Rudd Government’s Yarrawarra snub highlights lack of concern for aged care needs of indigenous Australians

June 4, 2008

The Rudd Government has shown it has no concern for the aged care needs of indigenous Australians after being questioned in Parliament over their decision to withdraw an offer of funding for the Yarrawarra Aged Care facility in Coffs Harbour.

 

Last year $470,000 was granted to Yarrawarra Aged Care to enable them to establish a Multipurpose Indigenous Aged Care facility north of Coffs Harbour.

 

The Nationals’ Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, said the funds were awarded from the Sustainable Regions programme and the centre would have created 25 full-time jobs and 60 jobs during the construction phase.

 

“On Budget night the Rudd Government terminated the Sustainable Regions programme and said they would not honour an offer of funding unless a contract had been signed with the Commonwealth,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

 

“The Minister for Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese was today questioned in the Federal Parliament why the funding for Yarrawarra will no longer be provided.

 

“The Minister was completely out of his depth and appears to believe the Yarrawarra project is somewhere near Bourke. He demonstrated no knowledge of the project and showed complete contempt for the aged care needs of indigenous Australians.

 

“He also showed a lack of understanding about the need to provide employment prospects for local people and in particular members of the local indigenous community.

 

“The Yarrawarra centre would have addressed unemployment issues for indigenous people by providing training and education programs through a partnership with North Coast Institute of TAFE and the Enterprise Training Company.

 

“The Yarrawarra project would have delivered many community benefits through specialised aged care accommodation for Indigenous Elders and their carers.  The centre would have focused on supported living accommodation, respite residential care and a day care centre.

 

“It is absolutely appalling that the Minister has cancelled the funding without taking the time to look at the merits of such a project. It is a slap in the face for indigenous aged care and indigenous employment opportunities on the Coffs Coast,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

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