(1)   What programs and services do the department and each agency in the Minister’s portfolio provide for indigenous communities and individuals in the electoral division of Chifley.

(2)   In respect of each program,

(a)   what sum is spent annually

(i)   nationally and

(ii)   in the electoral division of Chifley and

(b)   how many people is it intended to assist

(i)   nationally and

(ii)   in the electoral division of Chifley.

(1)   Indigenous community organisations, businesses and individuals in the electorate of Chifley have access to the suite of industry development programs administered by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources. In some cases eligibility for applying will depend on the entity meeting specific criteria under the program. The Department administers two programs which are specifically focused on indigenous Australians - the Business Ready Program for Indigenous Tourism and the Indigenous Partnerships Program. Information on these programs is provided on the Department’s website www.industry.gov.au and in the 2006-07 Portfolio Budget Statements for the Industry, Tourism and Resources portfolio. Tourism Australia also undertakes a range of activities to foster the development of the indigenous tourism sector. These include providing funding and support for Indigenous Tourism Australia, which facilitates consultation with the emerging indigenous tourism sector on existing and potential policies and programs and encourages indigenous tourism ventures, as well as a range of promotion and marketing activities. Further information on these activities is provided on the Tourism Australia website www.tourism.australia.com and in the 2006-07 Portfolio Budget Statements for the Industry, Tourism and Resources portfolio.

(2)  

(a)   Information on annual national funding for these indigenous programs and activities is provided in the 2006-07 Portfolio Budget Statements for the Industry, Tourism and Resources portfolio. Funding for these programs and activities is not allocated on an electorate basis.

(b)   The Business Ready Program for Indigenous Tourism is a pilot program that is expected to support in the order of 60-70 indigenous tourism businesses across Australia. No businesses in the electorate of Chifley have received assistance under this program.