Community to Have Say on Aboriginal Affairs Policy - Redfern 24 Jan 2012

“The Ministerial Taskforce on Aboriginal Affairs – including seven Ministers and senior Aboriginal representatives – is determined to involve Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders in fostering great futures for Aboriginal people through improved educational and employment opportunity, and better performance by Government,” Minister Dominello said.

“Our Taskforce wants to hear directly from the Aboriginal community, Aboriginal parents, the non-government sector, corporate Australia, educators and other ‘opportunity creators’ about what’s working on the ground and how we can build on these initiatives for the benefit of Aboriginal kids.

“Our Taskforce seeks ideas that create generational change and will see more Aboriginal kids having real opportunity, real choices and real careers. That means more Aboriginal doctors, more Aboriginal accountants, more Aboriginal engineers, more Aboriginal teachers – and any other successful future that a young Aboriginal person may choose.

“With more than 35 per cent of the NSW Aboriginal population estimated to be under the age of 15, the NSW Government is determined to help today’s Aboriginal kids have great tomorrows through choice, responsibility and opportunity.[i]

“Responding to the Community Discussion Papers and participating in the planned public meetings throughout NSW gives people the chance to say how together – Government and community – we can lead and succeed in having Aboriginal aspiration overcome Aboriginal disadvantage,” Minister Dominello said.

Minister Dominello noted that the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has learned from the failure of the former Government and is committed to a genuine partnership-based approach to Aboriginal affairs.

“The best results are gained when Aboriginal communities identify the opportunities, take responsibility, develop capabilities and drive the solutions. That’s why it’s critical for there to be strong, honest and genuine partnerships with Aboriginal communities – both at the Taskforce level and in developing the strategy through consultation,” Minister Dominello said.

“Governments do not and cannot have all the answers and I encourage all interested organisations and individuals to get involved in the public consultation process through attending a meeting or making an online submission.

“Your views will certainly be welcome, respected and responded to,” Minister Dominello said.

Public community meeting dates for 2012

To access the Community Discussion Papers and for further information including venues and times, please visit the Ministerial Taskforce webpage at: http://www.daa.nsw.gov.au/taskforce/ or phone the Taskforce Secretariat on (02) 9219 0702.