[Greens-Media] Minister’s answer on WELA raises more questions

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

25 June 2013

Minister’s answer on WELA raises more questions

The Australian Greens today expressed great concern that the Wyndham Early Learning Activity Centre (WELA) will lose most of its staff and have to significantly cut its activities because its funding is running out.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues has called on the Government to support this important service.

“I have been pursuing the issue of funding for WELA - the Wyndham Early Learning Activity Centre in Parliament, and have received more information from the Minister following my question in the Senate last week,” Senator Siewert said today.

“The letter unfortunately has not resolved the issue, and in fact it creates more confusion about the funding situation for the programs that WELA relies on.

“WELA understood that no financial support was available to be applied for until after a DEEWR review of their funding program Parents & Communities Engagement Program (PaCE) was completed. 

“However, Minister Garrett’s letter suggests that this is not the case, and that the fault lies with WELA for not making a formal funding request.

“I understand WELA have been in touch with their designated officer at the Department throughout this ongoing review process, but it has not been clear that they are able to apply for more funding.

“Clearly there has been some form of communication breakdown, and due to this lack of financial capacity, WELA will need to let staff members go within the next week.

“There were already concerns about the fact that new budget funding for PaCE, which helps fund some of WELA's work, would not commence until January 1 next year. Now we hear that organisations may not even be aware of the fact they are able to apply for a new round of support. This means there is a significant funding gap for the provision for these key services.

“This situation needs to be urgently reviewed, in case other projects around the country are in similar funding positions.

“I would encourage the Minister to urgently clarify the funding situation with all organisation involved in this program,” Senator Siewert concluded.