Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 11 Hansard (6 November) . . Page.. 3734 ..

MR HUMPHRIES: I might point out that the measures that have been announced, certainly by the ACT Government and possibly also by the Prime Minister, although I do not speak for the Prime Minister, have been directed to those people who have been disadvantaged by the operation of the early scheme, in that they would have had to sell their family home in order to be able to get access to nursing homes. Those are the people about whom the greatest concern was being expressed in the course of the debate. I am sure Ms Reilly followed the debate, although she is not now following my answer to her question and is having a chat with Ms McRae. The fact of the matter is that the concern has been about people losing the right to own their own homes. As far as those in government aged accommodation are concerned, the issue of having to sell a family home obviously does not arise. For those who might enter a nursing home and then perhaps leave it to return to accommodation outside a nursing home, there may be some issue.

Ms Reilly: How often is that?

MR HUMPHRIES: Not very often. But the Government system stands ready to accommodate people to the extent that it can in those circumstances. Since Ms Reilly has lost interest in my answer, Mr Speaker, I will leave it at that.

MS HORODNY: Mr Speaker, my question is directed to Mr Humphries in his capacity as Minister for the Environment. Minister, you would be aware of the requirement under the Radiation Act that persons who use radioactive materials in the ACT for various medical and research purposes are required to be licensed, and that a permit is required for the disposal of this radioactive material. According to the Gazette, most of this low-level radioactive waste is being buried at the West Belconnen landfill, some of it is being allowed to be put down the sewer, and some of it is also being allowed to be incinerated at the Totalcare incinerator at Mitchell. The last two disposal methods are of particular concern to me as it means that radioactive waste is being dispersed into the environment rather than being contained. I am aware that they are small amounts of waste; but, with radioactive material, even small amounts can be quite harmful. Minister, can you tell us what environmental impact assessment and health risk assessment has ever been done on these various disposal methods?

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, I thank Ms Horodny for that question. It comes to me as something of a shock to hear that radioactive material is being buried in the landfill site or put down our stormwater drains. I have not seen that particular Gazette. I will examine the Gazette with care, now that Ms Horodny has raised the question. I do not have enough background about the circumstances of this allegation to be able to make detailed comment, but I will certainly take it on notice and report to Ms Horodny and the Assembly as soon as possible.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .