Page 939 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 29 March 2011

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


With the proposals that the Minister for Housing has recently announced in relation to the revitalisation of Northbourne Avenue, there will, in north Canberra most particularly through that process, including Bega, Allawa flats and Northbourne Avenue, be a significant opportunity for the government to facilitate the provision of enhanced public housing and affordable housing within those areas. But again, it is in relation to land which we own and of course, as you would understand, the land which we own in most of inner Canberra is land on which there is existing public housing. (Time expired.)

Bimberi Youth Justice Centre—youth workers

MR DOSZPOT: My question is to the Minister for Children and Young People. Minister, I refer to the questions without notice asked of you on 10 March 2011 in relation to the woodwork trainer who was sacked from Bimberi on 25 February. You indicated at that time that you had sought a full briefing from your department in relation to that matter. I also refer to the emails sent today by the woodwork trainer to 666 ABC in response to an interview with the Chief Minister. The woodwork trainer stated:

One week after I reported safety issues and bullying to the Bimberi Review Team I was dismissed with no reason given.

The teacher believes he fell victim to the culture of cover-up and bullying in Bimberi. Minister, what briefing did you receive, what action did you take in response, and will you, before the close of business this day, table any briefing documents that you received?

MS BURCH: The teacher is employed through DET and part of my response has been to ask DET for an explanation and comment.

Mr Barr: Mr Speaker, I am happy to provide some information for members.

MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Barr.

MR BARR: Mr Cavill is in fact an employee of Caloola. I can advise the Assembly that his employer met with him in relation to the issues at the Murrumbidgee Education and Training Centre. I understand that he has been offered employment at another site by Caloola, but I can also advise the Assembly that I have asked Mr Dave Bromhead, the manager of student wellbeing and behaviour support in the education department, to meet with Mr Cavill. He has contacted Mr Cavill both by email and letter, offering to meet with him, but I am advised that to date Mr Cavill has not accepted that invitation.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, a supplementary question?

MR DOSZPOT: Minister, are you satisfied that there was no connection between the trainer’s actions to take his concerns about operations at Bimberi to the Human Rights Commission and his subsequent sacking?


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