Page 356 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 1 March 1994
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The second major issue of significance to be decided in 1994 will be the form, content and location of the Aboriginal keeping place or cultural centre funded as a result of the $19m casino premium paid to the ACT Government. While the matter was referred to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council in 1993, details have not yet been finalised as consultation continues with key Aboriginal groups and organisations in the ACT. I am not concerned about this, Madam Speaker, as extensive consultation on this issue is important to enable an outcome with which all Aboriginal groups will be satisfied. I recently heard the Chief Minister say that the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council was the Government's significant achievement during the International Year of the World's Indigenous Peoples in 1993. There is no doubt that the council fulfils an important role in advising government, and we know that that advice has been forthcoming in such areas as employment, education, training, the administration of justice and the planning of Gungahlin.
According to the Chief Minister, the role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council members perform is unique in Australia and is held in high esteem as a great achievement by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples nationally. However, most of us are probably also aware that the Ngunnawal Land Council's perception of the advisory council is that it is unrepresentative and a lame duck. I am sure that members would agree that a well functioning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council providing expertise and advice to the Chief Minister and her department that is considered optimum in terms of its membership and representativeness is desired by all.
These difficulties, I trust, can be resolved with discussion, consultation and cooperation as, after all, every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander grouping needs to have its voice heard and needs to actively participate in and contribute to the decision making process to ensure appropriate and successful outcomes for Aboriginal peoples in the ACT.
The establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council by the Chief Minister effectively fulfils the national focus for the International Year of the World's Indigenous Peoples on involving indigenous peoples in the planning, implementation and evaluation of policies and programs affecting them. I believe also that effective consultation is vital to the achievement of self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Another national emphasis for the International Year of the World's Indigenous Peoples was enhancing the relationship between indigenous Australians and the wider community. Members will be aware that the Chief Minister, in partial response to this objective, established the Parliamentary Awareness Group, comprising members of this Assembly with an interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues. The establishment of the Parliamentary Awareness Group has been a laudable achievement by the Chief Minister; but to my knowledge it has met only once, some months ago now. It seems to me that for the activities of the Parliamentary Awareness Group to be meaningful, creating an effective mechanism for discussion of Aboriginal issues, more frequent meetings of the group need to take place, and the anticipated meeting of members of the group and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council also needs to take place as a matter of urgency. I am pleased to hear,
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