Page 2541 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 9 August 2016
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I think the other area which has been highlighted on a number of occasions in this place is the advocacy and advisory services—organisations like Radio 1RPH. It is warming that they have received some funding support, but it did not come from the government here. It was not forthcoming from those opposite. It was actually the coalition federally that stepped up to the plate and said, “This is a valuable service. It needs to be retained.” And they have committed to making sure it is viable for at least the foreseeable future. Likewise, those on this side have already made an election pledge to continue funding in some small part the great services that Radio 1RPH provide in the reading of the newspapers or important articles for the print handicapped.
In my time as the shadow minister, other organisations such as the Down Syndrome Association have lost their previous funding stream. Government was unable to come to the party and support them but, thinking proactively, I worked with them and we managed to secure other funding streams. But there has been a lack of framework to ensure that these organisations, as the transition has progressed, have actually got some certainty or some assurances about what the future of these organisations might look like and what the future holds for them.
I will touch very briefly on youth and in particular focus on Bimberi detention centre. I think there are some major questions that still need to be answered as to the future of this facility. The custodial population of the facility continues to decline, and that is a promising sign. I think we can do better by our young people than locking them up.
I think that the focus needs to now be on what the future of this centre is. It is a large facility for such a very small number of detainees or prisoners. Those on the opposite side have danced around the topic of maybe doing something else with the facility or what the future uses of it might be.
Dr Bourke: Did you notice the budget allocation?
MR WALL: Pardon?
Dr Bourke: Did you notice there is a budget allocation?
MR WALL: There is a budget allocation.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is not a conversation across the floor.
MR WALL: The minister is interjecting, “Did I notice the budget allocation?” Yes I did, and I notice that there is some money in there for upgrades. (Second speaking period taken.)
Other questions need to be asked about what is actually happening out at that facility as the population does decline. There was a report in the paper recently that there is an inquiry into an incident that happened out there. It was very vague. It said, “We are looking at something but we cannot tell you anything.” It is not exactly open and transparent government. I think at least it would behove the minister, before the
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