Delegation sets out to investigate way forward in Aurukun

Published Wednesday, 03 February, 2016 at 05:40 AM

Treasurer, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

A delegation of Ministers will today fly to Thursday Island and onto Aurukun tomorrow, tasked with reporting back to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on whole-of-government improvements that could be made to deliver better community outcomes.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt will lead the delegation including Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Bill Byrne and Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni.

“Aurukun faces many complex and pervasive challenges but as a Government we want to tackle this head on, certainly I know the community is keen to work with us on creating a brighter future for locals,” Mr Pitt said.

“I visited Aurukun in November just days after a man was charged with murder and we’ve seen periods of unrest through the summer.

“I committed to working with the community on ways we can help drive change for future generations and want to hear the ideas they’ve developed.”

Police Minister Bill Byrne said Aurukun was usually a peaceful town and said he looked forward to meet the officers who maintain the community’s safety.

“I take my hat off to the officers working, not just for their exemplary police work but for their proactive efforts to engage with locals and be part of the community in a meaningful and positive sense,” Mr Byrne said.

“When we’ve been required to fly additional officers into Aurukun they have done exceptional work in restoring law and order after those bouts of unrest.”

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said he was determined to see improvement in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“It is clear to me and many Queenslanders that our Indigenous and remote communities were often ignored or completely forgotten during the LNP years,” Mr de Brenni said.

“This is the first opportunity I’ve had to visit Torres Strait and Cape York communities as a Minister and I will continue to partner with locals to find innovative solutions that improve their homes and lives.”

The delegation will visit Thursday Island on February 3 and Aurukun on February 4.

 

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