Page 645 - Week 02 - Thursday, 22 February 2018
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Sadly, this report is not the first to raise the issues nor is it unique in its findings. It seems that no matter how many reports and reviews are commissioned, the government is just not listening. They may try to give that appearance, but action and results matter more than words. What I want to know is: where are the funded, targeted initiatives to enable the Indigenous population of Canberra to have culturally appropriate health care, let alone access to a quality public healthcare system?
I note that even evidence from the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body is often not taken seriously by this government. Here too the Indigenous community is subjected to more talk and empty gestures. Of concern is that the government has once again promised to fund and build a new primary healthcare centre in the inner south. Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal health and community services and Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation have been waiting for far too long for this investment so that they can get on with what they do best—support the Indigenous community in Canberra.
This funding has been promised for far too long and was part of the government’s commitments made back in 2016. Again, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body has provided advice on this issue in their most recent report and are waiting to see whether this funding will be forthcoming.
Critically, there is still no dedicated residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, despite repeated requests from not only the Indigenous community but also from health professionals and broader community stakeholders. On this matter, the government has received numerous reports, requests and advice to this effect. In fact the most recent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body report also provided a specific recommendation on this exact issue.
This recommendation asked the ACT government to deliver and operate the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm for its original purpose: a culturally appropriate drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation facility. They have been very clear about the need for this facility and have asked the government to deliver by the end of 2018. Sadly, based on the performance to date, and more than 10 years after the original promise was made for a dedicated residential facility, I have strong doubts about the ability of this government to meet the health requirements of Indigenous Canberrans.
Just last week the minister for health reported during question time that there has been interest in the programs offered at the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm. But the minister was unable to confirm how many clients had received support through this service.
The truth is that the numbers remain very low and only one program has been conducted to date. This can only be because the government has built a facility at a cost of $11.7 million that now functions as a glorified day camp. The simple truth is that it is not fit for purpose and that the Indigenous community deserves better.
Following years of empty promises and inadequate service delivery, is it not it time that the government stopped talking and put their words into action? Public health
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