Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the Australian Government's Closing the Gap Implementation Plan 2023. Priority Reform Two is “Building the community-controlled sector”. The target for this reform is to increase the amount of government funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and services going through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations. Outcome 8 provides for strong economic participation and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. The aligning Target 8 is to increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-64 who are employed to 62 per cent by 2031.

The Message of the Cross Indigenous Corporation (Campfire Healing) group runs a busy servo and cafe as a means of generating income. The group provides crucial key support in the areas of clothing, food, soup kitchen, emergency support and housing.

Without support the group runs the risk of going out of business. There is an urgency because ten Aboriginal staff members will lose their jobs if support for The Message of the Cross Indigenous Corporation (Campfire Healing) to set up as a Community Centre in the neighbourhood is not met.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all in its power to assist the group so that it can continue to operate and offer long-term services to the community.