The first of two face-to-face meetings withAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Canberra will be held today todiscuss the development of a new National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The meetings provide an opportunity for the Coalitionof Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peaks and Australian Capital TerritoryGovernment to hear the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peopleabout what changes are needed to improve their lives.
Australian Capital Territory Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Chair,Katrina Fanning said we must ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communitiesin the ACT have their voices truly heard and understood.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peopleknow what works best for us. Closing the gap in life outcomes betweenAboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians can only beachieved if our experiences and views are recognised and reflected in policy,"Fanning said.
"We now have a seat at the table withgovernments to make shared decisions on closing the gap policies and programs, andit is important that Coalition of Peaks represent the voice of Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people in these discussions, so it is critical that wehear the views and experiences from different communities across Australia.
"The Coalition of Peaks will be leadingface-to-face meetings across every state and territory, including two here inthe Australian Capital Territory. We're looking forward to having the first ofthese two important discussions with communities in Canberra today"
Following today's engagement, the Coalition of Peaks will hold a second meeting in Canberra on October 28. The face-to-face discussions are part of a comprehensive set of community engagements, which also include Peak consultations with its own membership and an online survey, open until October 25.
— Ends —
