Page 1437 - Week 05 - Thursday, 18 June 2020
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(4) Given that the report also called on CSD, JACS and Access Canberra to ‘explore whether the ACT could issue integrated birth certificates’, which would require amendment to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration ACT 1997, what (a) steps have been taken to date to progress this recommendation, (b) specific steps remain to be completed according to the government’s plan regarding this matter and (b) is the expected date of completion for this entire process, including the tabling of proposed amendments.
Ms Stephen-Smith: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
1. The final step remaining before tabling the proposed legislative amendments is a brief targeted consultation with key stakeholders. This acknowledges the shared effort and significant contribution of individuals who contributed to the Bill’s development, providing them with an early opportunity to view the amendments included in the Bill.
2. Final consultation with key stakeholders is currently underway and will conclude on 22 June 2020.
3. The Adoption Amendment Bill 2020 is scheduled for introduction in the Legislative Assembly on 23 July 2020.
4.
a. To progress this recommendation, Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS) has consulted stakeholders with a view to developing legislative amendments.
Community stakeholders consulted include Barnados Australia (as part of ACT Together) and the Australian Red Cross Birth Family Support Service.
JACS also consulted with the South Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, South Australian Department of Child Protection, and the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice regarding approaches taken in those jurisdictions.
b. The process of developing legislative amendments is underway.
An implementation process will then be required to facilitate Access Canberra issuing integrated birth certificates and to educate and support government and non-government agencies on recognition and use of the certificates.
c. The Government is working towards presenting the legislative amendments in the current term of government and I have previously acknowledged frustrations at the slow progress of this work.
Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate—staffing
(Question No 3017)
Mr Coe asked the Chief Minister, upon notice, on 22 May 2020:
Can the Minister provide a breakdown of the total number of Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate staff by (a) full-time equivalent and
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