Page 5457 - Week 15 - Tuesday, 8 December 2009
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formalise the process forward on the review that we have committed to over the 18-month period.
It is a human rights compliant jail. It is very difficult, and I would be interested if the Greens have any views on how we would compel individuals who are against having a blood test done and force them to have a blood test against their will. I would think that, if it does not contravene standards, it would certainly raise concerns, I would imagine, with the Human Rights Commission about compelling an individual to undergo testing.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Hunter, a supplementary question?
MS HUNTER: Thank you. Minister, with regard to any possible human rights concerns about forced blood sampling, have you sought the advice of the human rights commissioner on this issue and, if so, what has been her response?
MS GALLAGHER: I have not sought it on that specific issue. I have had discussions with Health, and indeed with the Attorney-General, around how we proceed forward on putting together a working group and terms of reference for how the review is going to proceed, what data it collects, and how useful that data is if a number of the individuals are not allowing blood testing and the impact that they may have on the quality of data that we are then required to make our decision on about the provision of health services in Alexander Maconochie Centre. But I can absolutely guarantee that the views of the Human Rights Commission will be involved in that in terms of advising that working party or directly working within the framework of the working party.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, a supplementary question?
MR HANSON: Minister, given the confusion over the opening date of the Alexander Maconochie Centre, can you update the Assembly on what date the 18-month trial will actually conclude?
MS GALLAGHER: I think we were always clear that it would be 18 months of data collected from residents within the Alexander Maconochie Centre, so when we had 18 months of data we would base our decision on that.
Mr Hanson: When is that?
MS GALLAGHER: Eighteen months after the data started being collected, Mr Hanson.
Childcare—fees
MRS DUNNE: My question is to the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services. Minister, a new national agreement for childcare will come into effect on 1 January 2012. Could you update the Assembly on the impact the new framework will have on childcare fees in the ACT?
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