Nicola Roxon (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I might be able to assist the Attorney; I think he was going to answer some of the remaining questions, particularly on advertising. I have two other specific questions on the family relationships centres. Firstly, could the Attorney take me through the provisions for the service to Alice Springs? Senate estimates now have advised us that there is going to be a permanent presence in Alice Springs. The centre in Darwin is going to service all of the Northern Territory, with some type of permanent presence in Alice Springs. I am wondering how the money that has been allocated—the $1.3 million—is going to be adequate to have some type of permanent presence in Alice Springs. What will that actually be and how will the outreach work for Katherine, Nhulunbuy and other areas that will obviously also have to be serviced?

Could the Attorney also indicate whether there will be any reconsideration or money made available in the future for family relationship centres to open in the areas that FaCSIA recommended but where the government has not chosen so far to put family relationship centres? I am referring particularly to the electorates of Richmond, Bendigo, Fremantle and Alice Springs. I also ask when western Melbourne is going to get the second service, given that one was recommended in my seat and in the member for Lalor’s seat. Instead of getting two we are getting one in the member for Maribyrnong’s seat and two are going to northern Sydney. In dealing with those other questions on the advertising, can the Attorney also answer those questions on how the Alice Springs service in particular will work and whether any consideration is going to be given to funding those other services in areas where FaCSIA made recommendations?

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