The Northern Territory Government has rejected a Federal Government offer that would secure the future of Darwin’s largest homelessness shelter.
After nearly two years of lease negotiations with facility owner Ausco, the NT Government has decided to close the Marrara YiSSA short-stay accommodation centre, saying the parties were unable to agree on a fair price.
In July, the government gave YiSSA operators Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation and Mission Australia 90 days to vacate the site, following failed lease negotiations.
The decision has left more than 230 adults and 160 children facing uncertainty, with the facility scheduled to close in October, and no public details released about where residents will be accommodated.
Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill has since confirmed a transition plan is being developed, although specifics have yet to be announced.
More than a month after the closure decision, the Federal Government confirmed it had offered financial support to help purchase the facility.
Northern Territory Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said on Friday that Commonwealth funding had been put on the table to assist the NT Government in buying YiSSA.
However, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro says they will not reopen negotiations with Ausco, despite the federal offer.
Speaking to Katie Woolf on Mix 104.9, Ms Finocchiaro said they remain unwilling to proceed because of what it considers Ausco’s excessive asking price.
“Minister Cahill has spoken with Senator McCarthy, and ultimately we have not struck a deal on that,” she said.
“We’ve been very clear that those 100 odd adults and children in the facility need somewhere to go and we will find it, but we are not going to pay well and truly more than what should be paid to keep that facility open. It’s still a waste of tax payers hard-earned money.”
Ms Finocchiaro declined to reveal Ausco’s asking price, but said details of the government’s transition plan would be released soon.
“I’m not aware of the exact details but it’s far more than what we think should be paid and we just can’t waste peoples money irresponsibly like that, and even if the Feds want to it doesn’t mean we’ll sign on to that,” she said.
“Minister Cahill should have an announcement about what that transition plan looks like soon, we’re thinking in the next week or two we should be able to provide clarity on that.”
“There will be an alternative and if we have to go into the alternative alone then so be it, but we’re not in the business of wasting money.”
YiSSA provides short-term accommodation for people travelling from remote communities to Darwin, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and families at risk of homelessness or escaping domestic violence.
The service offers culturally appropriate accommodation and outreach support for vulnerable people across Darwin and Palmerston.
