kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Transcript of remarks by SLW on Budget initiatives
3.3.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, on initiatives in the 2020-21 Budget after attending a radio programme this morning (March 3): Reporter: Dr Law, can you give a bit more details (about the proposed cash payout through the Community Care Fund), like who the main targets will be? Mainlanders, new migrants or will it cover other ethnic minorities? When do you hope to give the money out to them? Secretary for Labour and Welfare: Because the Community Care Fund hasn't yet decided the details, what I can say now is that it is more or less as the practice that we had made back in 2011, primarily based on those who are coming here to live in Hong Kong, rather than those who are in transit, such as those studying or those who are imported labour. So, the primary purpose of those who will be covered will be those coming here to Hong Kong to stay, but unfortunately they may not have reached seven years to become permanent residents. This is the major target. Because the amount of money will be disbursed by the Community Care Fund, therefore we need to have a rider on it, and that is they will be someone who have some financial needs, so basically we are talking about the grassroots people. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Transcript of remarks by SLW on anti-epidemic measures
22.2.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, on measures of the Anti-epidemic Fund after attending a radio programme this morning (February 22): Reporter: There are some criticisms that the Anti-epidemic Fund, the relief package, overly focuses on the corporate and the businesses than helping the workers. How do you respond to that criticism? Secretary for Labour and Welfare: Yes, it is definitely the concern for the Government to protect the employees, over three million employees, here in Hong Kong. The approach in this Anti-epidemic Fund is basically trying to help the employers to maintain their business as far as possible. If they can maintain their business, then the employment can continue, instead of closing down or firing their own staff. So, by the time when the epidemic is over, the enterprises can bounce back very quickly. That is the basic idea. We hope that we can help them. On the other hand, to help the general population is a matter of a much macro perspective and I would guess the Financial Secretary would take care of that. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Transcript of remarks by SLW on new initiatives on improving people's livelihoods and Employment (Amendment) Bill 2019
15.1.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, on new initiatives on improving people's livelihoods and the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2019 after attending a radio programme this morning (January 15): Reporter: Dr Law, you have said in the proposal the Government will combine the two Old Age Living Allowances together. How is that financially sustainable? Secretary for Labour and Welfare: The major consideration of the Old Age Living Allowance is that it has an income limit. Also, it has an asset limit, although this time we proposed to raise the asset limit to $500,000. We do consider in the long run with people's growing savings, including the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes, the percentage of senior people who are eligible for the Old Age Living Allowance will drop slightly and slowly. So, in terms of the long-term sustainability, it is a challenge but it should be surmountable. Reporter: Can you clarify one more thing? Earlier, you were talking about whether you will withdraw the motion on moving the maternity bill to the Legislative Council Panel on Manpower. Can you clarify so you won't be withdrawing that motion? Secretary for Labour and Welfare: I will not withdraw the motion (under Rule 54(4) of the Rules of Procedure that the second reading debate on the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2019 be adjourned, but the Bill, instead of being referred to the House Committee, be referred to the Panel on Manpower). Reporter: Why is that? Also, what is your reaction to other people's reactions to your move over the past few days? Most of them have said it will set a bad precedent for other controversial bills or laws in future. Secretary for Labour and Welfare: I guess if you look back to the history of the Legislative Council, rules are made and changed over time. If you see who breaks the rules or practices of the Legislative Council, I don't think it is the Government. What we are trying to do today is to see what can be allowed within the rules, regulations and procedures. If that can be done and actually permitted by the Legislative Council, why not? So, the reason I did apologise for moving the motion is not for the nature of the motion or the content of the motion, but just for the fact I have not consulted my colleagues before my decision. I have apologised for that, but I still consider my decision at that critical moment is the right move. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
LWB alerts public to deceptive advertisements purported to be interviews with SLW
22.10.2021

The Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) today (October 22) appealed to members of the public for heightened vigilance against deceptive advertisements purported to be interviews with the Secretary for Labour and Welfare (SLW). The LWB clarified that it has never issued such advertisements and the SLW has never made the fictitious remarks in the fake interview report. The LWB recently noted some suspected phishing deceptive advertisements and websites on some online news portals and in social media which carry the SLW's name and news photos. Such advertisements lure users to click and take them to suspicious transaction platforms. A spokesman for the LWB urged the public not to visit any suspicious websites via those advertisements or provide personal information to unknown websites. The spokesman pointed out that the incident has been reported to the Police for follow-up investigation.
Results of Youth Employment and Training Programme Most Improved Trainees 2021 announced
30.9.2021

The Labour Department (LD) announced today (September 30) the results of the Youth Employment and Training Programme (YETP) Most Improved Trainees (MITs) 2021 to recognise the 10 outstanding trainees who achieved significant improvements in personal development, leadership or work performance during the training period, as well as to commend the concerted caring efforts of service providers and employers in nurturing young people. Merit Awards were given to nine other trainees to encourage them to keep pursuing their career goals and dreams. Details of the awardees are in the Annexes. To publicise the services of the YETP and to showcase the stories of the MITs who dare to try and realise their dreams, the LD and ViuTV will jointly present a TV programme, "MIT Self-enhancement Project", to depict how the MITs strived with tireless effort and unbeatable spirit in their respective jobs and earned recognition from their employers and service providers. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, also showed support for the MITs in the TV programme and encouraged young people to venture out and seize every self-enhancement opportunity for a boundless future. The TV programme, with 12 three-minute episodes, will be broadcast on ViuTV from October 2 at 7.55pm every Saturday and Sunday. The YETP is open to young school leavers aged 15 to 24 with educational attainment at sub-degree level or below. Enrolment for the YETP is free of charge on a year-round basis. Services offered include pre-employment training, one-month workplace attachment training, on-the-job salaried training for six to 12 months, and case management services provided by registered social workers. Trainees receive personalised career guidance, job search assistance and employment support. An off-the-job vocational training allowance and a retention allowance are also provided to eligible trainees. For details, please visit the YETP's website at www.yes.labour.gov.hk . The LD has also set up a Youth Employment Services hotline at 2112 9932 to provide a one-stop enquiry service regarding the programme and for young people to register for on-the-job training vacancies from employers.
SLW visits Parents/Relatives Resource Centre (with photos)
24.9.2021

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, visited the Sandy Bay Parents Resource Centre of Heep Hong Society in Pok Fu Lam this afternoon (September 24) to learn more about the community support services for parents and relatives/carers of persons with disabilities. Accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of Heep Hong Society, Ms Rachel Leung, and District Social Welfare Officer (Central Western/Southern/Islands) Ms Jenny Yan, Dr Law first toured the centre's facilities, including an indoor playroom specially designed for training children's physical strength and body co-ordination skills. He was briefed on how the centre supports relatives to take care of their family members with disabilities or difficulties in upbringing. The centre now provides services to more than 300 families. Dr Law and the other officers also visited other social adaptation facilities catering for children with special needs in the Heep Hong Society Integrated Service Complex. The Government has increased the number of Parents/Relatives Resource Centres from six in 2018-19 to the present 19, i.e. one in each of the 18 districts in Hong Kong, with another one for persons in recovery. In view of the double challenges due to language barriers and cultural differences encountered by ethnic minority (EM) children with special needs, specialised EM units have been set up in five Parents/Relatives Resource Centres to provide tailored services to them. The Government has also enhanced rehabilitation training service in District Support Centres for Persons with Disabilities (DSC) and the number of DSCs will be increased progressively from this financial year from the present 16 to 21. The number of Support Centres for Persons with Autism has also been increased from three to five with strengthened manpower support. In addition, the Government has allocated more resources for strengthening the community support function (particularly carer support) of the 17 Social and Recreational Centres for the Disabled. Dr Law said, "The current-term Government has implemented a host of measures to strengthen support for carers of persons with disabilities. They included increasing day, residential, home care and respite service places as well as strengthening manpower of various centre-based and home-based services. The Government will continue to increase service places through development projects, purchase of premises and the Bought Place Scheme for Private Residential Care Homes for Persons with Disabilities. Social welfare organisations are also encouraged to make better use of their land through in-situ expansion or redevelopment to provide more rehabilitation facilities under the Special Scheme on Privately Owned Sites for Welfare Uses. The Government will also incorporate the planning ratios of the rehabilitation services concerned into the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines in this financial year to ensure the sustainable development of the services."
SLW visits After School Care Programme for Pre-primary Children service centre (with photos)
14.9.2021

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, visited Sweet Heart After School Care Centre for Pre-primary Children in Sham Shui Po this afternoon (September 14) to take a closer look at its re-engineered service, which commenced operation in mid-August. Accompanied by the Chairman of People Service Centre (the operator of the centre), Mr Ng Hang-sau, Dr Law first toured the facilities and observed the activities provided by the centre, and exchanged views with the staff and parents. He was briefed on the different enrolment demands for the morning, afternoon and evening sessions, and noted that over half of the children enrolled in the centre received full-fee waiving, thereby relieving the burden of needy families with financial hardship. The centre was formerly the Parents' Mutual Help Child Care Centre (MHCCC). Such MHCCCs are operated by non-governmental organisations on a self-financing basis to provide a flexible form of child care service for children under 3 years old. To strengthen child care services, the Government announced in the 2018 Policy Address a range of initiatives. These included accepting the recommendation of the report of the Consultancy Study on the Long-term Development of Child Care Services to re-engineer MHCCCs in phases to cope with the community's child care needs and optimise the use of public resources. A feasibility study on the provision of after-school care service for children aged 3 to 6 in suitable welfare facilities was completed in April 2020. A total of 19 MHCCCs are now being re-engineered in phases from 2021-22 to provide after-school care service for pre-primary children aged 3 to under 6 through additional provision of social workers and supporting staff. As of August 2021, four MHCCCs have been re-engineered. Dr Law said, "The current-term Government is committed to promoting pro-child and pro-family policies and an array of measures have been implemented to strengthen child care service. These include enhancing the long-term planning of child care centres (CCCs), improving the manning ratio, increasing the level of subsidy for CCC service, providing child care training for grandparents, and increasing the service places of aided standalone CCCs, occasional child care service and extended hours service. In addition, a number of enhancement measures have been introduced to the Fee-waiving Subsidy Scheme under the After School Care Programme, with a view to better supporting low-income and needy families."
Transcript of remarks by SLW on designated quarantine facilities for foreign domestic helpers
1.9.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, on designated quarantine facilities for foreign domestic helpers after attending the Legislative Council meeting this afternoon (September 1): Reporter: Dr Law, with regard to the designated quarantine hotel, will the Government provide flexibility and offer some of the currently idle quarantine hotels to cater for the foreign domestic helpers, and then perhaps put the hotels back into quarantine flats for other returning Hong Kong people because the quarantine centre is full? Secretary for Labour and Welfare: Somehow, there is a consistent demand from people coming back from elsewhere to Hong Kong for quarantine arrangements, so the existing provision of designated quarantine hotels is basically needed. On this particular front, when we are trying to provide this designated quarantine facility for foreign domestic helpers, we try not to affect the overall supply (of quarantine facilities) for people coming back from elsewhere. So, somehow we are trying to, particularly in this case when we are using existing quarantine facilities, basically trying to increase such a supply, but there is always a limit. As I said earlier, it is very important for us to closely monitor the situation, because there is always a risk when we are allowing people from these high-risk areas coming back to Hong Kong in large numbers. Then, that will put a very substantial pressure on our system and there can always be leakage. So, to ensure our measures will not affect our overall strategy, we have to do it very carefully and step by step. Because of that and there is an earnest demand for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong, therefore as long as we can find an option that is workable, we will make it known so that the potential employers will know when and how many (quarantine facilities) will be available in the near future. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SLW visits RCHE in new private development (with photos)
31.8.2021

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, visited Forward Living, the first purpose-built residential care home for the elderly (RCHE) under the Scheme to Encourage Provision of RCHE Premises in New Private Developments, in Tuen Mun this afternoon (August 31). The Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau, also joined the visit. Accompanied by its management team, Dr Law first took a closer look at anti-epidemic measures in the RCHE. The RCHE is equipped with an air monitoring system for regular testing of air quality. He was then briefed on the application of gerontechnology in the RCHE, including the smart Elderly Homes Management System linking various facilities for one-stop drug management and monitoring of residents' health, the provision of nutritional soft meals for elderly persons with swallowing difficulty, and the installation of rehabilitation and cognitive training equipment as well as care and anti-bacterial furniture. According to the above Scheme, the relevant RCHE premises will be exempted from payment of premium under land transactions on the condition that the developers are willing to accept certain lease conditions to ensure the delivery of the RCHE premises and that the proposed projects must be supported by the Social Welfare Department and relevant departments. So long as the developers will bear the construction cost and the premises will only be used as RCHEs, they are allowed to lease or sell the premises as one whole unit, or engage an organisation to operate the RCHEs. Developers/operators also have the flexibility to set their own fees in accordance with the market situation. The land transaction involving Forward Living was made at end-2012 and the RCHE commenced operation in June 2021, providing 191 residential care places for the elderly. Dr Law said that the Government would continue to increase residential care places for the elderly by adopting a multi-pronged approach and maximising land use. These measures include reinstating the population-based planning ratios for RCHE places in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, providing an additional choice via the Pilot Scheme on Residential Care Service Voucher for the Elderly, purchasing additional EA1 places under the Enhanced Bought Place Scheme, encouraging non-governmental organisations to make better use of land through the Special Scheme on Privately Owned Sites for Welfare Uses as well as inviting the Hong Kong Housing Authority and Hong Kong Housing Society to explore reserving about 5 per cent of the total domestic gross floor area in future public housing development projects exclusively for welfare uses, in particular RCHEs which are much needed by the community, on the premise that the public housing supply and other ancillary facilities will not be affected. Apart from the above, the Government will continue to encourage participation by more private enterprises in providing quality RCHE services.
Transcript of remarks by SLW on unemployment rate and vaccination for elderly
24.7.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, on unemployment rate and vaccination for the elderly people after attending a radio programme this morning (July 24): Reporter: You said during the radio programme that you are optimistic in the unemployment rate to go further down next month. Can you tell us why you are so optimistic? Secondly, about the vaccination rate for elderly people living in care homes, does the Government have any plans to send out more outreach teams to get them vaccinated, since the rate is so low right now? Secretary for Labour and Welfare: Looking at all the indicators, including economic indicators and our labour market situation, such as jobs available, people looking for jobs, etc, the trend is definitely telling us that it's going down, in terms of the unemployment rate. But how fast it will go down is something that we can't really predict, but the trend is going down. As to the question related to vaccination in our residential care homes (RCHs), particularly for those in residential care homes for the elderly, we have started the first round (of Outreach Vaccination Arrangement for RCHs under COVID-19 Vaccination Programme) a couple of months ago, but at that time because of the lack of information and difficulty in making decisions, the vaccination rate is a bit too low we must say. We have just started another round, providing more information, simpler information, telling people that if they have been receiving seasonal influenza vaccination all the time, now they can use this COVID-19 vaccine. So, we hope that the simplified message would help people to make up their mind for vaccination. In terms of the outreach work, primarily because in the past when we were doing the seasonal influenza vaccination, we had a vaccination rate between 70 to 80 per cent and they were primarily conducted by doctors in private practice. We have secured sufficient support from them and we hope that in the coming round of vaccination, there will be more people willing to participate and they can get a jab. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)