Page 3257 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 21 August 2019

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It is the intention of the government that those services will continue and the government will work very closely with legal aid and the Legal Aid Commission to ensure that those services continue. The government takes very seriously making sure that people who are experiencing domestic and family violence—

Mr Hanson interjecting—

MS BERRY: Madam Speaker, a number of times during answers to a number of questions that have been asked today Mr Hanson has constantly interrupted. He might not like the answer that he is being given but he is getting an answer. It is the same and consistent answer that has been provided to him through this place and through estimates hearings.

I can assure the legal aid community that the government, including the Attorney-General and me, will continue to work with that organisation as well as providing services for all women in the ACT, particularly through the family safety levy.

MR HANSON: Minister, what specific steps are you taking within your department to deal with, as Julie Tongs says, the inevitable, dramatic and frightening increase in the number of women and children who will face remaining in violent and abusive relationships?

MS BERRY: There are a number of steps that the ACT has taken, particularly with asking the community to contribute to the work towards addressing this complex and often very complicated issue across our community but particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, who we know are particularly affected by this issue.

Mr Hanson: Point of order.

MADAM SPEAKER: Resume your seat, minister.

Mr Hanson: I have asked what the specific steps are. The minister said there are steps, but she has not explained what they are. I ask her to explain what those specific steps are.

MADAM SPEAKER: Minister, you have a minute and a half left if you could target that area.

MS BERRY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. My very first part of responding to that question was with regard to the family safety levy and implementing—

Opposition members interjecting

MS BERRY: Pardon me?

MADAM SPEAKER: Do not respond to interjections.


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