Page 3659 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 28 October 2014
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There are many more changes, improvements and clarifications contained in this bill, many more than I can talk to in the allotted time, as I mentioned earlier. I would like to close by saying that the ACT Greens have long been advocates for better services to people experiencing mental health problems and that we believe that overall this bill will do exactly that.
We have seen many changes in the mental health sector, in particular the community-based mental health sector, over the years that this bill has been in development. I would like to acknowledge my former colleague Amanda Bresnan’s commitment to the issues in the previous Assembly. It saw a major increase in investment for the NGO mental health system as part of the previous parliamentary agreement.
This legislation will provide clarity, informed decision-making and transparency for healthcare professionals working in this complex area and, just as importantly, it will enhance the rights of people experiencing mental health issues, support their rights to determine treatment whenever possible, and lead to better life outcomes. We will all, of course, be watching with interest the implementation of these new legislative instruments over the next few years and will be listening to the various stakeholders and advocates to ensure that it is meeting its goals. This new bill heralds a new era of clarity, transparency and self-determination for people experiencing mental health issues, and on that basis the ACT Greens are pleased to support it.
Debate interrupted in accordance with standing order 74 and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour.
Sitting suspended from 12.26 to 2.30 pm.
Supplementary answer to question without notice
Transport—light rail
MR RATTENBURY: Madam Speaker, I seek leave to make a brief statement to clarify a matter from question time last week.
Leave granted.
MR RATTENBURY: On Thursday, 23 October, I answered a question in relation to the installation of lights in the median section of Northbourne Avenue. Mr Coe has subsequently asked me a further question, and I would like to provide further clarification to the Assembly.
The question last week related to the figure of $114,478. This figure is only for the civil works necessary to install the street light poles. In addition to this, there are costs for design, superintendence and the supply of light columns and light fittings. The cost of these further elements is $116,983. All figures include 10 per cent GST, which is recoverable by the ACT government.
The confusion arose because there are four separate contracts for this project, and the initial response incorrectly focused on the main contract, which is for civil construction and does not give a complete picture.
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