Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Budget Statement 2019-20
The ACT Government is committed to delivering equitable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans. In February 2019, the Government signed up to a new partnership with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elected Body through the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028.
The Agreement is underpinned by the principle of self- determination and retains the overarching theme of strong families. The 2019-20 ACT Budget continues the Government’s investment against the priorities identified by the community through the Agreement.
We’re building on the strength of Canberra’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and investing in early intervention with more culturally appropriate services and initiatives to address the impacts of intergenerational disadvantage.
Through the 2019 Budget we will:
- Continue to implement the recommendations of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led, Our Booris, Our Way Review into the over¬representation and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families in out of home care.
- Respond to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community driven report, We Don’t Shoot Our Wounded, with funding from the Safer Families Levy to deliver specialised programs for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
- Implement the ACT Strategic Priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 2019-2028 in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, to close the gap and drive better health, well-being and quality of life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans.
- Partnering with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to co-design the development of a culturally appropriate residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT, to complement existing services, including the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm.
- Supporting more detainees onto new pathways after a custodial sentence, including by investing in a Justice Housing Program that will increase accommodation options for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans post release.
- Operational funding for the Warrumbul Circle Sentencing Court, enabling young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders to access culturally appropriate sentencing options.
These initiatives build on the Government’s recent investments and initiatives to build stronger families and a more connected community through:
- Restoring Boomanulla Oval as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community facility and sports oval. We will continue to work with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to return Boomanulla Oval to community control.
- Working with Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation and Curijo to deliver Functional Family Therapy and Family Group Conferencing, empowering families to address their challenges and keep their children safe at home.
- Establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy and Practice co-design forum to develop early support measures for families and children, developed and led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
- Partnering with Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services to deliver Australia’s first holistic and autonomous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health provider in a correctional environment.
- Delivering an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Procurement Policy to support the economic participation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community by removing barriers to participation in ACT Government procurement.
- Supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with a range of grant programs, including the New and Emerging Organisations (NEOs) Support Program.
By partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans, their organisations and representative bodies we will help build stronger families, boost economic development and support cultural integrity together.
Related
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Budget Statement 2019-20 1.89 MB