Page 161 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 17 February 1993
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In accordance with this section, the Executive has agreed to a transfer of funds from the recurrent to the capital subdivision of the capital works and services program in order to purchase an item of major plant and equipment needed to upgrade that program's computer facilities.
Debate (on motion by Mr Kaine) adjourned.
PAPERS
MR BERRY (Deputy Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, for the information of members, I present the following papers:
National Crime Authority - annual report for 1991-92
Policing in the Australian Capital Territory - annual report 1991-92, together with financial statements and the Auditor-General's report.
MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT -
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
Ministerial Statement and Paper
MR BERRY (Minister for Health, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Sport) (3.06): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement on the Government's response to the report of the ACT Mental Health Review Committee entitled Balancing Rights.
Leave granted.
MR BERRY: Since the beginning of self-government, the Labor Government has stated its strong commitment to improving the ACT mental health legislation and associated services. The former Alliance Government shared this commitment and, with our support, established the ACT Mental Health Review Committee early in 1990. The committee, chaired by Mr Nick Seddon, examined the Mental Health Act and deliberated on ways to improve and protect the rights of people with mental illness. It produced a report titled Balancing Rights, which examines the ACT legislation and its impact on service delivery to people with mental illness or dysfunction. The comprehensive report contains some 59 recommendations.
In response to an invitation for public comment on the Balancing Rights report, 11 submissions were received. The Balancing Rights report and the suggestions made by the public have been considered by this Government, and this document I will table details the Government's response. Quite clearly, this Government is dedicated to improving the services and opportunities available to disadvantaged people. People with mental illness are very often disadvantaged in that they often cannot communicate effectively or make appropriate choices.
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