Page 2828 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 29 June 2011

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MS BURCH: If my unit made that comment to the service, I am sure it is right.

MR HANSON: A supplementary.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, a supplementary.

MR HANSON: With the confusion arising from the national quality framework, what have you done to satisfy yourself that this will not be a problem for the playschools sector?

MS BURCH: The regulation unit has had ongoing and regular contact across all children’s services here in the ACT. We extended the community consultative process in regard to regulations. I do not think there is a provider out there who has not been informed and invited to a workshop and information session on the new framework.

MR HANSON: Supplementary, Mr Speaker.

MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hanson.

MR HANSON: Minister, I understand that in talks with playschools there are some that are not aware that they will be exempt. Why haven’t all playschools been informed and what action will you be taking to ensure that the correct information is available?

MS BURCH: As I have just indicated, the unit has been very proactive in making contact across all providers within the service. But I will go back and talk to them and make sure that they increase their proactive approach and make sure they have contact with all those groups involved.

Government office building

MR COE: My question is for the Treasurer. Treasurer, in response to a question on notice you stated that the government had not indicated a preference for borrowing funds for the proposed government office building and that budget estimates indicated sufficient cash would be available to fund its construction. However, on 5 May this year the former Chief Minister, Mr Stanhope, stated in a media release:

By financing the building itself, and taking advantage of the Government’s AAA credit rating, the Government could access finance rates significantly below those available to the private sector.

Treasurer, will this new government office building be financed by debt or will it not?

MS GALLAGHER: That will be subject to decisions of budget cabinet in the year that that money needs to be appropriated. That will be considered alongside other significant infrastructure works.

MR SPEAKER: Mr Coe, a supplementary?


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