Page 791 - Week 03 - Thursday, 22 March 1990
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
and territories and the community, and provides a framework for the development of AIDS programs and policies over the next several years. The paper identifies many of the major issues which must be confronted. It discusses the respective roles of governments, both Commonwealth and State, and the community in addressing AIDS issues, and suggests strategies for action.
The white paper also outlined the financing of AIDS programs over the next three years from the Commonwealth's perspective, and put forward proposals for significant increases in the AIDS matched funding program which is cost shared between the Commonwealth and the States on a dollar for dollar basis. Significant increases in the direct funding of research, treatment, education and prevention programs of national significance were also put forward in the paper.
In the case of the ACT, an increase of 66 per cent in the Commonwealth's funding offer, from $304,000 per annum in 1988-89 to $506,000 per annum for the 1989-90 financial year, has been matched by the Government. We have also agreed to match an offer of $30,000 from the Commonwealth for the HIV study grant program in 1989-90. The program will provide opportunities for health professionals and trained care givers to travel interstate to undertake formal study or to examine AIDS programs and services with a view to improving their knowledge and understanding of the disease and how ACT programs might be improved. (Quorum formed) Grants may also be used to bring people with AIDS expertise to the ACT to share their experiences and knowledge with local care givers. I am sure Mr Moore would agree that there are many other useful ways in which the AIDS funds might be used, and I am sure he has at least one in mind.
This significant increase in funding will enable current programs to be enhanced and new programs to be developed. I have recently announced several grants to non-government and government agencies using these new funds. Notable among these were a significant increase in the grants to the AIDS Action Council of the ACT, which will enable an increase of work hours and duties for both the council's volunteer coordinator and education staff and for the employment of an office manager. I have also recently announced a grant to the Drug Referral and Information Centre to fund an antibody positive support counsellor.
These improvements and additions to AIDS programs and services in the ACT will go some way towards addressing identified gaps in programs and enhancing and building on the excellent work that has been undertaken by AIDS agencies in the ACT over the past five years. However, as the epidemic continues to spread, despite the best efforts of those involved, and as the disease progresses, many of those people who are currently infected with the HIV will develop full-blown AIDS, and a different balance of services between treatment and care on the one hand and
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .