Lidia Thorpe (Victoria, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is for the Minister for Indigenous Australians. Over a dozen Aboriginal families in Mount Isa are facing homelessness after the local council decided to auction off their homes because their Aboriginal housing provider failed to pay council rates. Desperately needed Aboriginal housing will be permanently lost to private buyers and many of these families fear they will become homeless. What emergency action are you taking to ensure these families stay in their homes and these properties are retained for Aboriginal housing? Is there emergency funding coming?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Thorpe, for the question. What's happening in Mount Isa is a real concern. I have reached out directly to the Queensland government, speaking with the minister for local government. The mayor for Mount Isa City Council has been in touch with us as well. We are working on this on a number of levels, looking at the opportunities for Indigenous Business Australia to assist some of the families who want assistance with it. For those who are unable to use IBA, we're also looking at the opportunity—as are the conversations that I'm having—with the Queensland government and the Mount Isa Council in terms of the debt itself.

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

Senator Thorpe, first supplementary?

Lidia Thorpe (Victoria, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

Families have been raising concerns about this housing provider for years, and the issues have been on ORIC's radar for years too. When were you first briefed on this situation? When did the NIAA first engage with the tenants? We've heard that there were a few pamphlets circulated by NIAA but nothing else.

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Thorpe. I'd have to get the date for you as to when I was first briefed, but I have been aware of the issue for at least a month, to try and get on top of it and to find out what we can do. I am very concerned about the timeline that is left for the council to use the option of selling the properties. I want to know that the families have choices and that the families are very much involved, so I have asked the agency to make sure it is working with the families. But I also want to be reassured that the council itself—Mount Isa council—and the Queensland government are working with me to ensure that we do not have added homelessness in Mount Isa.

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

Senator Thorpe, second supplementary?

Lidia Thorpe (Victoria, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

Queensland says Aboriginal housing is the Commonwealth's responsibility. Your government says it's Queensland's. This is the usual handballing while our people pay the price. You're the federal Indigenous minister. Will you guarantee none of these Aboriginal families will lose their homes?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) | Link to this | Hansard source

I think most Australians would also question the relationships between jurisdictions and the Commonwealth. But I would say to the families in Mount Isa that I am very concerned about their situation and, yes, I am working with the Queensland government and the Mount Isa council. I want to reassure the families that it's important that you are not left homeless in this whole situation.