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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 13 Hansard (27 November) . . Page.. 4960 ..


(3) Why was this service introduced to non-Executive staff of the Legislative Assembly.

Mr Speaker

: The answer to the member's question is:

(1) The provision of counselling services has been provided to non-Executive staff of the ACT Legislative Assembly since October 1997, in conjunction with an identical arrangement for staff of the Assembly Secretariat. Since February 1999, the service has also been made available to non-Executive Members.

(2) The cost to the ACT Legislative Assembly Secretariat for the provision of the counselling services by Davidson Trahaire Corpsych is based on usage of the service. It is not possible to distinguish between usage by Secretariat or non﷓Executive Members and their staff but the combined cost for 2003-04 for those groups is expected to be approximately $6000. The non-Executive Members and their staff represent approximately 50% of the total group eligible to use the service.

(3) The counselling service offers short-term, solution focussed counselling. It can assist employees clarify a problem, identify options and develop plans to approach difficult issues in a constructive manner. The service provides access for staff and their immediate families for both work related and non-work related issues on the basis that the inability to address or resolve these wider issues can have a significant detrimental affect on employee productivity.

It is widely recognised that such services can help reduce the incidence, severity, and costs (both direct and indirect) of workplace injury by implementing preventable measures; can assist in improving the level of communication and consultation between management and staff; and can assist the Assembly achieve compliance with its occupational health and safety obligations.

International Men's Day

(Question No 1129)

Mr Cornwell asked the Chief Minister, upon notice:

In relation to the celebration of International Men's Day in the ACT:

(1) What arrangements did the ACT Government make to support and celebrate this important event on 19 November this year;

(2) What arrangements did the ACT Government make to support and celebrate International Women's Day on 8 March this year?

Mr Stanhope

: The answer to the member's question is as follows:

(1) Nil

(2) The following arrangements were made to support and celebrate International Women's Day on 8 March 2003 across Government agencies:


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