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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 1 Hansard (17 February) . . Page.. 286 ..

It is envisaged that the new records management regime will avoid the need to rely solely on Freedom of Information legislation to access records for those affected by policies of child removal.

The establishment of an Indigenous Foster Care Agency managed by the Department of Education and Community Services;

The appointment of a mental health worker within the Department of Health and Community Care and two trainee Indigenous mental health workers at Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In addition, a second Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer position was established at The Canberra Hospital and additional support provided to address the issues of sexual assault, incest and violence within the Indigenous community.

The establishment of an Interdepartmental Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues in early June 1999 to develop an overarching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy Framework in consultation with the Indigenous community during 1999-2000.

The Committee will ensure a coordinated effort on Indigenous issues, including the development of agency strategic plans.

The establishment of the third ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Council, following extensive consultation with the Indigenous community and a review of the Council's operations and membership.

The development of a register of Aboriginal cultural heritage information in the ACT. An Aboriginal Heritage Consultation Protocol has also been developed to assist ACT Government liaison with local communities on Indigenous issues.

Continuing consultation with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, including the ACT Cultural Centre Advisory Committee and the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Council, on the development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre.

Financial support was also provided for the establishment of a Reconciliation Committee for the ACT and Region, and for two community meetings held to discuss the documents of reconciliation developed by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.

Negotiations have commenced between the parties to native title claims, in accordance with the provisions of the Native Title Act 1993 (Commonwealth).

Mr Speaker, as well as reporting on what we have already achieved, the 1998-99 Implementation Report also includes a number of significant commitments:

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