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Welcome to ACT Community Engagement Online
Community engagement refers to the many ways in which the government and the community work together.
The ACT Government is committed to engaging the Canberra community in the development and implementation of government policies, programs, projects, public works and services.
The information found on these pages is designed to assist members of the community and the government to work together to achieve improved decision-making on policies and programs. We encourage your feedback.
Latest News
Consultation into the Future Use of Community Sites
GHD Pty Ltd's consultation into the Future Use of Community Sites
Body Piercing and Tattooing - ACT Discussion Paper
Body Piercing and Tattooing - ACT Discussion Paper Added 24.05.08
Review of ACT Government Concessions
The report of the Review of ACT Government Concessions was tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly on 1 April 2008 by Ms Katy Gallagher MLA, Minister for Disability and Community Services. There are twenty-four findings in the report relating to ACT Government Concessions. These findings will influence future policy and program development for concessions, which assist eligible Canberrans to meet energy, water and sewerage charges, public transport, motor vehicle registration and other costs.
In its response, the ACT Government agreed with seven of the findings and noted seventeen findings. The ACT Government is seeking to achieve a more coordinated concession system in the ACT, within work that is focussed on improving the accessibility and promotion of concessions to the community.
Review of ACT Government Concessions 
729kb
Review of ACT Government Concessions 
518kb
ACT Government Response - Review of ACT Government Concessions 170kb
ACT Government Response - Review of ACT Government Concessions 227kb
Engagement Activities
Ainslie Shops Upgrade
Ainslie Shops is to be upgraded in 2008 with funding of $1.6 million. The upgrade is a continuation of the suburban precincts refurbishment program, which commenced in 1995. Centres already refurbished include Holder, Griffith, Mawson, Higgins and Holt.
In the 2007/2008 financial year funding of $1.6 million has been made available to enable construction of the upgrade. A further $145,000 has been allocated for the creation of public artworks for the centre.
Copies of the sketch designs for the project are available at www.tams.act.gov.au.
A tender to complete construction design and to manage the construction process is planned to be let during September 2007. The construction works for the upgrade of Ainslie Shops are expected to commence in mid 2008. Works will be carefully planned to minimise impacts on businesses and users of the centre. As construction approaches plans and notices will be displayed at the shops to let people know what is happening. These will be updated as construction progresses.
Raising Children's Voices - an ACT Children's Plan Community Network Forum
You are invited to attend an ACT Children's Plan Community Network Forum that aims to improve the way we listen to and involve children in the ACT by:
Reaffirming the importance & benefits of consulting & collaborating with children
Hearing about best practice processes & examples of consultation, collaboration and participation
Identifying the barriers that prevent genuine participation of children
Exploring ways to build the capacity of the ACT to genuinely engage with children
COST: Free
DATE: Tuesday 17th June 2008
TIME: 9:00 am (for a 9:30 am start) 9:30 - 12:30
VENUE: Ground Floor Reception Room ACT Legislative Assembly, London Circuit
RSVP: By Friday 14th June 2008 to: children@act.gov.au
CONTACT: Chris Stanilewicz (6207 4539) or Jo Lawrence (6205 1193)
Due 7 July
BODY PIERCING AND TATTOOING OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE ACT
The purpose of the Discussion Paper is to seek community feedback to inform future legislative reform in the area of body piercing or tattooing of children and young people. This topic raises complex legal, civil liberty and cultural issues and the ACT Government believes that broad community consultation is important to ensure that any future legislation is fair and effective.
The new Children and Young People Bill 2008 has not recommended changes to the law regarding the tattooing of children and young people or introduced any new provisions in relation to body piercing.
The closing date for comments is Monday, 7 July 2008.
Comments may be mailed to:
Business Improvement Unit
Office for Children, Youth and Family Support
Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services
GPO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2600
Comments may also be emailed to: submissionsocyfs@act.gov.au
Due: 16 June 2008
Review of the ACT's alcohol and drug driving laws
The Government has released a discussion paper to seek community views on proposals for a random roadside drug-testing program in the ACT.
The discussion paper is part of the review of the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977. It canvasses issues including drugs and driving, drink driving laws, blood alcohol concentration limits, alcohol interlock devices, and restricted licences.
The discussion paper is available on the Territory and Municipal Services website at www.tams.act.gov.au,
Submissions to the review can be made through the website, via email or by post by Monday 16 June 2008.
Due date for submissions
Monday 16 June 2008
Further information/ Address for submissions
Discussion paper
Web form
Email: communityengagement@act.gov.au
Mail: Review of the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act
Transport Regulation and Planning
Department of Territory and Municipal Services
GPO Box 151
Civic Square ACT 2608
Human Rights Commission 2008 Workshop Calendar
The Commission provides a fair and accessible process for dealing with complaints about discrimination, health services, disability services, services for older people, community services, and services for children and young people; as well as promoting service improvement and developing awareness in government, and the community, of human rights.
A part of promoting service improvement and developing awareness, the Commission runs a series of workshops on related topics. All workshops are free.
For information on these workshops go to the Commission website 
or telephone: (02) 6205 2222, Fax: (02) 6207 1034 or 6207 0587 or TTY: (02) 6207 0525
Requests for Comments
Due 16 June
Gungahlin town centre study
Gungahlin town centre study of commercial and community land supply. A study has commenced to examine options for increasing commercial and community land supply in the Gungahlin town centre.
Focus of study
The ACT Government has invested $200,000 to examine the amount of commercial and community land in the Gungahlin town centre and review the town centre's planning controls and infrastructure needs. This study will focus on:
- the long-term commercial and community land supply for the Gungahlin town centre;
- the character of future development in the town centre, such as building heights and integration with existing development; and
- transport needs related to an increase in employment.
This review will lead to an indicative land supply strategy and capital works program as well as possible changes to the planning controls for the town centre to broadly guide future development.
Consultation
The Draft Concept Report and Issues Paper will be open for comment from Thursday, 15 May until Monday, 16 June. Following this preliminary round of consultation, an updated report will be publicly released for comment later in 2008.
To comment on either document, you can complete an online survey or send an email to gungahlinplanningstudy@act.gov.au.
Comments may also be mailed to:
Gungahlin Planning Study
C/o- Development Policy ACT Planning and Land Authority
PO Box 1908
Canberra ACT 2601
Due Mid July
Eddison Park Master Plan
Eddison Park is the district park for the Woden Valley and provides a valuable recreational resource for the Woden community of residents, students and workers. Eddison Park was developed in the 1980s and is enhanced by the mature remnant and planted trees on the site. The park provides a large, open and shady recreational resource for the Woden Valley, however it is not enjoyed to its full potential as a district park for a number of reasons including lack of visibility into the park, poor connection to nearby housing and the town centre, minimal attraction/destination facilities and more recently the draining of the pond.
Parks Conservation and Lands (PCL) have identified a need for the park to be master planned in order to direct future improvements which will encourage a sense of ownership by the community and bring vitality to the park. The Master Plan will investigate potential additional uses for the park and provide a plan to guide development over the next 5-10 years. The Master Plan is to address recreational, public amenity, circulation, environmental, parking and access issues to provide an interesting, engaging and achievable plan for this significant public space, embracing the principles of recreational and environmental design and social development.
The Eddison Park master planning process has commenced. A draft master plan is expected in late May with a period of public comment to follow in mid June 2008. Following consideration and incorporation of the feedback a final master plan will be completed in July.
Due 6 June 2008
DET Satisfaction Surveys 2008 - Parent/Carer, Staff and Students (Year 5-12)
Satisfaction Surveys 2008 enable parents/carers, students in years 5-10, 11-12 and school staff to provide responses to a range of questions about their school.
Each School Board will use this information, along with data and material from other sources, to guide their choice of priorities and to celebrate their successes.
By completing this questionnaire you will be providing valuable information to support school improvement planning.
Principals and departmental officers will use the information from this survey to inform strategic planning. Information will be stored, used and disclosed in accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988 and the Freedom of Information Act 1989.
All survey responses are confidential.
To access the online surveys, users must have the password provided to them by their school.
Please note: An opportunity to offer comments is included on the parent/carer survey.
Instructions on how to complete the questionnaire are provided once you have gained access to the survey. Please ensure your reply is completed before COB Friday, 6 June 2008, at which time the surveys will be closed. Thank you for your support.
Staff Survey (P-12)
Students Survey (Years 5-10 and Years 11-12)
Parent and Carer Survey (P-10 and Years 11-12)
If you require further assistance please contact:
ACT Department of Education and Training
Educational Performance
Telephone: (02) 6205 8475 or (02) 6205 2257
Due 13 June 2008
Unit Titles Amendment Bill 2008
Public comment is now sought on the Unit Title Amendment Bill 2008
The amendments propose to introduce processes for the resolution of disputes between parties, introduce processes to regulate owner's corporation managers and address a range of consumer protection issues.
Members of the public can comment on the draft Bill until 5pm on Friday 13 June 2008.
Review of Liquor Act 1975
The Government is reviewing the current ACT liquor laws, including various alcohol-related issues and putting forward possible reform options.
The paper is intended to encourage broad community debate, and in particular, a greater awareness by liquor licensees, their employees and the wider public, about the significant social and health-related costs associated with the misuse and abuse of alcohol.
Interested parties are invited to lodge written submissions via post, email or facsimile. The closing date for submissions is 30 June 2008.
Due date for submissions
Monday 16 June 2008
Further information/ Address for submissions
Discussion paper
Web form
Email: communityengagement@act.gov.au
Mail: Review of the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act
Transport Regulation and Planning
Department of Territory and Municipal Services
GPO Box 151
Civic Square ACT 2608
Due 30 June 2008
Liquor Act Review Discussion Paper (Media Release 01/04/08)
ACT Attorney General Simon Corbell has released the Liquor Act Review Discussion Paper for community consultation.
The Discussion Paper has been prepared by the Department of Justice and Community Safety as part of the broader Liquor Act Review currently being undertaken by the Department.
The Discussion Paper will be available online at http://www.ors.act.gov.au/index.html, and will be distributed in hardcopy from the Office of Regulatory Services' shopfront in Fyshwick. Submissions may be made via post, email or fax to:
Postal Address:
Liquor Review, Legislation and Policy Branch
Department of Justice and Community Safety
GPO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2601
Email Address: liquor.review@act.gov.au
Fax Number: (02) 6205 0937
Submissions close 30 June 2008
Due 20 June 2008
New Regional Community Facilities for Former ACT School Sites
ACT Property Group within Territory and Municipal Services is currently working with the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services DHCS) to seek expressions of interest from community groups who wish to be accommodated in new or refurbished community facilities. The Regional Community Facilities will be located at three sites and will have a specific focus on service delivery for the following:
- Cook-Arts/Cultural Hub;
- Chifley (Melrose)-Health and Wellbeing Hub; and
- Weston-Community Services Hub
Applications
The following documents and forms are provided to assist organisations prepare an applicaton for space within these facilities.
Applications close at close of business Friday, 20th June 2008.
Existing Applicants
For those organisations who have previously applied for community accommodation through ACT Property Group, you will not have to resubmit your application. ACT Property Group will contact you by Friday 30 May 2008 so that you can advise whether you wish to be considered for space in the RCF allocations at Cook, Melrose or Weston, and if so, you will need to submit additional information to ensure all evaluations for the available space are based on the same criteria for all organisations in this round of allocations.
Neighbourhood Halls
Further information on the construction and letting of neighbourhood halls should be directed to DHCS on 6207 1383 or via email to DHCS david.collett@act.gov.au
Enquiries
If you would like to make an enquiry regarding allocation of space within the Regional Community Facilities or if you are an organisation that has an application on the TAMS Application Register and wish to update contact details please email the TAMS Property Group.
For further information on the Government decisions regarding the former school sites please visit the DHCS website.
Please note: The application documentation guidelines and application forms for accommodation within Regional Community Facilities (RCF) are specific to the allocation of space within the three hubs at Cook, Chifley (Melrose) and Weston. If you wish to be considered for space within any other surplus government properties, you can indicate this on the application form.
Contact Details
Postal Address
Community Engagement and Communications Unit
GPO Box 158
Civic ACT 2601
Street Address
Macarthur House
12 Wattle Street
Lyneham ACT
Contact Number: 13 22 81; Facsimile Number: (02) 6207 6330
Due 7 July
BODY PIERCING AND TATTOOING OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE ACT
The purpose of the Discussion Paper is to seek community feedback to inform future legislative reform in the area of body piercing or tattooing of children and young people. This topic raises complex legal, civil liberty and cultural issues and the ACT Government believes that broad community consultation is important to ensure that any future legislation is fair and effective.
The new Children and Young People Bill 2008 has not recommended changes to the law regarding the tattooing of children and young people or introduced any new provisions in relation to body piercing.
The closing date for comments is Monday, 7 July 2008.
Comments may be mailed to:
Business Improvement Unit
Office for Children, Youth and Family Support
Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services
GPO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2600
Comments may also be emailed to: submissionsocyfs@act.gov.au
Visit the calendar for details of engagement activities
Engagement Feedback
ACT 2020 Summit 5 April 2008, Canberra - May 2008
The Canberra 2020 Summit was held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on Saturday, 5th April 2008.
The theme of the Summit was "Innovation" in recognition that Canberra's core natural asset is its people. Approximately 300 people attended the Summit, including local and federal Members of Parliament, public servants, and members of community and interest groups.
The Summit was facilitated by Lynette Glendinning of PALM Consulting Group and this report was developed by PALM. Every effort has been made to ensure the ideas and proposals conveyed by Summit participants have been presented accurately and as they were intended. In some cases, actual words used have been included.
Tharwa Bridge Community Consultation - December 2007
Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has announced that following community consultation and advice from experts, the ACT Government will retain the existing Tharwa Bridge and provide design construction to allow for general traffic to use the bridge. This will cost the ACT Government approximately $14 million. Feedback from the consultation and advice is available on the Territory and Municipal Services website at http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/about_our_department/community_engagement/tharwa_bridge_community_consultationblah
Territory and Municipal Services Community Satisfaction Survey 2007
The main purpose of the survey was to determine members of the ACT community's level of satisfaction with a range of products and services offered by TAMS. This was the first whole-of-department survey undertaken since the formation of TAMS on 1 July 2006 and will be conducted twice a year. This survey will be used as a benchmarking tool to measure future customer satisfaction levels for TAMS. A summary of the findings is available on the Territory and Municipal Services website at http://www.tams.act.gov.au/functions/about_our_department/community_engagement under the heading of Community Engagement Feedback.
ACT Disability Service Delivery System
The consultations conducted to date have covered a wide range of matters about the disability service delivery system in the ACT. The comments received so far have informed the development of the draft disability service system models proposed in the paper, The ACT Disability Service Delivery System: Proposed models derived from consultations September-November 2007. The models will form the basis of discussion at the concluding summit that will be held: This document is available on the Disability ACT website at http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/disability_act
Framework for response to HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and Sexually Transmissible Infections
The HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Sexually Transmissible Infections: A Strategic Framework for the ACT 2007-2012 has been released. This Framework confirms the ACT Government's commitment to improving the overall wellbeing of the community by working towards reducing the incidence and impact of these conditions.
Minister launches Palliative Care Strategy
ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher launched the ACT Palliative Care Strategy at Clare Holland House hospice. The strategy will provide direction for further strengthening palliative care services in the ACT.
Members of the ACT Palliative Care Strategy Working Group were instrumental in its development, as were members of the community and the palliative care sector who provided input and feedback on the draft strategy.
Unit Titles Act 2001
The Unit Titles Act 2001 is being reviewed. This legislation affects owners, tenants, owners corporations and managing agents of townhouses, shops, offices, dual occupancies and multi-storey residential apartments. Public meetings were held in August 2006 to help to inform the development of an issues paper. The issues paper (357KB) was available to comment during November 2006. An online survey was also run over several months during these consultation activities.
Framework paves way for Consumer/carer participation (Media release 31/07/07)
The view that consumers and carers had a right to participate in decision-making about mental health services they had accessed or would like to access is the main thrust of the Consumer Participation and Carer Participation Across Mental Health ACT - A Framework for Action launched by the ACT Minister for Health, Ms. Katy Gallagher MLA.
Chief Minister releases health and environmental reports on Water2WATER (Media release 19/7/07)
Exploring Regional Water Security Options (Media release 11/7/07)
New Process for Restructured Territory Plan (Media release 9/7/07)
ACT Minister for Planning Andrew Barr today announced a new process for the implementation of the new Territory Plan, with the appointment of an independent assessor and reference group to work with ACTPLA.
Target for 40% Reduction in Water Use for New Developments (Media release 6/07/07)
Minister for Planning, Mr Andrew Barr, today released a new policy that will require all new developments and re-developments in the ACT to reduce mains water use by 40%.
Progress on Canberra Social Plan (Media release 30/6/07)
The ACT Government has taken great strides forward in achieving the vision, goals and actions set out in Building Our Community - the Canberra Social Plan, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said today. A copy of the report is available from the Chief Minister's Department website www.cmd.act.gov.au
Sports Grants Target Participation (Media release 2/7/07)
This grants round sees $70,000 in funding being delivered for programs specifically targeting groups such as women, youth at risk, older populations, people with a disability and people from linguistically diverse backgrounds. A complete list of all funding recipients is available at www.tams.act.gov.au
ACT Legislative Assembly 2007 Redistribution (Media release 29/6/07)
Objections to the proposed redistribution of the ACT Legislative Assembly's electoral boundaries are now available for public viewing.
Water2WATER Consultation Program - Thank you for your feedback
The Water2WATER consultation process closed on 22 June 2007. Over the past three months, ACTEW has received extensive feedback regarding the proposal to supplement Canberra’s water supply by purifying Canberra’s used water and adding this to the Cotter reservoir, which would also be enlarged.
Water - Contingency Plans Continue Despite Stage 4 Delay
New Child & Family Centre assists Tuggeranong Families
The Centre was designed in consultation with the community, including local children.
Young People's Plan 2004-2008 Progress Report 260KB
Government Introduces New Dog and Cat Laws
News and information on the ACT's new Youth Detention Centre
Parking at our public hospitals
Pay parking at Canberra's public hospitals ended at 9pm Friday 25 May 2007.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis Community Consultation—March 2007
Carers Recognition Grants
Launch of Human Rights Commission to strengthen ACT community
2005 ACT Secondary Student Drug and Health Risk Survey Report Released
Government's commitment to new schools going strong
Planning and development work on the new Gungahlin College and the new West Belconnen P-10 school is well underway, with new phases of the construction of both schools about to begin.
2007 ACT International Women’s Day Awards
Change to Canberra Day Public Holiday from 2008
Pre-natal reporting legislation passed
The Children and Young People Amendment Bill 2006 (No.2) unanimously passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
ACT Budget 2006-2007 Mid Year Review
New Youth Detention Centre
Redevelopment of Lyons Estate
Report released on Dragway (30kb)
2005-06 Progress Report on the Implementation of the Government Response to the Report on Review of Carers Legislation in the ACT
This reports progress on the implementation of the Government Response to the Report on Review of Carers Legislation in the ACT during 2005-06 and provides an update on the steps that are underway to introduce a Carers Recognition Legislation Amendment Bill to better support carers.
2005-06 Progress Report on the Implementation of Caring for Carers in the ACT - A Plan for Action 2004-07
This is the second report on the implementation of the Caring for Carers in the ACT - A Plan for Action 2004-07. It reports progress made during 2005-06 and provides an overview of the key initiatives that are being undertaken across the ACT Government. This Report builds and extends the work that progressed the actions from the First Progress Report and takes stock of all the initiatives that are currently in operation that aim to improve the lives of carers in the community.
Second Report on Key Findings of the Review of the Children and Young People Act 1999
Towards 2020
Outcomes
Views of the community considered before making final decisions
Planning System Reform Project
New ACT planning legislation an Australian first
Draft ACT Multicultural Strategy 2006-2009
This document presents the outcomes of broad consultation with the ACT Community throughout 2005-06.
Amendments to the Children and Young People Act 1999 from 1 August 2006
On 1 August amendments to the Children and Young People Act 1999 came into effect. A number of these changes are intended to facilitate the partnership between the Office for Children Youth and Family support and other community services, making it easier for us to work together to protect children. In order to inform the community of these changes, a News and Information brochure is now available.
Kingston Variation 256 tabled
22 August 2006
Planning Minister Simon Corbell has tabled a Variation to the Territory Plan designed to address issues arising from Kingston’s transformation over recent years into a Group Centre with a significant leisure and entertainment focus.
“The changes in Variation 256 are aimed at achieving a balance between the concerns of nearby residents about the incompatibility of adjoining commercial land uses and maintaining the ongoing economic and social vitality of the Group Centre,” Mr Corbell said.
“Draft Variation 256 was prepared in response to community concerns regarding the potential for the intensity of some businesses to have an adverse impact on the surrounding neighbourhood.
“The major changes proposed in the Variation are new precinct boundaries that do not allow club, drink establishments, service stations and indoor entertainment facilities in the area abutting the residential areas. These new precinct boundaries and land use restrictions establish an appropriate buffer between the higher activity parts of the commercial centre and residential properties.”
Mr Corbell said Draft Variation 256 attracted 25 written comments when the ACT Planning and Land Authority publicly notified it in March 2005.
ACT Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan 2003-2008
Mid Term Progress Report 2006
Report on consultations with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community
Towards a Sustainable Community Services Sector in the ACT - Report of the Community Sector Taskforce
The Community Sector Taskforce (Taskforce) was established in April 2005 and reported in March 2006. The Taskforce report, 'Towards a Sustainable Community Services Sector in the ACT', considers a range of industrial relations matters identified as impacting on the community sector. These matters include funding, conditions of employment, recruitment and retention, occupational health and safety and industrial relations advice. This is the Final Report of the Taskforce.
Canberra 100 - Celebration of a Century Consultation Report
2005 Ministerial Multicultural Summit
A booklet, The Way Forward, summarising the issues raised at the Multicultural Summit is available electronically. For a hard copy of the booklet please call 6207 6014 (DHCS).
Engagement Hints
How do I contact the hard to reach?
Some ideas for involving hard to reach groups in the community such as young, homeless and isolated people are: to use hotlines; to find out how the group information network works and piggy back on it (eg a bulletin where they go to get their milk and bread); and to go where they gather and talk to them.
For a project report on community consultation and the hard to reach see Community consultation and the hard to reach: local government, social profiling and civic infrastructure
Why do community engagement?
Both the community and the government decision-makers need to fully understand the problem or opportunity and the available options if an acceptable solution is to be found.
Effective community engagement facilitates community and government understanding and improves decisions by bringing all perspectives to the table, resulting in more sustainable decisions.
Engaging the community in government decision-making allows the decision-makers to incorporate the community’s fears, concerns, needs and desires into the decision process.
It helps government to identify critical issues early, with the result that government resources are used more efficiently in the long term.
It garners public support for the final decision, and decisions that are widely supported by the community tend to be sustainable.
Using the online engagement calendar
The calendar on this website provides community access to details of formal community engagement activities conducted by the ACT Government.
The calendar is also a planning tool for ACT Government officers to use to assess community availability when scheduling their engagement activities.
So don’t forget to submit details of your engagement activities so that the calendar will be a useful community and government resource.
Please submit your engagement activities online or email details to ceu@act.gov.au
