QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McCARTHY (Northern Territory—Minister for Indigenous Australians) (14:39): I thank Senator Sterle for the question. We know how hard Senator Sterle works for the communities of Western Australia. It is a simple concept, but laundries can have an incredibly important impact.

Access to clean clothes, towels and bedding is fundamental, and it helps reduce irritants and infections that can lead to serious but preventable illnesses, including trachoma, acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. The Albanese Labor government is investing $11.4 million in the Remote Community Laundries Project, delivering new and upgraded laundry facilities across more than a dozen remote communities and homelands in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia.

I've been able to announce 10 First Nations organisations that have been selected to deliver these projects in partnership with local communities. These laundries provide free access to commercial-grade washing machines and dryers, clean hot water and medicative detergents. These investments will support communities including Galiwin'ku, Lajamanu, Milingimbi, Ramingining, Nauiyu and the Urapuntja homelands.

In Queensland, we'll be supporting Mapoon, Napranum, Weipa—and Laura, Senator Watt. In WA—I can let you know—laundries are coming to Mulan and Fitzroy Crossing. Importantly, I can tell all senators that these are community led solutions.

First Nations organisations will work directly with communities to ensure these services reflect local priorities while creating local jobs through the construction, operation and maintenance of the facilities. And that means economic development, better health outcomes and the dignity that should not be denied to any Australian. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Sterle, first supplementary?