Mr WOOD - 2007-02-21
As you know, the alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre at Bees Creek, called ANSTI, has closed down for various reasons. As there is no caretaker there, could you advise what the government is doing to protect the assets of the site? What are the government’s plans for the site? Does the government intend to sell it, reopen it as a rehabilitation centre, or is it going to be given to another government department such as Correctional Services?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. I know he is a previous board member of ANSTI, and I thank him for his cooperation during the winding-up of ANSTI. The member would be well aware that ANSTI as an incorporated body ceased to exist as of 31 January. I acknowledge the outgoing board of ANSTI. They were very professional in their winding-up of the organisation, particularly the outgoing chair, Mr Alone, with whom my office worked very closely. He was extremely cooperative, working with us, the agency of Family and Community Services, as well as the Department of Justice. There were obviously some significant legal processes to follow. Those legal processes are still nearing completion; they are not quite complete.
At this stage, my advice has been that the physical assets - the buildings and the land - will revert to the Crown. At that stage, my agency of Family and Community Services, will apply to my other agency, Planning and Infrastructure, for the assets so that they can continue to be reused as rehabilitation, which is the commitment the government has given.
So, in short, no, there are no intentions to use ANSTI as a correctional facility. The intention, very clearly, as enunciated all along in this process, is to continue to use that facility as a rehabilitation facility.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. I know he is a previous board member of ANSTI, and I thank him for his cooperation during the winding-up of ANSTI. The member would be well aware that ANSTI as an incorporated body ceased to exist as of 31 January. I acknowledge the outgoing board of ANSTI. They were very professional in their winding-up of the organisation, particularly the outgoing chair, Mr Alone, with whom my office worked very closely. He was extremely cooperative, working with us, the agency of Family and Community Services, as well as the Department of Justice. There were obviously some significant legal processes to follow. Those legal processes are still nearing completion; they are not quite complete.
At this stage, my advice has been that the physical assets - the buildings and the land - will revert to the Crown. At that stage, my agency of Family and Community Services, will apply to my other agency, Planning and Infrastructure, for the assets so that they can continue to be reused as rehabilitation, which is the commitment the government has given.
So, in short, no, there are no intentions to use ANSTI as a correctional facility. The intention, very clearly, as enunciated all along in this process, is to continue to use that facility as a rehabilitation facility.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016