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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 9 Hansard (27 August) . . Page.. 3256 ..

Aged-care accommodation

MS MacDONALD: Mr Speaker, my question, through you, is to the Minister for Planning, Mr Corbell. Can the minister tell the Assembly what steps the government is taking to address the needs of our ageing community in relation to aged-care accommodation?

MR CORBELL: I thank Ms MacDonald for the question. I am very pleased to advise members that meeting the needs of our ageing population and providing additional support and land where appropriate for additional facilities is a high priority of the government, and that is one of the reasons that today I have announced the government has given agreement for the direct sale of land in Garran, block 53 section 8, to Southern Cross Homes for the development of an aged-care facility.

This has been a matter for negotiation since the previous government was in power. They did not facilitate the process but we certainly have. Based on this agreement, Southern Cross Homes is now able to apply for approval for an additional 31 places for aged-care beds in the ACT. In addition, they will be seeking approval to transfer a further 34 beds from the St Vincent de Paul Ozanam House aged-care facility in Campbell to the new facility. These beds were in danger of closing due to the need of St Vincent de Paul to upgrade to meet new Commonwealth standards. If all approvals are given, all of these beds will now be kept in the ACT, and that is a great result for the ACT.

The Southern Cross Homes residential development includes residential care as well as independent living units in a location that gives residents an opportunity to remain living in an area that has been home to them for so long. There will be 18 two-bedroom living units on the site.

Mrs Burke: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: I draw your attention to standing order 52-reflecting on a debate.

MR SPEAKER: I did not detect a reflection on the debate this morning. I think he is answering a question from Ms MacDonald.

Mrs Burke: Mr Speaker, he is reflecting on the debate earlier today, which has not yet concluded.

MR SPEAKER: I think the standing order to which you refer is "a member may not reflect upon any vote of the Assembly". No vote has been taken.

Mrs Dunne: We had two divisions this morning on this subject, Mr Speaker.

MR CORBELL: I am not reflecting on a vote.

MR SPEAKER: No, I withdraw that.

Mr Stefaniak: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

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