Page 313 - Week 01 - Thursday, 16 February 2006

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


priorities. A number of small specialist consultancies have also been let to provide additional advice and information on key functional issues for the Centre. These inputs will come together early in the New Year and form an agreed and costed Scope of Works against Budget.

(3) There are no unanticipated delays to the upgrade project.

(4) With the building condition and audit report now finalised, and industry consultation nearing completion, the scope, costing and prioritisation of works will be finalised early in the New Year. The Government Procurement Board has approved the project and an EOI process for the Project Manager will be undertaken shortly to enable the design phase of the project to commence. Following this, a Prime Contractor will be appointed to manage the works at the Centre.

(5) It is not possible at this point in time to give a precise completion date for the upgrade works. Ultimately, that date will be negotiated with the Prime Contractor and will be dependent on matters such as labour and material supply, and obtaining necessary building approvals. However, based on the information currently available to the Government, the second half of 2007 seems a likely completion timeframe. The Government anticipates that most of the major upgrade works will occur from late 2006 and run into the first half of 2007. The Government is committed to providing regular updates on likely timelines as it becomes available. It will do this in conjunction with the Industry Advisory Panel.

Youth—illicit substance abuse
(Question No 831)

Mr Smyth asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 14 December 2005:

(1) Further to comments made by the ACT Health Chief Executive on ABC radio that there are greater pressures on the mental health system due to a greater abuse of illicit substances by young men which is placing a great deal of stress on our services that provide care for acutely psychotic people, what is the extent of illicit substance abuse by young men in the ACT;

(2) How do the figures for illicit substance abuse by young men compare to the figures for young women;

(3) What is the Government doing to reduce illicit substance abuse by young people in the ACT, in particular, men;

(4) How is the Government focussing on this issue to promote awareness about illicit substance abuse.

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

(1) According to the results of the 2002 ACT Secondary Student Alcohol and Drug Survey males (32.4%) were significantly more likely to report having used an illicit substance than females (26.8%).

(2) According to ACT Health data (2004-05), males account for 75% of clients aged between 12-18 years accessing treatment for illicit drug use.


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