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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 1 Hansard (12 December) . . Page.. 154 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

The government will address the disadvantage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by delivering their rights as ACT citizens. While the welfare approach of previous governments had limited success in addressing indigenous people's health and living standards, my government understands the importance and necessity of specific programs, where appropriate, to help alleviate disadvantage.

The government recognises that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the ACT are overrepresented in the judicial system. While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can use the South East Australian Legal Service, the service is only available two days a week. In partnership with the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee, the government will work to establish whether current legal aid services for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community are adequate and meet their needs.

The ACT police have continued to work with AJAC to address issues and develop better relations with the community. The Aboriginal interview friends roster system will continue to operate and provide valuable support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people taken into police custody. The continual feedback provided by these two initiatives is an example of different consultation methods.

My government recognises the importance of the work undertaken and the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the Bringing them home report. In supporting the ACT AJAC, this government will receive advice from that committee on the implementation of the recommendations. The process of quarterly reporting will also provide regular feedback on the progress and maintenance of programs responding to the recommendations. In addition, the government will continue to support the work of community-based organisations, such as the Journey of Healing, in their role as independent monitors of the Bringing them home recommendations.

We will maintain our commitment to implementing the recommendations of these reports. However, it is important that we look forward and set new agendas that will result in a reduction of the relative disadvantage that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience in our community.

Mr Speaker, the government places high priority on the health and community support needs of frail, aged or disabled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Those needs will be better met by initiatives we will take, such as the opening in the coming month of case management services to clients by the Ngunnawal ACT and Districts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Aboriginal Corporation. In addition, funding has been allocated to provide support in the home.

Up to March 2002, the Department of Health and Community Care will work with the Commonwealth government and Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service to commence a strategic planning process. This will ensure a clearer focus on the health needs of the indigenous community. By mid-2002, two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outreach workers will be employed at Winnunga Nimmityjah and Gugan Gulwan Aboriginal Youth Service to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients with mental health or drug and alcohol problems.

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