Page 761 - Week 02 - Thursday, 23 February 2012
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
occurs: (1) the day it is referred to me as responsible minister and notified on the legislation register; (2) it is withdrawn; or (3) one year after the date of the consultation notice, which is 3 June 2012.
Ms Le Couteur also asked me if interim effect would be extended until the next Assembly planning committee has time to report. I can advise the Assembly that the Planning and Land Authority has advised me that it proposes to extend the interim effect from the day the public availability notice is published and the draft variation is referred to me. This will extend the interim effect for a period of a further year, or until the plan variation commences, it is rejected by the Assembly or it is withdrawn.
Taxis—licences
MR CORBELL: On Tuesday in question time, Mr Smyth asked me about the requirement for applicants for a taxi licence to complete a language skills assessment through the CIT. He asked when this requirement was introduced, what the cost of the course is, where it is conducted, and what the length of time is. I can advise that the first CIT assessment for taxi drivers commenced on Friday, 24 February this year. There were 14 participants in that course. The course costs $240, and it is completed in approximately four to five hours depending on the applicant’s availability.
Mr Coe asked me, on the same matter, whether any applicant is able to seek an exemption and what evidence they have to provide for that. He also asked if there are any other professions which require a government-issued licence. I can advise that in relation to exemptions there are no provisions for exemptions.
I answered the second part of Mr Coe’s question yesterday.
Public housing—insulation
MS BURCH: Yesterday there were some questions asked through Ms Bresnan and Ms Hunter around fire in a property. It seems that an email went to a number of offices but not to mine; that is why I was not aware of it. The additional information is that insulation is installed by accredited contractors under the direction of the total facilities manager, Spotless. As with all other trades, Spotless is required to comply with the Building Code of Australia and all relevant national standards and regulations. Random audits are undertaken by both Spotless and, independently, Housing ACT. Any instances of noncompliance are followed up with an expanded audit based on the location or the subcontractor undertaking the work.
Housing ACT is not aware of any fires as a direct result of the installation of insulation. In relation to the fire on Saturday the 18th, the fire brigade is currently investigating the cause and will provide a report to Housing ACT as soon as it is finalised.
Public housing—insulation
MS BURCH: Mr Coe asked a question around the commonwealth-funded insulation program. I can confirm that the territory government, in common with other jurisdictions, was not eligible under the commonwealth-funded insulation scheme.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video