Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to thank Senator Seselja for his interest in the positive work that is being undertaken in this area. There are many unsung heroes working in the community. Today, I would like to congratulate Aboriginal Hostels Limited, AHL, for 40 years of continuous service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. It opened its first hostel in Yumba in Brisbane in 1974. It is now operating a national network of accommodation facilities. It has over 2,000 beds available to Indigenous Australians each night of the year. AHL provides safe, affordable, culturally appropriate accommodation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who need to be away from home to access services. In meeting Indigenous Australians in urban, regional and remote Australia, many of them relate to me their stories and fond memories of being away from home spending time in AHL hostels. Whether that was to attend school or training, whether they were looking for work or accessing health and medical services, it is clear that the contribution these hostels have made and are continuing to make is a strong and lasting one. The company also makes a contribution through its 11 medical facilities for those requiring renal dialysis and general medical and antenatal care. I take this opportunity to congratulate AHL on their 40 years in business. There is no point governments of all types providing services when people cannot access those services because of the impediment of a lack of accommodation.