This Newsletter covers Federal and State policy and legislative developments in the area of Indigenous Affairs. Copies of documents referred to can be obtained by clicking on the reference in this Newsletter or through Capital Monitor's collection at www.capitalmonitor.com.au or from the source quoted.
Major Announcements
Communities and Families
18 August
VIC: Self-Determination Fund appoints first CEO
Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, and newly elected First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria Co-Chair, Ngarra Murray, said the short-term goal of the Fund was to ensure all Traditional Owners could enter negotiations on a more level playing field. 'Some groups are already preparing, but others are going to need to take some time to consider their approach and decide their priorities, so the Fund is there as a shared resource to have those nation-building conversations. Later it will become a tool to build prosperity and help address the impacts of colonisation,'
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17 August
Full funding needed to end violence against women and children
The Greens welcome the belated release of the First Action Plan and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032. 'For the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children to succeed it needs to be properly funded, and it needs targeted, meaningful goals,' said Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters. 'While I welcome the First Action Plan, the Government must be more ambitious and courageous in its efforts to tackle the issue of violence against First Nations women,' said Greens spokesperson on First Nations Justice, Senator Dorinda Cox.
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14 August
Grant Cameron appointed CEO of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence
The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Grant Cameron as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr Cameron, a Kamilaroi man, is a familiar face at the NCIE, previously devoting seven years of his professional career working at the iconic centre. More recently, Mr Cameron delivered leadership programs in his capacity as Manager at the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. In this role, he worked closely with remote and regional First Nations communities.
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Culture and Arts
None this edition.
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Education
15 August
SA: Inspiring Aboriginal young people to pursue STEM
'A unique Aboriginal student-lead South Australian conference, the only of its kind in Australia, will inspire other young Aboriginal people to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics),' said the SA Department of Education. 'The STEM Aboriginal Learners Congress, which kicked off at the Adelaide Convention Centre, saw about 1,000 Aboriginal students and their teachers from 178 schools across the state, come together to hear from leading Aboriginal STEM thinkers.'
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Employment
None this edition.
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Health
18 August
WA: New housing for Jigalong healthcare workers opened
WA Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson has joined the Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) in Jigalong to officially open contemporary new staff housing in the remote community. The State Government provided $3.5 million to PAMS to construct the new housing, delivering on a 2017 election commitment. The six two-bedroom houses feature a modern design tailored to conditions in Jigalong. The modular buildings replace four aging houses previously used by healthcare workers at PAMS. Essential to the East Pilbara community, PAMS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled health service that provides culturally appropriate and comprehensive primary health care in Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu, Kunawarritji and Newman.
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16 August
New Action Plans include concrete steps and targets to end gender-based violence
All Australian governments have agreed to concrete actions and measurable targets to end gender-based violence within a generation with the release of two Action Plans under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022- 2032. The Government has released the First Action Plan and the dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan which chart the path to reducing - and ultimately ending - the pervasive rates of family, domestic and sexual violence in communities across the nation, said Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth, Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot and Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney.
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NSW: Too Deadly for Diabetes given funding boost
A successful program supporting people living with Type 2 diabetes in Aboriginal communities will benefit from a funding boost so that more people will be able to access the service. NSW Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park has pledged $40,000 to Too Deadly for Diabetes to work with the Walhallow Aboriginal Health Corporation to expand its community-based lifestyle programs. 'I was so impressed to see this initiative in action through the Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service and the incredibly positive impact it's having on the local community,' Mr Park said. 'We know that communities are achieving great health results, and with the right support they can accomplish even more.'
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Housing
16 August
Westpac helping access to home ownership, with ongoing support for Head Start Homes
Westpac has announced an additional three years' commitment for Head Start Homes, a not- for-profit community services organisation, to support more Australian families with secure, safe and stable housing. As part of the bank's broader strategy to increase access to housing for all Australians, the continued partnership with Head Start Homes comes at a time when low-income families are needing innovative and accessible options into home ownership. Supported by Westpac since established in 2017, Head Start Homes empowers families, single parents, First Nations Peoples, and those living in social housing with practical pathways towards owning their own home.
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Justice
None this edition.
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Land and Native Title
18 August
'The whales are in trouble:' Traditional Custodian files legal challenge to Woodside's seismic blasting approval
A Traditional Custodian will ask the Federal Court to find that approval for Woodside Petroleum to carry out seismic blasting in her Sea Country was unlawful, said the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO). Gas giant Woodside said it was ready to begin seismic blasting for its Scarborough Gas Project, despite objections from Custodians who say they still have not been properly consulted, as required. Woodside's Scarborough project is a for-export LNG proposal off Murujuga/the Burrup Peninsula in Western Australia, which will result in the release of an estimated 878.02 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.
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QLD: North Queensland's Wakaman People have Native Title recognised
The Federal Court recognised the Native Title rights of the Wakaman People in a ceremony in Chillagoe in Far North Queensland, said Queensland Minister for Resources Scott Stewart and Queensland Member for Cook Cynthia Lui. Justice Collier presided over an on-country sitting, joining with the native title holders for a ceremony and celebration following the official proceedings. The determination means the Court has accepted and acknowledged the Wakaman People's proven, unbroken connection to more than 715,000 hectares of their traditional homelands. The Wakaman people continue their traditional practices of fishing and hunting on- country, as well as harvesting natural resources to make shields, baskets and adornments.
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15 August
Calls on Minister Plibersek to protect Djab Wurrung birthing trees
'A Djab Wurrung birthing tree was vandalised and damaged, with pictures showing graffiti sprayed onto a tree and a suspected attempt at poisoning,' said Independent Victorian Senator representing the Blak Sovereign Movement Senator Lidia Thorpe. 'The trees were a point of conflict when, in 2018, plans to cut down the trees were stopped by protests led by Djab Wurrung women and hundreds of their allies and supporters. The Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy was set up to defend the trees but was removed by Victoria Police in 2020.'
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Reconciliation
18 August
NSW: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice referendum
The Council of the Law Society of NSW has resolved unanimously to support the proposal to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Australian Constitution. The President of the Law Society of NSW Cassandra Banks said a statement embodying Council's decision is available on the Law Society website. 'The Law Society has also published on its website and on LSJ Online, additional material about the referendum and the issues it raises, to inform its members as well as the wider community,' Ms Banks said.
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17 August
Voice spending comparison: Campaign vs fresh food for First Australians
Katter's Australian Party MP Bob Katter is putting the Federal Government on notice, calling on it to detail the budget in both time and money that it has spent or allocated to The Voice referendum. 'Over the same time frame, what has the government spent or allocated to providing First Australian communities with access to market gardens to meet basic nutritional requirements or title deeds to allow for home and business ownership,' Mr Katter will ask in a series of questions to be tabled to the Minister for Indigenous Australians. Mr Katter has on multiple occasions labelled The Voice has paternalistic, separatist, and tokenistic.
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15 August
Yes/No case pamphlet: Printing finalised, distribution to begin
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has advised that the Yes/No case pamphlet for the 2023 referendum will begin to arrive in mailboxes of Australian households from mid-late August. Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said printing of the pamphlet finalised. 'I was on hand to observe the process and picked the last copy off the presses myself,' Mr Rogers said. 'I'm very satisfied with the quality and checking program that was in evidence right through the process.'
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Transcripts
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
20 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky Sunday Agenda
Subjects: Voice to Parliament, Constitutional recognition, AUKUS, ALP National Conference, Cost of living, 2025 Election
Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek
20 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky News AM Agenda
Subjects: ALP Conference, AUKUS, Cultural heritage laws, Indigenous Voice to Parliament, Nuclear power, Renewable energy
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Sport Anika Wells and Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland
19 AUG: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Brisbane
Subjects: Women's sport funding, Women's World Cup, Anti-siphoning laws, Broadcasting, Housing, ALP National Conference, Voice to Parliament
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
19 AUG 2023: Transcript of Speech to the ALP National Conference, Brisbane - Get Out There and Campaign
Subjects: Closing the Gap, Indigenous Voice to Parliament, Uluru Statement from the Heart, Referendum, Reconciliation
Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney
19 AUG: Transcript of Speech to the ALP National Conference, Brisbane - Bringing People Together
Subjects: Indigenous reconciliation, Uluru Statement from the Heart, Voice to Parliament, Constitutional recognition
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
18 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Laura Jayes, Sky News AM Agenda
Subjects: Fed Govt National Conference, AUKUS, Tax reform, Voice to Parliament, Qatar Airlines, Matildas, Passing of Sir Michael Parkinson, Vietnam Veterans' Day
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
18 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Paul Campion and Marnie Titheradge, River FM Ipswich
Subjects: Vietnam Veterans' Day, Veterans' affairs, Phone security, Housing affordability, Voice to Parliament, Constitutional alterations
Minister for Education Jason Clare
18 AUG: Transcript of Speech to the ALP National Conference, Brisbane
Subjects: Education system, TAFE, University, Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Skills, Economy, Funding gap, Education gaps, Indigenous Australians
Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton
18 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Rafael Epstein, ABC 774 Melbourne
Subjects: The Matildas, Women's participation in sport, Sporting infrastructure, Housing affordability, Voice to Parliament, The ABC, Media coverage
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
17 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Laura Tingle, ABC 7:30 Report
Subjects: ALP National Conference, National Cabinet, Housing affordability, Housing Australia Future Fund, AUKUS, Voice to Parliament
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
17 AUG: Transcript of Speech to the ALP National Conference, Brisbane - Working for Australia
Subjects: The Voice referendum, PBS, Medicare, TAFE, Employment, Wages, Robodebt, Equality, Achievements of the Federal Government
Treasurer Jim Chalmers
17 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky News Australia
Subjects: Unemployment rate, Housing, Cost of living, Stage three tax cuts, National Conference, Voice to Parliament, Inflation, Budget surplus
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen
17 AUG: Transcript of Address to the ALP National Conference, Brisbane
Subjects: Climate change, First Nations people, Voice to Parliament, Industrial and economic transformation, Investment, Electric vehicles, Industrial emissions
Member for Canberra Alicia Payne and Shadow Minister for Youth and Early Childhood Education Angie Bell
17 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Greg Jennett, ABC Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: ALP Conference, AUKUS, Bipartisan support, National security, Housing affordability, Cost of living, Voice to Parliament, The Matildas
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Susan Ley
17 AUG: Transcript of Speech to 60 Day Script Protest, St Andrews Square
Subjects: Pharmacists, Small business, 60 day dispensing, Medicines, COVID-19, Housing, Uluru Statement of the Heart, Workforce, Employment
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
16 AUG: Transcript of National Cabinet Press Conference, Brisbane
Subjects: National Cabinet, National Housing Accord, National Planning Reform Blueprint, Social Housing Accelerator, Housing Australia Future Fund, Voice to Parliament
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
16 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Andy Taylor and Esther Nicols, Triple M Hobart
Subjects: The Matildas, Female sport, National Cabinet meeting, Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, Cost of living crisis, Housing
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney and Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette D'Ath
16 AUG: Transcript of Press Conference, Brisbane
Subjects: Launch of First Action Plan and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan, Ending family domestic and sexual violence
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth
16 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Sabra Lane, ABC AM
Subjects: New action plans to end gender-based violence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan, Family and Domestic Violence Commission, Eliminating family violence
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth
16 AUG: Transcript of Interview with David Penberthy, FIVEaa Breakfast
Subjects: Two Action Plans to end gender-based violence, Ambitious reduction scheme to end intimate partner violence, Coercive control
Assistant Minister for Social Services Justine Elliot
16 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Michael Rowland, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: New action plans to end gender-based violence, Female victim homicide, Establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Men's Advisory Board
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot
16 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Nerelda Jacobs, 10 News
Subjects: New action plans to end gender-based violence, Gender equality, Domestic violence in First Nations communities, Female victim homicide
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King, Senator for Queensland Nita Green, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey
15 AUG: Transcript of Press Conference, Gordonvale
Subjects: Stage 3 Cairns southern access corridor, Qatar airways, Incident on board Malaysian Airlines flight, The Voice to Parliament, Train cost blowout
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler
15 AUG: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Adelaide
Subjects: First Nations health, Bulk billing, Rural and regional Australia, Sexual health services, Voice to Parliament referendum, Constitutional recognition, Reconciliation
Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton
15 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Neil Mitchell, Radio 3AW, Melbourne
Subjects: Malaysia Airlines flight scare, Sporting infrastructure, Female participation in sport, Public holiday, Nuclear power, Voice, Treaty, Truth proposal
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
14 AUG: Transcript of Speech at the Launch of Qantas Yes Livery, Sydney Airport
Subjects: Voice to Parliament referendum, Constitutional recognition, Reconciliation, Closing the Gap targets
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
14 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones, WSFM with Jonesy and Amanda
Subjects: The Matildas, Indigenous Voice to Parliament, Australian Constitution, Yes campaign, Closing the Gap
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
14 AUG: Transcript of Interview with James Valentine, ABC Sydney Breakfast
Subjects: Matildas, Voice to Parliament, Australian Electoral Commission, QANTAS, Yes campaign, Wentworth electorate, Closing the Gap
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
14 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Raf Epstein, ABC Melbourne Drive
Subjects: The Matildas, FIFA Women's World Cup, Indigenous Voice to Parliament, Housing Australia Future Fund
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeline King
14 AUG: Transcript of Address to The Australian Bush Summit, Perth
Subjects: Rural communities, Indigenous Australians, Culture, European settlement, Natural resources, National growth, Standard of living
Minister for Science and Industry Ed Husic
14 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Andrew Clennell, Afternoon Agenda, Sky News
Subjects: Artificial intelligence, National Reconstruction Fund, Petrol prices, Yes Campaign for the Voice, Matildas, Fed Govt national conference
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman
14 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Tom Connell, Sky News NewsDay
Subjects: Qantas, The Voice, National Conference, NSW Opposition Leader, Cronulla development plans, Public holiday, Matildas, FIFA Women's World Cup
Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell
13 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky News Sunday Agenda
Subjects: Matildas, EU trade deal, Voice to Parliament, Trade with China, Agriculture, Lifting of tariffs on barley
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Reports
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023-2025 - Under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032
Department of Social Services (DSS)
The Advisory Council has a vision that 'Our people no matter where they live, are culturally safe and strong, and live free from violence.' This vision extends into this Action Plan which is designed to be culturally informed, to address the current needs of the community, and to lay a strong foundation for long-term change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This 3-year Action Plan is fundamental to addressing Target 13 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap - By 2031, the rate of all forms of family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children is reduced by at least 50%, as progress towards zero.
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National Legal Assistance Partnership Review - Issues Paper
Independent Review of National Legal Assistance Partnership (NLAP)
This Issues Paper has been prepared to assist stakeholders to engage with the review of the National Legal Assistance Partnership (NLAP) and related matters (the Review). It draws on key documents, literature and data relating to the NLAP and performance of the legal assistance sector. This Issues Paper is intended to assist stakeholders to prepare submissions to the Review. It sets out key issues and questions. It is not intended to provide detailed analysis or positions on particular or general issues.
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Joint feedback on the Mineral Development Taskforce - Final Report dated December 2022
Central Land Council (CLC), Northern Land Council (NLC)
Traditional owners and Aboriginal communities located near mines are the Territorians most significantly impacted by negative aspects of mining. Yet the MDT Report inadequately represents their voices. These deficiencies must be rectified. This submission sets out a set of recommendations to address these issues. The NTG must work with Land Councils towards a common goal of sustainable and responsible mining practices that benefit the community, especially traditional owners and Aboriginal communities located near mines. Effective engagement aligns with the stated political narrative of responsible mining industry participants.
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Hansards
Queensland
10 AUG 2023: QLD ASSEMBLY ESTIMATES HANSARD: Community Support and Services Committee - Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships - Communities - Arts - Opening Statement
10 AUG 2023: QLD ASSEMBLY ESTIMATES HANSARD: Community Support and Services Committee - Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships - Communities - Arts
Victoria
17 AUG 2023: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Members Statements - Voice to Parliament
17 AUG 2023: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Members statements - Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation
16 AUG 2023: VIC ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - First Nations Housing Policy
15 AUG 2023: VIC COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice and Ministers Statements - Ministers Statements: Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
Western Australia
17 AUG 2023: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Aboriginal Heritage Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2023 - Regulations
17 AUG 2023: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act - Legal Advice
16 AUG 2023: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Aboriginal Heritage Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2023 - Implementation
15 AUG 2023: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Statement by Minister for Transport - Aboriginal Journey Ways Project
15 AUG 2023: WA COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions without Notice - Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act - Repeal
15 AUG 2023: WA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
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Court Cases
Federal
Dimer on behalf of the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Claim Group v State of Western Australia [2023] FCA 9
09 AUG: Catchwords: Native title - Application for joinder under s 84(5) of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (the Act)
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New Regulations
None this edition.
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
Federal
11 AUG 2023: GOVERNMENT NOTICES GAZETTE: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 - Notice of application for protection of a specified area, being the area known as Direl (Lake Tyrrell) - Invitation to make representations
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Consolidated Legislation
None this edition.
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New Bills
None this edition.
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New Acts
None this edition.
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