Page 6024 - Week 18 - Thursday, 12 December 1991
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aware of the eminent persons on the senior board of Open Family - is a community response to a community problem. I think the provision of such services in the suburbs is appropriate. Indeed, at least two such services are provided by that organisation in my suburb.
Mr Kaine would be well aware that governments, when they provide women's shelters, do not go through an open community consultation process, because that would defeat the purpose of women's shelters. The same process traditionally has applied, and I expect always would apply, in relation to facilities such as this. I can assure Mr Kaine, as I have assured Monash residents, and as the Ombudsman has assured Monash residents, that the Housing Trust will very closely monitor the operations of this house and, if it appears that Open Family is not being a good tenant, steps will be taken against Open Family.
MR KAINE: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. When this was brought to your attention, Minister, you replied:
This is a community problem and the community must provide services to these young people.
Do you believe that that statement is consistent with the fact that the very community in which this house is located is now alienated because they were not consulted in any way, and you are not going to get much cooperation from them?
MR CONNOLLY: I think it is unfortunate that there has been an element of hysteria in this. I think I was reported in the article that you are referring to as saying that this really is a case of nimbyism. The letter that I got from the community acknowledged that there is a need for this sort of facility, acknowledged that alcohol abuse by young people is a problem, acknowledged that we needed organisations such as Open Family doing some work but "not next to my place, thank you very much". That is not an acceptable response that government should respond to.
Ms Follett: I ask that further questions be placed on the notice paper, Mr Speaker.
Domiciliary Oxygen Service
MR BERRY: Yesterday Mr Humphries asked me a question in relation to the domiciliary oxygen program. There has been an increase in demand for domiciliary oxygen over the past 12 months, with referrals increasing from 56 in 1988-89 to 67 in 1989-90 and 90 in June 1991. In anticipation that the demand would exceed the allocated budget of $55,000, the referral criteria were revised in consultation with the thoracic medicine department at Woden Valley Hospital, and strict guidelines for management and monitoring clients on
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