Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma launched the report of the Steering Committee on the establishment of a new National Representative Body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples when he addressed the National Press Club on Thursday 27 August 2009.
Prior to his address, Commissioner Calma and the Steering Committee presented Indigenous Affairs Minister, the Hon Jenny Macklin, with the final report on establishing a national representative body.
The Report entitled "Our future in our hands - Creating a sustainable National Representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders" outlines a model for a national representative body that was designed and developed from 12 months of intensive consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
According to Commissioner Calma the model sets a new benchmark for any public organisation in Australia – black or white – in terms of gender equality and ethical standards.
The Minister welcomed the release of the report and acknowledged that the proposed model sets a high benchmark for strong, responsible and strategic leadership. The Government is giving the report serious consideration and will respond appropriately. The establishment of a national representative body will deliver on an important election commitment for the Government.
A copy of the report is available at the National Indigenous Representative Body.