Page 2008 - Week 06 - Friday, 6 May 2005
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The other actions identified in the Strategy will be implemented successively over the life of the Strategy.
Drugs—indigenous use
(Question No 322)
Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 16 March 2005:
(1) In relation to the recommendations of “I want to be heard”—An analysis of needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander illegal drug users in the ACT and region for treatment and other services, in what ways are outreach services being funded, and staff trained, to meet the increased needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in such areas as (a) health education, (b) access to health care services and (c) adherence by drug users to treatment programs;
(2) What efforts are being made to ensure that outreach services provided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff of Indigenous-controlled organisations are given the greatest opportunity to contribute to service delivery in the areas mentioned in part (1) above.
Mr Corbell: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service and Gugan Gulwan Youth Centre, both Indigenous-controlled organisations staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and youth workers, have been allocated recurrent funding from ACT Health for outreach services to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with issues relating to substance abuse and dual diagnosis. Winnunga has also been allocated funding for a youth detoxification service, to provide support to young people undergoing detoxification. These outreach programs maintain links with mainstream substance abuse and health care services, and provide referral and support for their clients to access these services when necessary. The outreach services also include health and life-style support and education, and counselling,
(2) Workforce development and training for Aboriginal health workers is being provided by the Muuji Emotional and Social Wellbeing Regional Training and Resource Centre. The Centre is a consortium of three regional Aboriginal medical services and is funded by the Commonwealth. Winnunga Nimmityjah manages the Centre, and in partnership with Community Education and Training offers short courses to Aboriginal health workers in other Aboriginal services and in mainstream. Funding has also been provided to Gugan Gulwan for staff visits to regional and interstate detoxification and rehabilitation centres, with the aim of promoting professional development and increasing the integration of Aboriginal and mainstream services.
Drugs—indigenous use
(Question No 323)
Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 16 March 2005:
An analysis of needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander illegal drug users in the ACT and region for treatment and other services, will the ACT Government respond to the request for the establishment of an Aboriginal Halfway House to support people who are on
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