Page 2609 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 24 August 1994
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After investigating a complaint, the Official Visitor may make a report to me as Minister for Housing and Community Services, or a recommendation to the Director of Family Services. A range of specific concerns have been brought to the attention of me and the Director of Family Services, although, in the main, the comments provided by the Official Visitor have reflected favourably on the operations of institutions and shelters in the ACT in terms of the care provided to children.
The report currently before the Assembly indicates that concerns considered important by children, whether small or large, are brought to the attention of relevant agencies to ensure that they receive appropriate attention. Mr Aldcroft notes in his report that staff employed in the institutions and shelters he visits encourage young people in their care to bring any concerns they have to his attention.
It is encouraging to note Mr Aldcroft's favourable comments on the quality of care provided by staff in Kaleen Youth Shelter and Marymead Children's Shelter and that there were no complaints made by children in these shelters. It is also encouraging to note the level of praise Mr Aldcroft gives to staff who provide custody and care for young offenders in Quamby Youth Centre's committal and remand facilities. Mr Aldcroft comments in his report on "the attitude of mutual assistance and cooperation between staff and detainees".
The role of the Official Visitor is an important one in that it ensures that there is an independent advocate for children who reside in institutions or shelters and that any concerns that arise will be brought to my attention and, through me, to the attention of the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES REVIEW COMMITTEE
Report
MR LAMONT (Minister for Urban Services, Minister for Housing and Community Services, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Sport) (3.15): Madam Speaker, for the information of members, I present the report of the Essential Services Review Committee and move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
This is a report on the first 12 months of operation of the Essential Services Review Committee, the ESRC. The ESRC was established by this Government in August 1992, following an inquiry by the ACT Community Law Reform Committee into the guaranteed supply of essential services. At that time the Government undertook to conduct a review of the ESRC following its first 12 months of operation. That review, conducted by my Department of Urban Services, is now complete.
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