$5.5 billion fund for indigenous housing applauded
he allocation of almost $5.5 billion in funding for housing in remote
indigenous communities was welcomed Monday by Federal member for
Tangney Dennis Jensen.
“It is a very positive step and I hope the money will significantly address the standard of housing for these communities, which is in many cases just shocking at present,” he said.
“However, indigenous Australians – particularly those in remote committees – are afflicted by a wide range of fundamental problems, and we must see action to deal with those if the opportunity raised by this funding is not ultimately to be wasted.
“And, given past experiences with ATSIC and other funding allocations for indigenous programs, the government must assure Australia that this initiative will be closely and responsibly monitored.”
Dr Jensen, who opposed last year’s national apology to indigenous Australians for the “stolen generation”, said he remained committed to improving the lot of aboriginals.
“Many indigenous Australians are living in terrible – absolutely unacceptable – conditions,” he added.
“I opposed the so-called ‘apology’ because it was just a political diversion. What we should all be sorry for is the conditions faced by indigenous Australians today.”
The funding announced Monday is to improve housing in indigenous communities over ten years.
“It is a very positive step and I hope the money will significantly address the standard of housing for these communities, which is in many cases just shocking at present,” he said.
“However, indigenous Australians – particularly those in remote committees – are afflicted by a wide range of fundamental problems, and we must see action to deal with those if the opportunity raised by this funding is not ultimately to be wasted.
“And, given past experiences with ATSIC and other funding allocations for indigenous programs, the government must assure Australia that this initiative will be closely and responsibly monitored.”
Dr Jensen, who opposed last year’s national apology to indigenous Australians for the “stolen generation”, said he remained committed to improving the lot of aboriginals.
“Many indigenous Australians are living in terrible – absolutely unacceptable – conditions,” he added.
“I opposed the so-called ‘apology’ because it was just a political diversion. What we should all be sorry for is the conditions faced by indigenous Australians today.”
The funding announced Monday is to improve housing in indigenous communities over ten years.
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