Future ACT government funding commitments with community groups and other service providers will include embedded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander criteria as part of an historic agreement signed by Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
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As part of the new partnership deal signed with ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body chair Rod Little on Thursday, all government directorates will engage with community events that celebrate and bring together Indigenous cultural identities and will seek to provide focussed and effective services to benefit their communities.
Prevention and early intervention responses in law and justice as well as family and children services are highlighted, along with holistic service delivery in culturally sensitive methods and educational opportunities for young people. The agreement also seeks to strengthen youth representation from Indigenous communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Minister Yvette Berry and the territory's public service chief Kathy Leigh also
The new agreement is the first signed between the ACT government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities living in Canberra.
"The agreement has come through hard work, consultation and advocacy," Ms Berry said.
"It is far more than ink on paper. The true value of this document is that it is alive, it has a clear intent, it has a shared commitment and a pathway to guide the way that we do things now and into the future."
Mr Little thanked former chief minister John Stanhope and Greens minister Shane Rattenbury for their commitments to Indigenous communities in the ACT.
"The elected body will work hard to ensure community priorities and our strategic directions are firmly aligned and embedded in this framework and we will be affirming with the community whether we are on track or not," he said.
"They will tell us whether they've been affected by it... We will also ensure through our hearings process confirmation of achievements and targets for the next bit of work to be done in this area."
Mr Little said the long process of drafting the agreement, which included extensive community consultation, meant "realistic, practical and equitable outcomes" could be achieved for Indigenous people in Canberra.
"Once we have the language right, once everyone is talking the same kind of language, then I think we are going to be arriving at our destination a lot quicker," he said.
"The commitment we made in June 2013 to establish this plan has carried through in its development and today's milestone is testament to the dedication of numerous people," Mr Barr said in a statement.
"As a government, we recognise and embrace the rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures alive in our city today and the importance of cultural identity and strong family ties to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."
