Page 265 - Week 01 - Thursday, 29 November 2012
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Members of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities suggested that the elected body elections could be moved to capitalise on NAIDOC Week. It was suggested, as NAIDOC Week is a time when the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples come together to celebrate their culture and recognise their contributions in various fields, it would be a good and fitting opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to think about who would best represent them and promote the issues which affect them.
It was also recognised that capitalising on NAIDOC Week would be an efficient way of expending funding and resources used to promote the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, the elections and NAIDOC Week, as well as more effectively reaching the target community and building sustained community engagement.
Elections ACT made recommendations on the effectiveness of the election process which further supported the recommendations we received from the elected body and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities regarding capitalising on NAIDOC Week and increasing the campaign period for candidates.
Elections ACT suggested the increase of the campaign period for candidates would build engagement for the elections by allowing candidates more time to access the community and reach eligible electors who may otherwise not be exposed to the elections through existing communication channels. This same rationale supported the move to coincide the elected body elections with NAIDOC Week.
Elections ACT made a number of technical amendments which will bring clarity and consistency to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Act 2008. The clarification of definitions and finetuning of terminology has been recommended to ensure the act displays continual growth and relevance to the ACT context and the communities it serves.
In closing, I believe the changes recommended in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Amendment Bill 2012 (No 2) recognise the expertise of our elected body and of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and reflect the growth and improvement they want in the legislation, which is designed to help these communities progress towards achievement and success. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mr Wall) adjourned to the next sitting.
Justice and Community Safety—Standing Committee
Scrutiny report 1
MR HANSON (Molonglo): I present the following report:
Justice and Community Safety (Legislative Scrutiny Role)—Standing Committee—Scrutiny Report 1, dated 29 November 2012, together with the relevant minutes of proceedings.
I seek leave to make a brief statement.
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