Page 2380 - Week 08 - Thursday, 6 June 2013

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This is a somewhat cumbersome situation. The stock levy is being set by two different entities. I therefore propose that the act be amended to provide the minister with the power to set both the stock levy and the minimum stock levy. It is important that scrutiny by this Assembly is assured. So I propose making the minister’s determination of the minimum stock levy a disallowable instrument.

I see value in constantly reviewing the ACT’s statute book to ensure that our legislation is up to date and relevant to the community. I have asked TAMS to begin an ongoing program of reviewing its legislation. This should ensure that the Assembly can identify, modify or remove any redundant or unnecessary provisions.

I am planning on introducing more TAMS bills to the Assembly over the next three years. I intend to improve and modernise the ACT’s statute book in relation to the Territory and Municipal Services portfolio.

I commend the bill to the Assembly.

Debate (on motion by Mr Coe) adjourned to the next sitting.

Children and Young People Amendment Bill 2013

Debate resumed from 16 May 2013, on motion by Mr Rattenbury:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Disability, Children and Young People, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Women, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Racing and Gaming) (11.39): The government supports the Children and Young People Amendment Bill 2013 and the changes it seeks to make regarding the placement of children and young people in out-of-home care.

The purpose of the bill is to make minor amendments to the Children and Young People Act 2008 by removing the current discretionary decision-making power of the director-general of community services to place a child or young person with someone other than an approved foster carer, kinship carer or residential care service. The changes provide that when the director-general has daily care responsibility for a child or young person, the director-general must place the child or young person with an out-of-home care provider, as defined in the Children and Young People Act under part 15.4.

The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is of paramount importance to the government and the community. When the safety and wellbeing of a child or young person cannot be maintained, the territory is required, under the Children and Young People Act, to intervene. It is important that, through this intervention, the child or young person is placed in a safe and stable arrangement where they are supported to live, thrive and grow.


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