Page 2755 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 29 June 2010
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Undoubtedly, the information provided by the demographer is essential in planning the services for the city and addressing areas of disadvantage, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I note the estimates committee report makes a specific recommendation for the use of this material across agencies, particularly by the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services.
In relation to public sector management, I would like to draw the Assembly’s attention to a couple of answers that I received to questions I put on notice during the estimates process. Firstly, in the answer to question on notice E10-160, the Chief Minister indicated:
It is anticipated that changes to the Public Sector Management Act will be brought to the Assembly later this year, while changes to industrial agreements are currently the subject of negotiation.
The ACT Greens look forward to working with the government in the development of these amendments. Secondly, in the same answer the minister also indicated:
The development of the ACTPS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy has been endorsed as a priority for the Commissioner for Public Administration in 2010. Development of the Strategy is consistent with the recommendations of the ACT Indigenous Elected Body and the National Partnership Agreement on Indigenous Economic Participation. Consultation with the stakeholders will commence shortly.
This is a very positive step, and the Greens are very pleased that this issue will be progressed this year. We look forward to participating in the consultations. Thirdly, the minister also indicated that an endorsed commissioner priority for 2010—that is, the Commissioner for Public Administration—is the revision and expansion of the current ACT public service equity and diversity framework. Again, this is a positive initiative and a valuable use of resources to ensure that the ACT public service is a diverse, productive and respectful workplace.
One final point that I would make in relation to public sector management is that in the same answer the government indicated that it intends to develop new public interest disclosure legislation reflecting current best practice principles, including the findings of the national “whistling while they work” project, where appropriate. An exposure draft will be made available for public consultation later in the year, following consultation with key internal stakeholders. Again, the Greens very much look forward to participating in the project and ensuring that there is adequate protection for those who make public interest disclosures.
On community engagement, the minister, in answer to question on notice E10-156, said that new draft guidelines for consultation have been developed and that feedback on the draft will be sought from community groups and the public generally. Whilst this is a positive step and the Greens are very concerned to ensure that there is an improved process for community consultation, I would like to take the opportunity to ask the minister when this will be and how the government plans to ensure the application of the new guidelines across agencies. (Second speaking period taken.)
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