Page 425 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 18 February 2020
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to employ identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community corrections officers in community corrections.
The review demonstrates that ICOs are an important innovation in the justice system. The government remains committed to continuous improvement of the system to ensure the community is protected while giving offenders a rehabilitation pathway and maintaining family and community ties. This review report sets out the information provided as feedback about the operation of the ICO, including suggestions for potential reforms. It will be used as the basis for further consultation with stakeholders to support consideration by the government of reform to the scheme.
I would like to thank all those who participated in the review. This review demonstrates that ICOs are an important innovation in the justice system. The review demonstrates how the government remains committed to continuous improvement of the system to ensure the community is protected while giving offenders a rehabilitation pathway.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Volunteering
Discussion of matter of public importance
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mr Pettersson): Madam Speaker has received letters from Ms Cheyne, Ms Cody, Mr Coe, Mrs Dunne, Mr Gupta, Mr Hanson, Mrs Kikkert, Ms Lawder, Ms Le Couteur, Ms Lee, Mr Milligan, Mr Parton and Mr Pettersson proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, Madam Speaker has determined that the matter proposed by Mr Milligan be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
The importance of recognising and valuing volunteering across the ACT.
MR MILLIGAN (Yerrabi) (3.07): This is a great opportunity to discuss the outstanding contributions that volunteers make to our community. As the shadow minister for sport and recreation, I get to see firsthand just how vital volunteers are to our local clubs. They freely choose to give up their time to organisations or groups in the community for no monetary reward but for a range of reasons, mostly selfless and noble.
As the CEO of VolunteeringACT, Vicky Darling, recently told me, volunteering is not free. There are costs associated when someone gives up their time and commits to a group or an activity. The actual time of the volunteer has a value. Often this sacrifice of time also equates to lost wages that a volunteer could be earning elsewhere. Training expenses are also an extra cost associated with volunteering. Insurance can be a factor, as can travel, parking and general transport. Of course, there is equipment, uniforms or other items that volunteers need. When we thank volunteers for their contribution, it is important that we recognise the economic value of this work as well as the social and community benefits that it brings.
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