McCarthy Calls for Six-Month Extension
The Minister for Indigenous Australians has urged the Northern Territory Government to extend the life of Darwin’s YiSSA Short-Stay Accommodation facility for at least six months beyond its scheduled closure date. Senator Malarndirri McCarthy stated that the federal government’s offer to support keeping the site open remains "on the table," emphasizing the urgency of preventing displacement during the upcoming wet season.
Senator McCarthy noted that more than 120 current residents at the facility have not yet found alternative accommodation. The closure of the YiSSA site on Batten Road is scheduled for October 11. Without an extension, these individuals face immediate housing insecurity as the facility prepares to shut its doors.
Dispute Over Property and Federal Funding
The future of the YiSSA site became uncertain in July after the Northern Territory Government issued a 90-day notice to Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation to vacate the property. The eviction order followed a failure by both parties to agree on a price for the land.
Despite the federal government’s rejection of a $3.5 million share offer to keep YiSSA open, the NT Government proceeded with plans to relocate residents. In August, the territory government announced the establishment of the Northern Territory Respite and Recovery Facility in Batchelor, located approximately 100 kilometers from Darwin next to the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education.
Relocation Plans and Health Concerns
The NT Government stated that up to 150 people are set to move to the new Batchelor facility, while others will transition into alternative accommodation ahead of YiSSA's closure. However, complications have arisen regarding medical services for residents with specific health needs.
According to reports, a senior NT Health bureaucrat contacted renal health service Purple House regarding the use of its dialysis truck in Batchelor. This development occurred despite NT Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill previously ruling out moving dialysis patients to that location.
Impact on Residents and Community Response
The Aboriginal-run facility has historically served vulnerable Territorians, providing shelter for those fleeing family violence, individuals requiring dialysis, and people experiencing homelessness. The impending closure has drawn criticism from various sectors.
NT Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill provided an update on the relocation progress, stating that approximately 30 people have been relocated back to their traditional Country. She noted that around 100 people are still being worked on for long-term housing prospects, with support from other community service providers for those requiring additional assistance.
The announcement of YiSSA's closure previously sparked widespread anger among Aboriginal, housing, and health groups. The controversy contributed to the resignation of Leeanne Caton as CEO of Aboriginal Housing NT. As the October 11 deadline approaches, the federal minister continues to press for an extension to ensure residents are not left without accommodation during the critical wet season period.