Page 4119 - Week 13 - Thursday, 31 October 2013
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
The government is also keen to ensure that people who use and deliver services have a say in the design of the blueprint.
In addition to the discussion paper I have released today, the government is also asking a series of questions on people’s experiences with the existing human services system. These are available online on the Time to Talk website.
A two-day conference will be held in December to test ideas, and service user and provider focus groups will also be held. The government wants to ensure that this consultation is wide and that it is deep. I certainly encourage people to get involved in the process.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Gentleman.
MR GENTLEMAN: Minister, how will the blueprint help the ACT’s human services system become more accessible and responsive?
MR BARR: I think it is important that we take this opportunity to assess the existing framework and that we look to opportunities to streamline our service provision to ensure that, for those wishing to interact with the human services system, they do not have to navigate through a maze of different ACT government agencies and commonwealth agencies. We respect and recognise the different roles and responsibilities that different areas of government and different levels of government bring to human services.
We also believe that, through the use of technology, through the use of consolidated pathways to service delivery, we will be able to significantly enhance the service offerings. We know and we recognise that the challenges will grow in the future and that the resource base may not necessarily grow at the same rate.
We will have a discussion later today, I imagine, around how we can ensure that there is a sufficient resource base to meet those growing community needs in the future. Working on the basis of current trends in resources for state and territory governments, if we do not make changes to our service delivery models, we will simply not have the resources and the capacity to deliver the services that our community needs in the future.
Emergency services—levy
MR WALL: My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, this year’s budget papers show a forecast 19 per cent increase in the fire and emergency services levy. Treasurer, how much more will Canberra residents be paying in addition to the existing $120 fixed charge?
MR BARR: Those figures are outlined in the budget paper.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Wall.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video