RECEIVE UPDATESAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The ACT Greens believe:
1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia’s First Peoples – traditional owners of this country – and have a special cultural and spiritual relationship to it
2. recognition is due to the Ngun(n)awal people as traditional owners while acknowledging the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT
3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a right to self-determination in their own affairs and to participate in the political processes of the broader Australian community
4. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the right to equality with other Australians in life expectancy and quality of life
5. the understanding and respect shown towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by government bodies and the Australian people have a crucial impact on their capacity to achieve social equality and secure self-determination.
The ACT Greens want:
1. a legislative and regulatory framework that values the role, culture and input of the traditional owners of the land and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
2. recognition of, and respect for, the skills and knowledge of traditional owners and representatives of other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
3. greater representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in local politics and the processes of government
4. improved health, education, housing, employment and justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT
5. support for both mainstream services and targeted services to understand, respect and respond to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in all their diversity.
The ACT Greens support:
1. creating a treaty (or other binding form of agreement) to acknowledge and strengthen the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and provide a basis for their relationship with the ACT Government
2. working with local organisations that represent the interests of traditional owners and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to inform and influence ACT Government policies and programs
3. assessing the funding and reporting requirements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and community organisations, to achieve an appropriate balance between service delivery and acquittal and ensure adequate long-term investment
4. initiatives to enhance the provision of safety and justice services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including:
4.1. adequate and long-term funding for ACT Aboriginal Justice services
4.2. increasing the use and coordination of diversionary programs and non-custodial sentencing, where appropriate
4.3. training and remuneration for participants in the call-out roster of ‘Aboriginal Friends’ assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in custody
4.4. a dedicated ‘Official Visitor’ for peoples in custody in the ACT
5. maximising positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners and remandees in the Alexander Maconochie Centre by developing appropriate programs in consultation with representative organisations
6. enhancing health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through:
6.1. increasing investment in early intervention and health promotion programs, including recreation and cultural activities
6.2. sufficient resourcing for the full utilisation of sport, recreation and cultural facilities
6.3. a mentor program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers in public and community health services
6.4. expanding appropriate treatment options for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples affected by drug and alcohol use, including the development of a therapeutic rehabilitative facility
7. enhancing community support services that assist ATSI peoples to secure various housing and accommodation options
8. strategies to enhance educational opportunities and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including:
8.1. increasing resources for literacy and numeracy programs for children and adults
8.2. adequately resourcing ACT schools to respond to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, including Home–School Liaison Officers
8.3. consulting expert and stakeholder bodies on including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and culture in the school curriculum
9. strategies to enhance employment participation, training, retention and economic wellbeing among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including:
9.1. increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples working in the ACT Public Service, prioritising frontline service delivery agencies
9.2. increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traineeships and Graduate Program positions in the ACT Public Service
9.3. providing resources and support to community organisations to employ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
9.4. training and community programs that increase employment opportunities in the private sector
9.5. supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander small business and self-employment initiatives
10. consulting traditional owners on the care and management of nature parks and other public land in the ACT, and provide employment opportunities as rangers and other land management staff
11. mandating ATSI cultural awareness programs for members of the ACT Legislative Assembly and key sections of the ACT Public Service
12. promoting the understanding of, and respect for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through community education and information strategies.
