Chief Minister Talkback Summary - 22 November 2019


Posted on 11/03/2020

Calls received on air

Directorate: CHS

Issue: Mental health facilities for young people and young adults at risk in Canberra – Mental Health plan for a suicidal young person not received in Canberra. Alternative option was travelling to Wollongong to a private facility.

OUTCOME: CHS attempted to contact the caller multiple times without success.


Directorate: ACT Health

Issue: Closure of Canberra Hospital Hydrotherapy pool

OUTCOME: ACT Health contacted the constituent to provide an update on closure of Canberra Hospital Hydrotherapy pool


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: Catherine raised concerns about the condition of the Inner city park (Corroborree Park) and what maintenance works are being done.

OUTCOME: An officer from TCCS contacted the caller to discuss the maintenance of Corroborree Park. Due to the changing climate across Australia, the irrigation of parks and open spaces across Canberra has been reduced over the last few years as part of a water saving strategy.

In relation to general maintenance in Corroboree Park, work is currently undertaken by arborists and horticultural staff who attend the park regularly to deliver routine maintenance programs including litter picking, cleaning of barbeques, maintenance of the playground, tree maintenance and mowing of grassed areas.


Directorate: Access Canberra

Issue: Excessive noise from neighbours in the Belconnen region

OUTCOME: The caller was advised the Environment Protection Authority reviewed their case and has written to the neighbour advising complaints have been received and has requested the occupant take steps to reduce the noise from music. The caller was advised to contact the Manager, Environment Protection should the noise continue.


Directorate: SLA (Ginninderry)

Issue: Tree watering in newly developed part of Holt Avenue and what is the watering regime for these street trees.

OUTCOME: The Suburban Land Agency attempted to contact the caller but was unable to reach the caller on the number provided.

Suburban Land Agency advised the caller that all landscaping works in Ginninderry are still under the responsibility of the contractor, and the trees are being watered regularly.

The street address provided, Holt Avenue, does not exist, the Suburban Land Agency suspects that the trees being referred to are in the adjacent Ginninderra Estate which is a private development.


Directorate: Housing ACT

Issue: Tenants in Housing not paying for water

OUTCOME: The constituent was contacted by a Housing ACT Officer and the matter discussed.

Just like many tenants in the private rental market, Housing ACT tenants are not charged for water usage. If a significant excess water usage issue comes to the attention of Housing ACT, it will investigate its cause and take action as appropriate including educating tenants on water consumption or checking the issue is not caused by a leaking tap or similar.

Calls that didn't make it to air

Directorate: JACS

Issue: Street signs that say words like kill and die – a bit confronting

OUTCOME: JACS contacted the caller and advised that the ACT Government is focused on improving the culture on our roads and that our messaging is intended to be educational to help raise awareness of new trials or road rule requirements.


Directorate: CHS

Issue: What should be included in Emergency Departments

OUTCOME: The caller was contact by CHS – the caller advised interest in being part of consumer feedback/planning forums. The callers details were passed on to the planning team.

SMS/Text

Directorate: CHS

Issue: Urgent care and support for vulnerable people with mental healthcare plans.

OUTCOME: CHS made contact with the caller who was going to call CHS back. CHS have yet to receive a call back.


Directorate: CHS

Issue: Surgery wait-times for public patients and related costs (Calvary patient)

OUTCOME: The caller discussed their recent experience with Calvary Public Hospital billing practices. This information will be passed on to Calvary for their information.


Directorate: CSD

Issue: Adoption in Canberra to support for vulnerable children

OUTCOME: Unable to contact caller.

The ACT Government’s out of home care strategy (A Step Up for Our Kids) recognises that permanency in out of home care arrangements helps vulnerable children and young people to feel secure, supporting their development and emotional wellbeing. Stability planning commences as soon as possible to consider options including restoration with family; permanent care with a kinship or foster carer; and adoption. In the ACT, permanency can be achieved through either an adoption order or an Enduring Parental Responsibility (EPR) order. One order may be more suitable for a child or young person, and a child’s individual circumstances are carefully considered to determine the most appropriate option. All adoptions in the ACT are ‘open’, where the identities of birth parents are made known to child who is adopted and their adoptive family.

More information about adoption and permanency may be found at www.communityservices.act.gov.au.


Directorate: EPSDD

Issue: No consultation in respect of neighbouring building works in Kambah

OUTCOME: The caller was contacted on 26 November 2019 to discuss their concerns. The Community Services Directorate undertook preliminary consultation regarding two sites in Kambah. The caller is an adjoining neighbour and will be invited to make a formal representation when a development application is submitted, which must be considered as part of the statutory planning process. The caller was happy with the response.


Directorate: CHS

Issue: Specialists wait-times for surgery scheduling

OUTCOME: Advised caller that a GP can request a review of the triage category should there be changes in the patient’s condition. The phone number for Central Health Intake (5124 9977) was also provided for further information.