Susan Helyar, Director of the ACT Council of Social Service, commented today on the new administrative arrangements released by Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
“I welcome the new and expanded Ministry and congratulate Dr Chris Bourke MLA and Meegan Fitzharris MLA on their appointment as Ministers.
“ACTCOSS looks forward to working with Minister Fitzharris, whose portfolio responsibilities include Higher Education, Training and Research, Transport and Municipal Services, and Assistant Health Minister, and Minister Bourke whose portfolio responsibilities include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Children and Young People, Disability, Small Business and the Arts, Veterans and Seniors.
“With the new administrative arrangements Minister Bourke and Minister Fitzharris now have oversight of many of the issues that are the core business of ACTCOSS – advocating for policy, programs and services that promote justice, equality, reconciliation and social inclusion. We welcome the opportunity to work with the new Ministers to advance these aims for the Canberra community,” Ms Helyar stated.
Reviewing the new administrative arrangements Ms Helyar thanked Joy Burch MLA, who this week left the Ministry, for her work as a Minister in areas including, Education and Training, Minister for Disability, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Gaming and Racing. Ms Burch continues to serve as elected Member for Brindabella.
“The ACT is an exciting place to live with excellent amenity and opportunities that many in our community are able to take full advantage of. However, not everyone experiences these opportunities and their benefits. ACTCOSS looks forward to working with all ACT Ministers to ensure that the advantages of living in the ACT are more fully and equitably shared, including addressing the lack of affordable rental housing that ACTCOSS has been working to highlight recently,” Ms Helyar concluded.
For more information or comment please contact
Susan Helyar, Director, on 02 6202 7200.