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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 8 Hansard (21 August) . . Page.. 3038 ..

MR WOOD (continuing):

This Government has given careful consideration to the recommendations of the Committee and we support 30 sub-recommendations, and agree in principle with a further 14 sub-recommendations.

Let me briefly outline the Government's current and proposed action in response to these recommendations, which include:

A Curriculum Renewal Project announced in the 2003-2004 Budget. This will include a focus on physical activity in schools and a "human values"program.

A new initiative in the 2003-2004 Budget that will see 17 youth workers allocated to high schools over the next two years.

An announcement in December 2002 to develop an ACT Children's Plan to clearly articulate the Government's commitment to children and families.

The development of an ACT Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan in 2003 to meet the mental health needs of the whole community.

A commitment through the Health Action Plan 2002 to develop a public health nutrition plan that will incorporate the needs of children and young people into its key priority areas.

Provision of funding for an ACT Youth Smoking Prevention Project, which will involve young people in its development, implementation and evaluation.

The development of a new Guide for Planning and Conduct of Special Events to outline responsibilities and requirements for special events, including issues such as safety, security, lighting, transport and emergency services.

The development of a Caring for Carers policy for the ACT Government that will consider the needs of young carers.

And funding to undertake a TravelSmart Schools Pilot Project in two schools to raise awareness of the impacts of car use and to encourage walking to school through the establishment of "walking school buses".

As stated earlier, the Government announced in December 2002 the development of an ACT Children's Plan, which clearly articulated our commitment to children and families.

The Plan will encompass antenatal, infancy, the early school years and middle childhood, and will address both universally provided services to families and services targeted to address the needs of specific groups.

Mental illness is also a growing problem that presents challenges to the community as a whole, as well as for individuals and families.

The ACT Government is committed to addressing the growing needs of the ACT population through the development of a Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan in 2003.

A number of recommendations will also be considered through the development of this Plan including:

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