Page 1557 - Week 05 - Thursday, 13 May 2021

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Any increase in electricity costs is of concern. In relation to the announced potential network charge increases by Evoenergy, I note that this is just one part of what makes up retail electricity prices in the ACT. The announced potential network cost increases are expected to be partially offset by a reduction in the wholesale electricity purchase costs. Wholesale electricity purchase costs account for approximately 30 per cent of a retail electricity bill.

The net effect of the network price increase and wholesale electricity purchase cost reduction will not be known until June when the ICRC makes its annual update to the standing offer retail price.

I also note that Evoenergy’s proposal suggests the cost of the ACT large-scale Feed-in Tariff could rise by around $3.70 per week in 2021-22, or around $193 per year, not $300.

Arts—dementia-friendly access

Ms Cheyne (in reply to a question by Ms Lawder on Thursday, 22 April 2021):

I am advised that the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) has commissioned an access expert, who has inspected the ramp and is providing advice on the most appropriate way of overcoming the depth perception issue and improving the functionality of the ramp.

The timing of works to achieve this outcome will depend on the complexity of modifications required, and I will provide a further update once this is known.

CMAG is respectful of the visiting public, especially people living with dementia, and view this as an opportunity to improve access to their open collections space (which is one that engages the community through the profiling of collections from individuals and groups in the local community).

Arts—dementia-friendly access

Ms Cheyne (in reply to a supplementary question by Ms Lawder on Thursday, 22 April 2021):

Whether an ACT Government owned arts facility is a suitable environment for a person living with dementia and their carer depends on the individual’s abilities and interests, the design of the physical spaces as well as appropriate community programs. Given this, it is difficult to quantify how many facilities are not dementia friendly.

New spaces at arts facilities are designed in accordance with current accessibility standards. For example, the recently completed Belconnen Arts Centre Stage 2 is fully accessible for visitors. The building is easy to move around as it is on one level and is also evenly lit. Both these design features promote safety, security and comfort which align with dementia enabling environment principles. Belconnen Arts Centre also runs


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