Chief Minister Talkback Summary - 25 November 2016


Posted on 25/07/2017

Calls received on air

Directorate: TCCS

Issue: Concern about driver distraction with the saturation of corflutes along the roads during the election campaign. The issue was not about them being left too long after the election, but their presence in the first place and ability to distract drivers.

Response: The Deputy Chief Minister said the Government could look into the legislation.

OUTCOME: An officer from TCCS contacted the caller who indicated that the issue was in the volume of election signs that were placed out by candidates prior to the recent election. The caller noted that the signs were a distraction while driving and a reduction of signs and review of legislation was encouraged.  The caller’s interest was noted and their contribution would be sought for any future legislative review for election signage.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: Junk mail catalogues are being dumped in the caller’s yard. It is not The Chronicle and not in her letterbox, just bundles left on the lawn. The caller has contacted Fix My Street and was given details of the company in Melbourne, but the phone and emails go unanswered.  How can we stop this littering?

Response: The Deputy Chief Minister said this sounded like littering and shouldn’t be happening if the caller had a ‘no junk mail’ sign on the letterbox. We will get caller details and follow up.

OUTCOME: TCCS has attempted to contact the caller, without success. Messages have been left for the caller to contact TCCS.


Directorate: EPSDD

Issue: Issue with paid parking at Civic Swimming Pool on Sundays from 8:30am-10:00pm. The caller thought that it was a disincentive to use the Civic Pool and is unfair for users of the facility.

Response: The Deputy Chief Minister explained after hours paid parking in Civic was introduced in the budget. There are concerns that removing the paid parking would lead to the car park filling up with people who weren’t using Civic Pool and there would be no spaces available for swimmers to park. We can follow up off air and give the caller more information around the decision.

OUTCOME: An officer from EPSDD contacted the constituent on 5 December 2016. The officer explained that the introduction of after hours and weekend pay parking was designed to promote the efficient use of parking near popular attractions like the Canberra Theatre and the National Convention Centre. The car park near the Civic Pool is located close to these attractions. The caller was advised that free parking is still available on weekends and outside business hours on Allara Street and the car park on Coranderrk Street. The caller explained that they were aware of the theory and rationale for paid parking and did not require further explanation.  The caller also noted that they were a supporter of paid parking.  However, the caller identified that few cars were parked at the location on Sundays, indicating anecdotally, that people had been discouraged from using this high value facility.  The constituent urged policy makers to reassess the policy at the location.


Directorate: Treasury

Issue: Rates increases in 2014-15 and 2016-17. The caller gets a pensioner concession, however the concession has been capped at $700 and the caller is unhappy that this has not increased with the rates increase. The caller is concerned about the affordability and liveability issues that this will cause her and others in the coming years.

Response: The Deputy Chief Minister said changes to rates have been influenced by tax reforms, including phasing out stamp duty, and that increased rates support the increasing prices to maintain local infrastructure, health and education in the ACT. We will give you the contact details of the Revenue Office to have a chat about your individual situation.

OUTCOME: An officer from ACTRO spoke to the caller about their concerns regarding the pensioner rebates question.  The caller expressed their concern about the future affordability of rates due to the freezing of the rebate.


Directorate: Education

Issue: The caller asked about the election commitment to provide free tablets for every secondary school student. The caller’s child starts high school next year. What is the start date and how will it work?

Response: The Deputy Chief Minister said there will be a procurement process for providers, alongside consultation with parents and schools about their needs and to ensure consistency across all schools, so it will not be ready to start for first term next year.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: The caller lives in Monash alongside a reserve. A strip of trees have not been pruned properly and this has not allowed for mowing to occur around them. The grass is now 4ft high and one of the neighbours has a brush fence, so it is a fire risk. The caller would like this looked into and cleaned up.

Response: The Deputy Chief Minister said, provided the weather is good, it will be mown next week and we will get someone to have a look at the trees.

OUTCOME: Mowing - TCCS has attempted to contact the caller, with no success. The suburb of Monash was mown during 21-23 November 2016. Long grass under trees is hard to manage especially with low limbs. TCCS will continue to contact the caller to determine the exact location of the enquiry so that works can be programmed to lift branches to improve mower access or control vegetation by brush-cutting.

Trees - A trees officer contacted the constituent and advised that there are a large number of outstanding job requests and that public safety is the first priority. TCCS will contact the supervisor responsible for an update.


Directorate: Economic Development

Issue: The caller made a complaint about the NBN not being rolled out by Federal Government. They were informed it would take 25 years before it would be rolled out in Turner. The caller knows it is a federal responsibility, but thinks it is incumbent on the ACT Government to step in and fund it themselves.

Response: The Deputy Chief Minister shared the caller’s frustration, but explained it was not something the ACT could take responsibility for. The infrastructure is not owned by the ACT Government, but what we can do is put pressure on the federal Government and talk to our local members to push this on our behalf.


Directorate: Health

Issue: The caller complained about the lack of medical specialist doctors in Canberra. Is there any solution to this?

Response: The Deputy Chief Minister explained that, particularly around bulk billing services, the Government has been encouraging and supporting medical providers to operate in the ACT, such as the National Health Coop. The Government is doing everything it can to encourage Doctors to come and work in the ACT.


Calls not answered on air but followed up

Directorate: TCCS and ACT Policing

Issue: Junk mail: call providers/home security issue - Bruce

OUTCOME: An officer from the AFP and from TCCS contacted the caller, who explained that there was an issue with junk mail being thrown on their front lawn. The caller further explained that this becomes a security issue when they go away, as pamphlets that are left on the lawn make it obvious that the residents are not at home. The caller informed that officer that they had contacted one of the advertisers, who were not aware that the pamphlets were being delivered. The advertiser confirmed that they would look into the issue and make sure that it stopped.
Directorate: EPSDD & TCCS

Issue: Eye-sore buildings in Woden CBD with broken windows, broken footpath, Dixon Drive, Holder

OUTCOME: Officers from EPSDD attempted to contact the caller several times, unsuccessfully. A message was left with the caller and included the direct contact phone number to a staff member in EPSDD. On 28 November 2016 an officer from Roads ACT inspected Dixon Drive Holder and noted sections of footpath in need of repair. Repair work to remove the trip hazards is expected to be complete by mid December 2016. Replacement of the damaged sections of path is expected to be complete by the end of May 2017. On 2 December 2016 an officer from Roads ACT inspected the footpath around Albemarle Building, and Alexander Building at Furzer Street in Woden and did not identify any trip hazards. Moreover, it was evident that the building area is a proposed future redevelopment site totally enclosed with fencing.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: Street-sweepers blocking drains in Bonython

OUTCOME: After multiple recent rain events, 24 sump inlets were blocked in Bonython. The drains were cleared by Roads ACT on 6 December 2016. The caller was contacted on 7 December 2016 and was advised that the work was completed.


SMS/TEXT

Directorate: TCCS

Issue: Hi Chief Minister, what about the areas that need more of a traditional lawnmower to get the grass down around posts etc?

OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller regarding their enquiry. TCCS is working through the program of spraying under bollards to control vegetation. Due to recent weather conditions, it has been an exceptional year for grass growth and all efforts are being made to address the concerns.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: The potholes at the entrance to the Southlands Tennis Club off Heard Street, Mawson also require attention. They have been raised with authorities.

OUTCOME: The caller was contacted by a Roads ACT officer and advised that the potholes had been filled.


Directorate: EPSDD

Issue: Can you advise what the plans are for the derelict buildings along Bowes St in Woden? Are these government or privately owned, they’ve been an eyesore for way too long now.

Response: We understand that those buildings are owned by a private developer. They have to be developed within a certain time frame or fines are imposed on them.

OUTCOME: An officer from EPSDD attempted to contact caller a number of times to identify sites for a more detailed response, but was unsuccessful.


Directorate: Access Canberra

Issue: Driver licence renewal. I have minimal sight in one eye but 6/6 in the other. For all past renewals I have always declared this and did an eye test at the Dickson motor reg and all was ok. Now I have to do a full medical exam with my GP at great expense [text cut off]

Response: We will get your details and follow up.

OUTCOME: Access Canberra contacted the caller, who advised that they renewed their licence in 2014 and that an eye test was carried out in the shopfront.  The caller advised that they are now required to have a medical. The officer from Access Canberra explained that they were not sure where this request had come from as Access Canberra has not sent a medical request, the caller was also unable to advise the officer where the request came from.  The caller advised that their GP does not have the equipment to carry out an eye test so they will have to then go to an optometrist then back to the GP with a report for the GP to finalise their medical.  Access Canberra noted the caller renewed their licence in November 2016 and supplied an optometrist report and a medical, with the GP requesting they have 2 yearly reviews.  Access Canberra has tried again to contact the caller to see if they could provide any additional information (where the request came from) however attempts to contact the caller have been unsuccessful.


Directorate: Access Canberra

Issue: Would like advice on whether gov’t can provide assistance to home owners affected by Today’s Homes builder collapse? It will be difficult trying to obtain certifications required for ACTPLA occupancy certificate when the relevant trades weren’t paid for work. Will the Government also look at a support package for the subcontractors so they don’t face bankruptcy themselves?

Response: It is not usual practice for the Government to get involved with situations like this. We have an understanding that officers from Access Canberra will be going to look at the stage of construction over the next couple of days. Certification issues are being looked at by Minister Gentleman. We will take the callers details and follow up off air.

OUTCOME: Access Canberra contacted the caller, who sought advice about the possibility of having the government fees waived for their construction project noting that they had paid the builder under their contract for the fees and the builder had not paid.  Access Canberra advised that it would be looking at options to waive fees however that the decision must be made by the Treasurer.  Access Canberra advised that it had received representations from the MBA Fidelity fund on behalf of owners in relation to fees and that it would be making representations to the Treasurer to advise him of the fees outstanding and options available to him. The caller also sought advice about accelerating any government processes from here.  Access Canberra advised that it would continue to work with the MBA fidelity fund to manage what needs to happen on each site. In relation to the caller’s site, Access Canberra has spoken with the building certifier to determine the individual needs and whether they need to engage a new builder to complete any works.  The certifier will advise Access Canberra after they inspect the site. Access Canberra will continue to work with the caller. The caller advised that they and other home owners have written to EPSDD to seek a waiver of fees.  Access Canberra will make contact with relevant officers in EPSDD to have these transferred.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: Just wondering why footpaths fixed outside two asbestos houses 21 and 23 Dixon Dr. Heavy trucks now driving on footpath. Meanwhile footpaths on other side of Dixon Dr Holder falling apart.

Response: The Deputy Chief Minister shared the caller’s frustration with cracked footpaths. We will get details off air and follow up.

OUTCOME: An officer from Roads ACT rang the caller on 29 November 2016 and discussed their concern. The repair work in front of 21 and 23 Dixon Drive was part of an asbestos houses demolition. An inspection was undertaken prior and identified sections of footpath in need of repair along Dixon Drive. The caller was advised that repair work to remove the trip hazards is scheduled to be complete by next week. Replacement of the damaged sections of path is scheduled to be complete by the end of May 2017.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: Can something be done to minimise the huge traffic flow along Owen Dixon Drive Spence. Our street has gone from a quiet residential street to a hectic arterial road which is very noisy, polluting and unsafe.

Response: The Deputy Chief Minister was aware of that road, the change has happened due to the link up to Gungahlin. The Government looked at this prior to the election campaign, particularly round the Owen Drive and Kuringa Drive intersection. We will get details and provide more information off air.

OUTCOME: A Roads ACT officer spoke to the caller on 1 December 2016 and advised of the traffic study Master Plan recommendations for Owen Dixon Drive, as well as future improvements planned for Kuringa Drive/Owen Dixon Drive intersection. The officer also advised that any improvements will be subject to the availability of future funding and was therefore unable to provide a timeline for any implementation.


Directorate: Treasury

Issue: The caller raised the ACTEW guidelines for exclusion zones for trees and vegetation near power lines and wanted to know if this can be extended to include around the bases of all poles and ACTEW infrastructure. The caller was concerned that the vegetation around the bottom of the infrastructure causes a fire hazard.

Response: These are ACTEW regulations, but we will follow up.

OUTCOME: ActewAGL confirmed the cables running through shrubs on a neighbouring property were telecommunications cables. As ActewAGL is only permitted to enforce minimum distances with regard to electrical assets, it was suggested the caller should contact the relevant telecommunications provider.


Directorate: EPSDD

Issue: Just wondering if Uriarra Village really needs to be in a body corporate situation, as can’t really see any benefits for the village. I don’t understand why the village doesn’t get treated like any other suburb. We pay a lot extra money in fees that the rest of Canberra get in rates.

Response: We will look into it.

OUTCOME: An officer from EPSDD contacted the caller and explained that Uriarra was set up as a Community Title Scheme (CTS) by the developer in 2008. To cancel the CTS would require a unanimous resolution as well as renegotiating with the ACT Government to take back all of the common property e.g. roads, horse paddocks.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: Can the Government upgrade the Lennox Garden toilets? I’ve contacted fix my street in the past but they only have charge to clean them.

Response: We will follow up.

OUTCOME: TCCS spoke to the caller on 9 December 2016 and informed them that the toilets were not on the upgrade program for the near future. TCCS officers advised that they would address the issue of the odour.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: The cycle track around the lake has been closed between the boat house and Kings avenue and construction of a large building has commenced. What is it? Also grass in the area is very high meaning fire risk when it dries out.

OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and let them know that the construction was for a club house for the rowing club that will be relocating there from their Kingston Harbour site.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: I live in West Belconnen and commute past the city on William Hovell Drive and Parkes Way. Despite a third lane being added, between 8:15 and 9 on a weekday Parkes Way traffic is quite bad. Delays between 20 and sometimes 30 mins al [text cut off]

OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller on 29 November 2016 who is disappointed that in spite of the additional lane that has been constructed on Parkes Way, there are still significant delays inbound, mainly associated with the three lane merge into two and the roundabout at Coranderrk Street.  TCCS advised the caller that options for further changes to Parkes Way associated with the City to the Lake Project are currently under consideration but this section of the road is the responsibility of the NCA so they are involved in the designs and funding arrangements.


Directorate: Economic Development

Issue: Morning, deputy chief minister, has your government increased or tried t o increase the promotion of Regional Skilled Migration Scheme visas to get more specialists (for example Psychologists specialising in PTSD)? Canberra has very little access to Psychologists.

OUTCOME: An officer from the Economic Development Directorate contacted the caller and left a message with return contact details. The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) is primarily an employer-driven visa pathway. The ACT Government acts as the Regional Certifying Body, providing advice to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) on the nominated position. Because the program responds to employer demand, the ACT Government does not typically promote the program for specific skills shortages. Psychologists and related occupations are currently ‘open’ on the ACT Occupation List, so subject to meeting the requirements, the ACT Government would be happy to support applications from employers wishing to fill psychologist positions with a suitable skilled migrant. Psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia to practice psychology in Australia. Registration would be required (among other requirements) by DIBP in order to grant a visa. This can be a factor in the success of RSMS to fill skills shortages in psychology since depending on the applicant; supervised experience in Australia may be required prior to being eligible for registration.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: Around 11/12 July this year a storm ripped through Canberra damaging many houses and lots and lots of trees. At the top of the walkway near the Evatt shops three trees were severely damaged. One was uprooted, another was stripped of all [text cut off]

OUTCOME: TCCS contacted the caller and again advised them of the competing priorities with storm damage and maintenance requirements. TCCS advised the caller that the sites are made safe in the first instance, removing the hazard with the trunk left standing to be removed at a later date. The TCCS officer also explained that the stump was removed by a separate contractor following the removal of the trunk.


Directorate: Economic Development

Issue: ln Tuggers, NBN has sent a letter to say they will soon place two NBN nodes in our street (Great!). However ACT gov has told NBN they can place one directly in front of our front door (not great at all)! Surely ACT gov should have had at least some consultation.

Response: The Deputy Chief Minister explained there should have been some consultation, either a note to residents or a public notice, so we would look to see what occurred in this case.

OUTCOME: An officer from the Economic Development Directorate contacted the caller and left a message with return contact details. Consultation between ACT Government agencies and NBN Co (Federal Government) regarding NBN installation activities relates primarily to use of shared infrastructure rather than placement and installation of node equipment. Advice on the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website states that carriers, including NBN Co, have the power to install low-impact facilities without seeking state, territory or local government planning approval. Low-impact facilities are specified in the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997, and in terms of the NBN network roadside street cabinets such as NBN nodes are considered low-impact facilities (refer: http://www.acma.gov.au/Industry/Telco/Infrastructure/The-NBN-and-industry/low-impact-facilities). The ACMA website also details the process under which a landowner/occupier may object to the installation of a low-impact facility on their land. NBN Co is required to notify a landowner of its intention to install a low-impact facility. If a landowner or occupier objects to the installation of a low-impact facility, the landowner/occupier can raise the matter first with the carrier. If unable to resolve the matter directly with the carrier, the matter may be referred to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO). The TIO may investigate any low-impact facility installation proposal following a complaint from a landowner and can issue a direction to the carrier about the installation. (refer:http://www.acma.gov.au/Industry/Telco/Infrastructure/Network-facilities/accessing-buildings-to-install-telecommunications-facilities-i-acma)

ACT Government has requested NBN Co provide examples of the communications with residents so that we can suggest any improvements if necessary.


Directorate: EPSDD

Issue: ACT certificate of occupancy needs an overhaul. Remember the recent appalling situation where apartment owners moved in without electricity? How could that happen? And what is the government doing to ensure that new homes and apartments are fully finished

OUTCOME: EPSDD attempted to contact caller, but was unsuccessful.  The government is considering how best to address this matter while not preventing consumers from choosing their own electricity retailer and the type of electricity meter installed in their property.