Murdi Paaki Regional Partnership Agreement

Table of Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Key Principles
  3. Objectives And Outcomes
  4. Regional Partnership Agreement Governance Arrangements
  5. Performance Measurement And Evaluation
  6. Dispute Resolution
  7. Duration And Amendment Of Agreement

Schedules

1. Overview

1.1. This Regional Partnership Agreement (the "Agreement") is an Agreement between the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly (the "Assembly"), the Commonwealth of Australia (the "Australian Government") and the New South Wales Government of Australia (the "NSW Government").

1.2. The scope of this Agreement is the geographic area known as the Murdi Paaki region (the "region"), comprising sixteen partnership communities in Far Western New South Wales, and specifically the communities of Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Cobar, Collarenebri, Coonamble, Dareton/Wentworth, Enngonia, Goodooga, Gulargambone, Ivanhoe, Lightning Ridge, Menindee, Walgett, Weilmoringle and Wilcannia.

1.3. This Agreement sets out the framework for the three partners to work together to deliver outcomes that make a difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities in the Murdi Paaki. This Agreement builds on Governments' increasing level of commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through:

  • 1.3.1. the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Agenda on Indigenous Reform and the Closing the Gap strategy
  • 1.3.2. the NSW State Plan
  • 1.3.3. the overarching Agreement on Aboriginal Affairs between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of New South Wales 2005-2010, and
  • 1.3.4. the Charter of Governance of the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly

1.4. This Agreement is made in a spirit of partnership and will be delivered through the governance structures established in the Murdi Paaki region that utilise the NSW Two Ways Together Framework as ratified in the NSW Bilateral Agreement (1.3.3) to:

  • 1.4.1. Strengthen the coordination and provision of services across the Murdi Paaki region
  • 1.4.2. Support the work of the five sub-groups established to deliver outcomes in economic development, education, employment, training, health, families, young people, housing, environmental health, law & justice, culture, heritage and the environment
  • 1.4.3. Ensure sustained development and outcomes through targeted investments in these areas
  • 1.4.4. Set out an agreed Regional Action Plan, which incorporates the areas of action in accordance with Clause 1.4.2 to achieve measurable and sustainable improvements for Aboriginal people living in the Murdi Paaki region.

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2. Key Principles

2.1 The Closing the Gap on Indigenous Disadvantage Statement, endorsed at the COAG meeting on 26 March 2008, underpins the approach that the Australian Government and NSW Government have adopted.

The COAG targets are:

  • To close the life-expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians within a generation
  • To halve the mortality gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and other children under age 5 within a decade
  • To halve the gap in literacy and numeracy achievement between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and other students within a decade
  • To halve the gap in employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within a decade
  • To at least halve the gap for Indigenous students in year 12 (or equivalent) attainment rates by 2020
  • To provide all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 4 year olds in remote communities with access to a quality preschool program within five years

2.2 This Agreement is based on the following principles:

  • a spirit of cooperation, partnership and shared responsibility
  • an acknowledgement of the need to build the economic independence of the people in the region
  • a willingness by government to be flexible and innovative
  • a commitment to accountability and performance monitoring by all parties
  • a desire to achieve clarity of responsibility for service delivery and increased effectiveness across the three levels of government
  • an understanding that greater certainty and stability in funding arrangements, including multi-year funding agreements, can facilitate more effective planning and service delivery mechanisms, and
  • a recognition for the need to continue to strengthen capacity and governance

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3. Objectives and Outcomes

3.1 This Agreement establishes a partnership to achieve sustainable and measurable improvements for people living in the Murdi Paaki region across the six Closing the Gap outcomes. The parties will work together to coordinate services and effectively deliver initiatives across communities in the region in response to locally identified need.

3.2 The parties will work together to deliver the objectives of the COAG Reform Agenda and the NSW State Plan priorities. They have identified the following 'building blocks' that need to be in place to enable the drivers of disadvantage to be tackled in a comprehensive and integrated way:

  • healthy homes and environmental health;
  • safe families and communities;
  • health;
  • early childhood;
  • education;
  • economic participation and development
  • community resilience and
  • governance and leadership.

3.3 Plans to achieve the objectives of the partnership will be established by the subgroups (Clause 4.7) and attached to this Agreement as Schedules as they are developed.

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4. Regional Partnership Agreement Governance Arrangements

4.1 The Murdi Paaki region has a multi-faceted system of Indigenous community governance, based on the principles of community participation, responsibility, and accountability.

4.2 Each of the 16 major communities has established a Community Working Party, comprising representatives from the local Indigenous community.

4.3 The Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly comprises the 16 Chairs of the Community Working Parties and is chaired by an Independent leader of the Region.

4.4 The parties to this Agreement agree that Senior Managers of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs (DAA) will meet with the Assembly four times a year at the regular Assembly meetings to review progress and continue to strengthen the engagement between the parties as is the intent of this Agreement.

4.5 The Murdi Paaki Regional Engagement Group ("the Engagement Group") established through the NSW Two Ways Together framework will continue to be the key regional governance structure that engages the Assembly, Australian and State Governments in delivering, monitoring and evaluating this Agreement.

4.6 The Engagement Group will:

4.6.1 Provide strategic leadership for the Agreement, ensuring a cohesive approach between partners, stakeholders and people living in the region

4.6.2 Agree on new priorities and areas for joint action, including leading negotiations on additional Schedules to the Agreement

4.6.3 Oversee the implementation and performance management of the Agreement, including:

  • Monitoring progress of projects contained in the Schedules
  • Analysing performance reports mentioned in clause 5.2 of this Agreement
  • Ensuring that better outcomes are being delivered through the partnership approach

4.6.4 Monitor the activities of any Working Groups set up under clause 4.7 of this Agreement, and

4.6.5 Solve any problems and seek to address any lack of progress on implementation

4.7 The Assembly, through the COAG Trial and now in partnership with the Engagement Group, has established five sub-groups to deliver on the Regional Action Plan of the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly. These sub groups are:

4.7.1 Murdi Paaki Environmental Health & Housing Forum

4.7.2 Education, Employment, Training and Economic Development

4.7.3 Health, Families and Young People

4.7.4 Law and Justice

4.7.5 Culture, Heritage and Environment

4.8 With the support of the Engagement Group these sub-groups are responsible for developing and delivering regional responses to key strategies in their portfolios.

4.9 The Engagement Group will continue to meet quarterly and monitor the work of the sub-groups and this Agreement.

4.10 All parties to this Agreement will support the work of the Engagement Group and the sub-groups through participation, engagement and delivery of services and programs.

4.11 The three signatories to this Agreement will meet annually to discuss issues arising from this Agreement. This meeting will be supported by the Director-General of DAA and the Secretary of FaHCSIA.

4.12 The Engagement Group, supported by DAA and FaHCSIA, will provide reports to the Indigenous Affairs Advisory Group that monitors the NSW Bilateral Agreement at each of its meetings.

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5. Performance Measurement and Evaulation

5.1 Through the Engagement Group the parties will jointly monitor and evaluate progress against the timeframes and performance indicators outlined in projects contained in the Schedules to this Agreement. The parties will provide sufficient information to the Engagement Group for that purpose.

5.2 In the third year of operation of this Agreement, the effectiveness of the Agreement will be independently reviewed. The Terms of Reference for the review and the reviewer must be agreed by the Engagement Group within two years after the Agreement is signed. The core Terms of Reference will be to review the effectiveness of the partnership and the impact of the Agreement and its Schedules on the people living in the region, with reference to the timeframes and performance indicators mentioned in clause 5.1 above.

6. Dispute Resolution

6.1 Any Engagement Group member may record a concern on behalf of the stakeholder interests he/she represents. The Engagement Group as a whole is responsible for ensuring resolution of the concern.

6.2 The procedures for dealing with a complaint are as follows:

6.2.1 Where the Engagement Group receives a concern the details must be lodged through the secretariat.

6.2.2 The Engagement Group will discuss the concern as a priority and associated responses or actions will be completed in a timely, thorough and fair manner.

6.2.3 The Engagement Group will ensure that sufficient information and data are gathered to enable a thorough investigation and response and ensure that actions agreed are recorded and carried out.

6.2.4 Where a concern cannot be satisfactorily resolved the Engagement Group may appoint an independent, appropriately qualified person to review the issue and advise on the most appropriate course of action.

6.2.5 The Engagement Group should accept the recommendation of the independent advisor.

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7. Duration and Amendement of Agreement

7.1 This Agreement commences on the date of signing by all parties and will continue in force for three years from that date, or until all of the parties agree to terminate the Agreement or prepare another document that replaces this Agreement.

7.2 The Engagement Group may amend this Agreement or its Schedules by obtaining the consent in writing from all members. Parties may join or withdraw from the Agreement by written request to the Engagement Group provided that all members of the Engagement Group consent in writing to the request.

7.3 Ongoing development and contributions to this Agreement will be made as strategies and programs are developed by the contributors and partners to this Agreement.

This Agreement is made on the 28th day of January 2009

Signed for and on behalf of the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly by:

William (Sam) Jeffries
Chair, Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly

Signed for and on behalf of the Australian Government by:
The Hon Jenny Macklin MP
Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Signed for and on behalf of the New South Wales Government by:
The Hon Paul Lynch MP
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
Minister for Ageing
Minister for Disability Services

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Murdi Paaki Regional Partnership Agreement Budget Elements

Budget
Budget Elements Annual Cost (2008/09 to 2010/11)
Governanace, Leadership & Skill Building
Subject Contribution

Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly (Assembly) leadership training – up to 3 times per annum

  1. Provides funding for Chairs and members of Community Working Parties to come together to undertake leadership & governance training & skills development.
  2. Provides concurrent opportunities for the Assembly to meet, develop and monitor regional strategies, share community level approaches, engage with government on regional and local government business.

There is no funding for salaries or sitting fees

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT:
ILEG will utilize internal budgets/resources to deliver up to 3 regional leadership programs per annum and other development opportunities as negotiated.
NSW GOVERNMENT:
Nil

Assembly engagement with Local Government

FaHCSIA/DAA will work with the Assembly to develop activities and core outcomes around more effective working relationships with local Shires across the Region – Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Coonamble, Cobar, Central Darling and Broken Hill.

 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
$20,000

NSW GOVERNMENT:
$10,000

TOTAL: $30,000
Regional Planning. Murdi Paaki Regional Plan every two years AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT $7,000

NSW GOVERNMENT
$7,000

TOTAL: $14,000

Regional Administration support for the Assembly

Provides Executive Officer to support the Assembly to:

  • liaise with government on regional matters;
  • assist implementation of regional strategies; and
  • provide mentoring support to Community Working Parties

NSW GOVERNMENT
$100,000 (2008/09 only)

TOTAL: $100,000 YEAR 1

Murdi Paaki Aboriginal Young Leaders Program

Continuation of existing successful youth leadership program, with funding support from FaHCSIA, NSW DAA and DEEWR

 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
$160,000

NSW GOVERNMENT
$16,000

TOTAL: $176,000

Community Working Party (CWP) meeting costs.

Provides venue hire and refreshment costs for monthly CWP meetings

NSW GOVERNMENT:
$48,000

TOTAL: $48,000

Coordination and implementation support for local CWP operations.

Provides for coordination and implementation of local projects. Plus administration support services for the operation of CWP through either:

  • engaging professional secretariat services part-time;
  • engaging a local community organisation; or
  • employment of a trainee secretariat

Provides reimbursement to CWP Chairs for monthly fuel costs and phone calls.

This enables CWP Chairs to conduct CWP business and liaise with government without a financial loss

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT:
$120,000 (DEEWR)

$ 30,000 (DOHA, 2008/09 only)

Partnership Community and Community engagement Work

A total of 50% of the Partnership Community Project Officer staff time in each of the 16 communities will be dedicated to the RPA and will include duties such as executive support for CWP's in reviewing, prioritizing and implementing their Action Plans, supporting and strengthening governance, engagement and leadership

 NSW GOVERNMENT:
$480,000

Fee for service on RPA project facilitation (BBC)

  • To allow measurement and reporting against agreed outcomes.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT :$20,000
NSW GOVERNMENT :$20,000

TOTAL: $40,000

TOTAL

NB: Figures are GST exclusive

Year 1 (2008/09 = $1,038,000
$357,000 Australian Government
$681,000 NSW Government

Year 2 (2009/10) = $ 908,000
$327,000 Australian Government
$581,000 NSW Government

Year 3 (2010/2011) =$ 908,000
$327,000 Australian Government
$581,000 NSW Government

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Part 1 – Leadership and Governance : in support of all Closing the Gap targets

Project Description: Delivery of innovative leadership and community governance development for the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly, CWP's, and Indigenous women, men and youth in the region. The leadership workshop will aim to:

  • provide an overview of reforms to Indigenous Affairs and its challenges
  • provide an interactive learning space focussing on the skills and knowledge needed to meet these challenges and maximise opportunities
  • assist participants to continue planning for the future
  • provide an opportunity for participants to apply what they learn to their community and
  • help participants develop skills in working with governments to identify community priorities and feedback on service delivery at local and regional level.
Project Rationale: Indigenous leaders in the Murdi Paaki have indicated their willingness to participate in local governance structures which provide an active learning environment and other consultative forums. They have requested targeted training and assistance be provided at a regional and local level.
Objective Lead Agency
& Partners		 Targets When

Australian Government: will deliver leadership development and governance training for the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly, CWP's and Indigenous women, men and youth in the Murdi Paaki Region. Indicatively, this would involve three workshops per annum, with one as a broader leadership plenary workshop and two directed to Assembly members. The workshops will focus on building capacity and resilience within communities, and strengthening community and regional governance capacity. The Australian Government will consult with the Murdi Paaki communities on specific details of the annual program.

The Australian Government will also provide opportunities for participation in FaHCSIA national leadership programs through the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre and other forums.

NSW Government: will support CWP governance development and operational capacity at a local level with funding and establishment of eight Partnership Community Project Officer positions in the 16 communities of the Murdi Paaki by early 2009:

  • Develop Community Resilience Strategy
  • Develop Partnership Community Engagement Framework and Program Guidelines.
  • Deliver evidence-based Community Action Planning
  • monitoring local outcome

Lead: FaHCSIA

Partners: Assembly, DAA

 

 

 

Lead: DAA

Partners: All State and Federal Agencies as nominated

Workshops delivered & forward planning of leadership workshops finalised for twelve months

 

 

 

 

Community Action Plans reviewed within 3 months of commencement of PCPO

Within 12 months of signing the RPA, and annually thereafter

 

 

 

Commence Nov 2008
NSW Government will also resource the Assembly/CWPs to assist regional administration and research capacity commensurate with their roles in advising on service delivery improvements   Implementation of community priorities commences and is supported by State and Commonwealth Agencies  

Australian Government: will support the delivery of innovative youth leadership programs designed in partnership with local Indigenous people. These programs will focus on developing youth leadership, mentoring and youth-oriented projects, such as are currently delivered through the Murdi Paaki Aboriginal Young Leaders Program (MPYLP).

The NSW Government will also support the Murdi Paaki Young Leaders to form the Young Aboriginal Peoples Regional Roundtable which will meet three times a year and provide a voice for young Aboriginal people within the region to influence and advise the NSW Government of the impacts of its policies and service delivery in the region.

FaHCSIA and partners

 

 

DAA in partnership with the MPYLP

Program delivered

 

 

Three one day meetings supported and held with the Young Leaders

Within 12 months of signing the RPA

 

 

Commence Nov 2008

The NSW Government: through TAFENSW, Western Institute will trial, as part of a project, Certificate IV in Leadership through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process for Murdi Paaki Assembly members and/or other leaders in the Murdi Paaki area.

The Certificate IV in Leadership course aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills in applying bi-cultural leadership practices in a range of settings involving Aboriginal communities, individuals and issues.

 TAFE

Education and training delivered

Certificate IV in Leadership attained by Murdi Paaki Assembly participants

 To commence assoon as possible after the RPA is signed

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Part 2 – Working for Better Education Outcomes: in support of Closing the Gap targets 3 and 4

Project Description: The Australian Government, through the Department of Education, Employment andWorkplace Relations (DEEWR) will work in partnership with the NSW Department of Education (DET) and parties to the Agreement to deliver effective and responsive education and training options in the Murdi Paaki region with a focus to improving educational outcomes for literacy, numeracy, attendance and retention.

A key mechanism to drive regional planning and service coordination with Indigenous community input will be the Education, Employment and Economic Development sub group, chaired jointly by DEEWR and DET. This group will invite and support regular participation by Assembly members as agreed between the parties

Project Rationale: Improving education outcomes is a critical priority to enhance employment and other life outcomes. All parties agree there is a need to improve educational standards in the region, compared to national benchmarks, and improve employment rates.
Objective Lead Agency
& Partners		 Targets When
  • Increase the number Indigenous students meeting benchmarks in reading, writing and numeracy in years 3, 5 and 7.
  • Increase the number Indigenous students that are enrolled in year 11 (or equivalent) that
  • complete and receive a year 12 certificate (or equivalent).
  • Increase the number of four year olds in the region who have access to early childhood education.

Additionally, the NSW Government will:

  • Provide transport assistance in Coonamble as a pilot to facilitate the attendance of Aboriginal children at preschools
  • Expand Targeted Aboriginal Student Strategy to schools in the same communities

DEEWR
NSW DET

 

 

 

 

NSWDET

Education and training delivered

Regional targets for literacy, numeracy, attendance and retention met.

Access to early childhood education programs provided.

 To commence as soon as possible after the RPA is signed.

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Part 3 – Economic Development and Employment Strategy: in support of Closing the Gap target 6

Project Description: The Australian Government, through the Department of Education, Employment andWorkplace Relations (DEEWR) will work in partnership with the parties to the Agreement to build employment aspirations and the capacity of Indigenous people in the Murdi Paaki Region to take up local employment opportunities, remain in jobs and advance their careers.

A key mechanism to drive regional planning and service coordination with Indigenous community input will be the Education, Employment and Economic Development sub group, chaired jointly by DEEWR and DET. This group will invite and support regular participation by Assembly members as agreed between the parties

The NSW Government will support the development and implementation of Job Compacts as a means of increasing public, private and community partnerships to deliver employment outcomes for Aboriginal people in the Murdi Paaki
Project Rationale: There is a need to improve the coordination of employment and training services in the region and ensure effective collaboration between stakeholders to enable employment and training opportunities to be fully realised.
Objective Lead Agency
& Partners		 Targets When
Improve Indigenous employment outcomes. A key mechanism will be DEEWR's implementation of a comprehensive regional employment and economic development strategy for the Murdi Paaki region during 2009 that will provide a coordinated strategic approach to breaking down the barriers to employment and preparing Indigenous people for local employment and business opportunities.

DEEWR

Strategy developed and in place

 Within 12 months of signing the RPA
Increase the number and proportion of Indigenous Australians occupying local jobs and reduce the dependence of Indigenous Australians on income support or CDEP wages. FaHCSIA
DEEWR		 Regional employment and economic development strategy delivered. Within 12 months of signing the RPA
DEEWR will provide effective and appropriate support for business and economic development in the Murdi Paaki region through the Indigenous Employment Program. DEEWR All elements of Indigenous Employment Program in place. Within 12 months of signing the RPA
Identify priority industries for Indigenous Australians in the Murdi Paaki region (for example mining). DEEWR, DAA Priority areas identified. Within 12 months of signing the RPA
Increase preparedness of employers to take on Indigenous employees and to encourage their involvement in mentoring and support. DEEWR Appropriate employer mentoring programs established. Within 12 months of signing the RPA
  • Negotiate 3 Job Compacts with employers in Mining, Construction and Tourism
  • Negotiate Aboriginal Participation Plans for jobs in major government construction projects.
 DAA, DEEWR, TAFE, DRET Increased participation of Aboriginal people in local industries in the Murdi Paaki

Mining Job Compact to be signed by Nov 2008

Construction Job Compact signed by June 2009

Tourism Job Compact to be investigated by June 2008

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Part 4 – Housing and Development: in support of Closing the Gap targets 1, 2 and 6

Project Description: Provision of repairs and maintenance of existing housing and management of environmental health issues in communities. Home ownership will be supported through the delivery of integrated financial management services and assistance to access the mainstream and Indigenous specific programs designed to assist Home Ownership.

A key regional mechanism for consideration of housing issues will be the Murdi Paaki Environmental Health and Housing Forum, which meets regularly to consider regional Indigenous housing and Environmental Health issues.
Project Rationale: The region has been identified by both governments as a priority area for new housing and essential infrastructure to relieve overcrowding and improve living conditions.
Objective Lead Agency
& Partners		 Targets When
The Australian Government will provide Indigenous people in the Murdi Paaki region with integrated financial management services that will help people improve their money management skills and enable them to make an informed decision about entering into home ownership. The services will also include assistance to access the mainstream and Indigenous specific programs designed to assist Home Ownership. FaHCSIA, IBA

Financial literacy training delivered.

Access to home ownership programs provided (subject to appropriate land tenure)

Financial management service to be initially delivered within 3 months of signing the RPA.

Service will be ongoing, subject to appropriate land tenure.
The NSW Government and NSWALC will ensure ongoing maintenance and monitoring of water and sewerage systems in the discrete Aboriginal communities of the Murdi Paaki Housing for Health and Water and sewerage Programs in Murdi Paaki communities will continue to be implemented as part of the ACDP as agreed

Dept of Water& Energy

Partners: NSWALC, DAA, Local Governments of Coonamble, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Cobar, Central Darling and Wentworth Greater

 

Western Area Health Service (GWAHS)

Improved Health of Aboriginal people living in discrete communities

 

Gainful employment of people within these communities in handyman work and building and maintenances

 

Improved health through clean water

Improved gainful employment in small communities

Commencing July 2008 and ongoing for 25 years.

 

Currently being implemented and due for completion with the ACDP

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Part 5 – Improving Community Health and Safety: in support of Closing the Gap targets 1 and 2

Project Description: Increased investment in community health and safety, including enhancing primary health care, development of region specific health initiatives and introduction of new measures to reduce substance abuse.
Project Rationale: It has been identified that current infrastructure is not adequate to meet health service delivery needs and that an increased focus on addressing chronic disease, community safety and reducing domestic violence have been identified as key priorities by the communities.
Objective Lead Agency
& Partners		 Targets When

Improve the life expectancy for Indigenous people in the Murdi Paaki region

Work with the Murdi Paaki Health Steering Committee (comprising Australian and NSW Government Senior Officers) to oversee the project and provide ongoing advice of health infrastructure needs in Murdi Paaki region

 DoHA
GWAHS		 Progress the work of the MP Health project in CHD, SEWB, Family Health. Ongoing

Decrease the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five years.

An additional investment in capital funding to improve early childhood and primary health care facilities in the Murdi Paaki region will be made. The parties recognise that Murdi Paaki region is a priority location for investment in health infrastructure.

 DoHA
GWAHS
DoCS		 Health facilities upgraded. Within 12 months of signing the RPA

Implement the Chronic Disease Health strategy developed by the MP Health Project

Monitoring and evaluation of the strategy to include:

  • Six month audit and review
  • Determination of ongoing clinical and systems gaps;
  • Strategies to improve reach and impact of CDS/clinical services.
 DoHA
GWAHS

Implementation Plan completed and commenced.

Monitoring and evaluation ongoing.

 Ongoing

Implement the integrated mental health, social and emotional wellbeing and substance misuse system of care commenced by the MP Health project, inclusive of:

  • coordinated service provision inclusive of NGOs, mainstream providers, ACCHs and community services
  • clinical supervision and training across agencies to build capacity
  • mental health promotion and literacy in communities
 DoHA
GWAHS

Coordinated service provision provided.

Mental health promotion delivered

 Within 6 months of signing the RPA.

Australian Government: will implement the Murdi Paaki Drug and Alcohol Network Project. The project is a component in the development of an integrated system of care for mental health, social and emotional wellbeing and substance use across the Murdi Paaki region. The project will:

  • Develop a hub, spoke and node model of integrated service delivery across Murdi Paaki involving Aboriginal Medical Services, the GreaterWestern Area Health Service, NGOs and other primary health care providers
  • Create a centre of clinical expertise, providing clinical supervision, consultation and professional support for drug and alcohol workers across the region and agencies
  • Develop the Substance Use workforce through a new traineeship program for Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol workers
  • Provide greater access to culturally effective mental health and drug and alcohol services.
 DoHA
GWAHS

Increase in clinical capacity of workforce.

Increase in service levels and service access.

Implementation of traineeship program

Within 9 months of signing the RPA

 

Within 12 months of signing the RPA

Australian Government: to implement the Coonamble FamilyWellbeing Project as a pilot. The project aims to improve the interface between health services and family and community service.

  • Employ a Complex Case Manager to provide intensive support to families to increase access to health and community services; and
  • Employ a part-time community facilitator to engage agencies and services to improve access.
 DoHA
GWAHS		 Strategy developed and implemented Within 12 months of signing the RPA

Australian & NSW Governments through the Murdi Paaki Health Project: to continue to implement the Murdi Paaki Chronic Disease Framework:

  • To develop a regional governance structure; and
  • To develop the framework firstly in Bourke/Engonnia and secondly in Dareton/Wentworth with the view to implement the framework across the Murdi Paaki region.
 GWAHS
DoHA		 Framework adopted and implemented Within 12 months of signing the RPA

The Australian & NSW Governments, through the Murdi Paaki Health Project: to develop the "A Better Future for Indigenous Australians – Family Centred Primary Health Care Project" in Walgett. The project will:

  • Develop a team-based, outreach program for the towns without GPs from theWalgett AMS. Enngonia, Brewarrina and Barringun will receive a regular visiting service (of a GP and a nurse); and
  • Investigate further rollout of the model to the Murdi Paaki regional care.
 DoHA, GWAHS

Services levels increase. Child health checks increased in targeted communities.

Services developed.

Within 3 months of signing RPA

Within 12 months of signing RPA

Within 3 months of signing RPA

The NSW Government will invest in a Safe Families Program targeting five key communities to address the issue of Child Sexual Assault in the region over the next 2 years

  • Implement a Safe Families project in the to Orana Far West in 5 new communities
  • Establish a Joint Investigative Response Team (JIRT) in Bourke
 DAA
DoCS
GWAHS
Police		 Plan developed and implemented Commence 1 July, completed by 30 June 2010

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Part 6 – Working for Better Local Government Engagement: in support of all Closing the Gap targets

Project Description: The government, through NSW/ACT Indigenous Coordination Centres (ICCs) and NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs (DAA) will foster local initiatives to implement "A Resource Kit for Local Government in New South Wales - Engaging with local Aboriginal communities", a comprehensive best practice guide, developed by the NSW Department of Local Government (DLG), for Councils wanting to engage more actively with Indigenous communities in their shire.

The initiative seek to:

  • Improve Indigenous people's understanding of and engagement in Council operations and their central role in a range of community issues;
  • Effect a change in attitude and actions of Local Councils as they work with Indigenous people to provide valuable input into their core business;
  • Increase opportunities and capacity for Indigenous participation in mainstream community representative models;
  • Increase general marketing and encouragement for Indigenous people about registration to vote in Council elections.
Project Rationale: Improve Indigenous people's understanding of and engagement in Council operations and their central role in a range of community issues. The initiative will be utilised to develop partnerships to support local projects with selected Councils in ICC regions.
Objective Lead Agency
& Partners		 Targets When

The Governments in partnership with Councils will continue to work toward developing a strategic approach to engaging with the 16 Community Working Parties, building on the work to date being undertaken by both Governments.

Possible initiatives include using the Barwon Darling Alliance to promote better connections and promulgate the Guide to potential member councils, sponsorship of local engagement events for CWP/Council engagement,

Establishment of traineeships (with DEEWR STEP support),

Other local projects scoped through discussions with participating Councils and the Assembly.

FaHCSIA

DAA in partnership

with DLG Local Government Shire Association

Engagement strategy developed initially through a joint Assembly and Council workshop being organised by DAA

 

Strategy endorsed

 

Implementation of agreed Strategy to commence

Oct 2008

 

 

 

By March 2008

 

Commence by April 2008
Both Governments in partnership with Councils will establish an evaluation framework covering key indicators such as patterns in voter registration rates for elections, number of Indigenous people standing for election in Local Government, participation rates in Local Council engagement forums, increased employment of Indigenous people in Local Councils and a better knowledge and understanding of Local Government processes.

FaHCSIA

DAA in partnership with DLG Local Government Shire Association

Evaluation framework established.

Monitoring and evaluation ongoing

 To commence as soon as possible after the RPA is signed.

 

Content Updated: 18 June 2012