Tammy Tyrrell (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister McAllister. No. 34 is an Aboriginal rural health service in Tasmania's north-west. It provides services like mums and bubs groups, youth programs, emotional wellbeing support, mental health counselling and family support work. It's there for people who don't have access to similar services for a range of reasons. Recently, I met with one of the driving forces behind the organisation, and she told me that No. 34 has lost its federal primary health funding. She doesn't know why. She doesn't know where it went. What she does know is that several full-time jobs have already been lost, including identified Aboriginal roles. Minister, can you tell me what happened to the No. 34 funding?

Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Tyrrell for the question and also for advising my office of her interest in this issue to allow me to prepare an answer. The government acknowledges the significant contribution that No. 34 has made in improving the wellbeing of First Nations people in north-western Tasmania. We recognise how important it is that there are culturally safe services for First Nations people in the region.

No. 34 is currently funded under the Indigenous Australians' Health Programme. This program has become the default funding source for many First Nations health initiatives, including those delivered by non-Indigenous organisations. We are actively working with the Aboriginal community controlled sector to evaluate existing funding for that program and rebalance it in line with priorities identified by that sector. They have told us that their biggest priority for funding is community controlled, comprehensive primary healthcare services. Through this prioritised investment, we can ensure funding will have the greatest impact for First Nations people.

The government is committed to genuine partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health sector. We've committed to this under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and priority reforms 1 and 2 speak directly to shared decision-making and building the community controlled sector. That is exactly what we're doing. We recognise the challenges that you have raised today, and there is no question that local programs delivering local solutions are important. The Minister for Health and Ageing has been made aware of this case and is considering actions for funding.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Tyrrell, first supplementary?

Tammy Tyrrell (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Beyond the health services they do provide, No. 34 is a safe place to go to have a hot shower or a cup of tea, to be with community and to feel supported. It's a place where people can both receive and give support to First Nations people in need. Minister, do you agree that supporting First Nations people in rural areas is important?

Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The short answer is yes. Our government is committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in all areas of Australia. We do know that holistic wraparound services provided by community controlled organisations are critical to achieving positive outcomes in First Nations communities. It's why we continue to direct investment to and work in partnership with the community controlled sector. As an example, in the Closing the Gap speech earlier this year, the Prime Minister announced $144 million to upgrade community controlled services. From maternal health to mental health, in remote Australia and in the cities, we are determined to grow community controlled solutions. We're investing in co-design, we are listening to communities, and we are determined to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in all areas in our country.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Tyrrell, second supplementary?

Tammy Tyrrell (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Right now the workers and volunteers at No. 34 are deeply concerned. They're surviving on minimal funding and won't be able to keep providing the same level of care. As you might be aware, in Tasmania, we do have a divide between TAC and a couple of the other organisations not recognising other Indigenous people. Minister, will the government commit to reinstating funding so No. 34 can continue to provide these essential services to First Nations people in the north-west area?

Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Our government is committed to ensuring there are culturally safe services available across the country, including for First Nations people in north-west Tasmania. We recognise the important role No. 34 plays in the community, and we note its request for continued Commonwealth funding. I thank Senator Tyrrell for her continual advocacy for better health outcomes across Tasmania. The Minister for Health and Ageing has been made aware of this case, as I indicated in my answer to your primary question, and he is considering options for funding.