23/12/01
Working co-operatively to develop partnerships with indigenous groups has marked the first year of the Labor Government Indigenous Affairs Minister Alan Carpenter said today.
Mr Carpenter said the Government's approach to native title and Indigenous Affairs is based on reaching agreements, building partnerships and a more effective consultative process.
"While there is a long way to go before many Aboriginal people have the opportunities taken for granted by most Australians, the groundwork has been put in place for progress," he said.
"Results have already been seen in areas such as native title, working with Aboriginal communities, reconciliation and strengthening indigenous communities.
Achievements this year include:
Department restructure:
The department now focuses on its core functions of land, heritage and culture, and community capacity building.
Land:
- The Government's new approach favours mediation over litigation with determinations based on consent.
- Two native title applications have been settled this year - Tjurabalan (August 2001) and Kiwirrkurra (October 2001).
- The Government commissioned a wide-ranging report (Wand-Athanasiou) on the State's negotiating practices and principles. The final report is being considered.
- The Government also commissioned a technical taskforce of industry, indigenous and Government representatives to recommend ways of balancing the protection of native title rights with the need for land access by miners and explorers. The final report is out for public comment.
- The Department of Indigenous Affairs now plays a key role in the Government's approach to native title.
Working with Indigenous Groups:Statement of Commitment: In October, the Government and ATSIC signed a historic, Australia-first Statement of Commitment, which is the foundation for a new partnership between the Government and the indigenous community of Western Australia.
Establishment of IAAC: The Indigenous Affairs Advisory Committee, which brings together the directors-general of major Government agencies to work in partnership with indigenous groups. (election promise).
Reconciliation:Opening of Parliament: For the first time indigenous people were acknowledged at this symbolically important occasion with the presence of Nyoongar Elders, while a Nyoongar dance group performed before the opening.
Grants: $105,000 was allocated to 13 grass-roots reconciliation projects around the State in the first round of funding.
Student's competition: For the first time, the Department of Education joined the Department of Indigenous Affairs in holding a competition among all schools (Years 1 to 10) to promote reconciliation.
Education:Clontarf Football Academy: The Government organised a $75,000 package including contributions from the Commonwealth Government to help the Clontarf Football Academy, which provides elite coaching as an incentive to attend school regularly.
Communities:Kiwirrkurra: Assisting the biggest peacetime evacuation of people in the history of the State following flooding in the remote community. Work is continuing to prepare the community infrastructure for the return of the community.
Child Abuse: Announced an inquiry into the way Government agencies and non-Government organisations deal with child abuse in Aboriginal communities.
Patrols: Funded 21 patrols, with increased funding for the patrols in Northbridge, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie.
Environmental health: Initiatives include a dog control program in the Goldfields in response to calls from Aboriginal communities for assistance in controlling the dog population that has been identified as a major environmental health issue.
Community leadership: Continued support for the establishment of Community Action Groups (CAGs) with the formation of CAGs in Moora, Quairading and Northam.
Capacity building: A number of projects are under way including one to support Indigenous agricultural businesses in the rangelands.
Town reserves: In partnership with ATSIC, work commenced on 10 lay-out plans for town reserves.
Visits:The Minister has visited and met representatives of groups in the metropolitan area, as well as about 40 rural and remote communities, to hear their concerns first hand.
Other initiatives:Budget: $780,000 allocated in capital funding to improving information systems, including those relating to land, heritage and culture sites. Funding for the management of land by the Aboriginal Lands Trust was increased by 20 per cent, to $550,000.
Heritage: Initiatives include sponsorship of the Jack Jugarie statue and Heritage Trail at the new multi-million-dollar Community Resource Centre in Halls Creek.
Minister's office: 9213 6800
