The Commonwealth, state and territory ministers responsible for Indigenous Affairs met via videoconference this week (Tuesday 28 April) to strengthen coordinated action across governments to improve outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities.
Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Commonwealth Minister for Indigenous Australians acknowledged the significant concerns about fuel supply and rising costs for First Nations communities, particularly in remote Australia, and the flow-on effects for food and energy security.
Minister McCarthy provided an update on the Working Group on Fuel, Energy and Food Security in Remote Communities – established under Clause 64 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to facilitate national leadership and engagement with First Nations communities. Minister McCarthy also outlined the importance of cross-jurisdictional arrangements for data sharing and coordination on food security. Ministers affirmed their commitment to ensuring First Nations communities are included in the national response to fuel supply challenges.
Ministers discussed preparations underway for the upcoming meeting of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap (Joint Council) in Sydney on 22 May, including finalising the Joint Council’s response to the Independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led Review of the National Agreement. Ministers also acknowledged the retirement of Ms Pat Turner AM, and recognised the impact of her leadership as Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks and Co-Chair of the Partnership Working Group and Joint Council on Closing the Gap.
Ministers discussed the National Strategy for Food Security in Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities and agreed on the importance of ensuring consistent, affordable access to safe, nutritious food as a foundation for health, wellbeing and economic participation. Ministers were asked to confirm their endorsement of the Strategy ahead of the Joint Council meeting.
Relevant Ministers shared updates on their jurisdictions’ truth-telling and treaty processes.
Ministers also discussed the new federal parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as emergency management planning, response and recovery across jurisdictions as a result of recent flooding and cyclones.
The ACT Minister was unable to attend the meeting and was represented by a departmental proxy. The Queensland Minister was also unable to attend.