Page 1165 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 May 2020
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on actual boarding data as per the agreement. Like all public transport systems, patronage numbers have decreased due to Covid-19.
COVID-19 pandemic––community consultation
(Question No 2971)
Ms Le Couteur asked the Chief Minister, upon notice, on 3 April 2020:
(1) How is the community being included in deliberations informing decisions the ACT Government is making in relation to responses to COVID-19 and determining priorities for consideration/funding.
(2) Is there any specific consultation occurring with the various Ministerial Advisory Councils.
(3) Is there specific consultation occurring with community councils.
(4) Is there specific consultation occurring with the community sector or through ACTCOSS; if so, can the Chief Minister provide more details.
Mr Barr: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The ACT Government recognises the essential role community services have in supporting the ACT community through this pandemic. ACT Government directorates are working cooperatively with the community to inform decisions and responses to the evolving COVID 19 situation.
Regular consultations are occurring with community partners, and where possible, consultation via existing forums is being prioritised. This includes forums such as the Youth Housing and Homelessness Forum, co-design networks, and various advisory and governance meetings, which are now meeting via videoconference. Additional COVID-19 working groups have been established for engagement on specific community vulnerabilities as needed, such as Housing ACT for Rough Sleepers, Women’s Housing, and Shared Accommodation providers.
The Government has engaged, and will continue to engage with the sector, peak bodies and other organisations throughout the development of its COVID-19 support package, including the $7 million Community Support Package, designed to support the community sector in meeting the increased service demand for emergency relief.
The ACT Government uses the YourSay Community Panel to help inform our response to the impacts of COVID-19 on the community and to develop appropriate policy responses in areas such as unemployment and social isolation. The research also monitors community adherence to social distancing guidelines allowing us to evaluate and adjust our communications messaging accordingly.
(2) The ACT Government has been working with its Ministerial Advisory Councils to ensure they, and the communities they represent, are supported during this time. The Joint Advisory Council Chairs (JACC) also met on 7 April 2020, as part of their regular series of meetings, and discussed the impact of COVID-19 on members of their respective communities.
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