Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 12
Division/Agency:	Environment Quality Division
Topic:	Sustainable Cities report
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Carr asked:
1.	Is the Department of Environment and heritage responsible for preparing the Government response to the Sustainable Cities report?

2.	If so, which area of the Department is taking the lead in this?

3.	How are other areas of the Department, as well as other departments, being consulted or involved in developing this response?

4.	Has an Inter-Departmental Committee been established?

5.	What is the timeframe for developing this response?

Answers:
1.	Yes.

2.	The Environment Standards Branch.

3.	The Environment Standards Branch has been consulting with all relevant areas of the Department to assist in the process of drafting the response.  The Secretary of the Department wrote to all other relevant Australian Government agency heads in October 2005 seeking their comments and setting up an Inter-departmental committee to coordinate preparation of the Government’s response to the report. The Secretary of the Department also wrote in October to each state and territory and the Australian Local Government Association seeking their comments on the report.

4.	Yes.

5.	The Government is committed to responding to reports within three months of tabling, however, given the complex nature of the report and the need for wide consultation, the response may take a little longer, but is expected to be available in the first half of 2006.