The Policy Challenge
A new partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
The Australian Government’s relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is being recast through meaningful engagement, not just consultation for its own sake.
The National Apology was the first item of business for Australia’s 42nd Parliament. It was preceded by the first Welcome to Country performed for the start of a new Parliament.
The Prime Minister apologised for past policies including the removal of children based on race. At the same time he opened a new chapter in our nation’s history, embracing the possibility of new solutions to old problems.
The National Apology also highlighted the ongoing needs — including family reunion services and counselling — of those Indigenous Australians separated from their families and communities. In February we delivered on our commitment of $15.7 million over four years for Link Up and Bringing Them Home initiatives to support members of the Stolen Generations.
Indigenous Australians must be involved in developing and driving solutions. Actions like the National Apology are working to build the trust needed to work together on getting results.
Our ‘closing the gap’ commitments require effective engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at all levels. Government needs to involve Indigenous people in the design and delivery of programs locally and regionally, and share responsibility for outcomes. Solutions developed on the ground must be driven by the communities that will ultimately determine their success or failure.
I recently co-chaired an Indigenous stream within the 2020 Summit, and will be hosting other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholder groups in advancing the agenda set out by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
The Government went to the election with a commitment to set up a national representative body to provide an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice within government. We will soon begin formal discussions with Indigenous people about the role, status and composition of this body.
The Australian Government also recognises the importance of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Detailed consultations are currently being undertaken with Australia’s State and Territory governments as well as with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and other key stakeholders on the Declaration.