Page 1944 - Week 05 - Thursday, 3 May 2012
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MS GALLAGHER: The targeted assistance strategy builds upon the framework of assistance that has already been established by the government. The government currently provides assistance through a number of schemes and initiatives, the largest being the ACT concessions program. Through this program we have provided concessions on utilities, education and training, housing and land, health and wellbeing, and transport. The expert panel recognised the positive work that has been done through the outreach energy and water efficiency scheme which assists low and middle income people with information on energy efficiency as well as replacing old energy-sapping appliances with new efficient ones.
The panel commended also the expansion of the Foodbank, which Minister Burch has really led the charge on, providing low cost food to people at a range of locations, most recently in Hackett and in Lanyon. The new Foodbank at the Mura Lanyon centre in Tuggeranong has been supported by the government through an additional $30,000 in funding. We will give serious consideration to the panel’s suggestion that we find a way to help meet travel costs.
I have also launched a new assistance website, which I am sure all members will go to and have a look at. It really is a very easy to navigate website which gives a whole range of information, which you can search through different functions, about government and community-based health. It provides information on a range of rebates, concessions and assistance available as well as advice on where to go for help for things like childcare rebates, financial counselling, funeral assistance and even to obtain free meals.
MR HARGREAVES: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hargreaves.
MR HARGREAVES: Chief Minister, how does this strategy fit with the government’s commitment to evidence-based social policy?
MS GALLAGHER: I have always been a believer in evidence-based social policy. That is why we commissioned this work and asked—
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: I am having trouble hearing the Chief Minister.
MS GALLAGHER: Yes, I am having trouble hearing myself, Mr Speaker, but it does not matter.
Mr Seselja: Those voices in your head.
MS GALLAGHER: No, it is not the voices in my head; it is the voices in all of your heads over there, squabbling. Don’t worry about my head, Mr Seselja.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Let us just continue.
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