Parliament

Community Affairs 23 February 2011

Senator SIEWERT—I wish to go back to the Access to Allied Psychological Services flexible care packages. With respect to the discussion paper, I have had some concerns raised with me about the time that has been allocated for the comments and consultation process with stakeholders. Have you had that reflected back to you as well?

Community Affairs 23 February 2011

Senator SIEWERT—In answer to a question on notice that you took last time—and I asked about whether you had been involved in the evaluation process of the Northern Territory intervention—that valuation framework has subsequently been released. Have you had any further involvement since you last answered that question?

23 February 2011

Senator SIEWERT—I would like to ask about multiple chemical sensitivity. I am particularly asking under acute care because of the issue that people suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity have in terms of being able to access facilities once they need contact with medical facilities.

I wonder if there has been any provision made for that. I am seeing your face looking blank.

Ms Halton—I cannot help you there. It is not under this program.

Prof. Bishop—We might need a medical opinion on this.

Community Affairs 23 February 2011

CHAIR—Thank you, Doctor. The last question in this section is on alcopops.

Senator SIEWERT—Alcopops and the funding program. Last time we were here for estimates the consultation process had just gone out for the sponsorship fund, and I am just wondering about the time line for that. If it is going to take a long time, maybe you could put it on notice so I do not get in too much trouble.

Community Affairs 23 February 2011

CHAIR—Thank you. Senator Siewert has two questions on two widely different issues and then that will  be the end of questions on population health.

Senator SIEWERT—Children’s heart attack.

CHAIR—Is that you, Mr Smyth?

Mr Smyth—Population screening comes under population health.

Community Affairs 23 February 2011

CHAIR—Thank you to the officers and for that follow-up. We are very restricted with time, as you know, but I would like to have the opportunity for some population and health questions. Senator Siewert has a couple. Senator Adams has one or two, but a lot will have to go on notice.

Senator ADAMS—Is that for bowel cancer?

CHAIR—Bowel cancer is what we are leading with.

Community Affairs Wednesday 23 February

Senator SIEWERT—You are probably aware of Mr Marsh’s case in Western Australia. It has certainly been a hot topic of conversation for many people in WA. Have you relooked at your processes or what level of involvement you have had since that case has come to light and since part of Mr Marsh’s property has been decertified?

Community Affairs Wednesday 23 February

Ms Halton—Senator Siewert asked whether we had received any new FOI requests.

Senator SIEWERT—Yes.

Ms Halton—Since the last committee session the department received one new request which was subsequently withdrawn by the applicant. There are 16 requests currently being processed and an updated list is available for tabling. You asked about costs?

Senator SIEWERT—Yes.

ECONOMICS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE ESTIMATES – Wed 23 Feb 2011

Community Affairs 23 February 2011

Senator SIEWERT—I have another one that you may say to do somewhere else. I am going to be asking this in several portfolio areas: how much does the department spend on managing contracts and grants with NGOs?

Ms Halton—We probably cannot do it by NGOs. We have done quite a bit of work as part of the strategic review on what we think we spend, in macro terms, on managing grants in toto. I cannot disaggregate it.

Senator SIEWERT—Between commercial and NGOs?
Ms Halton—No.