Page 2868 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 13 August 2013

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MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Berry.

MS BERRY: Minister, how does this project align with the national women’s agenda?

MS BURCH: I thank Ms Berry for her interest. As Minister for Women I have the pleasure of representing the ACT at the COAG Select Council on Women’s Issues. The issue of women in non-traditional occupations is currently a standing item on the council’s agenda. At the council’s last meeting in May this year ministers agreed, and I quote from the May meeting’s communique, “to share good practice and explore further areas for national action to improve the economic security of women through increased participation in non-traditional trades”.

Members will also be aware of the Human Rights Commission’s Women in male-dominated industries: a toolkit of strategies, which was released by Elizabeth Broderick in May this year. The ACT’s women in construction project is undoubtedly nation leading, I believe, and contributing to a national push to encourage women to explore non-traditional trades such as construction, as well as to support women already employed in the industry.

Disability services—respite care

MR WALL: My question is to the minister for disability. Minister, according to this year’s budget papers, your directorate will provide 6,300 centre-based respite bed nights for people with a disability. This is 1,800 less than last year and the year before. How has your directorate measured the demand for out-of-home respite bed nights after the transition to the NDIS?

MS BURCH: The question is about how we continue to measure respite bed nights. It would be something that would be factored into the service provision depending on who is delivering those respite beds. That is, there is still an interest in the community about making sure that there are the number of beds available. The reduction in bed nights, though, reflects that there is often a growing and strong interest in respite in the home and outside, going to a traditional centre-based respite centre, Mr Wall. I know: I lost it halfway through that, Mr Wall; I am sure I will come back.

Members interjecting—

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Wall.

MR WALL: Minister, what consultation has taken place with the service providers who currently provide out-of-home respite around the future of delivery of respite service accommodation in the ACT?

MS BURCH: I am glad I gave you that humorous moment there, gentlemen. We continue to work with the sector regarding provision of services across all aspects of disability provision in the ACT, and respite is one of those. I encourage those opposite to go to Disability’s website, where it shows the number of public meetings and


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