Indigenous Affairs Ministers meeting
Release date:
Statement
The Commonwealth and state and territory ministers responsible for Indigenous Affairs met via videoconference this week (Tuesday 4 August) to discuss coordinated action to improve outcomes for First Nations people and communities.
In her opening remarks, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians, addressed the high numbers of First Nations deaths in custody since the start of the year. She urged ministers to work with their colleagues to ensure the safety of those in custody, including through greater access to culturally safe health care in prisons.
Minister McCarthy provided an update on Commonwealth initiatives including the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program and the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme. She also flagged the visit in November of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous People.
Ministers provided jurisdictional updates and discussed progress under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement) including the Productivity Commission’s latest Annual Data Compilation Report and the meeting of Target 3, preschool enrolments, nationally.
Ministers reaffirmed their collective commitment to the National Agreement and to delivering meaningful improvements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Minister McCarthy reiterated the importance of continued engagement with local and regional councils to identify and support issues impacting First Nations communities. Discussion highlighted the importance of effective collaboration across all levels of government to support communities.
Ministers reflected on next year’s 30th anniversary of the Bringing Them Home Report and were encouraged to engage with the Healing Foundation’s report From Sorry to Action to support commemorative activities and continue progressing healing initiatives for Stolen Generations survivors.
Ministers from Tasmania and South Australia shared updates on truth-telling and treaty processes underway in their jurisdictions. The ACT Minister shared an update on their Closing the Gap Subcommittee of Cabinet and truth-telling processes underway.
The Victorian Minister was an apology for the meeting.