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Canberra Today 17°/20° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Opposition: budget cut will close women’s refuge

SHADOW minister for women Giulia Jones says that women’s refuge Toora House will “most likely close at the end of June” because the ACT Government has cut its funding.

Giulia Jones MLA.
Giulia Jones MLA.
Jones says Toora House will lose “up to 30 per cent” of its funding in next week’s 2013-14 ACT Budget.

“The staff and programs at Toora House help women who are on the very edge of coping and who rely on these services when they are at their lowest,” Ms Jones says.

“How can the government spend $300,000 for a hot air balloon but not continue funding for the women in our community most at risk?”

“I will be seeking answers from the government about this issue and asking if there are any further cuts coming with the Budget announcement next week.”

Toora House is a 14-bed crisis accommodation centre operated by the charity Toora Women Inc., which also runs several other services.

These include:

  • a drop-in day refuge for women who are unable to find accommodation
  • an 11-bed domestic violence service shelter called Heira House
  • an outreach service for women at risk of becoming homeless
  • a 12-bed drug and alcohol treatment centre called Lesley Place
  • a supported accommodation service for women exiting prison
  • the “women’s information, referral and education on drug dependency” service (WIREDD)

Toora Women Inc. recently received a share in $580,000 from the sale of the Franklin Charity House.

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