Government Response Agreed. The ACT Government will continue to work with non-government organisations and the National Disability Insurance Agency in implementing the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building functions of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (the NDIS) in the ACT. The ACT Government is committed to local organisations receiving appropriate notification to address any transitional issues related to the NDIS. RECOMMENDATION 69 The Committee recommends that the ACT Government determine the level of unmet need for early intervention services and report to the Legislative Assembly by the last sitting day in 2015 on the level of unmet need and how they intend to address that need. Government Response Agreed in principle. The ACT Government supports determining the level of unmet need in early intervention services after an analysis of the 2015 Australian Early Developmental Census (AEDC) has been conducted. The ACT Government will conduct the analysis of the 2015 Australian Early Developmental Census (AEDC) by geographic location and map against community based early intervention services. However, as the community profiles of AEDC will not be available until March 2016, it is not feasible to report to the Assembly by the last sitting day in 2015. Families waiting to access a program or service can access other services and supports through their local Child and Family Centre. RECOMMENDATION 70 The Committee recommends that the ACT Government provide regular updates to the Legislative Assembly on the implementation of the Step Up for Our Kids strategy especially with relation to improving capacity and strengthening of high risk families. Government Response Agreed.
Government Response Agreed. A significant number of alternate options have been considered over the past few years and reconsidered in the past few months. The Government will continue to progress investigations into alternative locations. The two sites identified for detailed investigations are Block 5 Section 36 Forrest and Block 33 and 39 and part Block 34, Section 78 Griffith. The Government will consult with stakeholders of the site that is decided to be the most suitable for the Telopea Park/Manuka Occasional Child Care Association (MOCCA), including on any public realm changes such as road, parking and traffic arrangements. The key considerations in continuing investigation of these sites are development parcel size, traffic, access and parking options, and location compared to the existing MOCCA site. RECOMMENDATION 94 The Committee recommends that the ACT Government conclude its inquiry into the inappropriate withdrawal space in an ACT school expeditiously and provide an update to the Legislative Assembly within three sitting days of receipt. Government Response Noted. The finalisation of the investigation into the inappropriate withdrawal space in an ACT school remains a priority. The release of any information will be subject to legal advice. RECOMMENDATION 95 If the report is not available for the August 2015 sittings, the Committee recommends that the ACT Government update the Assembly on progress to date. Government Response Noted. The release of any information will be subject to legal advice. RECOMMENDATION 96 The Committee recommends that the Canberra Institute of Technology ensure that Auslan Certificate II and III courses are offered to ensure communication access for Deaf people in the ACT by providing a pathway to Interpreting courses.