Page 709 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 19 March 2019
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As the restoration works near completion, the future management and governance of Boomanulla become a priority. In recognition of the importance of self-determination and community control, the new agreement includes a priority action to work to enhance Boomanulla Oval for use as a sporting facility and to transition to be under the management of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Madam Assistant Speaker, the new agreement provides coordinated strategic direction for ACT government directorates and service partners. It identifies relationship principles that aim to further strengthen connections between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, service partners and the ACT government. Ms Fanning summed up why this is so important in a moving speech at the signing ceremony. I think it is appropriate that some of her words, at least, are recorded in Hansard. She said:
Make no mistake, for us this is personal.
Keeping kids safe at home and within family supports is vital.
Providing an education where our individual needs are met and building aspirations are supported.
Providing health services that see us as whole people and that make us feel safe.
Being more likely to be employed than incarcerated.
To have places to gather, to play, perform and connect to—build us all up.
To own and operate our own businesses for true wealth creation is what can drive us.
We have the goal, not of a community that survives, but one that thrives.
When can we promise this? When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids can see their community as the service providers, role models and leaders, they will also dream themselves into these roles.
With those words, I conclude by thanking the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body for its work in developing the new agreement and for each member’s ongoing commitment to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. The elected body will continue to keep the government accountable through the hearings process, with the 2019 round taking place next week, on 28 and 29 March. I am sure that all of us in this place appreciate the role of the elected body as the only elected voice to parliament in the country. I look forward to continuing to work with the elected body and the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community as we implement the new agreement.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the papers.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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