Page 2505 - Week 08 - Thursday, 30 August 2007
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
There is also the question of management of the centre. We have concerns, and they were expressed during the estimates hearing, that the structure of activities undertaken on this site could be better developed. Indeed, the head of this area, Mr Manikis, said:
Can I just say that over the last three years there has been a level of activity. I must say that it has not been to the level that we would expect in terms of its cultural programs ...
Mr Manikis then went on to say:
However, we will be doing much better on the cultural side. What we are aiming to do is to see if we can create a facility that is quite dynamic in the cultural sense and to bring the broader community to that facility.
The estimates committee was told that we could expect more. Later, the committee was also told that efforts would be made “to bolster up the cultural side” of the Yarramundi Reach centre. So it would appear there are reasons to be concerned about the overall management of Yarramundi and we would be looking to the government to make sure that these facilities are used properly. It is an incredibly beautiful site; it should be used wisely. I have to say again that the lack of quarterly capital works progress reports impedes the ability of the opposition to hold those who are responsible accountable for all that takes place on that site.
Within the community, some good things have been done. The Winnunga Nimmityjah relocation out to Narrabundah is going incredibly well; they are providing a large number of services. But with other Aboriginal service providers, particularly in housing, there are concerns in the community about what is really happening. Are they functioning or are they not? Are they being effective? Does it represent good use of government money? Is it delivering for the Aboriginal community?
We need to look at the services that are being provided and at who is doing well. Sun Tzu said in his strategy, “Reinforce victory—walk away from defeat.” If buildings are empty, if buildings are not being used, if grants are not being fulfilled then let us make sure the money goes to those who can and will deliver the best outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT.
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella–Minister for the Territory and Municipal Services, Minister for Housing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (9.07): I would like to acknowledge the remarks by Mrs Dunne and welcome her support for child protection programs. That support is very welcome. The only way that we as a community can tackle these really difficult situations is through such support—and perhaps even tripartite support.
I advise her that consideration of how we can commemorate Audrey Fagan continues to occur, and we do share her views. Audrey Fagan was probably one of the most remarkable women I have ever been honoured to meet, and that consideration continues.
The Stanhope government is committed to supporting people with a disability and ensuring that our community enjoys the best disability services possible. We have
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .