Page 1231 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 23 August 1989
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
Youth Homelessness
MR HUMPHRIES: My question is directed to the Minister for Community Services and Health. I draw the Minister's attention to the plight of the CANA youth refuge in Manuka run by Mr Nathan Stirling. Is the Minister aware that this youth refuge is in a very difficult financial position, that it cannot apply for CDF funds for several months and that it is likely to close unless the Minister intervenes? Given this Government's claimed commitment to youth homelessness, what action does the Government intend to take to ensure CANA does not close before it can apply for and receive CDF funding?
MR BERRY: It is true that the Government has a strong commitment to intervene in the area of youth homelessness. I must say that I am not fully conversant with the circumstances of the organisation to which you refer. However, I did see in my diary an appointment for the person you referred to, to see me some time earlier this week and that had to be cancelled for some reason, which escapes me now, but I am certainly keen to see him again and talk to him about all of the details of it. If you like, I would be quite happy to report back to you the outcome of those discussions.
Calwell Shopping Centre
MRS NOLAN: My question is to the Chief Minister. It refers to Calwell residents and the fact that they still have no local shopping centre. Some of these residents have lived in Calwell, in Tuggeranong, since 1984 or 1985, when the first houses were built. When are these residents likely to see a replacement for the mobile bus that currently services the area?
MS FOLLETT: Mr Speaker, I think the question might more appropriately be answered by the Deputy Chief Minister.
MR WHALAN: Mr Speaker, I thank the Opposition spokesperson on these matters for the question. There has been a review of the retail facilities in this area of Tuggeranong, initiated by my department, within the Office of Industry and Development. That review is being undertaken in close consultation with community and industry representatives. We have had discussions on this very matter this morning, and I am expecting to receive recommendations concerning the timing of the release of the Calwell group centre within this current month.
The Calwell site was due to be released in the March 1988 auction. However, following representations, the sites were withdrawn from auction on that particular occasion. The bulk of the required population already exists within the catchment area, so the need for the retail facilities by the local population is recognised.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .