SHANE Rattenbury and Katy Gallagher have reaffirmed the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to the implementation of a needle and syringe program (NSP) at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC).

“The ACT Government remains committed to this important public health initiative. I understand that there are some concerns from staff working at the AMC about implementation of an NSP,” Shane said.

“The Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS) have been negotiating in good faith with the CPSU on these issues, and I must say it is disappointing that the CPSU have broadcast their objections to the media before responding to the most recent correspondence from JACS.

“The government is currently waiting on feedback from the CPSU regarding relevant clauses in the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA). While the CPSU and the government may have very different views on implementation of an NSP at this stage, the government has shown an ongoing commitment to consultation with unions and staff regarding the proposal.

“The ACT Government has received advice that questions the permissibility of the NSP clause currently in the EBA.

“JACS has written to the CPSU with a way forward that will resolve this question but to date the CPSU has not responded.

“I look forward to receiving a formal response from the CPSU on this genuine and good faith correspondence and would hope that future negotiations can be conducted directly rather than via the media.”