Page 829 - Week 03 - Thursday, 2 April 2020
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which it was announced that the site for the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm had been purchased “for an alcohol and drug rehabilitation service”, which will “accommodate 16 people, including accommodation for family members”;
(2) If so, why did the Minister fail to answer the specific question asked.
(3) Will the Minister now provide an answer to the specific question asked; if not, why not.
Ms Stephen-Smith: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) No, the question was answered. For the Member’s interest, further advice is below.
The ACT Health Directorate is working with the Advisory Board, including members of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, to ensure that the NBHF is a place of spiritual and cultural healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is in line with the description from the 2007-2008 Appropriation Bill (No.2) of a “therapeutic program aimed at supporting [Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people] through the rehabilitation and recovery process and assisting with the transition back into the community”.
As I stated in the Assembly in response to a similar question from Mr Milligan on 12 February 2020:
“The Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm is operational and continues to provide a place of healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to feel safe and supported while making ongoing and meaningful changes to their lives. That is at the further end of the continuum of rehabilitation.
There is not one single thing that you do to rehabilitate when you have a drug or alcohol addiction. It is a complex matter that requires a range and a continuum of supports.
The programs at the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm provide clients with the opportunity to participate in a range of cultural activities such as land management, mindfulness, music, yarning circles and a healing program. The directorate is currently finalising the procurement for some providers to deliver services as part of the therapeutic programs for the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm for 2020, and planning is underway. Importantly, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation has progressed the healing framework to be delivered at the farm, with facilitation of two knowledge circles with the United Ngunnawal Elders Council to identify the healing vision for the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm.”
(2) Not applicable.
(3) See response to (1) above.
Government—invoices
(Question No 2891)
Mrs Dunne asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 14 February 2020:
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