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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 03 Hansard (Wednesday, 10 March 2004) . . Page.. 974 ..

advise—I can do it only in the broad today—that the targets and the reduction in greenhouse emissions achieved over the period since the greenhouse strategy was accepted are in no way being met. I am now advised that the target date that was established of a reduction of I think 2008 is now simply unachievable. We are adjusting the targets and our assessment of our capacity to meet them.

MS DUNDAS: I ask a supplementary question. We will wait to see that information to see how achievable any targets will be. Have greenhouse emission considerations been incorporated into the government asset management strategy? If not, will it be part of the new greenhouse strategy that you say will be presented shortly?

MR STANHOPE: These issues around the role and the leadership that both the ACT government and the Commonwealth government need to take in relation to greenhouse gas emissions are very much part and parcel of our strategy and our capacity to meet the targets.

As you are aware, the two main contributors to greenhouse gases in the ACT are motor cars and electricity consumption. To some extent, issues around electricity consumption are the more difficult or the more problematic for us to deal with. Accepting the role, size and influence of the Commonwealth and its institutions, and the extent to which the Commonwealth consumes power in the ACT, we will ensure that the ACT government, through its consumption of energy of both those forms, works in tandem with the Commonwealth to ensure that both governments located here in Canberra, in the national capital, play a role in ensuring that we provide leadership in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

I will provide Ms Dundas with as much information as I can on those issues and questions she has raised. I am aware that that answer is a little iffy. I am more than happy to provide you with what information I can, acknowledging that we are working towards the release of the strategy.

Child protection

MR CORNWELL: My question is to the Attorney-General, Mr Stanhope. Attorney, on 4 December, Mr Hargreaves asked the Community Advocate, in your presence, a question about her annual report stating that family services were still in breach of section 162 (2) of the Children and Young People Act. The community services and social equity committee asked you a question on notice about section 162 (2) reports to the Office of the Community Advocate on 8 December 2003, as follows:

Could the Attorney-General please comment on the Government’s approach to Chief Executive Officers that are reported to have failed to comply with their statutory obligations?

This question to you of 8 December seems to have sparked a sudden burst of activity by Ms Gallagher’s department. The director of family services met with the Community Advocate on 10 December to discuss this issue and agreed to supply the outstanding reports from July 2002 to the Community Advocate by February. Secondly, a draft abuse in care policy was discussed with staff on 11 December and was presented to the substitute care sector on 11 December. Finally, the notorious brief was faxed to

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