Page 1166 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 May 2020
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The ACT Government will also continue to work with individual Councils to ensure the community is informed of any changes, including to events, grants and programs as a result of the public health emergency. These Councils have played, and will continue to play, a significant role in providing feedback and insight on the impact of COVID-19 across Canberra, and advocating for community needs in the development of the ACT Government’s response.
(3) The ACT Government is continuing to engage with community councils on these and other issues, where appropriate and possible, noting that a number of regular council meetings have been postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(4) The Community Services Directorate is in regular contact with ACTCOSS to continue our partnership approach of identifying challenges and working together to develop solutions informed by the community.
COVID-19 pandemic––access to services
(Question No 2972)
Ms Le Couteur asked the Chief Minister, upon notice, on 3 April 2020:
(1) What measures are being taken to ensure that disadvantaged households who do not have home computers are still able to undertake essential activities that are now largely online only.
(2) Has the Government considered ways to get computers or smart phones and internet connections for these disadvantaged households over the coming month.
(3) Is internet access considered as an essential service during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Mr Barr: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
1) The ACT Government is carefully considering the needs of vulnerable households during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been working to identify and respond quickly to provide the support required. The ACT Government, with the community sector is providing a range of supports to ensure all households can maintain access to essential goods and services.
While Canberrans are strongly encouraged to complete transactions with Access Canberra online where possible, as part of the public health response to COVID-19, shopfronts can be accessed during reduced hours by those who may need additional support if they call Access Canberra beforehand.
In addition, school aged children that do not have the appropriate equipment to engage in remote learning are also being supported. This includes secondary students being provided with a Chromebook through the Technology Enabled Learning program, and primary students being loaned Chromebooks or iPads if required.
2) For public school students that do not have access to a device at home, the ACT Government will provide one, along with internet access for families who need it. Families should contact their school to organise a device and request support in accessing the internet. With support from Telstra, 1,000 free internet SIMs are being
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