Page 696 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 31 March 2021

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MS VASSAROTTI: We will be responding to the question on notice within the requirements of the Assembly. There is absolute commitment. I refer the opposition also to the State of the Environment report, which last came out in 2019. It has a number of indicators around biodiversity, and it suggests that the extent and condition of conservation areas in the ACT are good and improving. I refer the member to that report, but we will be responding within the time frames required by the Assembly.

MS CASTLEY: Minister, how can disadvantaged Canberrans, who are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change than others are, trust you to improve their wellbeing?

MS VASSAROTTI: I thank Ms Castley for the question. In relation to the ACT’s Climate Change Strategy, the issue of just transition is a really significant one and is extensively covered in a range of strategies, including the Climate Change Strategy. The issues of green infrastructure and a livable city are of particular concern to all Canberrans, but particularly disadvantaged Canberrans. We will continue to introduce a whole range of initiatives, as outlined yesterday and in many of the strategies.

Alexander Maconochie Centre—oversight committee

MRS JONES: My question is to the Minister for Corrections. Minister, on 24 February Christine Nixon was appointed chair of the AMC oversight committee. During estimates it was revealed she will be paid more than $2,000 per day. Minister, beyond the $2,000 per day salary, what other costs and expenses is the Labor-Greens government covering for Ms Nixon?

MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mrs Jones for her question and for her interest in ensuring that we can get the oversight committee to do this very important work in the corrections space. Of course, we indicated the cost in the hearings. I will say that that is a cost for the days that she is actually in work. There is also some cost associated with the meetings of the oversight committee. We will get the detail of that and bring it back to the chamber.

MRS JONES: Is Ms Nixon already being paid and, if so, when did she start work, how many days has she worked and what work has she done?

MR GENTLEMAN: Yes, she has started work. I met with Ms Nixon and the oversight committee just last week for their very first committee meeting. I understand that the meeting went incredibly well and everyone is very keen to ensure that we can use the committee to remap these important changes for corrections across the ACT. In regard to individual costs, I will take that on notice and come back to the chamber.

MRS KIKKERT: Minister, how many times has Ms Nixon visited the AMC, and will that be part of her role?

MR GENTLEMAN: Yes, it will be, when she deems necessary. I understand she has met with AMC staff already.


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