Devastating cuts to Indigenous communities

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud (second from left), Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (third from left) and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (third from right) pictured at REDI.E in Dubbo last year with REDI.E CEO Peter Gibbs (second from right), Deputy CEO Michael Cooper (right) and staff. Photo contributed

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has taken up the fight for Regional Enterprise Development Institute (REDI.E) this week after the Indigenous service provider found out its funding will be cut later this year.

REDI.E recently received a letter from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) informing the organisation that its contract would conclude on 31 October 2024 because it does not meet the criteria for an extension of its Community Development Program (CDP) service agreement.

The letter stated that this decision is due to “a range of factors, most notably consistent underperformance in the last three Provider Performance Reviews”.

Mr Coulton said this decision is extremely disappointing.

“This is a devastating blow, not only for the staff and clients that REDI.E supports but for all of Western NSW,” Mr Coulton said.

“REDI.E is a fantastic service and jobs provider for Indigenous communities in Western NSW, with a proud 25-year history. […]

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