Page 1775 - Week 06 - Thursday, 30 July 2020
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considering those who may be suffering financial hardship. We consider that this is a necessary adjustment to support the recovery of costs by government during these challenging times. I thank the other parties for their support and commend the bill to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Amendment Bill 2020
Debate resumed from 20 February 2020, on motion by Ms Stephen-Smith:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
MR MILLIGAN (Yerrabi) (4.23): I am pleased to say that the Canberra Liberals will be supporting the bill today. The amendments that are being put forward will strengthen the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and help to increase community participation and transparency of government processes.
These amendments elevate the status of the elected body at the national level, with now a formal role and position to advocate at a national level. This includes being able to participate in and advise national bodies—bodies such as the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations, as part of the commonwealth government’s closing the gap and other activities. This status also extends to giving advice and working with non-government organisations. The ability to provide advice as a voice for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community has also been amended to include advice to ministers and the ACT government on behalf of the community.
The amendments also stipulate that there will be clear time frames for reporting and response processes. This applies to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body produced reports, and there will be a six-month time frame for the minister to respond to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body reports. Similarly, with all consultation reports there is a requirement to provide these reports to the minister, including online. The minister then has two months to respond.
One amendment which I am very pleased to support reflects more accurately how people work and interact with government these days. We will now see broadcasting services being available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body public hearings. This is extremely positive for community members who cannot attend hearings or those who wish to watch proceedings, rather than read transcripts.
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