Page 2287 - Week 07 - Thursday, 16 June 1994

Most of the recommendations suggesting amendments to instructions or procedures have

been fully implemented. Other recommendations suggesting substantial changes such as

legislative amendments have been taken on board and procedures commenced to

implement them. These procedures include extensive consultations with the Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander communities.

EMPOWERMENT

The main theme of the Royal Commission's report was the elimination of disadvantage and

the empowerment of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders. Consequently, -a major

priority of the ACT Government's implementation has been to encourage the active

participation of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders in the decision making

process, including the implementation of the Royal Commission's report.

The establishment of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council,

which I foreshadowed when I tabled the ACT Government response on 8 April 1992, has

been a crucial step in this process. The role of the Advisory Council is to advise me on

issues affecting Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders. The Council also provides a

direct line to the Government through which the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

communities in the ACT can raise any concerns. One of the Advisory Council's major tasks

is to monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission.

To date the Council has provided the Government with advice on a wide range of matters,

including Aboriginal/police relations; legislative reform, corrective services policy,

education and languages policies; the development of a keeping place/cultural centre; and

initiatives to celebrate the International Year of the World's Indigenous People.

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