http://www.quac.org.au/

Media Release: Queensland's HIV/AIDS Response in Turmoil


The Queensland Government is preparing to dismantle 20 years of a successful
partnership with the community in responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in
this state.

Queensland Health have indicated that the core program funding for care and
support services for people living with HIV/AIDS will be taken from the
Queensland AIDS Council and given to a church-based nursing service.

"People living with HIV/AIDS have benefited from a diversified response to
their needs with care and support services delivered by a combination of
professional and volunteer providers. But this rich example of community
engagement in a
major public health issue can not be sustained if core funding for care and
support services is taken away from the Queensland AIDS Council", said Rod
Goodbun, President of the Council.

"It is ironic that during the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok
and at a time when there are rising new HIV infections, Queensland Health is
dismantling the HIV/AIDS community response." said Goodbun.

Over the last 15 years, the Queensland AIDS Council has built a range of
services valued at over $850,000 per annum that complements what the
Government supports with core program funding.

Goodbun explained, "In addition to our Client Services Officers paid for by
core program funding from the Government, we have volunteers across the
state providing assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS. Assistance ranges
from financial help, transport to and from medical appointments, massage
therapies, emotional support and practical home help like doing the shopping
or walking the dog when people are unwell.

"This service system should be regarded as a shining example of a community
in action. But instead, the Government seems intent on trashing the system
that has worked so well for so long."

The Queensland AIDS Council is an organisation for and of the communities
affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The partnership between governments, the
scientific communities and the affected communities has been a cornerstone
of Australia's policy response recognised internationally as best practice.

"We simply will not be able to sustain this highly evolved and integrated
service system without the core program funding," said Goodbun.

Goodbun went on to say, "This couldn't come at a worse time. After many
years of stability, HIV is on the rise in Queensland, NSW and Victoria. The
partnership with the community is just as important now as it was in the
early days.

"I'm calling on the Minister to suspend the purchasing process and to
conduct his own investigation into how the tender specifications were drawn
up.

"If you build a house on poor foundations, it's bound to crumble," said
Goodbun. "And that's what will happen. The community response will be
gutted. Services for people living with HIV/AIDS will disappear. It's a
disaster for our clients and communities!"

Additional information is available from:

Steven Brown
A/General Manager
Queensland AIDS Council
Phone: (07) 3017 1791
Fax: (07) 3844 4206

8 July 2004

http://www.quac.org.au/

Media Release: Queensland's HIV/AIDS Response in Turmoil


The Queensland Government is preparing to dismantle 20 years of a successful
partnership with the community in responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in
this state.

Queensland Health have indicated that the core program funding for care and
support services for people living with HIV/AIDS will be taken from the
Queensland AIDS Council and given to a church-based nursing service.