Mr BURKE - 2001-10-23
In July last year, my government signed off on a program that meant the Commonwealth gave the Territory $20m over four years to help fund the Aboriginal Interpreter Service and diversionary programs for juveniles. I am sure the Chief Minister would acknowledge that both have been remarkably successful. Now that you have repealed mandatory sentencing, Chief Minister, are you going to continue these programs and, if so, how do you intend to fund them?
ANSWER
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. Madam Speaker, these are very important programs for the Territory. The Aboriginal Interpreter Service and the juvenile diversion programs, are key elements for the Territory and particularly for indigenous Territorians who, for many years under the Country Liberal Party, did not have such an interpreter service. We know the impact of not having that service on delivery, particularly in the courts, is whether they are having successful outcomes for those in front of the courts and also in the health system. Labor called long and hard for an interpreter service, and were delighted when the federal government gave the funds to the Territory to be able to do that.
With diversionary programs for our youth, another key element of what Labor is about, we are confident that a federal Labor government is absolutely committed to keeping that funding going. I say to John Howard, if Australia is unfortunate enough to have the conservative government returned, that we will be fighting tooth and nail - and I hope in a bipartisan way - to have that funding retained.
I have had no information coming from Canberra that we will lose that funding, but I would say to a federal Coalition government: maintain that funding, it is absolutely important for the Territory that we keep that funding. This side of the House - and I hope joined by the opposition - will fight tooth and nail to keep it. But it is assured if Kim Beazley is Prime Minister.
ANSWER
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. Madam Speaker, these are very important programs for the Territory. The Aboriginal Interpreter Service and the juvenile diversion programs, are key elements for the Territory and particularly for indigenous Territorians who, for many years under the Country Liberal Party, did not have such an interpreter service. We know the impact of not having that service on delivery, particularly in the courts, is whether they are having successful outcomes for those in front of the courts and also in the health system. Labor called long and hard for an interpreter service, and were delighted when the federal government gave the funds to the Territory to be able to do that.
With diversionary programs for our youth, another key element of what Labor is about, we are confident that a federal Labor government is absolutely committed to keeping that funding going. I say to John Howard, if Australia is unfortunate enough to have the conservative government returned, that we will be fighting tooth and nail - and I hope in a bipartisan way - to have that funding retained.
I have had no information coming from Canberra that we will lose that funding, but I would say to a federal Coalition government: maintain that funding, it is absolutely important for the Territory that we keep that funding. This side of the House - and I hope joined by the opposition - will fight tooth and nail to keep it. But it is assured if Kim Beazley is Prime Minister.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016