Lee Rhiannon (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, upon notice , on 21 September 2011:

(1) What action has the department taken to ensure the Cawarra Women's and Children's Refuge Aboriginal Corporation in Penrith, Sydney, is able to continue providing culturally appropriate support services to Aboriginal women and children.

(2) What is the annual amount of funding provided to the corporation.

(3) Have there been any funding changes in the past 5 years that threaten the ability of the corporation to continue providing services to Aboriginal women and children; if so, what are those changes.

(4) Have there been any been any changes in regulations that threaten the ability of the corporation to continue; if so, what are those changes.

(5) Is the department aware that the corporation has been defunded by the New South Wales Government; if so, what are the reasons for such defunding.

(6) What action has the department taken to ensure the corporation:

  (a) has had access to due process to clarify the validity of any identified problems in their operations and can details be provided of that due process and any resulting outcomes; and

  (b) has been able to access help to address such identified problems and can details be provided of that help.

(7) Will the Minister commit to consulting with the corporation about:

  (a) how it can help fulfil the Government's Indigenous Family Safety Agenda by ensuring that additional supports are available for families in times of need or heightened vulnerability;

  (b) the advice and support available to it from the department; and

  (c) any funding options available to it to continue providing services to Indigenous women and children in the western suburbs area of Sydney.