Page 3927 - Week 12 - Thursday, 23 November 2006
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
(2) What associated activities and programs have been initiated to enhance the capability of indigenous people to undertake commercial activities.
Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) An Indigenous Business Support Officer was appointed in April 2004.
The Indigenous Business Support Officer has identified 56 Indigenous businesses in the ACT, including start ups and established businesses. Of these businesses, 23 were assisted to access mainstream business assistance programs.
(2) A strategic approach was developed to support Indigenous businesses to access mainstream programs. Each business underwent a facilitation process with the Indigenous Business Support Officer and the Canberra Business Advisory Service (CanBAS), to facilitate further applications for assistance through a BusinessACT program.
In addition, a pilot ACT Indigenous Business Website Project was undertaken to provide an E-Commerce presence for five local Indigenous businesses. Each business was also assisted to develop an E-Commerce Strategic Plan to provide direction on how to achieve business outcomes through their websites.
Business—occupational health and safety practices
(Question No 1273)
Mr Smyth asked the Minister for Business and Economic Development, upon notice, on 21 September 2006:
(1) In relation to Action 21 in the Economic White Paper, what action has been undertaken, in collaboration with the private sector, to assist businesses to introduce effective occupational safety and health practices;
(2) If this action has been completed, what have been the outcomes;
(3) If this action has not been undertaken or completed, why not.
Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) ACT WorkCover provides speakers and presenters on occupational health and safety regulation at numerous seminars, workshops and training courses. Approximately 2,500 people attend ACT WorkCover presentations each year. ACT WorkCover publishes and circulates a monthly email newsletter to over 4,000 subscribers and provides educational material for publication in ACT business association and union journals and newsletters. ACT WorkCover also maintains a website containing a comprehensive range of educational materials, publishes a range of educational and guidance materials in hard copy and CD format and makes these available to clients from its counter and through Inspectors visiting ACT workplaces. ACT WorkCover also coordinates the annual Health and Safety Month and ACT OHS Awards, both of which are aimed at raising awareness and understanding of OHS issues.
(2) This activity is ongoing.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .