Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 14 Hansard (10 December) . . Page.. 5101 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

I must say, going to the point of the press release, the press release is one of the most offensive press releases I have seen from a member of this place, alleging that people in this place have accepted bribes-that is the word used-for their vote-

Mrs Dunne: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, under standing order 118 (b): the Chief Minister seems to be debating the issue fairly significantly now. There was no mention in the question of any press release. Why is he ranging so widely, except of course because of a certain amount of sensitivity from the Chief Minister?

MR SPEAKER: The Chief Minister has concluded, because the five minutes is up. A supplementary question, Mrs Cross?

MRS CROSS: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Chief Minister, are you concerned that the potential for poker machine profits to be the subject of political deals undermines the ethics of elected representatives and brings the Assembly into disrepute?

MR SPEAKER: That is asking for an opinion.

MR STANHOPE: My opinion is no.

MR SPEAKER: The question is out of order anyway.

Homelessness

MS MacDONALD: My question is to the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, Mr Wood. Minister, last week I had the pleasure of opening a new accommodation service for young women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. It is called Dyiramal Migay. I was particularly pleased to do this as it is another example of the way in which this government is committed to finding solutions to homelessness. It is a priority issue for the government.

This new service also recognises the need for culturally appropriate services as an important step towards tackling homelessness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Minister, exactly how is this service going to help these young women?

MR WOOD: You wanted specifics but, in the broad sense, it is going to do it very well. It provides for supported accommodation for six young Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander women who are homeless or at risk of that. It is a significant undertaking, receiving $337,000 in a year. We are contributing most of that, through SAAP. Aboriginal Hostels is providing around $64,000 to the service. What is significant about this is that Winnunga Nimmityjah is now the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander SAAP provider in the ACT.

As well as working towards supporting residents who are establishing sustainable long-term accommodation options, the service will provide a range of supports for young women, all those extras that are really essential to any such service. This includes support on matters such as health, education, identity and enhancing family and social relationships.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .