Today, the Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers responsible for Indigenous Affairs met via videoconference to consider key measures and strategies to achieve better outcomes for First Nations people and communities.
The Western Australian Minister did not attend the meeting due to the upcoming election in his state. The Tasmanian Minister was unable to attend the meeting but was represented by officials. The Victorian Minister was represented by the Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples.
Ministers remain committed to implementing actions to achieve the outcomes of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and to listening and working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
Ministers agreed to support the aims of the National Strategy for Food Security in Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. Ministers will continue to work together to address food security in remote First Nations communities.
Ministers discussed Target 11 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are not over overrepresented in the criminal justice system - and committed to continued joint effort to address the drivers of crime and ensure First Nations young people stay out of the justice system.
The Minister for Indigenous Australians provided an update on the extension of the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme.
Ministers agreed to report back outcomes of this meeting to the next meeting of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap.