Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No:  19
Division/Agency:	Environment Quality Division
Topic:	Future of Australia's Cities and Towns Summit
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Carr asked:
(a).	Is the Department aware of the Future of Australia’s Cities and Towns Summit that was held in June 2004 and was convened by ACT Planning Minister Simon Corbell on behalf of the Planning and Local Government Ministers’ Council?
(b).	Was the Department involved in planning for the Summit, attending the Summit or providing advice to the Government on the Summit outcomes?  If so, what were the respective roles of DEH and DOTARS?
(c).	What coordinating or consultative mechanisms are in place between DEH and DOTARS in relation to the issues which go to the sustainability of Australia’s cities and towns?
(d).	Are you aware that – at the last Local Government and Planning Ministers’ Council (LGPMC) meeting in August 2005 – the Commonwealth declined to support the development of a National Action Framework containing ten areas of strategic importance that would contribute to a National Cities and Towns Policy?
(e).	Was the Department’s advice sought prior to the LGPMC meeting when the Commonwealth’s position was being determined?

Answer/s:
(a).	Yes.

(b).	No.

(c).	The consultative mechanisms between DEH and DOTARS in relation to sustainability issues include meetings between the Executive of both portfolios and existing whole-of-government mechanisms for the development of government policy, including for Commonwealth positions to be taken at ministerial councils where needed.  

(d).	Yes.

(e).	No.