The Closing the Gap Clearinghouse, a COAG initiative managed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Family Studies, analyses the effectiveness of the approaches taken, so that successes can be shared and lessons learnt. The Coordinator General for Remote Indigenous Services reports on the implementation of the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Service Delivery in 29 priority communities in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland, New Wales and South Australia. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework monitors progress in closing the gap in Indigenous Australians’ health outcomes, while for education outcomes annual reporting is carried out on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan 2010–14. Six-monthly reports are also made on deliverables and outcomes under the Northern Territory’s Stronger Futures package, including formal reporting by the Northern Territory Government on measures for which it is responsible. The path to reconciliation and recognition The National Apology delivered in the Australian Parliament on 13 February 2008 opened a new chapter in Australia’s push towards reconciliation. It was a moment when Australians stood as one to acknowledge the pain inflicted on Indigenous people and in particular, the Stolen Generations, by the policies of past governments. It was a moment when Australia looked to a future in which Indigenous people would enjoy a standard of living and opportunities comparable to the wider community. A moment which laid the foundations for what would become the Closing the Gap framework. The day when Australia’s Indigenous people are recognised in the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia will be another important step in Australia’s journey towards a more reconciled nation. As a step towards that, the Australian Parliament is considering a Bill for an Act of Recognition to recognise the unique and special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first people of Australia. The Government introduced a Bill into the Parliament in November last year to establish the Act of Recognition. With bipartisan support, the Parliament is set to pass the Bill in 2013. This Act of Recognition will provide an opportunity for Parliament to show its support and commitment to constitutional recognition of Australia’s Indigenous people. It will also help to raise awareness of the importance of constitutional change in the community. The Bill includes: A statement of recognition of the unique and special of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that largely reflects the wording suggested by the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A sunset date of two which sets a clear timeframe to build towards change and ensures the focus remains on the ultimate goal of constitutional recognition.
The Closing the Gap Clearinghouse, a COAG initiative managed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Family Studies, analyses the effectiveness of the approaches taken, so that successes can be shared and lessons learnt. The Coordinator General for Remote Indigenous Services reports on the implementation of the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Service Delivery in 29 priority communities in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland, New Wales and South Australia. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework monitors progress in closing the gap in Indigenous Australians’ health outcomes, while for education outcomes annual reporting is carried out on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan 2010–14. Six-monthly reports are also made on deliverables and outcomes under the Northern Territory’s Stronger Futures package, including formal reporting by the Northern Territory Government on measures for which it is responsible. The path to reconciliation and recognition The National Apology delivered in the Australian Parliament on 13 February 2008 opened a new chapter in Australia’s push towards reconciliation. It was a moment when Australians stood as one to acknowledge the pain inflicted on Indigenous people and in particular, the Stolen Generations, by the policies of past governments. It was a moment when Australia looked to a future in which Indigenous people would enjoy a standard of living and opportunities comparable to the wider community. A moment which laid the foundations for what would become the Closing the Gap framework. The day when Australia’s Indigenous people are recognised in the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia will be another important step in Australia’s journey towards a more reconciled nation. As a step towards that, the Australian Parliament is considering a Bill for an Act of Recognition to recognise the unique and special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first people of Australia. The Government introduced a Bill into the Parliament in November last year to establish the Act of Recognition. With bipartisan support, the Parliament is set to pass the Bill in 2013. This Act of Recognition will provide an opportunity for Parliament to show its support and commitment to constitutional recognition of Australia’s Indigenous people. It will also help to raise awareness of the importance of constitutional change in the community. The Bill includes: A statement of recognition of the unique and special of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that largely reflects the wording suggested by the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A sunset date of two which sets a clear timeframe to build towards change and ensures the focus remains on the ultimate goal of constitutional recognition.
00313_ctg_2013_02.docx