25 February 2011
Greens commend fast-tracking of aid for Kimberley suicide crisis
The Australian Greens are pleased with the Government’s decision to fast track mental health funding to assist communities being affected by a spate of suicides among young Aboriginal people in the Kimberley.
In response to Senate Estimates questions today from Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal Issues, the Department of Health confirmed that some of the $274 million Taking Action to Tackle Suicide package would be fast tracked to address urgent needs in the region.
“I commend the Government for this action, it makes absolute sense to make some of this package available for the Kimberley,” Senator Siewert said today.
“We hope that this action will allow for the further, timely provision of the resources necessary to assist communities in immediate need.
“We understand that services in the region are working incredibly hard and doing all they can to support their communities. We have nothing but praise for their efforts and it is positive to learn that further support will now be provided” Senator Siewert concluded.
Media Enquiries – Chris Redman
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journalist broadcaster and educator, social justice advocate and family man
Tony is a journalist, broadcaster and educator based in Perth, Western Australia.
Tony's professional background includes senior positions in radio and TV newsrooms and current affairs in Australia, Asia and the Middle East, several tours as Middle East and South East Asia correspondent, and decades of community advocacy at home.
Business, community and political leaders at state and federal levels have been ongoing clients for media consulting, with a special range of courses for newsmakers involving "devil's advocate" interviews to practice key performance and crisis management for radio and TV.
Tony has been Senior Ambassador for WA Children’s Week for the last two years, judge of the State Youth Media Awards for six years and is committed to making a difference in his local and global communities.
While lecturing in media at Murdoch University, Tony was rated in the top 10 per cent of teaching staff ( 2002/03 )
Currently Sessional Lecturer in Radio for Notre Dame Univeristy.
Professional clients include police and emergency services in WA, major Australian corporates such as Godfrey Pembroke, and dozens of NGOs as well as groups in child protection and social justice advocacy.
Other in-demand services are Master of Ceremonies and compering, keynote speeches on media, mental health and social justice issues, plus voice-overs and digital video productions for broadcast and web.
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