United Approach to Community Services at Baxter
Media Release - DPS 8/2003
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA), the South Australian Government and the Port Augusta and Whyalla councils have met jointly for the first time this week to discuss a number of issues relating to the Baxter detention facility in South Australia. This joint meeting follows earlier discussions that have taken place over the last several months between the various parties.
The meeting focused on education for children at the Baxter detention facility, access to community facilities, support from emergency services and police, and the potential establishment of a residential housing project.
At the meeting it was agreed that specific consultation sessions by the South Australian Department of Education and DIMIA would be undertaken with school authorities, parents and student representatives. The Department hopes to resolve outstanding issues regarding the education of children from Baxter in local schools.
Attending this week's meeting were departmental representatives of the Immigration Minister, representatives from the South Australian Premier's office, the Mayors of Port Augusta and Whyalla, city managers and other councillors. Members of the South Australian education department, Housing Trust and SA Police also attended the meeting.
A consultation framework has been established which includes:
- a high level government oversight group
- a secondary reference group for the Port Augusta and Whyalla communities, involving councils, chambers of commerce, indigenous and church groups, which will focus on how activities at Baxter will impact on those communities
- a third group involving detainees at Baxter and groups such as the Red Cross and religious organisations, which will focus on activities inside the centre.
The establishment of these groups will provide a mechanism for ongoing consultation on matters relating to the Baxter detention facility.
DIMIA will provide further information to the community on the activities of the centre at an upcoming public meeting scheduled for mid-February in Port Augusta. This meeting will provide a forum where community members can discuss issues with DIMIA.
A further meeting of the government consultation group will be
scheduled soon after the public meeting to progress any relevant
matters arising from the initial meeting.
23 January 2003
Media inquiries:
Public Affairs: (02) 6264 2244 (bh) or 0419 442 000 (ah)