Spending on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives outlined in detail

The Queensland Government today released details of its wide-ranging programs and services to tackle disadvantage and improve the quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Warren Pitt said it was the first time that such a comprehensive summary of Queensland Government initiatives addressing Indigenous issues had been developed as part of the State Budget.

“This detailed package reflects the Queensland Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and to working in partnership across portfolio areas to make a real difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said.

“This is particularly relevant in areas such as child safety, family support, health, education and justice.”

The package collates information on initiatives and investments emerging from the 2007-08 State Budget into 10 fact sheets that cover a range of topics, including:

• more than $180 million to improve the availability and standard of housing and housing options available to Indigenous people.

• more than $60 million to improve child protection in communities, reduce family violence and substance and alcohol misuse, and provide healing and counselling services for people affected by family violence and crime.

• more than $100 million for environmental health infrastructure, such as water, sewerage, new roads and transport infrastructure.

Mr Pitt said the $500 million outlined in the package represented was only part of the total expenditure on government services for Indigenous Queenslanders.

“While the package outlines a significant commitment by the Queensland Government to new or extended initiatives, it does not include much of the government’s ongoing expenditure specifically on Indigenous programs and services.

“Nor does it include the many programs and services delivered by government departments for the community generally that have a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander client base” he said.

“For example, it does not include the funding allocated for schools and health clinics, health workers, teachers, child safety officers and other professional staff that provide critical services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“I urge everyone interested in finding out exactly what the Queensland Government is doing to address Indigenous disadvantage, to take a look at this package.”

Copies of the package are available from the Department of Communities,
Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, or downloaded from:
www.communities.qld.gov.au

Media contact: 3235 4280