Page 3231 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 23 August 2017

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MR GENTLEMAN: There are a number of measures, firstly the one that I just talked about, investing in ACT Policing’s future in the way that they plan to address crime into the future, and then resourcing ACT Policing as well. In this budget, of course, there is quite a bit more money for ACT Policing for on-the-ground work. I am sure that that will bring the results that we are looking for.

MR HANSON: Minister, why did your government cut $15 million from ACT Policing in 2013, and is that having any bearing on police efforts on the ground?

MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Hanson for his question. The chief police officer has advised me that they are doing the best they can. We have increased the resources for ACT Policing. In fact it is indicated that we will have to recruit more staff this year in order to fill positions where ACT police are moving up the ranks and being promoted into national AFP jobs. We are also looking into staff profiles for people who are looking at retirement in the future. So we are investing more in ACT Policing and we are investing more in on the ground work.

Mr Hanson interjecting

Ms Cody: Madam Speaker, I wish to raise a point of order. It is very difficult to hear Mr Gentleman’s answer from all the interjections.

MADAM SPEAKER: I would agree with that. Mr Hanson, you are a serial interjector. Do you think you could contain yourself for the rest of question time?

Mr Hanson: I will do my best, Madam Speaker.

MADAM SPEAKER: Consider that a direction, Mr Hanson, and if there is any more cheek back to the chair you will see yourself warned. Do you have anything further to add, Minister?

MR GENTLEMAN: No, thank you.

Education—connect 10 program

MR WALL: My question is to the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development. Minister, as you are aware, the connect 10 program is in place in ACT colleges and assists disengaged students in years 9 and 10 to continue with or recommence education. This program has provided a much needed connection to education for many students since 2009 across all school districts in the ACT. Minister, will the connect 10 program continue beyond 2017 in a college in each school district in the ACT going forward? If not, why not?

MS BERRY: I thank Mr Wall for his interest in equity and equality in our schools through programs like connect 10, and providing opportunities for our children to have a continuum of education regardless of their background, their abilities or different things that are going on in their lives that we might not know about.


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