Page 2205 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 31 October 1989
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
Planning for the upgrading of Woden Valley and Royal Canberra Hospitals to meet the requirements of their new roles will commence immediately. This work will take up to a year to complete and will heavily involve staff and unions, as well as provide an opportunity for the community to contribute to the planning process. This will help develop better ways of delivering services.
Mr Speaker, in planning and managing these changes special attention will need to be given to such important areas as continuity in the delivery of services, revised staffing arrangements and structures, and the development of systems of operation that will ensure minimum disruption during the restructuring phase and set the scene for the future. I present the following paper:
Public hospital redevelopment - Ministerial statement, 31 October 1989
and move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
Debate (on motion by Mr Humphries) adjourned.
DOG CONTROL LEGISLATION
Ministerial Statement and Paper
MRS GRASSBY (Minister for Housing and Urban Services), by leave: Mr Speaker, following a question from Mrs Nolan on 24 October I wish to inform the Assembly of progress on dog control legislation. There is a strong view in the community that dog control laws need to be strengthened so that responsible pet owners are protected and irresponsible people are made to do the right thing. As I have mentioned before, the Government is reviewing current ACT dog control laws. Information is being collected on the legislation in the States, and this is being analysed.
So far our review has shown that the ACT dog control laws are not as strong as legislation in other States. Particular areas we need to address are: requiring dogs in public places to be on leads; simplifying the process of dealing with dogs that attack people or other animals; and increasing penalties.
I would like to stress that, before making any changes based on the review, the Government would like an indication of the community's feelings. As a result, we have decided to circulate a questionnaire throughout the community through a number of outlets. I am sure that all members are aware that dogs and dog control laws are a very emotive issue for the community. There are two sides to the question. Many people derive a great deal of pleasure and companionship from their dogs. However, not all people
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .