Page 950 - Week 03 - Thursday, 19 March 2015

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MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Porter.

MS PORTER: Minister, are there examples of other governments being active in this area?

MS BERRY: We are committed to continuous improvement so that we can make the best use of limited resources and get the best outcomes for our whole community. As we look at what is happening both here and in other places, there are two things that stand out. One is the value of having a joined-up and consistent approach to developing and delivering services and the other is to work with the community in real coalition.

The size of the ACT has meant that we can be innovative in the way we work with our citizens and communities. We have some terrific resources right here, and this has enabled change to be built on sound evidence and collaborative relationships with the community sector. The ACT human services blueprint and the better services initiatives that I have referred to are innovative and ground-breaking approaches to human services design.

But we are learning from the experiences of other jurisdictions across Australia and in New Zealand. Given the work around the ACT blueprint, I am most interested in the progress of the establishment of the New Zealand better services reform program that sets ambitious targets and focuses efforts on achieving greater equality for everyone in our community.

Ambitious targets that look beyond immediate results have been used in New Zealand and highlight opportunities for new, innovative ways of working. In just a short time, New Zealand is seeing positive results in terms of reducing the number of people left out of good, safe and secure work; the support of children who need significant early intervention; a boost to the availability of work opportunities; reduced crime; and improved government practices in relating with the community we represent.

This New Zealand experience has used some innovative approaches to data to develop a detailed understanding of the drivers of exclusion and inequality in society. The lessons we have learnt from the experiences of others have informed, and will continue to inform, our approaches here in the ACT.

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

Supplementary answers to questions without notice

Greyhound racing—live baiting

MS BURCH: Yesterday, in regard to greyhounds there were a number of questions from those opposite. While the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission is responsible for the regulation of gambling activities, the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club, under the auspices of Greyhounds Australasia, is responsible for the conduct of greyhound racing and the registration of owners and training.


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