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
27 August
NT: Youth hubs delivering for Darwin's young people
The SHAK youth hub, located at Sanderson Middle School, has entered a new era with Anglicare NT in collaboration with CAAPS Aboriginal Corporation taking over service delivery from the Australian Red Cross earlier this month. Young people in Darwin have been visiting The SHAK since the 1980's with the Australian Red Cross managing the service for the past 20 years. NT Minister for Youth Lauren Moss said 'I would like to thank the Australian Red Cross for their dedication and hard work over the past 20 years, delivering a safe and successful service for young people and their families in Darwin.'
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24 August
Tackling cost of living with cheaper child care for Northern Territory families
The Government has delivered Cheaper Child Care for around 10,900 families across the Northern Territory, announced Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malindirri McCarthy and Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour. The increase to the Child Care subsidy is benefiting around 3,000 families in Lingiari - this is good for children, good for families and good for Australia. Families on a combined income of $80,000 or less, are now benefiting from an increase of the Child Care Subsidy rate to 90 per cent.
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23 August
NSW: High levels of food insecurity in NSW Aboriginal communities
Food insecurity in NSW Aboriginal communities is a far greater issue than previously realised, say the authors of a new report from the Sax Institute. Commissioned by Aboriginal Affairs NSW, the report presents the first quantitative data on the prevalence and severity of food insecurity among Aboriginal households in NSW. It is the result of a partnership with three Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS): Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation in outer-urban Sydney; Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation in Wagga Wagga in regional NSW; and the Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service in very remote Western NSW, as well as the Maranguka Community Hub also located in Bourke.
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Culture and Arts
25 August
Torres Strait languages and voices part of national conversations at PULiiMA Conference
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has supported a delegation of language leaders, traditional dancers and rangers from the region to attend the 8th PULiiMA Indigenous Languages and Technology Conference in Darwin. The biennial event is the only conference of its kind designed by First Nations people, for First Nations people. With more than 900 participants, 450 presenters and several major announcements, 2023 PULiiMA will be the largest gathering, since its inception in 2007. TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the importance of Torres Strait representation at PULiiMA was vital to the region's language preservation plans.
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24 August
First Nations Arts Corporation first time property owners thanks to generous grant funding
Celebrations are in full swing for the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance Aboriginal Corporation (SWFW), who officially opened their new headquarters on Gumbaynggirr land in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. Thanks to a major funding boost of over $2 million from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), SWFW have moved into their permanent base, where they will continue to promote artists and makers from the Worimi, Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr nations, which make up the SWFW region. The property spans over 550 square meters in Coffs Harbour's CBD.
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23 August
Putting words into action to safeguard Indigenous languages
The Australian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting First Nations languages with the release of Australia's Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032. The Plan was jointly launched by First Nations leaders on the Directions Group for the International Decade and Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, at the PULiiMA Indigenous Language and Technology Conference on Larrakia Country in Darwin. Titled Voices of Country, the Plan was developed in partnership between the Directions Group and the Australian Government, and will guide Australia's participation in the International Decade, said Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney.
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Education
25 August
NSW: Immersive scientific experience inspires First Nations students
First Nations secondary school students from across the country have been immersed in the world of science, and STEM-related study and careers, thanks to the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) DeadlyScience Pathways Program. WEHI has partnered with leading Indigenous not-for-profit, DeadlyScience, to foster the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientists, in the first partnership of its kind. DeadlyScience has grown to be Australia's leading Indigenous STEM charity, working with schools and community organisations across all states and territories.
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Employment
22 August
NT: Aboriginal Employment Program participants move into workplaces
The Northern Territory Government is strengthening our local workforce and providing employment pathways for Aboriginal Territorians. The specialised Aboriginal Employment Program, which currently has 17 participants, has been recently revamped to deliver training, skills development and employment opportunities, with the participants able to earn while they learn. NT Minister for Corporate and Digital Development, Ngaree Ah Kit said 'Bringing more Aboriginal people into the workplace and having that workplace more closely resemble the community's demographic is valuable for cross-cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion.' NT Minister for Public Employment, Paul Kirby said 'Our Government is developing a workforce that reflects the community it serves.'
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Health
24 August
An Indigenous Voice will help fight against endemic disease
Later this year Australians will get the chance to vote to change our Constitution to recognise the place of First Nations Australians, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler. 'It's a chance to unify the country. As Health Minister, I can't think of an area of policy where that voice will be more important and more valuable than in health. With the best of intentions and substantial investment from both sides of the parliament, the current approach simply isn't working. Year after year, we hear the same reports of the yawning gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.'
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23 August
More support for first nations children and young people in Central Australia to get the best start in life
The Government's $18.4 million investment to support children in Central Australia with FASD, ADHD and autism is being rolled out and will help children get the best possible start in life. The funding will more than double the number of First Nations children with neurodevelopmental issues who can access assessments through the Child and Youth Assessment and Treatment Services (CYATS) Program, said Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Malarndirri Mccarthy, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney and Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour.
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Health workforce convened at Alice Springs summit
The Government has brought together health experts to discuss the unique challenges facing the health workforce across the Northern Territory. The Primary Health Care Workforce Summit is jointly hosted by the Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Malarndirri McCarthy and Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney, who were joined by key stakeholders from across the Territory on Wednesday 23 August. They will discuss the specific health workforce challenges in the NT, including staffing shortages which are exacerbated in rural and remote contexts, and by fly-in fly-out arrangements for many medical practitioners.
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Housing
None this edition.
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Justice
None this edition.
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Land and Native Title
25 August
New funding for renewable energy in First Nations communities
On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has opened the Regional Microgrids Program, with $125 million in funding allocated to develop and deploy microgrid technologies across regional and remote communities. The new Program will allocate $75 million for microgrid projects in First Nations communities. Electricity provision in remote First Nations communities is often heavily reliant on diesel which is unreliable, expensive and emissions intensive. The First Nations Community Microgrids Stream aims to deliver cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy and empower First Nations communities to participate in their electricity supply arrangements and the development of energy infrastructure.
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Reconciliation
26 August
WA: The Nationals WA do not support Federal Voice
The Nationals WA announced they do not support the constitutional amendment as proposed by the Federal Government for the 2023 'Voice' referendum. Leader of the Nationals WA Shane Love said The Nationals WA Annual State Conference, held in the Swan Valley, considered the upcoming Referendum and resolved the risk to our constitution was too great and the questions too many. 'The National Party of Australia does not trust the Labor Party to get this right,' Mr Love said
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Transcripts
Minister for Government Services and NDIS Bill Shorten
27 AUG: Transcript of Speech at the Melbourne Town Hall
Subjects: Launch of Michael Long's Long Walk, Voice to Parliament referendum, Constitutional recognition, Reconciliation, First Nations people
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt
25 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Danica De Giorgio, Sky News First Edition
Subjects: Scare campaigns, Bushfire preparedness, Emergency management, Voice to Parliament referendum, Constitutional recognition, Reconciliation
Minister for Education Jason Clare, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley
25 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Natalie Barr, Sunrise Forum
Subjects: Australian Electoral Commission Referendum ballot requirements, Voice to Parliament referendum, Constitutional recognition, Reconciliation
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
24 AUG: Transcript of Speech at the opening of Bondi Pavillion, Sydney
Subjects: Bondi community, Aboriginal language, National treasure, Pavilion restoration, Lifeguard Tower refurbishment, Bondi Lifeguard Facility Upgrade
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
24 AUG: Transcript of Speech to the Business Council of Australia Annual Dinner, Sydney
Subjects: Constitutional Recognition, Indigenous affairs, BCA newly appointed CEO, Shifting Australia's economy, Clean energy, Seize the Moment report
Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney
24 AUG: Transcript of Press Conference, Alice Springs
Subjects: Funding to expand assessments for children and young people in Central Australia with FASD, ADHD & autism, Voice referendum, Improving lives
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke
24 AUG: Transcript of Speech at the Launch of Creative Australia
Subjects: Arts, Culture, Creators of Australia, Creative Australia, Music Australia, Revive, Creative Workplaces, First Nations work, Media Alliance
Treasurer Jim Chalmers
24 AUG: Transcript of Speech at National Press Club, We Can Own the Future
Subjects: Renewable energy technology, Intergenerational report, 40 years of opportunities, Indigenous history, Voice referendum, Mura gadi, Cost-of-living crisis
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh, Shadow Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie
24 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Gary Adshead, 6PR Radio Perth Mornings
Subjects: Invictus games, Pollie Pedal, Voice to Parliament referendum, Defence and sailor's dispute, Charities, Australian Electoral Commission
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Pat Conroy
24 AUG: Transcript of Speech at Regional Capitals Alliance of Western Australia Lunch and Forum, City of Vincent
Subjects: Regional infrastructure, Sealing the Tanami Road, $565 million to upgrade port facilities in the Pilbara
Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton
24 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Ray Hadley, Radio 2GB-4BC
Subjects: AEC referendum ballot requirements, Voice referendum, Truth proposal, Nuclear power, Energy policy, Cost-of-living pressures, Broken promise on a $275 power bill cut
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor
24 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Lisa Millar, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Intergenerational Report, Cost of living, Tax reform, Indigenous Voice to Parliament, Indigenous affairs, Constitutional reform
Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek
23 AUG: Transcript of Press Conference, Adelaide
Subjects: Murray-Darling Basin Plan, Voice to Parliament, Water recovery, Water buybacks, Infrastructure, Cost of living, Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt
23 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Andy Park, ABC RN Drive
Subjects: Murray-Darling Basin Plan, Climate change, AFAC Seasonal Outlook, Bushfire preparedness, The Voice, Indigenous affairs, Constitutional affairs
Minister for Education Jason Clare
23 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Thomas Oriti, ABC News Radio
Subjects: NAPLAN 2023 results, Education system, Indigenous education, Education standards, Gonski reforms, Kids from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds, Reallocation
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh
23 AUG: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Perth
Subjects: Invictus Australia, The Voice referendum, Yes campaign, Veterans' affairs, Soldier On, Women's sport, Cost of living pressures, Australian Constitution
Productivity Commission
23 AUG: Transcript of Chair, Michael Brennan's Speech to the National Press Club Address, Canberra - Reflections on Productivity, Public Policy, and Challenges Associated with Closing the Gap
Subjects: Economic progress
Shadow Minister for Communications David Coleman
23 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Tom Elliott, 3AW Drive
Subjects: Misinformation Bill, Commonwealth Games, Voice referendum material, Uluru Statement of the Heart, Facebook censorship, COVID-19 hotel quarantines
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek
22 AUG: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Sydney
Subjects: Pat Farmer's run for the Voice, Voice to Parliament, Constitutional recognition, Yes campaign, Referendum, First Nations people, Uluru Statement from the Heart
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
22 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Sammy J, ABC Melbourne Breakfast
Subjects: The Matildas, Play Our Way, Voice to Parliament, Run For The Voice, Intergenerational report, Women in sport, First Nations people
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
22 AUG: Transcript of Address to the United Services Union Conference, Western Sydney Conference Centre
Subjects: The Voice, Constitutional Recognition, Indigenous affairs, Union movement, Australian Public Service
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong
22 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Sarah Ferguson, ABC 7.30
Subjects: Visit to Vietnam, Asia Pacific, British engagement in the region, Cheng Lei, China, The Voice to Parliament, Indigenous affairs
Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek
22 AUG: Transcript of Press Conference, Sydney
Subjects: Murray-Darling Basin Plan, Economy, Drought, Climate change, Agriculture, Economic downturn in China, Water buybacks, El Nino, Indigenous perspectives
Minister for Northern Australia and Resources Madeline King
22 AUG: Transcript of Speech to the Kwinana Major Projects Conference, Fremantle
Subjects: Voice to Parliament referendum, Kwinana industrial area, Grain exports, Mining exports, Electricity provisions, International trade
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Emergency Management Murray Watt
22 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Raf Epstein, ABC Melbourne Drive
Subjects: The Voice, Indigenous affairs, Constitutional reform, No campaign, Bushfire preparedness, Natural disasters, Climate change
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
21 AUG: Transcript of Speech to the Arnold Bloch Leibler 70th Anniversary, Melbourne
Subjects: Reconciliation Action Plan, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Voice to Parliament, Closing the Gap, Contracts, Commerce
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus
21 AUG: Opinion Piece, first published in the West Australian - Voice isn't about heritage laws, land use or parking tickets
Subjects: Voice to Parliament, Constitution, No campaign, Heritage laws
Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness Micheal Sukkar
21 AUG: Transcript of Interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky News Afternoon Agenda
Subjects: Help to buy, Housing market, ALP national conference, Petrol prices, The Voice, Intergenerational report, Home equity scheme
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong
20 AUG: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Adelaide
Subjects: FIFA Women's World Cup, The Matildas, Voice to Parliament, Constitutional recognition, No campaign, Referendum, Uluru Statement from the Heart
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Reports
Voices of Country - Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications & Arts, International Decade Of Indigenous Languages Directions Group
The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed the period 2022 to 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages to draw global attention to these languages and to mobilise action for their preservation, revitalisation and promotion. The International Decade is a key outcome of the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages. UNESCO is leading global efforts for the International Decade and has established a Global Task Force for Making a Decade of Action for Indigenous Languages, to ensure equitable participation of all stakeholders.
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Intergenerational Report 2023 - Australia's future to 2063
Treasury
Powerful forces will continue to shape Australia's economy over the coming decades including population ageing, expanded use of digital and data technology, climate change and the net zero transformation, rising demand for care and support services, and increased geopolitical risk and fragmentation. These forces will influence the future path and structure of our economy and change how Australians live, work, and engage with the world. By 2062-63, the economy is projected to be around two and a half times larger and incomes 50 per cent higher in real terms. However, like other advanced economies, Australia's economic growth is projected to be slower than in the past 40 years.
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Young people returning to sentenced youth justice supervision 2021-22
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
This report presents data on the number of young people released from a supervised youth justice sentence who then returned - that is, young people who received another supervised sentence after the end of their first, or index sentence. Supervised sentences include both community-based and detention sentences. The birth cohort analysis examines the proportion of young people born between 1990-91 and 2003-04 who returned to sentenced supervision after their first supervised sentence (that is, the rate of return), using their entire youth justice supervision history between ages 10-17.
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WA: Aboriginal Consumer Education Plan 12 Principles
WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS)
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WA: Western Australian Aboriginal Expenditure Review 2022-23
WA Department of Treasury
Western Australia's first Aboriginal Expenditure Review (AER) aims to provide transparent access to data to inform decision-making and ensure better outcomes for Aboriginal people. This is the first review of its kind in Western Australia and reflects the contribution of data from across 23 State Government agencies. The review delivers on Western Australia's commitment under the Closing the Gap (CTG) National Agreement to review and identify current spending on Aboriginal programs and services to identify reprioritisation opportunities to Aboriginal organisations.
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Hansards
New South Wales
24 AUG 2023: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Take Note - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice and Government Agencies
24 AUG 2023: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Take Note - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice and Government Agencies
24 AUG 2023: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Adjournment Debate - Intergenerational Report
23 AUG 2023: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Written Community Recognition Statements - La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council
23 AUG 2023: NSW ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Written Community Recognition Statements - Camden Tigers Indigenous Festival of Football
23 AUG 2023: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Adjournment Debate - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
23 AUG 2023: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Adjournment Debate - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
22 AUG 2023: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Take Note - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice and Government Spending - Waterloo South Redevelopment - Coal Industry
22 AUG 2023: NSW COUNCIL HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice and Government Spending
Queensland
23 AUG 2023: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Voice to Parliament
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
None this edition.
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
None this edition.
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Consolidated Legislation
None this edition.
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New Bills
Federal
Aboriginal Land Grant (Jervis Bay Territory) Amendment (Strengthening Land and Governance Provisions) Bill 2022 - Assent 21/8, Act No. 57
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New Acts
Federal
An Act to amend the Aboriginal Land Grant (Jervis Bay Territory) Act 1986, and for related purposes.
The Act will amend the Land Grant Act in four key areas:
- Facilitate home ownership style leases
- The Act will exempt certain leases granted by the Council (for a term of 40 years or more) from the application of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (RTA). This will help to facilitate registered members (and non-registered members under section 38(2)(d) of the Land Grant Act) voluntarily entering into a home ownership style lease with the Council.
- Strengthen local decision-making
- The Act will increase the payment amount at which the Council is required to seek approval from the Minister before entering into a contract, from $100,000 to $1 million.
- Improve the Council's governance and corporate operations
- The Act will:
- empower the executive committee to perform the full functions and powers of the Council (and to delegate some of those functions and powers);
- empower the registered members to remove the executive committee (as a whole) at a special general meeting (by a two thirds majority) and prescribe a process for electing a new executive committee at a special general meeting;
- introduce a fit and proper person test for executive members and prospective executive members;
- introduce standard provisions to declare vacant the seat of any executive member who misses three consecutive meetings without being on leave and without reasonable excuse;
- establish the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position, confer functions and powers on the CEO, and prescribe the CEO's role as being to administer the Council's affairs in accordance with general directions issued by the executive committee. The CEO will also be added to the accountable authority of the Council for the purposes of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 1999 (PGPA Act);
- alter the numbers required to constitute a quorum at a reconvened general meeting from 40 members to 10 per cent, and numbers required to sign a written request calling for a special general meeting from 20 members to 10 per cent;
- clarify processes and rules for the establishment of subcommittees of the Council;
- confer on the Registrar powers to administer and constitute part of the accountable authority of the Council in the event the membership removes the executive committee, call and oversee an election for a new executive committee, administer the fit and proper person test for executive candidates and members, and declare the position of Chairperson vacant if the Chairperson misses three consecutive executive committee meetings without being on leave and without reasonable excuse; and
- empower the Minister to remove an executive member from office if the executive member ceases to be a registered member
- Amend or remove outdated or unclear provisions
- The Act will:
- change the name of the Land Grant Act to the 'Aboriginal Land and Waters (Jervis Bay Territory) Act 1986';
- repeal subsection 9A(2) of the Land Grant Act, which requires the Council to enter into an agreement to lease with the Director of National Parks before land in the Booderee National Park can be declared as Aboriginal Land;
- provide that the Council serves the registered members and eligible children, rather than the Community more generally; and
- update the wording in relation to the term 'physical or mental incapacity' (of executive members) at paragraph 33(1)(b) of the Land Grant Act.
Reps: Intro 26/10/22, 2R 26/10/22, 29/11/22, Passed 29/11/22
Senate: Intro 30/11/22, 2R 30/11/22, 10/08/23, Passed (with 4 Government amendments) 10/08/23
Reps: Agreed to Senate's amendments 10/08/23
Assent 21/08/23, Act No. 57 of 2023
Commencement: The whole of this Act: The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.
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