Page 2355 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 2 August 2017
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The Public Advocate is also a regular visitor at Bimberi and is an avenue for people to raise concerns, as is the Human Rights Commission. If people have concerns about potential criminal activity at Bimberi, they can and should raise those with ACT Policing also. And there are a range of staff consultative mechanisms as well. Young people are welcome at any time to raise concerns with the management of the Community Services Directorate, the senior management at Bimberi or, going above that, the CSD executive.
I also note, as I did yesterday, that there are a number of organisations that visit Bimberi regularly. There are people in there from community sector providers and from ACT Health and, of course, the teachers and educators at the Murrumbidgee Education and Training Centre. All of those people would be appropriate avenues for young people to raise concerns through, and they would have the opportunity to raise those with the directorate.
So there are multiple avenues; multiple external people entering Bimberi all the time. That is why it concerns me when allegations are repeated that no other evidence has been brought forward to support.
MRS KIKKERT: Minister, why has it taken so long for you to respond to issues at Bimberi, despite complaints from staff, the CPSU, more than 20 questions in question time and media reports?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I fail to see how it has taken “so long” to respond to issues. I have made two statements in this place updating members on the implementation of the blueprint for youth justice and its success in reducing the number of young people involved in the youth justice system. I have been transparent about staff training activities that have taken place. I have answered every question that I have been asked in this place. I, my office and the directorate have responded to numerous media inquiries in relation to Bimberi.
All incidents that have occurred have been appropriately recorded, are being reviewed and are being responded to. As I said in earlier statements, there are also mechanisms for staff to raise their concerns, including staff consultative committees of which the union is a participant, and we welcome the union’s feedback and input in terms of what it is hearing from its members as well.
Women—health services
MS ORR: My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. Minister, how does the government ensure that the specific healthcare needs of women are being met?
MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Ms Orr for the question. The ACT government has worked hard over many years to build a comprehensive program of health services and facilities that address the health needs of women and children. One of those, of
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