Page 1148 - Week 03 - Thursday, 22 March 2012
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innovation in curriculum, literacy and numeracy, decision making, learning and career pathways, relationships and leadership.
Given the gaps in life outcomes between Indigenous peoples and other Australians the ACT government acknowledges that our closing the gap commitments are long term. They require continual improvement and long-term financial investment and commitment to make a difference to the lives of Indigenous people.
Engagement and partnership with Indigenous peoples are paramount to any success. I acknowledge, as the Overcoming Indigenous disadvantage: key indicators 2011 report clearly indicates, that we still have a long way to go to close the gap.
The annual ACT government closing the gap report will be a practical and evidence-based document which will guide all sectors of our society to work strategically to overcome disadvantage for some of our most vulnerable members of our community.
We are determined to walk hand in hand with members of our local Indigenous community—my own community—to close the gap.
MR HANSON (Molonglo) (3.41): I am very pleased to speak on this important issue today and I thank the minister for bringing it before the Assembly. I think that when it comes to the issue of closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage, it is an area that has tripartisan support. Obviously we will from time to time disagree on policies and the measures that are put in place. But there is no question that we on the opposition side acknowledge and fully understand that when it comes to health, education, social equity, economic prosperity and criminal justice, Indigenous disadvantage is there and it is there for us all to see. I and my colleagues acknowledge that it is unacceptable.
We welcome any measures that are targeted to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and Canberrans, whether it be delivered through organisations like Winnunga Nimmityjah, Gugan Gulwan, Billabong, through initiatives that are proposed through the Indigenous Elected Body and Rod Little and his members, or perhaps cultural and heritage issues put forward by the United Ngunnawal Elders Council or individuals from the Ngunnawal, Ngambri or Ngarigo peoples. There is no question that there is much that needs to be done in terms of closing the gap.
I would just like to express our bipartisan support. This is an area that, although we may differ on matters of policy, is not an issue that the coalition has or will play politics with. We are very proud on this side that it was Kate Carnell, a Liberal Chief Minister, who was the first to offer an apology to Indigenous people anywhere in Australia.
MS HUNTER (Ginninderra—Parliamentary Leader, ACT Greens) (3.43): I would also like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and I pay my respects to their elders, past and present. As the minister has stated, today is National Close the Gap Day, which represents a chance for all Australians to reflect on the important work being undertaken to address the shocking gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. In 2008 the Council of Australian Governments created six
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