Mrs BRAHAM - 2001-05-29
I appreciate your remarks, Chief Minister, to the petition that I tabled. They indicate a level of concern. Can you put aside the politics of the debate; it is not the independent member for Braitling looking for Brownie points, it is about hundreds of people in Alice Springs disagreeing with a government decision.
My question, Chief Minister, is: can you demonstrate to Alice Springs voters that you are indeed a compassionate leader and that you will restore funding to the Salvation Army for homeless men?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, it would be easier to demonstrate being a compassionate leader if the member for Braitling demonstrated honesty and consistency in her approach in terms of how she informs the people of Alice Springs of the true situation with regards to that nursing home.
Ms Martin: It’s a hostel, not a nursing home.
Hostel. The truth of the matter is that when it comes to government support for the Salvation Army Hostel, I understand from the minister that that support has increased in money terms - almost doubled - and the decision on the closure of that particular hostel was a decision that was made by the Salvation Army in consultation with the government. It was not an arbitrary decision by government. It was a decision based on how that particular organisation intended to restructure its business.
When it comes to delivering a service for homeless men in Alice Springs, the government will continue to meet that true need which is for those who are impecunious, who need that particular type of respite housing or emergency accommodation, we will provide it. But the government is not in the business of providing low rent accommodation for those who have other means.
My question, Chief Minister, is: can you demonstrate to Alice Springs voters that you are indeed a compassionate leader and that you will restore funding to the Salvation Army for homeless men?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, it would be easier to demonstrate being a compassionate leader if the member for Braitling demonstrated honesty and consistency in her approach in terms of how she informs the people of Alice Springs of the true situation with regards to that nursing home.
Ms Martin: It’s a hostel, not a nursing home.
Hostel. The truth of the matter is that when it comes to government support for the Salvation Army Hostel, I understand from the minister that that support has increased in money terms - almost doubled - and the decision on the closure of that particular hostel was a decision that was made by the Salvation Army in consultation with the government. It was not an arbitrary decision by government. It was a decision based on how that particular organisation intended to restructure its business.
When it comes to delivering a service for homeless men in Alice Springs, the government will continue to meet that true need which is for those who are impecunious, who need that particular type of respite housing or emergency accommodation, we will provide it. But the government is not in the business of providing low rent accommodation for those who have other means.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016