Chief Minister Talkback Summary - 3 May 2019


Posted on 08/08/2019

Calls received on air

Directorate: Access Canberra

Issue: Poor condition of vacant blocks, including Mr Fluffy properties.

OUTCOME: The caller was contacted to advise that Access Canberra has conducted a survey of all Mr Fluffy blocks in Latham and reported that none of the blocks met the criteria for an unclean leasehold under the Planning and Development Act 2007. For a block to be considered unclean, 30% of the land visible from the public domain musts be covered in items, such as machinery, timber, scrap metal etc. Enquiries relating to this matter may be directed to Access Canberra on 13 22 81.


Directorate: CHS

Issue: Hydrotherapy pool. Is the pool at the University of Canberra deep enough and warm enough for people who have problem with their shoulders?

OUTCOME: When contacted, the caller advised of his more general concerns around the closure of the hydrotherapy pool. The caller was provided with information about the closure.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: There are no recycling or functioning street lights at Ainslie Village.

OUTCOME: The caller was contacted and advised the ACT Government manages the street lights up to the complex only, and inside the complex lights are managed by Argyle Housing. The caller was also advised that ACT NoWaste would contact the management of Argyle Housing to arrange waste and recycling services to the complex.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: Wheelchair accessibility at O'Connor shops – the ramps are too steep.

OUTCOME: An inspection has been conducted and the issue raised for works to be carried out within the next six months to address the steepness of the ramps.


Calls that didn't make the air

Directorate: Health

Issue: Hydrotherapy pool at the Canberra Hospital

OUTCOME: The caller was informed of the work underway through an external advisor to consider other suitable options on the south side of Canberra, and exploring any increase in availability of access at other facilities. The caller was informed of the consultation sessions being held with Arthritis ACT. The caller that they are a member of Arthritis ACT and that they would be attending a session to provide their feedback, particularly regarding limitations of other facilities in comparison to the Canberra Hospital Hydrotherapy Pool. The caller provided specific information in relation to some other facilities and was informed that this would be passed onto the external advisor.


Directorate: Access Canberra

Issue: The caller fell victim to identity theft and is looking to change his driver licence number.

OUTCOME: The caller was advised that once issued to a client, the Road Transport Authority (RTA) does not change driver licence numbers. The reason for this was explained noting that the RTA issues a Driver Licence for the purposes of Road Transport Legislation and that while a Driver Licence has evolved to become an accepted form of personal identification, it is not the purpose for which it is issued.It was also explained that having multiple driver licence numbers issued to an individual would result in an data integrity issue.


Directorate: CMTEDD Communications

Issue: Why isn't the monthly Government newsletter included in the newspaper? It would likely be a cheaper way to distribute the material.

OUTCOME: The caller was contacted and advised the ACT Government has a responsibility to inform residents of the initiatives, programs and Government services that are relevant to them. This includes information about public healthcare, local schools, the delivery of new city services and updates on events, roadworks and infrastructure projects.

A recent survey conducted by the ACT Government of 600 Canberrans, which is a statistically representative sample of the Canberra Community, indicated the most popular method of receiving government communications was delivery of a newsletter to their home. In comparison only 4% of people listed an insert in a major or local paper.


SMS/Text

Directorate: TCCS

Issue: There was a skip in the only disability bay in Burbury Close, Barton (outside Hotel Realm) that was needed by the caller. Surely this is illegal

OUTCOME: The caller was contacted to advise officers had inspected site and identified the skip related to construction works within Hotel Realm. The site manager was contacted and advised to remove the skip from the parking bay immediately.


Directorate: CMTEDD (ED)

Issue: NSW Government has increased its kids' sports grants to $200 per child, and creative kids grants for families of $100. Will the ACT Government match this policy?

OUTCOME: The caller was advised that there is no commitment from the ACT Government to a voucher scheme at this time. The caller was also provided an overview of how the Territory support the sector including through grants, provision of facilities and other means.

The caller was advised that the ACT Government funds a number of arts organisations that provide arts programs for young people at community rates, and some provide a discount for disadvantaged families. It was also noted that examples included Canberra Youth Theatre, Canberra Youth Music, Warehouse Circus, QL2 Dance, Ausdance ACT, Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Watson Arts Centres.


Directorate: TCCS

Issue: Under the new bus network, children of all ages in the inner south (Narrabundah, Griffith, Red Hill, Kingston, Manuka etc) are collected from school and deposited at the Civic or Woden bus interchanges, where they have a long wait and need to catch another bus back to where they live. Is there no alternative to this?

OUTCOME: The caller was advised that painted speed limits have been used at the selected locations. The application of painted speed limits is not a mandatory requirement and has no regulatory function. Typically speed limit road markings are used by exception.