Assembly recognition to go daily
The ACT Legislative Assembly is to recognise traditional custodians at the beginning of each sitting day from now on.
The Assembly has previously recognised the traditional custodians at the beginning of each sitting period.
The changes will align the Legislative Assembly with the House of Representatives, where the Standing Orders require the Speaker to make an acknowledgement of country at the beginning of each sitting day.
Record interest in committee
An inquiry into end of life choices being conducted by a Legislative Assembly select committee has received a record number of submissions
Chair of the Select Committee on End of Life Choices, Bec Cody MLA said 487 written submissions had been received from organisations and individuals.
“This is the largest number of submissions received by a committee of the Legislative Assembly, and indicates the importance of the committee inquiry process initiated by the Assembly in November 2017,” Ms Cody said.
She also announced that public hearings on the issue would be held today (17 May) as well as tomorrow and 24, 25 and 31 May as well as 1 June.
Safeguards for tenants
New laws giving rental tenants safeguards against becoming homeless have been introduced into the Legislative Assembly.
The legislation resolves ongoing uncertainty in the existing laws by creating a safeguard for vulnerable Canberrans.
Under the current legislation, a tenancy agreement could be ended in circumstances outside the tenant’s control and even against the wishes of a lessor.
The Bill introduces a new process for dealing with unpaid rent.
Cotter road upgraded
Improved travel times for residents in living in or visiting the Molonglo Valley and surrounds are expected following the completion of the Cotter Road duplication.
The 1.7 kilometre section from west of the Tuggeranong Parkway to east of Yarralumla Creek was officially opened to road users on schedule in April.
According to local MLA Bec Cody, the works complete the duplication of Cotter Road between Dudley Street, Yarralumla and John Gorton Drive, Weston Creek.
Extra trees for dog park
Upgrades to improve parking at Yarralumla Dog Park and the play station at Pescott Lane have begun.
The improvements at Yarralumla Dog Park car park include the provision of 56 line marked parking spaces including two accessible parking spaces, additional trees and landscaping.
Upgrades at the Pescott Lane car park include the provision of 122 line-marked parking spaces, additional trees and landscaping.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of June.
New home for health service
The 30-year-old Winnunga Aboriginal Health Service is to receive a new facility.
The $12 million project was funded in last year’s Budget and will be provided to Winnunga Nimmityjah as grants to build a modern new facility the organization will own.
Planning and preliminary work has already begun.
