Adelaide Zero Project

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (15:05): Supplementary arising from the answer in relation to rough sleeping and homelessness. Is the minister able to indicate if there is evidence of a significant decrease in Aboriginal youth at risk of homelessness to justify the $1.6 million cut to programs for Aboriginal youth at risk of homelessness?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (15:05): I'm assuming the Leader of the Opposition is referring to Marni Wodli. Marni Wodli has been identified as a particular program that needs to be rephased. The recurrent funding is, I think, close to $1 million per annum and it provides placement for nine individuals in one geographic location. We are seeking to rephase that particular program so that it provides more appropriate accommodation. For people who are accommodated there at the moment it is business as usual but we will be speaking to communities, clients, staff and the non-government sector about how to provide a more appropriate service than the one that exists at the moment.

I would also like to point out that through the homelessness and housing strategy which is being developed by the Housing Authority, it is a commitment of this government to develop an Aboriginal housing strategy. The former government mainstreamed housing, I think under the 'leadership' of the then minister Weatherill, by getting rid of the Aboriginal housing section within, as it was then, the Housing Trust. We have committed to develop a specific Aboriginal housing strategy going forward because we think this is an area that was neglected under the previous government and one where we want to provide specific supports that are culturally appropriate.