Released 24/04/2020
The term of the current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB) has been extended by one year due to the challenges in holding an election during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Elected Body was established to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT a democratically elected voice. Seven members are elected every three years to represent the interests and aspirations of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, providing direct advice to the ACT Government.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said Elected Body elections are generally held during NAIDOC Week, which provides community members with the opportunity to vote while participating in NAIDOC Week events, such as Family Day.
"Due to COVID-19, the National NAIDOC Committee made the decision in March to postpone NAIDOC Week for 2020. At this stage, NAIDOC Week may go ahead in late 2020, but it would be difficult for Elections ACT to run the Elected Body elections at that time due to the ACT Election being held on the third Saturday in October.
"Therefore, following discussions with the Elected Body, I have used the power available to me under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Act 2008 to declare that the next election will now be held during NAIDOC Week 2021.
"Increasing voter turnout in the non-compulsory election is a high priority for the ACT Government. Delaying the election will give new candidates more opportunity to campaign and enable community members to vote as usual at various events throughout NAIDOC Week 2021.
"The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body plays a vital role in the ACT, and current Elected Body members have worked hard to raise its profile and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans to clearly represent their views and concerns to the ACT Government.
"Right now, the Elected Body is playing a very important role in keeping the community informed of updates to services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I thank all members of the Elected Body for their ongoing commitment to representing the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the ACT and look forward to a vibrant campaign in 2021," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases