2.50 Recommendations made at the time of reporting are proposals for government policy that the Committee finds applicable at that time. Government responses to previous Social Issues committee reports indicate many of recommendations have been addressed. Several Departmental witnesses also supported this view during evidence.33 However, the Committee heard that sometimes Indigenous communities did not share this view, and that government could do more in response to Inquiry recommendations. The following example from the Inquiry into issues relating to Redfern Waterloo, illustrates the confusion that can surround the implementation of committee recommendations.

Case study: Inquiry into issues relating to Redfern Waterloo recommendations concerning the ‘Needle Bus’

2.51 In 2004 the Standing Committee on Social Issues, following the tragic death of a 17 year old Aboriginal man and the subsequent riot in Redfern, undertook a wide-ranging inquiry into issues relating to Redfern/Waterloo.

2.52 Many of the recommendations that came out of this report have been adopted and implemented by the government; for example, there have been changes to policing in the area, establishment of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and a Minster specifically responsible for Redfern and Waterloo.

2.53 In its Interim Report in August 2004 the Committee also recommended that the Mobile Needle and Syringe Van (Needle Bus) be moved from its current location, within the community and beside a children’s playground, and a strictly imposed limit placed on the number of needles distributed.

2.54 In the NSW Government’s response in February 2005, the government stated that the ‘Mobile Needle and Syringe Van will close as soon as the community health facility opens’ at 120 Lawson Street.34

2.55 During the overcoming Indigenous disadvantage Inquiry, NSW Health informed the Committee that for a number of reasons this health facility was not built and there are no current plans to close or relocate the Needle Bus. However, when the Committee visited Redfern, local residents were asked what they would like to see come out of this Inquiry, Mr Michael Mundine, CEO of the Aboriginal Housing Company replied ‘NSW Health removal of the Needle Bus’.35 Given the continued community concern regarding the location of the bus the need for discussions and an ultimate solution remains.

2.56 This example demonstrates the need for both government and communities to engage with one another to consider additional information as changes in circumstances arise. It is also demonstrative of the need for Aboriginal communities to have input into the implementation, assessment and accountability phases of public policies that effect outcomes for Indigenous well-being.

2.57 During this Inquiry, NSW Health outlined its protocols for distribution of needles and syringes from the Needle Bus and assured the Committee that these were followed.36 The protocols for syringe distribution stipulate that no more than ten syringes are to be distributed per client presentation. NSW Health noted that NSW Health Needle Syringe policy and Guidelines state that ‘people who inject drugs require access to an adequate number of syringes’.37 The Committee noted that there was evidence provided during hearings from several witnesses that indicated that the protocol was not observed in some instances.

2.58 Although the original protocols were established in consultation with key community stakeholders, which included a number of Aboriginal community groups, the information supplied to the Committee is contradictory. The recommendations of the Committees’ inquiry into issues relating to Redfern/Waterloo were to address this problem. 38

2.59 The Committee found similar issues arising with other recommendations, in particular those relating to the provision of services for Indigenous people with a disability. Inquiry participants from peak disability organisations, including Aboriginal Disability Network NSW and People with Disability Australian Inc, told the Committee of the lack of specific services for Indigenous people with a disability, yet the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care (DADHC) told the Committee of its progress in implementing previous Social Issues Committee report recommendations. Whether there has been progress or not is not at issue. If the Aboriginal community feels that the services are not available, or are too mainstream and not culturally appropriate, the problem remains.

Committee comment

2.60 In relation to Indigenous matters, the Director General of DAA, Ms Jodi Broun, told the Committee that DAA monitors overall outcomes, looking for gaps in service delivery at the State and regional levels, but does not monitor the implementation of committee recommendations that have been adopted by the NSW Government.39

2.61 The Committee encourages Government departments to take advantage of the high levels of community consultation and research that inform committee inquiries. Committee recommendations are seen as the most appropriate course of action at the time, however, the Committee understands that there may also be alternative solutions.

33 For example: Ms Carol Mills, Deputy Director General, NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and Mr Mike Allen, Director General, NSW Housing, Evidence 12 February 2008, p 39; Commissioner Andrew Scipione, Commissioner, NSW Police Force, Evidence 12 February 2008, p 72; Dr Denise Robinson, Chief Health Officer and Deputy Director General, Population Health, NSW Health, Evidence 30 April 2008, p 19; Ms Kruk, Evidence, 17 September 2008, pp 33-36

34 Government response to Standing Committee on Social Issues Reports 32 and 34, Issues relating to Redfern/Waterloo, February 2005, p 11

35 Answers to questions taken on notice during evidence, 30 April 2008, Mr Michael Mundine, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Housing Company, pp 6-7

36 Answers to questions taken on notice during evidence, 18 September 2008, Dr Richard Matthews, Deputy Director General, Strategic Development, NSW Health, pp 3-4

37 Answers to questions taken on notice during evidence, 18 September 2008, Dr Matthews, NSW Health, p 3

38 NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Social Issues, Inquiry into Issues Relating to Redfern/Waterloo Interim Report. Report 32, August 2004, recommendation 20.

39 Ms Broun, Evidence, 12 February 2008, p 13

Source: Legislative Council Standing Committee on Social Issues on Overcoming Indigenous disadvantage in New South Wales Final Report - Report 41 – November 2008. pp16-18

Further Information: Inquiry Website ; Summary of Recommendations.pdf (110Kb PDF); Final Report media release.pdf (90Kb PDF); Final Report.pdf (989Kb PDF)