Today, the Commonwealth Minister for Indigenous Australians and Ministers responsible for Indigenous Affairs from all States and Territories held a meeting in Hobart. The Australian Local Government Association also attended the meeting.
Ministers reiterated their support in-principle for the Australian Government’s work to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution.
Ministers noted the principles for the Voice put forward by the Referendum Working Group, and that it was drawn from the work already undertaken to define the Voice, with further work to continue.
Those principles identify the Voice as a body that:
- provides independent advice to the Parliament and Government
- is chosen by First Nations people based on the wishes of local communities
- is representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- is empowering, community led, inclusive, respectful, culturally informed and gender balanced, and includes youth
- is accountable and transparent
- works alongside existing organisations and traditional structures.
The Voice would:
- not have a program delivery function
- not have a veto power.
Ministers discussed their work on state or territory Voice or representational arrangements in their jurisdictions, and agreed to continue discussions on practical steps to collaborate on this work.
State and Territory Ministers had the opportunity to hear about how work on the Makarrata Commission was progressing. They discussed how the Commonwealth could complement initiatives already taking place, including through its investment of $5.8 million to progress the establishment of an independent Makarrata Commission.
Ministers discussed the Australian Government’s commitment to improve First Nations justice outcomes through justice reinvestment programs.
Ministers were provided with an update on progress to replace the Community Development Program and the Government response to the Juukan Gorge Inquiry Report.
All governments committed to work through a number of practical and pressing issues, including First Nations access to identification documents and supporting First Nations communities to cope with the costs of essential services.
Ministers discussed work that is underway for a First Nations Water Holder and shared information about key priorities in First Nations policy across the States and Territories.
Ministers agreed to meet again in the New Year.