Page 70 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 13 February 2018
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living in the ACT with a democratically elected voice, which I think it is fair to say has not become a second chamber of parliament. The hearings process used by the elected body refers to a series of hearings in which elected body members ask questions of officers from ACT government agencies. The hearings are modelled on estimates processes used by the ACT Legislative Assembly and the commonwealth Senate.
The elected body hearings have proved to be a successful way for the community to make its priorities clear to the government and have its questions answered. They culminate in a body of advice that can be used to inform improvements to service delivery and policy development leading to better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As quoted by the chair in the report:
There are programs and services by government and non-government providers that show real promise, and make a tangible difference to the everyday lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT.
Yet it is also clear that there is more to do. I am convinced that in order to achieve better outcomes for vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it is critical that relevant programs, services, policies and reforms are designed and progressed in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their representative bodies and organisations. The elected body public hearings process provides an opportunity to explore better ways in which we can facilitate co-design and learn how to build on successful programs that are delivering tangible outcomes in the community.
At the annual report hearings in November last year, I indicated that I would be writing to the current elected body chair to seek the body’s views on the current hearings process along with any changes members would like to see in the future. I have asked the elected body to come back to me with its views following its first public hearings process for this term of the elected body, which is scheduled to take place on 14 and 15 March this year.
The report, which I formally table today, contains 11 recommendations that are far reaching across a range of ACT government services and programs. It is clear from the report’s recommendations that the elected body takes its role very seriously. The recommendations clearly echo the body’s identified community priorities for 2014-2017, being health; schooling and early education; safe communities; governance and leadership; economic participation; and healthy homes.
The ACT government continues to demonstrate its commitment towards achieving equitable outcomes and opportunities, and to build an empowered, resilient and sustainable future for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT.
The 2017-18 budget saw investment in more culturally specific services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans. In particular, the $12 million commitment to a new facility for Winnunga Nimmityjah recognises the fundamental importance of Aboriginal community controlled services. Through this funding we
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