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Friday, 23 November 1979


Senator Walsh asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 20 November 1979:

Is the Department of Aboriginal Affairs moving offices from Wyndham to Kununurra; if so: (a) why; (b) what is the expected cost; (c) how is this cost justified; and (d ) what will happen to the Department's former office space and housing accommodation in Wyndham.


Senator Chaney - The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

Yes. (a ) The Location of Australian Government Employment Committee made no objection to the move after considering a submission from my Department which included the following justifications:

(   1 ) Kununurra is more central to Aboriginal groups and communities in the East Kimberleys than Wyndham;

(2)   a number of State and Commonwealth departments and agencies with which the Department's Area Office deals have their main East Kimberley offices in Kununurra;

(3   ) the office space rental in Wyndham is inadequate and unsuitable;

(4)   Kununurra has been designated as a regional growth centre and is the main airport for the East Kimberley area.

(b)   Not all cost estimates are yet available, but the expected cost of the transfer is some $400,000, most of which is for the provision of five staff residences in Kununurra.

(c)   See (a) above.

(d)   The Department's office space in Wyndham is rented from the State Government and will become available for the use of the State Depanment of Community Welfare.

Three residences in Wyndham occupied by staff will become available for use by other departments or for sale.

Housing for Aboriginal People: East Kimberley District (QuestonNo.2241)


Senator Walsh asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 20 November 1979:

(   1 ) How many houses are proposed to be built for Aboriginal people in the East Kimberley district during the financial year 1979-80.

(2)   How many houses are proposed to be built or rented for employees of the Depanment of Aboriginal Affairs in this district during the same period.

(3   ) What will be the cost in each case.

(4)   How many Aborigines are employed by the Department at Kununurra.

(5)   How many houses owned or rented by the Department at Kununurra are to be allocated to Aboriginal employees.


Senator Chaney - The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(   1 ) A total of 25 dwellings are programmed for construction for Aboriginals in the North East Kimberley Region with funds provided by my Department in 1 979-80.

(2)   Five residences are to be built or purchased for staff in Kununurra in 1979-80.

(3)   The total cost of the 25 units for Aboriginals is estimated at $5 5 5, 000:

Kununurra- 2 units at $33,000 each

Balgo- 4 units at $52,000 each

Guda Guda- 3 'transitional ' units at $5,000 each

Oombulgurri- 1 2 'transitional ' units at $5,500 each

Turkey Creek -4 units at $50,000 each.

The 5 residences for staff in Kununurra are expected to cost $386,000.

(4)   Two Aboriginal officers will be employed at Kununurra and a further vacancy is also expected to be filled by an Aboriginal.

(5)   Two residences are expected to be occupied by Aboriginals. One Aboriginal officer has already secured a State Housing Commission residence in Kununurra.







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