Mrs BRAHAM - 2008-05-06
Considering the influx of people from communities into Alice Springs and the extra demands being made on services - in particular, I am talking about the Aboriginal Housing and Information Referral Service - can you inform me if their contract is to be renewed? Their current contract expires in June. As there are staff, vehicle leases and office leases, the fact that they have not been informed and their future is unknown is completely unsatisfactory. This service is needed. The work they do with tenants and prospective tenants is invaluable. Do you intend to continue to fund this service, or will they have to close their doors in June?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question, which she has discussed with me previously. I can advise that the department is currently negotiating and having discussions with the service. They are trying to find out if they are financially viable; if they can carry the service. The reality is, if we put too much to a particular service and they cannot deliver and fall flat on their face, then not only will we lose the service but we lose a service to the community that we provide through outsource services.
I want you to know that we are looking carefully at the whole situation with the service. We want this service to be up and running properly to service the indigenous and other people in Alice Springs. The department will continue to do their proper economic analysis and feasibility of the existing service. I will be very happy to give you a full briefing on that in a few weeks time.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question, which she has discussed with me previously. I can advise that the department is currently negotiating and having discussions with the service. They are trying to find out if they are financially viable; if they can carry the service. The reality is, if we put too much to a particular service and they cannot deliver and fall flat on their face, then not only will we lose the service but we lose a service to the community that we provide through outsource services.
I want you to know that we are looking carefully at the whole situation with the service. We want this service to be up and running properly to service the indigenous and other people in Alice Springs. The department will continue to do their proper economic analysis and feasibility of the existing service. I will be very happy to give you a full briefing on that in a few weeks time.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016