Page 1885 - Week 06 - Thursday, 9 June 2016
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The ACT is building a strong record in public policy innovation that boosts social inclusion and equality. Among other initiatives already underway, the ACT has enacted human rights legislation, established the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and enacted the marriage equality act 2013, and will be the first jurisdiction to have all eligible people in the NDIS.
The ACT government seeks to find practical paths to reconciliation, to work more closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to achieve more equitable outcomes and celebrate their diverse cultures and contributions to the life of the capital. This impetus has found practical expression through the recently signed ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agreement 2015-18 and the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice partnership 2015-18.
In 2015 the Chief Minister, my predecessor as Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, the Head of Service and the previous Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body signed the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agreement, which commits all parties to promoting an empowered, resilient community with increasing control over its future.
This agreement’s statement of commitment to reconciliation and wellbeing, amongst other matters, commits all parties to the principles of recognising the ongoing effects of trans-generational trauma caused by past government policies and allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
Members would also be aware of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice partnership 2015-18 which seeks to continue the work of the 2010-13 agreement in addressing Indigenous over-representation in the ACT justice system, as both victims and offenders, and to reduce incarceration rates.
In 2016 we now have in place changes to the ACT human rights legislation that bring about small but significant enhancements to the protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural rights, rights acknowledged most importantly in the material and economic relationships that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with land, waters and other resources. These legislative changes arose from the 2014 review of the act and consultation with the human rights commissioner and the elected body.
Across Australia, the most practical expression of commitment to reconciliation is the national reconciliation action plan program, which helps workplaces and educational institutions to facilitate understanding, increase equality and develop sustainable employment and business opportunities.
The 2015 RAP impact measurement report found that reconciliation is progressing more quickly in workplaces with RAPs. RAPs are proving to be powerful tools for advancing social change by transforming the attitudes and behaviours of the three million people studying or working in organisations with a RAP.
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