Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, upon notice, on 1 September 2011:

(1) Are there any agreements, funding or other, between the Federal Government, the Northern Territory Government and/or Northern Territory local government councils or shires relating to swimming pools in Aboriginal communities; if so: (a) do these agreements specify who is responsible for the capital expense for the construction of swimming pools and who is responsible for the recurrent operational expenses; and (b) can copies of these agreements be provided.

(2) How many schools report on the 'no school no pool rule'.

(3) How many children are refused access to pools due to the 'no school no pool rule'.

(4) For all swimming pools funded through the Federal government, does the Government maintain records of when the pool was opened and when or if it was closed.

Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) There is one current Standard Funding Agreement between the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and the MacDonnell Shire Council for urgent repairs and upgrades to the Kintore, Areyonga and Santa Teresa swimming pools. (a) No. (b) Yes. A copy of the Funding Agreement and relevant variations is at Attachment A (available from the Senate Table Office).

(2) It is not the role of FaHCSIA to collect information from schools on the 'no school, no pool' rule. Nor does the Department impose conditions on the operation of swimming pools. Communities determine these arrangements at the local level.

(3) It is not the role of FaHCSIA to collect information on how many children are refused access to pools due to the 'no school no pool' rule. Nor does the Department impose conditions on the operation of swimming pools. Communities determine and enforce these arrangements at the local level.

(4) No. These are local arrangements worked out at the community level.