Page 2527 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 9 August 2016
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The ACT government is about pursuing outcomes rather than measuring the things we do. In addition to mainstream support the ACT government will be investing an additional $2.3 million over four years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT as part of the 2016-17 ACT budget. The ACT budget includes new initiatives that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and addresses Indigenous disadvantage in the ACT through strong connections to culture, supporting people through the justice system, through health care and by ensuring career opportunities.
The ACT government recognises the need to expand opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. The kickstart my career program will support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth at risk of leaving school. The ACT government will invest $107,000 in additional mentoring and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in the ACT public service to improve their leadership and career development outcomes.
Support for the arts and culture sector will build the capacity of, develop and support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community within the ACT. The ACT government will allocate $100,000 for grants and programs that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
A communications and engagement coordinator will be engaged to forge stronger connections with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Additional funding of $149,000 will be made available to improve Indigenous representation and will strengthen the representation of Aboriginal people in decision-making and enhance local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultural identity. The ACT government will provide resourcing to increase awareness of the elected body’s role in representing the views and concerns of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and to build greater connections.
This budget and the ACT government’s commitment to better outcomes will be life changing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT and will be based upon supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the community and their organisations to develop opportunities, knowledge and skills to build an empowered, resilient and sustainable future.
The Community Services Directorate is continuing to deliver on reforms under a step up for our kids, and the transition to new services is proceeding as expected. We are looking forward to realising the benefits for children, young people and their families over the coming year. These benefits will include more children in permanent, loving families. A one-off adjustment of $800,000 for the base funding of the out of home care program has been provided in this budget to support Child and Youth Protection Services in responding to current demand pressures on the out of home care sector.
As part of the directorate’s commitment to the safer families agenda, $2.47 million over four years is being invested to enhance quality assurance and improved decision-making across Child and Youth Protection Services. As part of the directorate’s commitment to the safer families agenda, a new child and youth protection services
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