Stolen Generation head Eileen Cummings blasts department cuts

THE head of the Territory Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation Eileen Cummings has blasted the Territory Government for cutting Territory Families positions as a part of budget repair measures.

Chair of the NT Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation Eileen Cummings is concerned about cuts to Territory Families positions.

THE head of the Territory Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation Eileen Cummings has blasted the Territory Government for cutting Territory Families positions as a part of budget repair measures.

During budget estimates hearing yesterday Territory Families CEO Ken Davies revealed that the department would be cutting 14 full time equivalent positions, including one executive contract officer, as a part of budget repair measures to save $14.6 million in 2019-20.

The positions will be cut from Reform Management Office (2), Streamlining Clinical and Treatment Services (3), Cross-Over Families Management (1), Families and Community Education Support (3) and the Seniors Recognition Scheme implementation team (5).

Mrs Cummings said she was “deeply worried” about what ramifications the cuts might have for children in care.

“Territory Families is the last place the government should be making cuts too,” she said.

“Children have died in the past because of lack of services — you shouldn’t play with the safety of our kids.

“They’ve already got restricted resources and I don’t think they have enough staff as it is.”

However a spokeswoman from Territory Families insisted yesterday that the reduction “would not impact or disrupt” frontline operations or service delivery.

Mr Davies also said yesterday that the department had identified $2.09 million in whole of government savings (including efficiency dividends and CPI reductions) and $12.62 million in agency specific savings.

But out of that $14.6 million in savings, he said the government had directed $12.62 million to remain within Territory Families budget and be reallocated to improving and delivering our Out of Home Care services.

The remaining $2.04 million has been directed to whole of government savings measures.

During estimates yesterday, Territory Families Minister Dale Wakefield also indicated that the government will soon announce “a number of sites” they have been considering to locate the new youth justice centre to replace Don Dale.

“That will be finalised very soon and a range of sites have been put to cabinet,” she said.

Deputy Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said she was concerned when the government revealed in estimates yesterday that the Skills Training Centre they “promised” would to deliver in Howard Springs for young people in Palmerston would no longer going to be at that location.