Page 5328 - Week 14 - Thursday, 19 November 2009
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commonwealth and the Gungahlin Regional Community Service. It is our understanding that the commonwealth is currently retendering the funding for this service and that this process is not yet complete. The office of children and young people and family services also provides over $120,000 annual funding to the Gungahlin Regional Community Service for after-school and vacation care. There are no plans to cut this ACT government funding.
The second funding source relates to funding provided through the ACT Department of Education and Training. It is my understanding that this is funding that was part of a federal agreement and was also commonwealth funding. I am advised that the department of education recently asked organisations to put in a new bid for this funding, but the Gungahlin Regional Community Service decided not to apply for an extension.
The third funding source referred to in the letter by the Gungahlin Regional Community Service relates to the funding agreement with Disability ACT. There is no intention to reduce any funding support provided by Disability ACT to these services now or in a funding agreement due for renewal in July next year. Disability ACT has been in ongoing discussions with the Gungahlin Regional Community Service around information that can be sent to individuals and families regarding alternative services and supports that would be available in the event that the commonwealth may or may not alter its funding to the Gungahlin Regional Community Service.
Disability ACT’s current funding agreement with the Gungahlin Regional Community Service continues until 30 June 2010. As part of discussions for the next funding agreement with Disability ACT, the Gungahlin Regional Community Service is developing a service delivery model which will be considered by the department when it is completed.
Mrs Dunne, referring to your letter, I am not quite sure whether it was read selectively or whether it was read directly, but it is recognised that it has generated some confusion. The service itself has recognised this. I am advised that the Chief Executive Officer of the Gungahlin Regional Community Service has agreed to send a follow-up letter out to its clients clarifying the situation. You may wish to get a copy of that, Mrs Dunne.
In response to the supplementary question from Ms Hunter, my reply inferred that the commonwealth’s retendered program would not include people with a disability. I reiterate that it is our understanding that the commonwealth government has stated that the delivery of the youth link program will cease on 31 December 2009 and will be replaced by a retendered service that does not have a particular focus on—rather than does not include—young people with a disability. Once I have further information about that program from the commonwealth, I am happy to bring it back to the Assembly.
Schools—Focus on the Family seminar
Statement by minister
MR BARR (Molonglo—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Planning, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation and Minister for Gaming and Racing), by leave: I rise today to report to the Assembly the findings and recommendations of a
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