Page 2948 - Week 08 - Thursday, 17 August 2017
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We are keen to see more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people starting their own businesses, social enterprises and community organisations. But, critically, we will continue to work closely with existing Aboriginal and Torres Islander community organisations, appreciating their deep understanding and expertise.
While it is not the direct responsibility of the Community Services Directorate, I would like to note the significant investment in this budget of $12 million for a new health facility for Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service. I look forward to continuing to work with the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Ms Fitzharris, as this project gets underway.
Within my own portfolio there are two smaller capital projects that will help staff do their important work. This includes an investment of $700,000 to complete the transfer of critical child protection information to a new client management system. This will enable better access to historical information to support case managers to make the best decisions for children and young people. We have also committed $326,000 to upgrade the radio system at Bimberi Youth Justice Centre.
Finally, this government recognises the importance of supporting Canberrans from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who sometimes face discrimination and other systemic barriers that limit their full participation in the life of our community. While culturally and linguistically diverse Canberrans already receive support through such services as subsidised training under the skilled capital program or qualifications recognition undertaken by the Community Services Directorate, we know there is more to be done. That is why in this budget we made good on our election commitment to allocate $1.4 million over four years to assist new migrants looking to enter the workforce by expanding English language programs and by providing a job brokering service for refugees and asylum seekers.
Of course, we will continue to fund many essential community services in this budget across community services, social inclusion, disability, children and youth, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs and multicultural affairs. As I said earlier, this government responds to a changing city and community. We do not sit still.
In addition to the specific budget measures I have already discussed, recent announcements include: a family group conferencing pilot aimed at keeping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families together; a review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the child protection system to address the unacceptable level of over-representation, something all jurisdictions are grappling with; a task force to take stock of progress under the blueprint for youth justice in the ACT, which has already seen a considerable reduction in the number of young people coming into contact with the youth justice system; and to recommend actions for the second five years of the 10-year strategy.
We will continue to work across government on early intervention and prevention, acknowledging the complex challenges facing too many parents and families who experience intergenerational trauma, family violence, mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction. We know that this requires us all to work together and to work with the community.
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