Page 1539 - Week 05 - Thursday, 7 April 2005
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Canberra, I offer Lifeline the thanks and support of the community that Lifeline supports and commend the motion to the Assembly.
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella—Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, Minister for Urban Services and Minister for Police and Emergency Services) (3.43): I rise to support the matter of public importance today about the valuable contribution Lifeline Canberra makes to the ACT community. At the risk of repeating some of the things the Leader of the Opposition has said, I would like to underscore some of the contributions that Lifeline makes.
Every hour of every day for over 30 years Lifeline’s trained volunteer telephone counsellors have been available to the people of Canberra. Since 1971, its mission has been to enhance the wellbeing of the community by providing telephone counselling. I can remember when it kicked off in 1971. People call Lifeline for many reasons. Some call to talk about their relationships and problems they are experiencing. Some people call about feelings of suicide and loneliness. Some people call looking for help with addictions or a bereavement and many people call to gain information and referrals to appropriate services, while others call because they just need someone to talk to, a lifeline.
The ACT government recognises that people experience disadvantage. Homelessness, unemployment and poverty are an unfortunate part of the Canberra community. As we work towards alleviating their impacts—I highlight the importance of the Canberra social plan in achieving this—we still need services to assist some people to reach their full potential, make a contribution and share the benefits of our community.
Lifeline counsellors provide skilled, sensitive support to callers at a time when a situation has overwhelmed them. They listen with care and acceptance, whatever the circumstances. It is one of the services that people call when everything is at its absolute blackest, when some people have no idea where to turn to. We need sometimes to pause, recognise and celebrate the fact that Lifeline does just that. When people are in a black room with their back to the wall and have no-one else to turn to, often they turn to Lifeline.
Mr Speaker, the professionalism of Lifeline Canberra is underpinned by its commitment to the ongoing professional development of staff and volunteers. In 2003-04, 77 people completed the initial counsellor development program to become probationary counsellors. Counsellors at Lifeline continue their professional development with a wide range of workshops and training made available to them. Anyone calling the service can be assured that they are talking to someone who is well equipped to provide appropriate support and sound guidance.
As a 24-hour service, Lifeline is there when other services are closed. I know that many services and private practitioners refer clients to the Lifeline service for support between appointments and after hours. In a sense, Lifeline is as much a safety net for those professionals who work nine to five as it is for the people who ring Lifeline. I wonder how often those people who rely on Lifeline as that safety net express their understanding and appreciation. I bet they do not do it that often.
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