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Standing Committee on Social Issues

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About this Item
Subjects -  Parliamentary Committees: New South Wales: Social Issues; Aborigines: New South Wales; Police: New South Wales; Protests and Demonstrations
Speakers - Burnswoods The Hon Jan; Parker The Hon Robyn
Business - Committee, Report


    STANDING COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL ISSUES
Page: 12042


    Report: Inquiry into Issues Relating to Redfern and Waterloo: Interim Report

    Debate resumed from 31 August.

    The Hon. JAN BURNSWOODS [3.10 p.m.]: As Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Issues, I am delighted to initiate the debate on the motion that the House take note of our report No. 32, "Inquiry into Issues Relating to Redfern and Waterloo: Interim Report", which was tabled in late August. Before I talk in detail about the contents, recommendations and so on contained in the interim report, I want to make it clear that when the House referred this inquiry to the Standing Committee on Social Issues in February we were instructed to deliver an interim report and then a final report. Our final report is due on 30 November. Therefore, in some ways this debate is difficult, given that we are only able to talk about the contents and subject matter of the interim report. We are not able to talk about the work the committee has been doing since August, and is continuing to do this month and next month.

    Nevertheless, I believe it is useful for the House to look at the interim report and, in due course, to debate the final report. The committee deliberately structured the interim report so that some issues were dealt with comprehensively, and we do not expect to deal with them comprehensively in the final report. On the other hand, some issues were not dealt with much at all in the interim report, and we expect to deal with them later. It is feasible for the House to debate the interim report. The issues before this inquiry are well known to the House. The inquiry originated in the context of the tragic death of a young Aboriginal man and the riot that occurred subsequently in Redfern in February this year. As I said, a little later in February the House resolved to send the inquiry to the Standing Committee on Social Issues.

    In setting the terms of reference for that inquiry, the House did not ask us to inquire specifically into the riot—and it would not have been appropriate for us to do that, given the make-up of our committee and the role of standing committees of this House. Other inquiries were under way. The Coroner's inquiry, which has been completed, the internal police inquiry, which has been completed, and the Ombudsman's inquiry, which was not so much an inquiry but a watching brief over the police inquiry, focused far more on the riot, the immediate events leading up to it and the causes of the death of the young Aboriginal man to whom I referred. Our role was much more wide-ranging and focused on the fact that those more dramatic events that occurred at Redfern in February brought to the public attention, if it was needed—and perhaps in some ways it was needed—the serious problems that exist in Redfern. That was the impetus for the inquiry but not its focus. It was clear to all of us that the riot was symptomatic, a reflection of the systemic disadvantage experienced by many residents of Redfern and Waterloo.

    Redfern and Waterloo are diverse communities, unalike in many ways, but both face many challenges. The indigenous communities in both Redfern and Waterloo—it is worth noting that more Aboriginal people live in Waterloo than in Redfern—face the greatest challenges. However, many other groups in those suburbs face grave challenges as well, partly because of their ethnic origin—the Russian community, for instance—and partly because of poverty and poor employment statistics. In almost every measure of socioeconomic disadvantage, Redfern and Waterloo come very low and would come even lower if it were not for the recent gentrification of those areas, particularly in various parts of Redfern. That gentrification has changed the socioeconomic indicators, but it has introduced new tensions and more difficult issues into the area. This inquiry was a great challenge for the social issues committee. We tried to focus on the important issues facing those two suburbs and, to some extent, the areas around them given that the Government's programs sometimes draw in areas such as Darlington as well.

    Four main areas are addressed in the interim report, and they basically reflect our terms of reference. The first refers to various aspects of the Redfern-Waterloo Partnership Project, the body set up some time ago by the Premier as a place-based project to try to grapple with some of the problems in Redfern and Waterloo. In the report we look at the overall effectiveness of the partnership project, its consultation and communication processes, and the pace at which its programs are implemented. There is also a chapter about issues surrounding the redevelopment of the Block by its owners, the Aboriginal Housing Company. As most people know, the Block is an important iconic centre for the local Aboriginal community and for Aboriginal people throughout New South Wales, if not Australia. Many of the institutions that we regard as an intrinsic part of Aboriginal services originated in Redfern, especially in the Block. They include the Aboriginal Medical Service and the Aboriginal Legal Service. Indeed, the Aboriginal Housing Company, which owns the Block, has been in existence since 1973 and has been the owner and organiser of housing—originally some 60 houses in that area.

    We also devoted a chapter in the interim report to the debate regarding the mobile needle and syringe service, which is located near the Block. Over the years it has had a number of different locations, different operating times and so on. We were specifically interested in looking at the rationale for the mobile needle and syringe service. In our report we accepted the harm minimisation principle as the rationale behind these kinds of services, but we tried to look specifically at its conditions of operation, a number of very strong criticisms that had been made of it and its impact on the community. To sum up a complex situation, it would be true to say that the mobile needle and syringe service served an important purpose, saved a large number of lives and helped to prevent a large number of illnesses by reducing, for instance, hepatitis C and HIV-AIDS transmission.

    Through its location on the Block, the mobile needle and syringe service sends a signal that links Aboriginal people in Redfern with drug taking and abuse. However, we received a great deal of evidence that established clearly that most of the people who use the mobile service do not reside in Redfern. Other major issues were raised about the impact of the mobile van on the community, including its location beside a children's playground. We dealt with these issues in our report. Although this matter did not specifically come within our terms of reference, it was very much a part of the overall issues. The fourth specific area in our terms of reference relates to police strategies and resources, including violence against police, staffing and other resources and strategies to deal with robberies, drug dealing and associated matters.

    I will refer briefly to our recommendations. I am sure that other committee members will refer to recommendations of particular interest to them. The committee made 22 recommendations in its interim report. The first five recommendations deal with the Redfern-Waterloo Partnership Project. The committee referred to the long-term financial commitment of the New South Wales Government and noted criticism about the lack of co-ordination between the three tiers of government—Federal, State and local—the non-government sector and the local communities. We made recommendations that focused on the need for better co-ordination. We also dealt with issues of communication and consultation with the local communities by the Redfern-Waterloo Partnership Project. We heard in evidence and through submissions a great deal of criticism of the communication and consultation strategies and performance of the partnership project. We discussed those matters in the report.

    Recommendations 6 to 9 relate to the Aboriginal Housing Company. The committee discussed the need for an audit and valuation of its financial assets. Those measures are taking place. We again called for a commitment by the three tiers of government to the redevelopment of the Block by the Aboriginal Housing Company. We refer in some detail to the basic conditions that need to be fulfilled if the Aboriginal Housing Company were given the millions of dollars necessary to redevelop the Block. Those conditions include financial accountability and auditing processes. Over recent years the Government and the Redfern-Waterloo Partnership Project have undertaken considerable consultation with the Aboriginal Housing Company to achieve policies on selection and retention of tenants, maintenance and many other matters. A great deal has been achieved in this regard.

    Representatives of the Aboriginal Housing Company, from Mick Mundine down, were frank in accepting the criticisms that had been made about their operation. It was clear that in more recent times the running of the organisation had improved. Nevertheless, they remain trapped because the demolition of properties to enable redevelopment of the Block has removed most of their revenue stream. So, at present, they are beset with this difficult circular situation. I repeat our call for commitment by the three tiers of government.

    We received a great deal of evidence and assistance from the Sydney City Council and the mayor, staff and former staff of South Sydney City Council. Both South Sydney council and now Sydney City Council have played a major role in Redfern, which would not normally be expected of local government. The conspicuous absentee is the Federal Government. Given that Aboriginal affairs, and the financial arrangements that have existed for some time, are the constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government, it is regrettable that we have not received a submission or evidence from any Federal government agencies. We have clearly drawn attention to the need for the Federal Government to make a commitment, financially and in other ways. Recommendations 10 to 19 relate to policing issues. I will return to those recommendations when I speak in reply in this debate. Recommendations 20 to 22 relate to drug and alcohol issues. As I said, the committee is currently working towards a final report. The staff have worked incredibly well and I thank them deeply for their efforts. [Time expired.]

    The Hon. ROBYN PARKER [3.25 p.m.]: On a hot evening on 14 February a community that was simmering away under enormous stress boiled over. It was of no surprise to many people. The community of Redfern was a ticking urban time bomb and all it took was one trigger. The blame for the riot that occurred that night—images of which we have seen time and again—should be sheeted home directly to the Carr Government. The Premier sits in the comfort of Governor Macquarie Tower while only kilometres away a community is spinning out of control, deteriorating in less than Third World conditions.

    I express deep regret at the tragic death of TJ Hickey, the riot and the disturbing problems that were revealed in the inquiry. This inquiry was established as a result of the riot. It is appropriate that within our terms of reference we examine the reason for the riot and what happened that night. Our terms of reference include policing strategies and resources and other matters arising from the terms of reference. To say that the events on that night do not relate in any way to this inquiry is false and misleading. The inquiry provided us with an opportunity to consider in depth the complex and difficult problems of the Redfern and Waterloo communities and focus on the needs of Aboriginal communities. I am pleased that the opportunity arose to undertake an inquiry that will achieve results and provide tangible outcomes. Many inquiries into the area have taken place, a number of which were instigated as a result of this unfortunate incident. Sadly, it has taken such an incident to compel the Government to take some action.

    Throughout the inquiry many people presented evidence to us. They bared their souls and shared with us their sensitive and real problems. They have been consulted over and over again until they experience participation fatigue. Still they hold out hope that something will be done for them. The many very good people working in Redfern, particularly in the non-government sector, are an inspiration to me. As is so often the case in Aboriginal communities, the strength and commitment of Aboriginal women in Redfern shines through and provides hope. I am astonished that hope remains in spite of adversity. Yet the women, such as those from the Mudgingal Aboriginal Women's Centre, battle on day after day on a shoestring budget providing support against the odds. As our report has revealed, although their budget is minute in comparison with that of the Redfern-Waterloo Partnership, they deliver a great deal more.

    This community is one of the most disadvantaged communities in New South Wales, if not in Australia. Its members suffer as a result of low employment rates, high drug and alcohol misuse and poor health. But they have a richness of culture and community spirit, and Redfern is a place of great cultural significance. From the beginning of this inquiry members of the Opposition have experienced enormous frustration in trying to get to the bottom of many of the issues involved. The Government has continually attempted to manage the issues, and Coalition members of the committee have been hampered in trying to get to the bottom of what happened on the night of the riot. We are also frustrated that the Government has tabled a whole-of-government report. Our sole aim has been to get to the bottom of what happened and what can be done.

    I support the notion of an interim report, but some of the recommendations need to be far harder hitting. Throughout the inquiry Opposition members of the committee tried to secure the release of the Coburn police report and the appearance of a number of other witnesses. We needed more evidence from frontline police; instead we had a great deal of evidence from people who are not at the front line in Redfern. Although the 32-point package of the Minister for Police was released during the inquiry—just before the Coroner's report was handed down—the Coburn report was not released prior to the tabling of the interim report. The policing package is comprehensive and is a devastating admission by the Minister of the extensive and the deep-seated problems facing police with regard to resources, training and powers. Opposition members were also astonished at some of revelations about drug use in the Redfern area. The needle van sometimes distributes more than 1,000 syringes a day.

    Pursuant to standing orders business interrupted.


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