Page 5443 - Week 14 - Thursday, 30 November 2017
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The child development service commenced operations in 2016, using medical and allied health staff who are co-located to provide a seamless service for young children and their families. The child development service focuses on early identification of developmental delays and/or disabilities for children zero to six years in the ACT. In 2016-17 the CDS provided a range of services to 116 children from birth to six years who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and their families. The report includes many examples, but I am particularly pleased to note the work of CDS allied health professionals with both Gugan Gulwan and Winnunga Nimmityjah, and their engagement with child and family centre programs and Koori preschools, providing vital outreach support.
The ACT government recognises the importance of strong cultural identities for better life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Cultural identity is essential for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing, and for this reason it is a key focus area of the agreement.
The ACT government continues to pursue its commitment to acknowledging the cultural contribution of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to the life of the ACT. Over the past year, the government has continued to support a range of activities and significant celebrations through one-off grants: the NAIDOCÂ committee received $21,000 for a community family fun day on 27 May 2017 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum; $21,000 was also provided to the Torres Strait Islander Corporation to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Mabo decision by holding a community family fun day on 3 June 2017.
Other grants support participation and engagement of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community including: cultural grants to encourage and support ACT-based community organisations to promote wider understanding of the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT community through programs and events; scholarships grants to encourage and support ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents to undertake study and training to enhance and support their employment prospects in the ACT; and leadership grants to encourage and support ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to develop the knowledge and skills to be better equipped to lead and engage on behalf of their communities and organisations.
The final theme of the agreement is leadership. This theme is about empowering people, creating confidence and self-esteem. The ACT government continues to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and implement the review of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Act 2008. The amendments to the act passed in June strengthened the functions of the elected body to consult with and provide advice on systemic and whole-of-government issues.
Further to this, I would like to advise the Assembly that I have signed and notified the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Regulation 2017. This regulation was developed for and with the elected body. Members have provided their input and we have sought to assist them in their role in providing the ACT government with the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT.
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