Page 1554 - Week 06 - Thursday, 2 July 2020

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March 2021 to accommodate the successful implementation of structures to support the scheme. The working with vulnerable people scheme continues to operate during the public health emergency in the ACT and new applications are still being accepted. Renewals are being processed and risk assessments are being undertaken. This will remain the same for the 2020-21 financial year and renewals will remain in force for five years.

These amendments strengthen protection for vulnerable people in the ACT and enhance our capacity to improve restrictions on people who pose an unacceptable risk to vulnerable people. They are another important step in ensuring that people working with children or other vulnerable people do not pose a risk to participants. The legislative changes contained in this bill, together with the amendments passed last year, will commence in 2021. This will ensure consistency for people seeking to work with children or in the NDIS. It will also provide enough time for assistance to be put in place to allow for the scheme to operate effectively and efficiently.

I note the questions raised by Mrs Kikkert. Certainly there is a lot of detail to be worked through and there are also concerns with the implementation, which have been noted. I commit to working with Mrs Kikkert and her office as we work through these, and I will get back to her with answers to the questions she has asked. I also thank Ms Le Couteur for her comments. Even though you will not be here in 2021, Caroline, I am happy to send you a note letting you know how it goes.

In conclusion, I commend this bill to the Assembly. These amendments demonstrate continued efforts by the government and the community to work collaboratively to reduce the likelihood of harm against children and vulnerable people in the ACT.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.

Bill agreed to.

Employment and Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

Debate resumed from 18 June 2020, on motion by Ms Orr:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

MR WALL (Brindabella) (5.30): The Employment and Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment Bill covers a lot of ground. Once again, as we have seen in previous bills relating to workplace safety and industrial relations, this is a case of pushing through legislation that is in part delivering the union-driven agenda that has dominated the Ninth Assembly. I will repeat what I have said previously about these bills that have come thick and fast in recent weeks: given the current times and the fact that so many


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