Page 3635 - Week 11 - Thursday, 22 September 2005

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(1) There are currently no plans to scale back the operations of the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs within Chief Minister’s Department. As part of the broad 5% cut across government agencies, announced in May this year, the Cabinet and Policy Group within Chief Minister’s Department is undergoing organisational review. Specifically in Community Affairs, which includes the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, a review process over the next six months will examine organisational options to best support strong whole of government policy development.

(2) See above.

Animals—product testing
(Question No 476)

Mrs Burke asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 18 August 2005:

Is there evidence to suggest the use of animals in testing of cosmetics and household products in the ACT; if so, what steps is the Government taking to eradicate the testing of products on animals in the ACT.

Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

There is no evidence to suggest the use of animals in testing of cosmetics and household products in the ACT.

No organisation has applied for a licence or been registered in the ACT to use animals for the purpose of testing cosmetics and household products. The Animal Welfare Act 1992 establishes licensing and authorisation requirements for the use of animals in the course of research and teaching activities.

Housing—tenant rights
(Question No 477)

Mrs Burke asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 18 August 2005:

What steps are being taken to assist tenants in the ACT to extend their statutory rights to terminate leases, by following appropriate notice to vacate, without incurring liability or penalty for the remainder of a lease or part of a lease where a tenant (a) becomes unemployed or (b) is offered a public housing tenancy agreement.

Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

General assistance to tenants in the ACT is provided through a number of avenues:

o the Tenants' Union of the ACT provides advice and legal assistance through the Tenants' Advice Service;

o the Residential Tenancies Tribunal provides a forum for the resolution of tenancy disputes;

o the Welfare Rights and Legal Centre also operates through the Tenants’ Advice Service;


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