Wednesday, 15 May 2024

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:57): (865) 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 roofs, 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?