Hon Robin Scott questions the Minister for Community Services regarding an unused $4 million building in Derby, suggesting it be used as a women's refuge. The Minister responds that the Department is supporting an existing refuge to relocate to the building.

AnsweredQoN 836Legislative Council
Asked
20 August 2020
Portfolio
Community Services

QuestionView source ↗

DERBY — WOMEN'S
REFUGE
836. Hon ROBIN SCOTT to the Leader of the House representing the
Minister for Community Services:
To
quote a recent report by the ABC, ''Over the past decade, billions of
dollars have been pumped into well-intentioned , but failed projects in
regional WA''. The report specifically identifies a $4 million
accommodation building in Derby, which is now padlocked and unused, and which
the local shire has told the department it would like to use as a women's
refuge, or as a safe house for vulnerable children.
(1) Why has no
decision been made to allow the building to be used as a women's
shelter or for other community purposes?
(2) When can the shire expect a decision
from the government?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) The Department
of Communities currently has a family and domestic violence refuge operating in
Derby, at a different location. This refuge is currently run by Marnin Bowa
Dumbara. Communities is currently supporting Marnin Bowa Dumbara to move to the
vacant building referred to in the ABC report and ensure that the facility is
safe and fit for purpose.
(2) The department met with the
shire in July to discuss this matter.

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