Page 2464 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 14 November 1989
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Concessions
MR WOOD: I direct a question to the Chief Minister. Soon after the Government came to office, it instigated a review of the range and application of concessions that apply in the ACT. Can the Chief Minister advise whether that review will be completed and then considered in time for any implementation of decisions in the next budget?
MS FOLLETT: I thank Mr Wood for the question. It is indeed a matter to which I give some priority, particularly in view of the Government's commitment to social justice and to a fair go for people in our community, particularly those who are at some disadvantage. The concessions review is going to be a very complex task, and I will be announcing the terms of reference for that review in the near future. As I said, it will be a complex task, and I do not believe that it would be possible to complete the whole review in less than about 18 months. So it is going to be a process which will take some time and which I hope will be quite comprehensive in looking at the range of concessions that ought to be available to people in the community who need that sort of help.
Nevertheless, with regard to next year's budget, I believe we should look at those areas in which there is obviously the most need and review those concessions in time for the 1990-91 budget. I would certainly undertake to do that. The concessions areas which I am particularly interested in looking at at the moment are those which impact upon the elderly people in our community and also the young and the homeless. They would be the two areas to which I would give priority for next year's budget. But, as I say, I expect the whole review of concessions to take some time - not less than 18 months.
Hospitals
MR COLLAERY: My question is directed to the Minister for Community Services and Health. Minister, I congratulate you on making today's social column in the Canberra Times, but could you reassure the house that your presence at the Soviet embassy function the other day does not indicate that you are about to defect? Secondly, were you seeking specialist advice on disaster relief, or are you and the Deputy Chief Minister about to depart for the Urals to set up a Revlon factory?
MR BERRY: I think a resounding no would suffice.
MR COLLAERY: I wish to ask a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Minister, could you reassure us that the community, as well as the workers, will be represented on any future hospital management structures?
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