Published Friday, 05 September, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Cell visitor service to continue on Palm Island
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today announced a $66,007 grant for the Palm Island Cell Visitor Service.
Ms Nelson-Carr, on the Island for the annual Spring Day celebrations, said the funding would support the service currently operated by the Palm Island Men’s Business Group to support people in police custody.
“Cell visitors provide an invaluable service to detainees, their families, friends and work colleagues, and importantly the police too,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“By working closely with police, the community and the Palm Island watch house, the staff can provide the necessary level of support to Indigenous people in custody with the aim of preventing suicide, self-injury and other health problems related to intoxication,” she said.
“From the first of January to 30 June this year, this service has supported 84 clients.
“These new funds will ensure Palm Islanders in custody can continue to receive support from a cell visitor at key times of the day and night.”
The cell visitor service was established in 2006 as part of the Queensland Government’s response to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991.
“The Bligh Government is committed to working closely with indigenous communities across the State to tackle alcohol misuse and its associated issues head on,” said the Minister.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280, Harry Landman 0407 637 510 (or 0427 800 892 if no reception)
Ms Nelson-Carr, on the Island for the annual Spring Day celebrations, said the funding would support the service currently operated by the Palm Island Men’s Business Group to support people in police custody.
“Cell visitors provide an invaluable service to detainees, their families, friends and work colleagues, and importantly the police too,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“By working closely with police, the community and the Palm Island watch house, the staff can provide the necessary level of support to Indigenous people in custody with the aim of preventing suicide, self-injury and other health problems related to intoxication,” she said.
“From the first of January to 30 June this year, this service has supported 84 clients.
“These new funds will ensure Palm Islanders in custody can continue to receive support from a cell visitor at key times of the day and night.”
The cell visitor service was established in 2006 as part of the Queensland Government’s response to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991.
“The Bligh Government is committed to working closely with indigenous communities across the State to tackle alcohol misuse and its associated issues head on,” said the Minister.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280, Harry Landman 0407 637 510 (or 0427 800 892 if no reception)