Page 420 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 10 February 2021
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Australian Muslim Friendship Organisation
Gungahlin Community Council
MR BRADDOCK (Yerrabi) (4.18): I have not yet done an adjournment speech, so I thank you, Madam Speaker, for the privilege. I want to draw attention to a newly established community group, the Australian Muslim Friendship Organisation, or the AMFO. They have positioned themselves as a launch pad for having an enhanced dialogue with Australian governments and political parties while welcoming Australians from all walks of life.
I had the honour, in conjunction with fellow members Shane Rattenbury, Suzanne Orr and Leanne Castley, last weekend to attend their launch, which coincided with Muslims from Yerrabi celebrating Australia Day over a barbecue and an Australia Day cake. I extend my thanks to all members of the AMFO, and in particular president Rehan Shafi and general secretary Imran Amjad, for their excellent work.
Tonight I will be joining the Gungahlin Community Council, which will be meeting online to discuss, amongst other things, the Thoroughbred Park development, consultation on the Canberra Hospital master plan, and a PCYC facility for Gungahlin.
On Friday there is the Gungahlin sports and recreation fair at the Gungahlin enclosed eval. I encourage everyone to get along and find out about the local sports and rec opportunities. There will also be a sausage sizzle.
Finally, Celebrate Gungahlin is coming up. It is a great day for Gungahlin here, is it not? This year Celebrate Gungahlin will be a week-long celebration of all things Gungahlin from 20 to 28 March 2021, showcasing the incredible wealth of talented individuals, fantastic artists, hardworking community organisations and diverse local businesses that call Gungahlin home. Applications are now open for those who want to be part of this festival. I plan to do so myself and I encourage all community groups and artists to participate.
Health—eating disorder residential treatment
DR PATERSON (Murrumbidgee) (4.20): At the last federal election, as part of a $52 million health package for the ACT, Senator Seselja announced a $13.5 million eating disorder residential treatment centre in the ACT. Currently, Canberra families who require residential support for an eating disorder must leave the ACT for treatment. Whilst federal funds for Senator Seselja’s announcement were allocated for the 2021-22 budget, the Canberra community has not yet heard any details about the project. There appears to have been no further comment at all from the federal government since the 2019 election.
Experiences of eating disorders can be very complex for the individuals affected and very distressing for family and friends who watch a loved one’s battle, often over a prolonged period of time. The promised centre for eating disorders in the ACT will provide a critical, and much-needed service. It is for this reason that I am speaking today to hold the federal government to account to ensure that they fulfill their promise to our community.
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