When it is not possible for young people to receive their education at the METC, young people are provided with education packs and supported by METC staff and Bimberi staff to complete their work in their units. I also note that there have been two weeks of school holidays since the incident. During the holidays recreational programs occurred, with the PCYC attending on four occasions, two sessions of hip-hop workshops, two full days of graffiti art sessions and access to the pool, gym and resource room for Xbox and movies.
I acknowledge the impact on young people of this disruption to the educational facilities at Bimberi as a result of these activities, but Bimberi staff and management are working hard with the partners of the centre to minimise the impact for young people.
As I mentioned, I talked yesterday about the current recruitment processes underway. They are very important part of ensuring that the centre will continue to be staffed appropriately into the future. I again place on record my thanks to the staff of Bimberi who work incredibly hard every day to support the most complex young people in our community.
Canberra Hospital—SPIRE project
MR GENTLEMAN: In question time today I took on notice questions from Mrs Jones and Mr Hanson about the SPIRE project. I am advised by ESA that they are currently in the early stages of consultation, including in relation to traffic flow for ambulances in and out of the proposed SPIRE. These and other matters will be considered as part of the feasibility study and planning stages. All aspects around response times and patient safety will feature prominently.
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