Page 5344 - Week 13 - Thursday, 29 November 2018

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Information is available to patients / consumers about the availability of interpreter services and Canberra Health Service staff also make people aware of these services. The publication ‘Using Health Services in the ACT’ strongly promotes the availability of free interpreter services to patients / consumers. This publication, which is available in hard-copy as well as electronically, includes a complementary flyer of key information available in seven languages.

The ACT Health internet site includes a number of pages with information relating to multicultural health in the ACT. Included is information on using health services in the ACT (including access to services and availability of interpreters and resources), particular health topics, and staying healthy and safe during cultural festivals. Information is available at:

https://health.act.gov.au/health-professionals/multicultural-community-profiles; and https://health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/multicultural-health-act

ACTION bus service—school services
(Question No 2039)

Mrs Kikkert asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 November 2018:

(1) In relation to public transport safety for students in the ACT, when school buses are required to make diversions to drop students off at locations other than their normal bus stops, what processes and procedures are in place to ensure the safety of students under such circumstances.

(2) Are there any processes and procedures in place under such circumstances for young students and other students who may require additional assistance to ensure their safe journey home; if so, what are these processes and procedures; if not, why not, and when will the ACT Government implement a set of guidelines and procedures in the future.

Ms Fitzharris: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

(1) Operating procedures for all situations regarding school bus services that have been involved in incidents such as bus breakdowns or motor vehicle collisions are as follows:

Bus drivers are required to:

Notify the Communications Centre (COMCEN) that their school service has broken down/been involved in an incident.

Confirm that the bus is safe and students can remain on the bus.

Advise the COMCEN of the approximate number of students on board and the approximate number of primary and secondary student numbers.

Announce to the students that an alternate bus is on route and will collect them to continue their trip.

Direct the students not to leave the bus unless they notify the driver (noting drivers do not have the authority to detain students).

If the bus is not safe for students to remain on board the bus the bus driver should:


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