QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
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RENWICK RESIDENTIAL CARE UNIT
The Hon. R. D. DYER: I ask the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Minister for Tourism and Minister Assisting the Premier, representing the Minister for Community Services a question without notice. I preface my question by referring the Minister to a press advertisement that appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on 6th November seeking expressions of interest from organisations to operate a residential service for a period of 12 months on the site of Renwick residential care unit, Mittagong. Will the Minister explain or ascertain from her colleague why the Government found it necessary to advertise for a contractor to provide a transition service to the current residents at Renwick for a period of up to 12 months? Why is it that the Department of Community Services cannot operate a transition service for such a short period and arrange placements for each resident at the location identified in each child's case plan?
The Hon. VIRGINIA CHADWICK: I shall refer the question asked by the honourable member to my colleague in another place for his reply. Though I am aware of the significant improvements that are under way in the provision of services for people with disabilities, their carers and families, I am unaware of that particular advertisement in relation to Renwick.