Page 833 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 18 March 2015

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From 2016, all graduates from initial teacher education programs must meet the agreed standard. Therefore, it will not be necessary for the directorate to continue testing as all teachers will undergo such testing. I think it is worth saying here that if there is any delay in that national implementation, we will not step away from the rigor that we apply to the recruiting of our teachers.

Mr Barr: Madam Speaker, I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.

Supplementary answer to question without notice

Disability services—funding

MS BURCH: During yesterday’s question time there were questions to me from Mr Wall and Ms Lawder in regard to the national disability insurance scheme. I can inform the Assembly that Disability ACT are working directly with providers to identify any financial impact associated with a delay in participants phasing in to the NDIS. A joint community government working group involving National Disability Services ACT is developing a consistent and transparent response for impacted organisations.

To date, Disability ACT has made a payment of under $20,000 to one service provider to assist in this way. Since the beginning of this year, four additional service providers have identified that they have continued to provide services to clients who have not yet phased in to the NDIS.

The government is working individually with each of these organisations to quantify the financial impacts. The total value of reimbursements for these four organisations is unknown at this stage, as they are preparing those detailed costings. Five providers have identified financial impacts from delayed phasing in of a small number of clients, and further advice will be sought from organisations about the extent of that financial impact.

Planning—Oaks Estate

Debate resumed.

MR BARR (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Urban Renewal and Minister for Tourism and Events) (3.22): I thank Mr Doszpot for his motion and Mr Gentleman for his amendment today. Undoubtedly, Oaks Estate has a long and storied history, and it is indeed a strong and proud community—an integral part of the ACT but one with a distinct identity of its own.

Mr Gentleman’s amendment today goes to heritage values, suitable housing, community amenity, transport and safety. ACT directorates have made these issues their focus and will continue to work on them.


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