Page 327 - Week 01 - Thursday, 16 February 2012
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I think you are asking for a detail of referral mechanisms that I am not able to provide. Suffice to say, though, that we are very conscious of not having any gaps in these new systems as they are implemented in March.
MS LE COUTEUR: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Le Couteur.
MS LE COUTEUR: Minister, given that some services have already begun working under the new service delivery framework and others have not yet, how do you intend to address concerns about the referral processes before the commencement of the program which, as you said, is on 1 March?
MS BURCH: It is my understanding from the discussion I had with the directorate this morning that groups such as Families ACT and the Youth Coalition are taking a very strong leadership role in this and are working through what are the referral systems, both at quite a mechanical level and at a policy level, to make sure that the services do have that interconnection—as we look through the information engagement and coordination system which will be run by Parentline, and how that then refers in to the networks, or otherwise, if somebody enters the door at a network level and how that fits into the broader system. So through the leadership of the Youth Coalition and Families ACT, I am sure that we will work on this. Again, it is a new program. We are not there yet, but I will be watching it.
Taxation—review
MR SMYTH: My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, in response to a number of questions asked of you at a hearing of the public accounts committee on 24 November 2011, you finally agreed to meet with the committee that is reviewing the distribution of GST. Treasurer, have you met with the GST distribution committee? If not, why not?
MR BARR: Not between the time of making that statement and now. I understand that arrangements are being made. Of course, there is a further submission process to the revised terms of reference. This committee is making recommendations to the commonwealth government in relation to the possibility of some change to the way GST relativities are calculated. It is a long-term piece of work. There is no requirement to meet with the committee over the Christmas holidays. There is a further submission process to the changed terms of reference.
I have had the opportunity, though, to discuss some of these matters with fellow treasurers and senior staff within the commonwealth government, as well as some of my ministerial counterparts at a federal level. So rest assured, Mr Speaker and Mr Smyth, that I have been engaging with people who actually make decisions in relation to this matter, not just those who are making recommendations to government. In the end these decisions will be made by—
Opposition members interjecting—
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