$11 million for Alice Springs managed accommodation

An additional $11 million will be injected into the Alice Springs Transformation Plan for managed accommodation, bringing total funding for the plan to more than $138 million.

The Australian Government recognises the pressing need to provide additional accommodation to combat homelessness and house the large transient Indigenous population in Alice Springs.

Decent housing is essential for protecting children, improving health, education and employment and rebuilding positive community norms.

Last month, the Australian Government increased its offer to upgrade infrastructure and housing in the town camps from $50 million to $100 million and announced more than $25 million in additional funding to assist with the establishment of other accommodation facilities and support services.

And this month we announced the establishment of a new Communities for Children site in Alice Springs to provide intensive early intervention programs to vulnerable families.

In recognition of the ongoing social problems in Alice Springs, the Government announced a high-level steering committee to oversee expanded alcohol rehabilitation services, family support services, family violence services, and early childhood facilities.

The Australian and Northern Territory Governments will also commit funding to managed accommodation from the National Partnership on Social Housing and the Nation Building and Economic Stimulus Plan.

The door remains open for Tangentyere Council to review its position and be part of the plan to invest more than $138 million to make living conditions better for Aboriginal people in Alice Springs.

Addressing the horrific levels of violence, abuse and despair is a priority and we are determined to make lasting change in the town camps to protect the most vulnerable in our community.