Page 485 - Week 02 - Thursday, 14 May 1992
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and Commonwealth-State administrative arrangements. The review identified a number of problems to be addressed, but found that the replacement of previously uncoordinated programs by SAAP had provided the basis for a more efficient and effective system to meet the needs of homeless people in crisis. The review also found that significant benefits both at the service level and in respect of program efficiency and effectiveness had occurred.
The review made a number of recommendations relating to the structure of SAAP, service quality and performance, program management and accountability, and the program's administrative framework. The review recommended that SAAP continue as a joint-funded Commonwealth-State program supported by a new five-year agreement effective from 1 July 1989. The objective of the current program is to provide transitional support and accommodation services for homeless people and victims of domestic violence and to help them to return to independent living or other appropriate alternatives as soon as possible.
Under the agreement, the Commonwealth and States provide base funding each year equal to their respective SAAP funding for the previous year plus indexation. For the years 1989-90 to 1991-92 the Commonwealth offered growth funds to the States on a dollar for dollar, matched basis. The offer to each State is based on population distribution, with a minimum amount of $150,000 being provided in the ACT. In the ACT in 1990-91 the SAAP budget was $4,568,000. With these funds, 23 accommodation services provided 428 beds per night, and there were 10 non-accommodation support services.
In 1990 the functional review of SAAP was established as a result of decisions made at the October 1990 Special Premiers Conference. The review identified six options for the reform of the administration of the program. The option supported by our Government was to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the current program. The option would enable the streamlining of the administration of the program to ensure that the resources directed to administration are minimised and service delivery maximised. SAAP is an excellent cooperative program between the Commonwealth and States, and it is indicative of the Federal and ACT governments' commitment to social justice.
Madam Speaker, I am extremely pleased that the Minister, in his address this afternoon, indicated that the SAAP review which was due in 1992 will be significantly expanded to include appropriate additional terms of reference for an inquiry into the operation of Ainslie Village.
In relation to the commercial activities undertaken within the village - that is, Nat McGahey's workshop and Megalo - my personal view is that such facilities in the village-type setting of Ainslie Village are appropriate. But, as the Minister has indicated, it is within the province of the board to determine whether or not such facilities continue to operate as part of the sublease of Ainslie Village.
I am also appreciative of the fact that the Minister has announced this afternoon that a steering committee will be established - comprising, most importantly, representatives of the Ainslie Village residents - to determine the type of facilities which they wish to see continue to operate on the premises currently occupied by Ainslie Village. I am confident that the expanded review will have a positive outcome for the residents of the village, and that the process my colleague has put in place emphasises the needs of residents of the village and will adequately address the needs of all of the parties associated with the village.
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