❓ Mr Board questions the amalgamation of the Office of Youth Affairs with other offices and potential funding cuts, while Ms McHale defends the decision as a cost-saving measure that will improve services and strengthen the voice of young people.
AnsweredQoN 1028Legislative Assembly
Asked
22 May 2002
Member
Portfolio
Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth
QuestionView source ↗
OFFICE OF YOUTH AFFAIRS, AMALGAMATION WITH FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES POLICY OFFICE
I refer the minister to the Labor Party’s election commitment to provide a focus on youth. (1) Will the minister confirm that the Office of Youth Affairs has been merged with the Office of Seniors Interests policy office and the Family and Children’s Services policy office? (2) Will the minister guarantee that funding for programs under the Office of Youth Affairs will not be cut? (3) How can the minister reconcile this Government’s supposed commitment to young people with the slashing of funding to the dedicated youth unit? Ms McHALE
I refer the minister to the Labor Party’s election commitment to provide a focus on youth. (1) Will the minister confirm that the Office of Youth Affairs has been merged with the Office of Seniors Interests policy office and the Family and Children’s Services policy office? (2) Will the minister guarantee that funding for programs under the Office of Youth Affairs will not be cut? (3) How can the minister reconcile this Government’s supposed commitment to young people with the slashing of funding to the dedicated youth unit? Ms McHALE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question and his interest in ensuring that the Government maintains a focus on youth. (1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
(1) Will the minister confirm that the Office of Youth Affairs has been merged with the Office of Seniors Interests policy office and the Family and Children’s Services policy office? (2) Will the minister guarantee that funding for programs under the Office of Youth Affairs will not be cut? (3) How can the minister reconcile this Government’s supposed commitment to young people with the slashing of funding to the dedicated youth unit? Ms McHALE replied: I thank the member for the question and his interest in ensuring that the Government maintains a focus on youth. (1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
(2) Will the minister guarantee that funding for programs under the Office of Youth Affairs will not be cut? (3) How can the minister reconcile this Government’s supposed commitment to young people with the slashing of funding to the dedicated youth unit? Ms McHALE replied: I thank the member for the question and his interest in ensuring that the Government maintains a focus on youth. (1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
(3) How can the minister reconcile this Government’s supposed commitment to young people with the slashing of funding to the dedicated youth unit? Ms McHALE replied: I thank the member for the question and his interest in ensuring that the Government maintains a focus on youth. (1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
Ms McHALE replied: I thank the member for the question and his interest in ensuring that the Government maintains a focus on youth. (1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
I thank the member for the question and his interest in ensuring that the Government maintains a focus on youth. (1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
(1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
(1) Will the minister confirm that the Office of Youth Affairs has been merged with the Office of Seniors Interests policy office and the Family and Children’s Services policy office? (2) Will the minister guarantee that funding for programs under the Office of Youth Affairs will not be cut? (3) How can the minister reconcile this Government’s supposed commitment to young people with the slashing of funding to the dedicated youth unit? Ms McHALE replied: I thank the member for the question and his interest in ensuring that the Government maintains a focus on youth. (1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
(2) Will the minister guarantee that funding for programs under the Office of Youth Affairs will not be cut? (3) How can the minister reconcile this Government’s supposed commitment to young people with the slashing of funding to the dedicated youth unit? Ms McHALE replied: I thank the member for the question and his interest in ensuring that the Government maintains a focus on youth. (1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
(3) How can the minister reconcile this Government’s supposed commitment to young people with the slashing of funding to the dedicated youth unit? Ms McHALE replied: I thank the member for the question and his interest in ensuring that the Government maintains a focus on youth. (1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
Ms McHALE replied: I thank the member for the question and his interest in ensuring that the Government maintains a focus on youth. (1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
I thank the member for the question and his interest in ensuring that the Government maintains a focus on youth. (1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
(1)-(3) I confirm that a recommendation was made to me, following the amalgamation of a number of agencies under the overarching title of “Community Development”, that the Family and Children’s Services policy office and the Office of Youth Affairs be amalgamated. That has been provided for in the budget. It is a public document. Yes, I indicate that is the case. The member knows that this Government has reined in public sector spending and he knows that we are acting in a measured way to maintain those savings. The total expenditure in the budget for the two offices is $7.6 million; under the amalgamated unit it will be $7.2 million. There will be no staff loss. Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
Mr Board: You have cut the Office of Youth Affairs. Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
Ms McHALE: No, we have reduced the funding because of a number of vacant positions and because the amalgamation allows for greater productivity and efficiencies. I am happy to tell the House that we are making efficiencies while maintaining and improving services to the community and ensuring that people do not lose their jobs. I am happy to tell the member for Murdoch that that is what we are doing. Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
Mr Board: Tell me which programs you have cut? Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
Ms McHALE: We are doing this because the terms “youth” and “children” overlap in policy terms. We will ensure a greater focus on the whole life transition from zero to 18. When I endorsed the recommendation, three critical instructions were given to the organisation, which I am sure the member will support; first, that the voice of young people continue to be strengthened; secondly, that children be given a greater voice in the community; and thirdly, that the new office be developed in consultation with children and young people and the organisations that represent them. The development of the new office, therefore, will be done completely transparently and in consultation with organisations that represent the voice of children and young people. Our ultimate objective is that the voice of young people in our communities is strengthened. There will be a session tomorrow at a conference on youth affairs whereby young people will input their views and ideas on how we might do that.
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