Operation Update
Major General Dave Chalmers talks with Ali Curung resident, Peggy Small, Aug 2008.
12 November 2008
Government Business Managers
There are 53 Government Business Managers (GBMs) servicing 73 communities and town camps in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Elliott. GBMs are a key liaison and consultation point in communities, including communicating NTER measures at the local level, engaging with elders, and working collaboratively with other government representatives (including at the Territory and local levels). They also manage and coordinate the day-to-day activities of staff from different Australian Government agencies based in the community.
Police
There are 49 additional police deployed in remote communities which previously did not have a permanent police presence. The extra police are working to improve community safety and enforce the law, helping to prevent violence and anti-social behaviour.
Welfare reform
Income Management is now in place in 73 communities, associated outstations and 10 town camp regions at 29 October. A total of 15,671 people are currently being income managed. Income Management ensures that 50 per cent of Centrelink payments is spent on essential items including food, clothes and for children’s educational expenses.
A total of 1,518 new jobs for Indigenous people have been created by the Australian and Northern Territory Governments.
A total of 123 Work for the Dole activities have begun with participants in 51 communities, two associated outstations and six town camp regions. Work for the Dole is a work-experience program involving community-based projects.
There are 31 Community Employment Brokers servicing 60 communities and associated outstations and two town camp regions. Community Employment Brokers work in many NTER communities to help people understand their participation requirements and connect them to employment-service providers.
Community stores
There are 71 licensed community stores. The Australian Government set up a licensing system for community stores in the Northern Territory to participate in the income-management arrangements. Licensees are expected to provide a reasonable quality, quantity and range of groceries and consumer items, including healthy food and drink; and demonstrate sound financial structures, retail practices and governance.
Child Health Checks
In 2007-08, the intensive focus on the health and well-being of Indigenous children through the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) resulted in access to comprehensive health checks for 55% of the eligible population (or 9,454 children). If you include MBS figures for the prescribed areas, this figure is 66% (or 11,454 children). Over 73 communities and ten town camp regions have had access to child health checks under the NTER. The aim of the health checks is to provide an annual comprehensive health assessment, identify any significant health issues, provide immediate treatment for minor conditions and plan follow-up treatment and access to required health care. The NT Department of Health and Families and Aboriginal community controlled health organisations are being funded to deliver follow-up services required as a result of the child health checks, as well as additional child health checks to children eligible or due for a check. Follow-up services commenced in 2007-08 and will continue throughout 2008-09.
School nutrition programs
As at 12 November, students attending school in 69 communities and associated outstations and ten town camp regions where Income Management has begun are being provided with a meal as part of the School Nutrition Program. The program was implemented to ensure students were receiving adequate meals in order for them to perform better at school. Some parents are paying for the meals via Income Management.
Community Clean Up Program
“Make safe works” and “minor vital repairs” have been completed in 63 communities. Asbestos surveys have been completed in all 73 prescribed communities. Quality Assurance Audits are being conducted in a few communities.
Major General Dave Chalmers
Operational Commander, NTER