Page 4894 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 25 October 2011

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Government—shareholdings

MS HUNTER: Minister, does the territory continue to hold shares in companies that manufacture tobacco products and companies that manufacture weapons, including cluster and nuclear bombs? If so, what is the value of those holdings?

MR BARR: Yes, and I am advised that as at 30 September the value of direct shareholdings in companies manufacturing tobacco products was in the order of $8 million. This represents four per cent of the direct international shareholding and 0.4 per cent of the total value of our SPA investment portfolio.

The value of direct shareholdings in companies in the aerospace and defence sectors, which I think could broadly cover the second part of the member’s question, was in the order of $3.5 million, which represents 1.7 per cent of the direct international shareholdings and 0.2 per cent of the total value of our investment portfolio.

MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Ms Hunter.

MS HUNTER: Minister, in her submission to the public accounts inquiry, the then Treasurer indicated that a negative screen:

… in relation to the manufacture of tobacco and the manufacture of armaments is possible immediately without any material impact to investment costs or investment risk.

Does the government maintain its intention to do this?

MR BARR: That is a matter that is under consideration.

MR SPEAKER: Thank you. Members, I would remind you that the rules regarding supplementary questions and the lack of preamble, in my view, would apply as much to rostered ministers questions as to normal questions.

Supplementary answer to question without notice

Children and young people—care and protection

MS BURCH: I want to provide some information back to Ms Hunter and Ms Le Couteur as far as the kits go. Advice from the department is that there is not a one-size-fits-all kit. This is due to the unique nature of different children and young people, their circumstances and the needs of the carers. Since 2005, there has been an operational resource room with items such as spare clothes, overnight bags, toiletries, including nappies, books, toys, games, and the items in this room are utilised to supply children and young people. In addition to this, Legacy Laurel Club has developed personal care kits for children, and these include personal care items and a soft toy. At times, equipment may not be needed as the young children and young people may bring their own personal items with them.

The directorate also provides vouchers so that goods and services may be purchased and in some cases the caseworker will purchase goods on behalf of the children and


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