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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2008-11-12 Daily Xml
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DAME ROMA MITCHELL TRUST FUND

The Hon. P.L. WHITE (Taylor) (14:48): Can the Minister for Families and Communities advise the house of the assistance that the Dame Roma Mitchell Trust Fund has provided to children and young people who are or have been under the guardianship of the minister, including assistance provided to children and young people with a disability?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Northern Suburbs, Minister for Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability) (14:48): I am sure members would be aware that the Dame Roma Mitchell Trust Fund was established in 2003 by this government and the South Australian Council of Social Services to provide opportunities for children and young people who are or have been under the guardianship of the state or who have lived in long-term family care supported by Families SA.

During the past five years, the Dame Roma Mitchell Trust Fund has contributed in excess of $1.3 million to children and young people for contributions towards self-development opportunities. In the past year, the first full year of the operation since the implementation of a separate—

Ms CHAPMAN: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, although this is a very important topic, the annual report was actually tabled in the parliament. So, for the minister to tell us what has happened in the last year when it has already been tabled in this house is not further information to the house.

The SPEAKER: There is no point of order. The question is in order. The minister.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. This past year has seen the first full year of operation since the implementation of a separate trust deed providing a $1 million trust specifically for children and young people with a disability who are currently or have been in care.

In total, 127 young people have been assisted. Some examples include: enrolment expenses to attend pre-vocational courses, assistance in setting up their own homes, and obtaining employment. Thirty of these were young people with a disability.

There have been a number of corporate partnerships developed to ensure these young people get the best value for their grant dollar:

The Byte Back program continues to support young people with the provision of new personal computers, laptops and software at reduced prices.

Radio Rentals, Fantastic Furniture, Bed E Buys and the Good Guys have generously offered these young people discounted rates on goods and services, enabling them to make the most of their grants.

The RAA works directly with young people to assist them to make informed decisions when purchasing a vehicle.

Their contribution is greatly appreciated and really does help set these young people on the right path. It also sends a very strong message that they matter to our community.

The board has reported some very moving stories of the impact of the trust fund, like an 18 year old woman living in regional South Australia who had recently finished further studies but due to a lack of transport options was finding it difficult to secure employment. She applied to the trust and was provided with financial assistance to enable her to purchase a car. She obtained employment in her chosen field in a neighbouring town. A young couple, who had been renting for years and trying to save towards a deposit on a home of their own, applied and were assisted with a grant to enable them to buy a house and land package—a realisation of their dream.

The Dame Roma Mitchell Trust Fund is able to provide the type of practical support that families generally provide to their young ones. I am pleased to be part of a government that has put this very caring initiative in place. I congratulate the board on its important work. It has had a huge impact on these young lives and on our broader community. It fosters confidence, the development of skills and creates opportunities that lead these young ones into independence and a positive future.

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