Wednesday the 15th of May 2024
Victorian Legislative Council, Melbourne

On Wednesday May 15th, Rachel Payne MP posed a constituency question to the Minister for Health. Rachel asked if the Minister will ensure ongoing funding to Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-Operative Limited (DDACL), to continue their provision of essential and culturally aware services.

RACHEL PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan): My constituency question is for the Minister for Health. My constituent is a First Nations woman living in Dandenong. She is often involved in the community programs run by the Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative.

This co-op is one of the oldest Aboriginal-run health services in Australia, but its buildings are in a state of disrepair leaking rooves, cracked walls and no disability access. Pleas for funding from state and federal agencies have fallen on deaf ears. The co-op has received no new capital funds in almost 35 years.

So my constituent asks: what is the minister doing to ensure a way forward for this organisation to continue their important work?

Written Answer, Provided 6th of August 2024:

I recognise the important work Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-Operative Limited (DDACL) do to provide health services to their community, and the staff for their tireless work to support the health and wellbeing of local First Peoples.

Through the Allan Labor Government’s Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund, DDACL received a $300,000 grant in 2023-24 to undertake critical and immediate building repairs at their Stud Road site.

Under the principle of self-determination, my department is doing further work with the team at DDACL, as well as the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, to understand and plan for the future needs of the co-operative.

As an important partner in the delivery of healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, we are also working with the Commonwealth Government to properly understand the growing and diverse needs of the community as part of planning for infrastructure investment.

The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP
Minister for Health
Minister for Health Infrastructure
Minister for Ambulance Services