Antinuclear

Federal funding for South Australia’s remote Aboriginal communities

Future of remote Aboriginal communities secured by deal between SA and federal governments ABC Radio The World Today  By Natalie Whiting, 13 Apr 15 Nicola Gage & staff The future of remote Aboriginal communities in South Australia has been secured by a deal between the state and federal governments.

There were concerns communities could close because of Federal funding cuts to essential services, including rubbish collection, sewerage, power and water.

However, a compromise announced this morning will see the Federal Government continue to pay for services in the APY Lands, for the time being.

The State Government has agreed to accept $15 million to look after all other remote Aboriginal communities, which have a combined population of about 1,500.

Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion said South Australia would eventually pay for services on the APY Lands, as well.

“There’s some infrastructure issues in the APY Lands that don’t occur outside of those areas,” he said.

“We’ll be continuing to support the South Australian Government in the provision of municipal services in the APY Lands until we can come up with a separate agreement that transfers … to the State Government.”

South Australia is the last state to reach a deal with the Federal Government over the funding, which was set to run out in June.

The question of who pays for services in Indigenous communities led to protests and heated debate.

Earlier this year, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and Victoria agreed to take over the responsibility from the Federal Government.

Shortly afterward, the West Australian Government said it may have to look at closing some communities……..

Aboriginal elder Mima Smart, who travelled to Port Augusta for an emergency meeting on the situation last month, said she was also relieved by the announcement.

“I feel really good because first it was really hurting to think about what’s going to be happening,” she said.

“It is a big relief for us and I will definitely pass it on to the community members, mainly to the elders because they think a lot about their lives when they are in bad health.”

She said it was important for her people to stay on traditional lands.

“In the land where they were born and lived, to show their children what is best for them for the future,” she said.

South Australian Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher said the Government was committed making the communities more sustainable.

“That $15 million will provide a number of years of services but as I’ve said, we’ll be working very closely with particularly the Aboriginal Lands Trust to make sure services are provided as effectively as possible,” he said…….

The Federal Government has a separate agreement with the Northern Territory over essential services funding, providing the Territory with $206 million over 10 years.

There was no deal with NSW, which was not receiving any funding for the essential services.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-13/future-of-remote-aboriginal-communities-in-sa-secured/6388550

April 15, 2015 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | aboriginal issues, South Australia