Posted on 12/06/2015
Directorate: CSD Issue: Paid parental leave for foster carers and kinship carers. Caller had been sent back and forward between Commonwealth and ACT Governments. The feedback provided highlighted that foster and kinship carers were given access to Centrelink payments if eligible, such as family tax benefit A and B, for which they were grateful, but that paid parental leave was excluded, but that adopting parents could access the paid leave shceme. The purpose of the leave is to create bonds of attachment between the child and the carer and this was important for foster and kinship carers too. Could you please lobby the Commonwealth Government to allow the access to the paid leave scheme? Response: The Chief Minister noted that the 18 weeks of paid parental leave at the minimum wage was a federal government scheme, but that the ACT Government could look at the issues and look at lobbying the Commonwealth Government on this issue. OUTCOME: Further correspondence has been received from the caller and this correspondence is being responded to through the appropriate Ministerial channels. As noted by the Chief Minister the Paid Parental Leave Scheme is the responsibility of the Commonwealth Government. The Community Services Directorate is currently sourcing further information from the Commonwealth Government regarding the eligibility criteria and options for Foster and Kinship Carers. As employers the ACT Government and Australian Government both offer paid leave entitlements for Foster and Kinship Carers. An entitlement for those employed within the private sector is at the discretion of their employer and would be outlined in the relevant enterprise agreement. |
Directorate: Health Issue: The caller’s mother suffers from atrial fibrillation but because she is a public hospital patient she is required to go interstate for treatment, whereas if she had private insurance she could be treated in Canberra at Calvary Private Hospital. Could some funding be set aside to either purchase the equipment required for the public hospital in Canberra or to arrange some access for public patients to the equipment at the private hospitals in Canberra? Response: The Chief Minister noted he would need to get some advice from Health on what options might be available for the caller’s mother and that there may be a way to negotiate access. OUTCOME: Direct contact has been made with caller and advice provided regarding the support available for her mother. At this point in time ACT Heath does not currently provide this highly specialised service. |
Directorate: ETD Issue: What's going to happen to the old tennis courts at the back of old Stirling College (Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning)? About 12 months ago all the fences and posts were removed and the bitumen area is now covered with broken glass. Response: The Chief Minister noted the courts had been decommissioned and now a review was underway into alternative uses for the facility. The Chief Minister said the broken glass would be cleaned up and will move forward with plans to consider alternative uses. OUTCOME: On Friday, 12 June 2015, the Education and Training Directorate arranged for the broken glass on this site to be cleared up. The on-site manager now undertakes regular site inspections to ensure that any further incidents are cleared up promptly. The Directorate has prepared preliminary designs to use the disused tennis courts as an overflow carpark for staff, Centre hirers and visitors to the site. This will be an effective use of the space as well as assisting to redirect vehicles away from using the grassed areas on the site. At this time, no decision has been made on when the works will be undertaken. Members of the public are reminded that the disused tennis courts are part of the HBCTL site and therefore are not part of the Stirling public open space area. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: what happened to the "cool signs" at the entrance to Curtin? They used to be off the Cotter Road but have been moved to where they can no longer be seen. Response: The Chief Minister agreed this could be looked at. OUTCOME: The Curtin suburb sign at the intersection of McCulloch Street and Cotter Road was relocated due to road works. The position will be reviewed and the sign relocated to a visible position. |
Directorate: EPD Issue: Paid parking in Phillip Trades area - was there any consultation with shop owners? The effect is to disadvantage small businesses as it discourages people to visit. 2hr parking zones would be sufficient to discourage commuters. Response: The Chief Minister noted that parking planning was complex and that businesses also lost custom if people had to drive around endlessly looking for a parking spot. The Chief Minister noted the roll out of Smart Parking would assist with this. The Chief Minister also noted the need to balance access to parking spots of varying time lengths to allow some customers to duck in quickly and others to spend longer if needed, while still discouraging commuter parking at the shopping facilities. The Chief Minsiter also noted the cost to provide and maintain parking spaces and the fairness of introducing an element of user pays to balance the investment of the general taxpayer. The Chief Minister said some further investigation would be done in Phillip to get the balance right. OUTCOME: The ACT Government recently released “Building an Integrated Transport Network – Parking” which aims to manage the demand for parking and encourage short-stay parking turnover in the Woden service trades area through the introduction of pay parking and time restricted parking in mid 2016. Parking surveys undertaken by the ACT Government show that parking in Woden is close to or at capacity with spill-over commuter parking impacting on the availability of parking in the Woden service trades area. The ACT Government will develop a parking plan for the Woden service trades area to provide a mix of pay parking and time-restricted parking (including two hour zones). Shop owners and the community will have the opportunity to contribute to community consultation as the work is developed. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Why aren't there bins for dog poo at Lake Ginninderra on the Belconnen side of the lake? There used to be bins near Black Pepper cafe that have been removed and people are leaving bags there now. The caller also raised the issue of ice on the bridge near Lake Ginninderra College. The caller has seen cyclists slip and fall on it and her dog refuses to walk across it. Response: The Chief Minister said TAMS would investigate the bins and the bridge. OUTCOME: There are approximately 50 bins around Lake Ginninderra that are serviced by TAMS. In addition to this, various private businesses, including Westfield, also provide bins around the lake. There are no plans to install any additional bins. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: The caller would like a public toilet at the new dog park in O'Connor. Response: The Chief Minister noted there was a regular program of review of the placement of public toilets and that TAMS could have a look at this. OUTCOME: In 2014 the ACT Government did a review of public toilet facilities across the ACT. This review considered the change in demographics and nature of Canberra since many of the facilities were installed. As a result of this review a number of toilet facilities were closed. Public toilet facilities are generally reserved for high activity town and district parks or shopping centres. The provision of toilet facilities at the O’Connor Dog Park will be included on the list of future capital works bids and will be considered against other competing government priorities as part of the budget process. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Street lights down on stretch of road on Ginninderra Drive between William Slim and William Webb Drives and on Southern Cross Drive at Holt. This was quite dangerous at night. Response: The Chief Minister noted there is a cable fault so the repair was taking longer than expected and it should be repaired by 6 July 2015. OUTCOME: A site inspection on Ginninderra Drive on the evening of 24/6/15, revealed that all lights were operational. The cable fault was repaired on 14 June 2015. TAMS advises that the underground street light cable fault at Holt was also repaired on 20 June 2015. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Park opposite Knowles Place and Birrel St in Page has only one swing and many children go there to play. Could another swing be added? Response: The Chief Minister said that TAMS could look into this. There is an ongoing program of playground renewal and upgrade. OUTCOME: The playground located at Page on Birrel Street is one of 497 playgrounds TAMS manages across Canberra. Whilst the equipment at each of these sites varies with age, older equipment does not necessarily make the playground dangerous or any less challenging to children. The ACT Government is committed to providing a variety of safe and engaging play spaces. Child safety in playgrounds is a major factor that determines the relative priorities for upgrade. Regular safety audits are conducted against the Australian Playground Standards and during the last 12 months more than 200 inspections were conducted on playgrounds in Canberra. The results of these audits determine the priority for renewal. Playgrounds highest on the list are upgraded first, consistent with available funding. Although this location in Page might benefit from an upgrade, it is less urgent that others in Canberra. As the playground remains safe and fit for purpose there are no current plans for an upgrade or to add new equipment. |
Directorate: CSD - Housing Issue: The caller lives at 28 Degraves Crescent, Wanniassa next door to a public housing property. The wooden fence between the properties was built in 1976 and has rotted and despite patching is not secure. A large Rottweiler jumps over the fence and terrorises the caller’s dog. Response: The Chief Minister said that he would get someone in ACT Housing to contact the caller and arrange for facilities management to come and inspect the fence with a view to possible replacement. OUTCOME: Housing ACT’s Total Facilities Manager, Spotless wrote to the private neighbours in early June 2015 regarding the fence and are yet to receive a response. Spotless left a copy of the letter in the mailbox of private neighbours on 18 June 2015. The Spotless supervisor also knocked on the door of the private property and left a calling card. The fence will be repaired/replaced as soon as contact has been made with the private neighbours. |
Directorate: N/A Issue: The caller is a NSW resident who parked in a private car park on London Circuit. When getting a ticket he had to enter his licence plate details and the display announced his registration had been verified. How can a private company verify my registration details with the NSW RTA and match those with my credit card details when making a payment? This is a privacy issue. The machine also would not accept 10c coins, even though it is a ‘coin of the realm’. Response: The Chief Minister acknowledged this was a privately-owned car park, and that the requirement to enter licence plate details delayed time taken to get a ticket, and noted he did not know why that would be a requirement or how they could match that data to NSW registration information. The Chief Minister undertook to raise this issue with the company concerned. The Chief Minister also noted the company had a privacy policy on their website. The Chief Minister noted that there were provisions that allowed for machines not necessarily to accept all coins. OUTCOME: The Parking Operation Manager of the Wilson’s Section 63 Car Park on London Circuit confirmed that the company had a privacy policy listed on its website and was compliant with all relevant privacy legislation. The Manager also confirmed that the registration details collected when tickets were purchased were not matched with patrons’ credit card data. The registration numberplate details are simply used by Wilson Parking to confirm that cars parked in the car park had valid, paid tickets. |
SMS/TEXT
Directorate: CMA Issue: Does the polling show support for your Government's specific model of light rail and the related finance plans or just the concept in principle? Also you don't have a mandate to use Money from asset sales for the light rail project. Response: The Chief Minister noted that the polling did not go into different funding models for the scheme but that the Government made it very clear when it decided to participate in the Asset Recycling Initiative, of which the first sale was ACTTAB, that the funding would contribute to light rail. The Commonwealth is contributing a 15% bonus and so the Act Government has invested in public transport rather than gambling, and investing in renewing public housing. The Commonwealth scheme has very clear rules that require major new economic infrastructure to be delivered in a certain timeframe and this will guarantee $60 million in Commonwealth funding as a result. OUTCOME: The Capital Metro Agency engaged the services of a Market Research firm to assist with community engagement around various aspects of the light rail project. Piazza Research Pty Ltd was engaged to conduct the detailed research on the community’s views and attitudes. The research involved focus groups of various demographic categories across Canberra and a telephone survey of residents to fully assess community attitudes, including understanding views of Canberra residents regarding the future challenges for Canberra. The full report is available on the Capital Metro website:http://www.capitalmetro.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/621957/Capital-Metro-Engagement-Survey-Results.pdf In terms of the asset sales for the light rail project, in order to qualify for the Federal Government’s Asset Recycling Initiative, which provides an additional 15% on top of proceeds from the sale of assets, the ACT Government must use the proceeds towards local productive infrastructure. Capital Metro is estimated to deliver 3,500 jobs, a billion dollars worth of benefits and will change the way Canberra grows into the future by delivering a quality public transport option that encourages urban renewal and active, healthy living in our city. The additional money from the Commonwealth towards the project will give the ACT Government more flexibility as we enter into the final stages of procuring this project for the Territory. |
Directorate: CMA Issue: I would be interested to know where the positive sample of votes are coming from. I live in Gungahlin and I have not yet met anyone who is positive about the light rail. Response: The Chief Minister noted that the Gungahlin Community Council surveys had shown 75% support for light rail in Gungahlin and that this was completely independent of Government. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Annoyed by what seems to be double standards re gum tree removal. I did the right thing in submitting an application only to have it rejected even after its roots damaged infrastructure at my cost. The tree has also caused other damage and impacts sunlight access [text cut off but read out on air which noted the texter had seen healthy trees removed for development of blocks etc] With respect that answer is a bit of a cop out and not helpful at all. Look at how many trees were removed for GDE and there are plenty of other examples, however as an individual I find I will be fined for removing 1 tree on a block that I purchased. Response: The Chief Minister noted that there were some circumstances when trees do have to be removed and there needs to be a decision maker, who is human. OUTCOME: A TAMS officer spoke to the caller and discussed tree protection legislation and the need to provide supporting evidence with tree removal application. The caller advised he will submit a fresh application. |
Directorate: Economic Development Issue: Just wanted who we can contact about the new Canberra Theatre as the seating for tall people are terrible to the point where we don't go anymore? Response: The Chief Minister noted that the Canberra Theatre was managed by the Cultural Facilities Corporation and that the 2015-16 Budget did include some funding for certain upgrades for seating and the like. OUTCOME: The ACT Government has provided funding of $4.109 million in the 2015-16 ACT Budget for a major package of works to be carried out over the next three years at the Canberra Theatre Centre. As part of this package, new seating will be installed in the Canberra Theatre in 2016-17. The new seating will be selected to provide an improved level of comfort and support for theatre patrons. Also, the ACT Government provided funding for new seating in The Playhouse, which was installed in 2013-14. This new seating has been welcomed by patrons for making their night at the theatre more comfortable and enjoyable. |
Directorate: JACS Issue: New fire station at Lanyon sited directly on a major roundabout: the (unnecessary) LED picture sign is completely blinding at night & dazzles you as you move south through the roundabout when it is dark. Can it be turned OFF at night please as it is dangerous? Response: The Chief Minister said the Government would look at whether the sign could be dimmed or turned off at night without affecting safety. OUTCOME: The electronic sign was installed at the South Tuggeranong Fire & Rescue station in late March 2015 to enable ACT Fire & Rescue’s seasonal fire safety campaign messaging to be displayed on the sign. The flashing lights or messaging mean that ACT Fire & Rescue staff can directly control the variable messaging to be displayed on the electronic sign from inside the new station to inform people of advice from emergency services on safety campaigns and incidents. The lighting can be turned off at night if messaging is not required, and I am advised that ACTF&R will look at doing this. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: I've noticed for a long time that parts of Forrest, Deakin and Griffith are really badly lit, are there any plans in the future to replace the old old light poles, I know quite a few diplomats that can't believe how dark some of the streets are… Response: The Chief Minister noted that the government was planning to upgrade lighting to provide some better lit areas and more sustainably powered lights too as the current ones were responsible currently for 1/5 of government generated emissions. OUTCOME: The lighting in the suburbs noted was installed to the practice of the time but would not meet current lighting codes. When these areas were established, generally only paths were lit and not roads. This, coupled with mature street trees, diminishes the levels of lighting. Roads ACT has replaced large numbers of inefficient mercury vapour lighting, especially on wood poles that have street lights, which has improved the lighting in these areas. The streetlights within these areas are heritage listed. |
Directorate: TAMS/NCA Issue: Dear CM, there are also lights out all around lake BG on the footpath and above. Not sure who is responsible. Thank you. OUTCOME: An officer from TAMS phoned the caller to ascertain the problem area. The lights in question are located at Regatta Point. Generally all lights around Lake Burley Griffin, between Kings and Commonwealth Avenues are the responsibility of the NCA. The officer from Roads has logged a job with the National Capital Authority. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Good morning Chief Minister. It seems that at 4 way road intersections it is dangerous to have vehicles facing in opposite directions turning across each other at the same time under green arrows, as the situation could easily lead to a vehicle collision! OUTCOME: The use of green arrow signals to allow right turners on opposite approaches to traffic lights to proceed simultaneously is extremely common practice in the ACT and throughout Australia and has been for many years. It relies on the two streams of right turning vehicles passing each other with the passenger sides closest to one another and intersections are designed specifically to allow this, with line making to provide guidance. It is a safe and efficient way of controlling right turns. |
Directorate: CMA Issue: Re light rail. Has monorail been considered as an option. Less damage to ground infrastructure, less likelihood of rail/car/pedestrian accidents, works well in other countries. OUTCOME: The ACT Government is aware of a broad range of possible alternatives that could address urban transport challenges. Potentially suitable public transport modes were considered through transport network planning for Canberra. Monorail and other elevated rail systems have typically very high construction costs compared to ground-level systems due to the segregated track and providing elevated access to the stops. An elevated trackway would still have impacts on utilities and existing trees and conflicts with the desired urban design outcome for Northbourne Avenue. The ACT Government has chosen light rail as part of the future of Canberra transport, and it has been proven around the world to be a powerful tool to revitalise cities. |
Directorate: ACT Policing Issue: Hi I had some problems with tow truck I told them not to tow my car she the tow truck driver told me police arrange her I have to talk to police I don't get proper answers but I call CHEAP Minister department but I don't get correct information could you? OUTCOME: The Community Police Liaison Officer spoke to the caller who had an issue with the cost of the towing of his Taxi after a collision in Gungahlin recently. He was advised by attending Police that the matter was a civil one involving him and the towing contractor and was not one Police could get involved with. These facts were confirmed after a discussion with the Officer in Charge of Gungahlin Police. The caller was advised to seek further advice from the towing company and a legal practitioner if the matter warranted it. |
Directorate: Economic Development Issue: Canberra will end up like Sydney, because of your failure to decentralize office space to the town centres. If that had been done no GDE, no Majura, no gravy train. OUTCOME: The ACT Government is mindful of the importance of vibrant employment districts in each of the town centres. It has shown a clear commitment to ensuring a suitable supply of land and development opportunities for commercial office space in each of the town centres. The ACT Government has also played a role in de-centralising employment by accommodating ACT Government staff across all town centres including the new ACT Government office block in Gungahlin. Despite this however, employment and location decisions by the Federal Government have significant impacts on the demand for town centre office space. The ACT Government continues to engage with the Federal Government on the decisions around accommodation location and has played a role in the successful retention of the Department of Social Security in Tuggeranong and is currently in discussions around the retention of the Department of Immigration in Belconnen. |
Directorate: EPD Issue: Parking fees cost result is simple: I no longer go to Civic at all for ANY services because it costs too much to park, I go suburban or Queanbeyan. Have to do some work at ANU for a few weeks as a visiting student - costing me $14 per day or $8 per 3 hours OUTCOME: Managing parking supply and demand is a challenge for cities, including Canberra. The ACT Government recently released “Building an Integrated Transport Network – Parking” which identifies strategies for the management of parking supply and demand. Parking pricing is an important way to manage demand by ensuring that parking prices reflect the demand for parking in particular centres and provides Government an appropriate financial return from its parking assets. The ACT Government is also investing significantly in public transport and active travel to provide alternatives forms of transport. |
Directorate: Treasury Issue: How does the CM respond to the fact that CTP is no cheaper? He claimed that competition will drive prices down however this has not happened. Combined with Rego going up and higher parking, motorists are getting slammed by the budget. OUTCOME: Competition was introduced to the ACT compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance market on 15 July 2015 when AAMI, GIO and APIA began operating alongside NRMA. Since that time CTP insurance premiums have been reduced as a result of competition. For a passenger vehicle with a 12 month registration, the CTP premium for the lowest cost insurer has fallen. It has moved from $578.20 (NRMA) in July 2013 to currently $568.60 (GIO) which was effective from 1 March 2015 and then will fall again on 1 July 2015 to $565.20 (NRMA). |
Directorate: Economic Development Issue: Apologies, couldn't stay on the line, but would be grateful if the Chief Minister could provide me with an update on the Audit on Sports Indoor facilities and possible a schedule on when sports Associations are to be contacted by the consultants? I am par [text cut of] OUTCOME:The caller was contacted by Sport and Recreation Services (SRS) and informed that consultation as part of the ACT Indoor Sports Facility Feasibility study was underway. SRS advised that sports associations would be contacted by the consultants by Friday 26 June 2015 to organise a time to provide comment. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: Regarding the slippery, icy surface on the bridge near Lake Gin College - a possible solution is to lay chicken wire or similar on the surface. OUTCOME:Roads ACT will investigate the issue and come up with a solution to ensure skid resistance for traffic. |
Directorate: EPD Issue: Why are dog parks free but carparks user pay? OUTCOME: Managing parking supply and demand is an ongoing challenge for Government. Parking in high demand locations is a key community resource and it is important to ensure equitable access. “Building an Integrated Transport Network – Parking” was recently released and identifies strategies for managing parking supply and demand in centres. Parking pricing is an important way to manage demand by ensuring parking prices reflect the demand for parking in particular locations and provides Government an appropriate financial return from its parking assets. “Building an Integrated Transport Network – Parking” is available for download fromwww.transport.act.gov.au. The Government provides an extensive network of parks and open space, which provides a range of other facilities, such as dog parks, children’s playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment. As a community resource, access to parks and open space is provided free of charge. |
Directorate: TAMS Issue: The roads into and out of Gungahlin need fixing too... Capacity not enough. Light rail will help but not for several years. OUTCOME:There are several road capacity projects that have construction funding allocated in the 2015-16 budget in the Gungahlin area as follows: - Gungahlin Drive Augmentation Stage 1 – construction of an additional southbound lane from approximately 580m north of Sandford Street intersection through to the Barton Highway - Gundaroo Drive Duplication Stage 1 – upgrading the existing Gundaroo Drive from one lane in each direction to two lanes in each direction between Gungahlin Drive and Mirrabei Drive Design has been completed for these projects and construction is anticipated to commence prior to Christmas on both these projects. |