Roof upgrades for Ainslie Shops
Work has begun on replacing roof tiles and other roof upgrades at the Ainslie Shops.
The work was foreshadowed last year when loose-fill asbestos insulation was removed from the roof space.
ACT Work Safety Commissioner, Greg Jones said the works would manage any remaining asbestos fibres.
“All necessary safety measures will be in place,” Mr Jones said.
Hospital partnership to continue
A new agreement is being negotiated to ensure the partnership of ACT Health and Calvary Public Hospital continues.
The shared future will mean that healthcare services on Canberra’s northside continue to be up-to-date, integrated and fully meet the needs of the growing population there.
This will continue the 40-year contribution Calvary and the Little Company of Mary have made to Canberra.
The agreement will also ensure Clare Holland House has the resources it needs to provide end-of-life care.
Highway upgrades in Budget
Funds for upgrading the Monaro and Barton Highways have been included in the 2018‑19 Federal Budget.
A total of $100 million has been allocated to the Monaro Highway Upgrade Package, which allows projects such as the Lanyon Drive‑Monaro Highway Flyover and the widening of the Monaro Highway in both directions through selected sections to be undertaken.
Residents of the ACT who use the Barton Highway will also benefit from the Government’s $100 million contribution to continue upgrades there under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative.
Child abuse scheme expanded
The Reportable Conduct Scheme is to be expanded to include religious organisations, in line with recommendations from the child abuse Royal Commission.
The Reportable Conduct Scheme requires organisations to report allegations or convictions of misconduct involving a child to the ACT Ombudsman.
Religious institutions are already subject to the Scheme when they are providing school, childcare, health and out-of-home care services.
Legislation will now expand the scope to cover activities, facilities, programs or services provided by religious organisations, from 1 July.
Parking fees rise
The National Capital Authority is to increase parking fees in the Parliamentary Triangle with daily charges to rise from $12 a day to $14 from 1 July.
Short stays are to go up by 40 cents to $2.90 per hour with annual increases of 50 cents to the all-day charge and 20 cents to the hourly rate to apply from July 2019
Indigenous scholarships open
Applications are open for Round Two of the 2017‑18 ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural, Leadership and Scholarship Grants.
More than $115,000 is available to encourage and support ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to undertake cultural learning, study and leadership training.
All grant programs allow applicants to apply for IT equipment, which is capped at $2,000.
Applications close on 31 May.
Mental Health Plan planned
The Minister for Mental Health, Shane Rattenbury has announced that the Government will work with community stakeholders and the Capital Health Network to develop an Integrated Regional Mental Health Plan.
The Plan will aim to achieve greater coordination and effectiveness of services across primary health care, community Agencies and specialist services in supporting those affected by eating disorders.
Mr Rattenbury also accepted a cheque on behalf of the ACT Government from Jacqui Brooker, whose Kokoda 2018 fundraising effort raised $13,000 towards eating disorder support services.
The donation will be put towards engaging specialists in this field to train more health professionals to gain the skills necessary to support those affected by eating disorders.
