Category: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Released 19/04/2024

The ACT Government is building the walking and cycling infrastructure our growing city needs, with construction set to begin on a trial of cycling infrastructure on Bowen Drive in Kingston separating cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.

“In the 2023-24 ACT Budget and subsequent mid-year review, the ACT Government announced a significant investment of more than $30 million in active travel improvements bringing the forward estimates to over $94 million,” said Minister for City Services Tara Cheyne.

“This program includes not only new and upgraded infrastructure but also an increase in maintenance of existing infrastructure to ensure its continued reliability into the future. One of these projects is the Kingston Cycleway, a two-stage project delivering new and upgraded cycling infrastructure from the Kings Avenue Bridge through to Cunningham Street.”

Construction is beginning in the coming weeks on the first stage of works, a trial of a two-way protected cycle lane on Bowen Drive between the Kings Avenue Bridge and the Bowen Park carpark. A recycled separation kerb will provide physical separation between cyclists and motorists.

“We have heard calls from community and advocacy groups about the need to invest in separated cycling infrastructure to improve safety and accessibility and encourage more people to choose active travel,” said Minister Cheyne.

“This was evidenced in consultation on the Active Travel Plan 2024-2030 and the Design Guide. The first priority in the Plan is safe infrastructure for walking and riding which was highlighted by the community as a fundamental barrier to getting more people active, walking and riding in Canberra.

“The protected cycle lane will provide much-needed additional capacity for cyclists to address the current heavy use of the route around Lake Burley Griffin to the Kingston Foreshore. Importantly, it will provide separation between pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

“The trial of this infrastructure will influence future decision-making about the roll-out of similar infrastructure in other areas of Canberra.”

Pop up cycleway projects are intended to provide the same safety outcomes of traditional infrastructure delivery, the main difference being they are constructed with more temporary materials and are less expensive. This enables faster project delivery, while also enabling Government to monitor and review the operation of pop-up prototypes before they can be considered for transition to more permanent infrastructure in future.

“Construction is expected to take around two months to complete. Once complete, signage will be installed delineating the cycle lane from the now pedestrian-only off-road path.

“We want more Canberrans to choose to walk or ride to their destination and we recognise a key component in increasing the uptake of active travel is in the infrastructure available. Design work will soon begin on the second stage of the Kingston Cycleway which is focused on new and upgraded infrastructure between Bowen Park and Cunningham Street.”

The ACT Government has also been making significant investments in feasibility studies and design work to strengthen the future active travel network and make sure priorities reflect Canberrans’ travel preferences and support the growth of our city.

“Significantly this includes more pop up and quick-build projects with a consultancy tender currently out to market to identify what is required to facilitate these projects, what they may look like and what locations would be suitable for this type of infrastructure. I look forward to providing an update once this work is complete.

“We want more Canberrans to walk and ride more often across our extensive path network. Providing new infrastructure and enhancing our existing network to make it safer and more attractive is a key deliverable in achieving this,” said Minister Cheyne.

For more information on active travel improvements planned and underway across Canberra visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au

– Statement ends –

| Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Released 18/04/2024

The ACT Government have expanded the Permit to Teach (PTT) program in 2024 to include teaching students from Charles Sturt University.

The PTT program is an employment-based pathway for aspiring teachers in the ACT that was first introduced in 2023 for UC and ACU teaching students, with the program expanded to Charles Sturt teaching students from this year.

The program enables final year teaching students at the University of Canberra, Australian Catholic University and Charles Sturt University to gain great work experience in an ACT public school while also earning around $75,000 a year.

This program provides invaluable real-world experience to aspiring educators while offering them financial support through employment, all endorsed by the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI). PTT employees also receive up to 6 weeks paid placement leave, to enable them to undertake their final year placement.

Minister for Education Yvette Berry was pleased to see the expansion of the program in 2024.

“We recognise the crucial role played by our educators in shaping the lives of our city’s young people,” Minister Berry said.

“Through the agreements we have in place with universities, we are ensuring the teachers of the future are getting experience in the classroom while also being paid for the work they do.

“Last year 61 ITE students registered for a Permit to Teach across ACT public schools, which was beneficial not only for them but also for our schools, who continue to face challenges due to the ongoing national teacher shortage.

“I welcome Charles Sturt University to the PTT program.”

Quotes attributable to Brian Downton, Alfred Deakin High School principal:

“We have a number of PTT teachers from last year who have been an outstanding addition to our school. The opportunity for them to come in and teach while being supported by mentors, gives them a real springboard for success in our profession.

“As a school we get to mentor, mould and work with exceptional emerging educators at the very beginning of their career. This is a tremendous opportunity which, during a teacher shortage, is all the more valuable.”

Quotes attributable to Catherine Bui, Alfred Deakin High School teacher and 2023 PTT program participant:

“I believe the PTT program was a great opportunity and privilege to work on my craft while learning the most recent teaching strategies and programs. Being able to implement that as you’re learning it is a great opportunity.

“To be mentored by colleagues across the school was valuable in improving pedagogy and reflection on my practise.”

Quotes attributable to Sam Carters, Alfred Deakin High School teacher and 2023 PTT program participant:

“The program enabled me, as a mature age student, to transition to my teaching career faster. Being paid to learn on the job meant that I could teach sooner.

“I’d absolutely recommend final year teaching students sign up and get involved.”

– Statement ends –

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Released 16/04/2024

Every Canberran deserves access to quality local sporting facilities.

Thanks to a $7.5 million investment from the ACT Government, upgrades to the court surfaces at the Arawang Netball Association in Stirling and the Canberra Netball Association in Lyneham have been completed. This marks the completion of the first phase of works to upgrade Canberra’s district netball facilities.

Work will soon commence on the remaining three netball facilities in Calwell, Charnwood and Deakin with planned improvements to the playing surface, fencing, drainage and stormwater management.

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry said, “I’m thrilled to announce completion of upgrades at the Arawang and Canberra Netball Association facilities. Netball is one of the Canberra’s largest sports with over 12,000 participants and these upgrades will ensure that players are able to continue to play their sport on high quality playing surfaces.”

“The ACT district netball courts’ remediation project in partnership with Netball ACT and is the result of its ongoing engagement and advocacy on behalf of the local netball community.”

“The ACT Government has made a $7.5 million investment into the upgrades for Canberra’s five district netball courts. The second phase of Netball ACT courts’ remediation project will commence later this year at the South Canberra, Belconnen and Tuggeranong district netball facilities. I can’t wait to see the finished result early next year.”

– Statement ends –

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Released 16/04/2024

Construction is progressing on a new state-of-the-art emergency services station in Acton, which will further enhance response times in the city centre and surrounds.

Located between Clunies Ross Street and Parkes Way, the station’s completion is scheduled for December 2024. It is expected to be operational by June 2025.

The ACT Government has committed more than $40 million to the design and construction of the facility, which emphasises energy efficiency and is aligned with the ACT’s Climate Change Strategy goals. 

Key benefits of the new Acton Emergency Services Station include:

• Enhanced emergency response: The central location will ensure swift response times for City and Inner North residents.
• Sustainable design: In line with the ACT’s emissions reduction strategy, the station will have electric vehicle chargers to meet the needs of the agency’s electric vehicle fleet. The station’s roof will also be equipped with solar panels expected to create 142MWh per year.
• Modern facilities: The station will provide a comfortable, well-equipped base for both ACT Fire & Rescue and ACT Ambulance Service personnel.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman:

“This station represents a further investment in our Emergency Services Agency and the community’s safety. 

“It will deliver faster response times, while the innovative facility will allow our first responders to carry out their vital work to the highest standard.

“This new, fully-electric station will also bolster our efforts to reduce emissions while providing industry-leading facilities for our emergency services crews. It is a win for the environment, the safety of our workforce and the Canberra community.

“We’re committed to building a more resilient and sustainable Canberra in alignment with our climate action goals. This station a prime example of how we prioritise environmental responsibility while delivering vital public services.”

Quotes attributable to Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Phillips:

“The Acton Emergency Services Station represents another step toward equipping our first responders with the facilities and infrastructure to carry out their vital work and service one of Canberra’s fastest-growing regions. 

“We listened to our people when designing the facility and I’m heartened to see their input taking shape in the construction.”

– Statement ends –

Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Released 12/04/2024

A temporary visitor centre will open to visitors today at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to provide enhanced customer service and experience.

Executive Branch Manager of the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Stephen Alegria said the building has been installed following the permanent closure of the Visitor Centre last year.

“The ACT Government installed a new demountable building at the entrance to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. We are very pleased that visitors can once again have an opportunity to chat to our staff in person about the many walks and activities on offer at this beautiful reserve,” Mr Alegria said.

“ACT Parks and Conservation Service visitor staff will be available over the school holidays to welcome visitors to the reserve and provide advice, brochures, maps, and first aid equipment in the event of an emergency.

“Wi-Fi is available inside and immediately outside the building, and there are accessible public toilets.

“The temporary visitor centre will also support the many wonderful volunteers that add so much value to the visitor experience at Tidbinbilla. Autumn is a great time to visit Tidbinbilla and experience the abundant wildlife, walking and picnicking opportunities on offer.

“Entry to Tidbinbilla remains free until further notice and the boom gate will remain open from 7:30am until 6:00pm.

“Planning is underway for a new permanent Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre. In the meantime, the temporary building is expected to continue providing visitor services for the foreseeable future.

For more information visit the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve website.

– Statement ends –

ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases

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Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Released 12/04/2024

Transport Canberra is encouraging the community to ‘Register to Ride’ for free travel to the Dawn Service and Veterans’ March at the Australian War Memorial on Thursday 25 April 2024.

“Anzac Day is important for a lot of people which is why we want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to rethink their routine and leave the car at home with ‘Register to Ride’ which is completely free,” Ian McGlinn, Executive Branch Manager Bus Operations, Transport Canberra said.

“Registering to ride is easy to sign up for on the Transport Canberra website and provides Canberrans with peace of mind knowing that bus travel to both the Dawn Service and Veterans’ March has been arranged, without the hassle of trying to find a park around the Australian War Memorial.

“With people continuing to return to public transport once again, registering to ride also allows Transport Canberra to better monitor and manage customer demand for our bus services.

“Knowing how many buses are required is important for special events and commemorative ceremonies like Anzac Day where we know there is a high demand.”

Register to Ride pick-up locations for the Dawn Service include:

• City Interchange
• Belconnen Interchange on Cohen Street, Westfield Belconnen and Community bus station
• Gungahlin Interchange
• Woden Interchange
• Tuggeranong Interchange
• Continuous loop shuttles from Russell Offices and the Canberra Centre

Continuous loop shuttle buses specifically for the Veterans’ March will pick-up from Russell Offices and Canberra Centre.

Return services for both the Dawn Service and Veterans’ March will depart approximately 20 minutes after each ceremony. Passengers do not need to register for return travel.

“With limited parking and road closures in place throughout the day it’s a good opportunity to rethink how you can get to the Anzac Day ceremonies,” Mr McGlinn said.

“As we do every year, passengers who wear or display their service medals are eligible to ride on any Transport Canberra bus or light rail service for free on Anzac Day.”

Buses and light rail will be running to a Sunday timetable and frequency.

*Note, light rail services will not commence until 7am, only buses can be used to attend the Dawn Service from one of the locations above.

For more information on Anzac Day ceremonies check out the War Memorial website www.awm.gov.au.

For information on free travel for Anzac Day and to register for a free bus service, visit www.transport.act.gov.au.

– Statement ends –

ACT Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate | Media Releases

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Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Released 11/04/2024

A bill introduced today by Corrections and Justice Health Minister Emma Davidson, aims to improve rehabilitation outcomes for people sentenced in the criminal justice system.

The Crimes (Sentence Administration) Amendment Bill 2024 will allow offenders to be credited with community service hours when circumstances beyond their control prevent them from completing those hours.

Minister Davidson said the amendment will ensure people who willingly show up for their community work orders are recognised for their rehabilitative efforts.

“This is about better balancing accountability with fairness. Sometimes people are totally committed to their community service, but it may be cancelled due to things such as severe weather conditions. They put the time in to show up and it’s important we recognise that as part of their rehabilitative journey,” Minister Davidson said.

“Crediting these hours does that. To balance this with their individual accountability, the bill caps the number of hours that can be credited at 10% of the total number of hours to be completed.

“This is a fair and balanced reform for people who are doing the right thing by showing up for their community service work.”

Before making a decision to credit community service work hours, the Director-General or a delegate will be required to consider the purposes of sentencing, which include both promoting the rehabilitation of the offender and recognising the harm done to the victim of the crime and the community.

– Statement ends –

| Emma Davidson, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Released 10/04/2024

The ACT has today passed new laws to protect the integrity of jury trials and streamline the process, reducing delays and costs for all involved.

The Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 makes it an offence for jurors to conduct their own investigations outside of the courtroom, a practice that can lead to mistrials. The Bill also introduces majority verdicts in Territory criminal offences, helping to prevent hung juries and the need for retrials.

“In a diverse community people may not always agree, resulting in hung juries. This not only causes delays and increased costs, but also adds emotional strain for victims, accused people and others involved in the proceedings,” said ACT Attorney‑General Shane Rattenbury.

“The community expects both an efficient and a fair justice system. These reforms will help prevent retrials and give the community confidence in our jury system.”

The new protections include:

• Greater juror accountability: The new law makes it an offence for jurors to seek information about a trial independently, such as through online searches, strengthening the fairness of the trial process.
• Majority verdicts allowed: In trials for Territory criminal offences, courts may now accept a verdict if 11 out of 12 jurors agree, minimising the risk of hung juries and retrials.

“These reforms were developed in consultation with key justice sector stakeholders,” said the Attorney‑General.

“Feedback from the justice sector was strongly supportive of updating our jury laws.

“We understand the vital role jurors play in our criminal justice system. These new laws make their responsibilities clear- both for jurors and the community – and will make the process of coming to a verdict more efficient,” Minister Rattenbury said.

– Statement ends –

Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Released 10/04/2024

The ACT Government has announced significant reforms designed to make the Territory’s criminal justice system fairer and more transparent.

The Crimes (Disclosure) Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 will:

• put clearer rules in place for how evidence must be disclosed by the prosecution in criminal proceedings; and
• give victim-survivors a greater voice in court, with new rules allowing persons to be heard by the Court in matters where protected confidences, such as counselling records, about sexual assault or family violence may be used.

In relation to the prosecution’s disclosure obligations, the Bill provides enhanced transparency, with clearer rules on what evidence must be disclosed, and clear timeframes for compliance. This is to support fairness for defendants and swift process. The Bill also makes clear the Court’s discretion to make orders if the prosecution fails to meet their disclosure obligations.

In relation to protected confidences, the Bill has a victim-centred focus. Victim-survivors of sexual assault and family violence will be given standing before the court, meaning they can directly inform the court about the potential impact of using their confidential information.

“These reforms strike a careful balance between the rights of defendants and the needs of victims,” said Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury.

“By codifying disclosure rules, we are creating certainty and transparency for all those involved in criminal proceedings in the ACT. We are ensuring the proper administration of justice.

“At the same time, the standing amendments support victim-survivors to have their voices heard. This strengthens the integrity of our justice system.”

By codifying the prosecution’s disclosure obligations, the Bill directly responds to Recommendation 8 from the Board of Inquiry into the Criminal Justice System.

The reform in the Bill that relates to standing is complemented by the establishment of the ACT’s first dedicated legal service for victim-survivors of sexual assault. This is being delivered through a collaborative partnership between Women’s Legal Centre and Victim Support ACT’ because the Sexual Assault Legal Service has been operational for some time.

Consultation with stakeholders including ACT Courts, ACT Policing, Office of the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions, the legal community and victim support services, informed the development of the Bill.

– Statement ends –

Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Released 10/04/2024

Legislation introduced into the ACT Legislative Assembly today will increase the range of health practitioners who can prescribe or supply abortion medication.

The Health (Improved Abortion Access) Amendment Bill 2024 will remove barriers to nurse practitioners and authorised midwives prescribing abortion medication, which can currently only be done by doctors.

This Bill follows changes made by the Therapeutic Good Administration last year to remove restrictions on health professionals who prescribe and dispense the abortifacient MS-2 Step (mifepristone and misoprostol).

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said access to safe and legal abortion was a human right and that the number of abortion service providers has been highlighted as a barrier to timely access. 

“Improved access to abortion services will allow Canberrans to obtain appropriate, safe care, and avoid potentially detrimental impacts to their mental and physical health and wellbeing,” said Minister Stephen-Smith. 

“Increasing the range of health professionals who can prescribe abortion medication will improve timely access to safe and respectful abortion services.

“It is also important that highly skilled nurse practitioners and midwives in the ACT are able to work to their full scope of practice. 

“The ACT Government’s Nurse Practitioner Taskforce has been looking at the further legislative changes that can be made to provide nurse practitioners every opportunity to fully utilise their skills, training and experience and we are also continuing to progress important reforms for our midwifery workforce through the Maternity in Focus project.”

The Bill will also require authorised health professionals who decline to participate in the provision of abortion services on religious or other conscientious grounds to refer individuals to another practitioner or facility that can provide the requested service in a timely manner, or to give their patients information about how to find such a provider.

The amendments in relation to conscientious objection will bring the ACT into line with other states and territories – balancing the need for timely abortion care with the right of health professionals not to participate in the provision of services that conflict with their religious or personal beliefs.

The amendments in the Bill will build on the ACT Government’s ongoing work to ensure access to timely and safe abortions in the ACT.

This includes the ACT Government’s accessible abortions scheme which supports the provision of no-cost abortions and free long-acting reversible contraceptives at the time of abortion, to ACT residents, including those without access to Medicare. 

These no-cost services have been available through MSI Australia since April 2023, and more recently through participating general practices in the Territory.

“Making abortions free supports people to make their own decisions about their healthcare without worrying about the financial burden or how to access a service,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.

“The ACT Government is committed to continuing to work with healthcare providers across the ACT to ensure abortion services are safe and accessible.

“I particularly want to thank Women’s Health Matters for its work on this initiative and for developing new online information for people seeking an abortion. This website will also be an important resource for health professionals who may need to refer their patients to another service if they are unwilling or unable to provide abortion care.”

– Statement ends –

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

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