Released 05/06/2024
The ACT Government has agreed to all the recommendations outlined by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Report to deliver better policies, programs and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Hearings examine the ACT Government’s delivery of the objectives under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement.
In accepting the recommendations, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith committed to accelerating work on the recommendations in the Report for the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Minister Stephen-Smith thanked the Elected Body for the Report’s recommendations and tangible actions, following Hearings in August last year.
“We recognise the unique opportunity and value of working with the Elected Body in the ACT, and the role its members play in representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans and holding the Government to account,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
“We also acknowledge that the Government can, and must, do more to close the gap and make a real difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans.
“In particular, the ACT Government agrees with the Elected Body on the urgency required to make progress against all four Priority Reforms under the National Agreement. These are essential levers in changing the way governments work with community.”
The Elected Body’s report highlights three overarching recommendations to be adopted and strengthened by ACT Government:
1. Know your commitments - both the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement have specific actions and targets that need to be reached.
2. Plan to do things differently - focus energy on changing the way government works by being clear on program intent and outcomes.
3. Work together - there are contributions to be made by all directorates to all outcomes by working with purpose across directorates to achieve outcomes.
“The ACT Government recognises the importance of all staff knowing and understanding the principles of both the ACT and National Agreements and the commitments we have made to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We must embed these in the ACT Public Service at all levels,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
“While there is still much more to do, I also acknowledge the positive feedback from the Elected Body in relation to its recent April 2024 public hearings, which demonstrates the impact of the work the ACT Government has been progressing over the last year, particularly since the August 2023 hearings.
“Highlights of the April report include acknowledgement of the ACT Government making tangible progress against Phase 1 of the ACT Agreement, recognition that the Government is hearing and listening to voices from community, a genuine commitment to understanding cultural integrity, and increase in the Government understanding commitments.
“This report also highlighted some of the successful approaches taken, while continuing to challenge us to progress the reforms that the ACT Government committed to, and which will provide stronger outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Elections for the new ACT Elected Body are due to occur between 6 and 13 July 2024.
“I look forward to working closely with the new Elected Body as it both holds us to account and partners with us to create a better future for the ACT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases