Released 14/11/2025 - Joint media release
The ACT Government and the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB) have marked a historic step forward in Closing the Gap, with Cabinet Ministers, Senior Public Servants and Elected Body members meeting as a joint sub-committee of ACT Cabinet to strengthen coordination, accountability, and shared decision-making.
This is the first meeting of Ministers, Senior Public Servants and the Elected Body as a formal sub-committee of the ACT Cabinet. The sub-committee is designed to deliver greater impact across all areas of government.
The meeting follows a series of reviews and reports that outline areas requiring renewed effort and focus. Both Ministers and ATSIEB members reaffirmed their commitment to working in genuine partnership under the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019 – 2028, and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and its Priority Reforms.
The meeting also affirmed a shared commitment to transparency, regular engagement between Cabinet and the Elected Body, and an ongoing focus on measuring impact and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the Territory.
ATSIEB and ACT Government are engaged on a wide range of matters of significance to community, including finalising the next implementation and reporting phase of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement across all ACT Government directorates, implementing transitional arrangements to support return of Boomanulla Oval to community control, and consideration of the most appropriate governance structure for response to the Jumbunna Institute report on the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT criminal justice system.
The new Cabinet subcommittee approach will see greater coordination across directorates, a stronger voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, dedicated action in transforming government systems and clearer accountability for results.
Quotes attributable to Chairperson Maurice Walker:
“This is a very positive and practical step forward. We’ve had many reports that show what needs to change - this meeting was about collective responsibility and turning that knowledge into action. We want to see measurable improvement for our people and a stronger, more connected system that listens and delivers.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
“The establishment of a Cabinet sub-committee provides a regular forum for Cabinet Ministers and Senior Public Servants to work directly with the Members of Elected Body. The process ensures that Cabinet receives timely and relevant advice directly from the Elected Body as the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Suzanne Orr:
“The ACT Government is showing leadership on how we work together to Close the Gap. This first meeting shows the commitment of Cabinet and ATSIEB to genuine partnership and accountability. There’s still a lot to do, but the energy and agreement in the Cabinet room provides a clear path to move forward together.”
L-R: Minister Michael Pettersson, Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith, Kaylene McLeod, Chief Minister Andrew Barr, Minister Marisa Paterson, Maurice Walker, Helen Wright, Minister Suzanne Orr, Minister Tara Cheyne, and Minister Yvette Berry.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases