Leading researcher appointed to QPC inquiry

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks of CQ University, has been appointed a part-time Commissioner to assist with the Queensland Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into service delivery in the state’s Indigenous communities. 

Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Curtis Pitt, said Prof Fredericks had extensive experience and understanding of the state’s Indigenous communities which would be invaluable to the inquiry. 

“Prof Fredericks will work with the QPC on the Inquiry and bring a wealth of knowledge regarding issues within Indigenous communities across Queensland and around the country,” Mr Pitt said. 

He said the inquiry, announced in September, would focus on service delivery in remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

“It will identify how available resources can be best used to support and improve outcomes for remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” Mr Pitt said. 

“The Queensland Government invests significantly in those communities to deliver programs and services such as child and family services, health, education and training, employment, housing, community safety, native title, and land management. 

“The government’s objective is to increase social and economic participation and achieve service outcomes that meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by ensuring that high quality services are delivered in a culturally capable, timely, affordable, efficient and effective manner. 

“The Inquiry will assist in determining if Government investment is achieving value for money and what changes are needed.” 

Mr Pitt said the QPC would be asked to undertake in-depth consultation with remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and other key stakeholders to inform the Inquiry. 

It is anticipated that consultation would start in early 2017 with the QPC due to publish a draft report for consultation by 31 August 2017 and a final report to the government by 30 November 2017.

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks: 

Prof Fredericks is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance Chair in Indigenous Engagement with CQ University, Australia. 

She has worked in the education sector and the health care and human services sector for state and federal governments, as well as non-government organisations, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health services. She is a Board Member of the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) and the Central Queensland Region Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation. 

Prof Fredericks holds several distinguished roles in Indigenous research. She is a member of the Research Advisory Committee for the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and the National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network (NIRAKN). 

Her research has included a focus on the socio-psychological aspects of chronic disease, public health interventions and Indigenous women's health issues, along with training and education. 

Prof Fredericks has a history of leadership, and Indigenous leadership, at regional, state and national levels.

Media contact: 0447 316 432 / 0419 945 546