Budget focusses on the future of ATSI communities

Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Curtis Pitt, says the State Budget emphasises programs to broaden opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to participate in the state’s economic, social and cultural life.

Mr Pitt said an additional $20.2 million in funding for 2016-17 would help increase job and training opportunities for ATSI Queenslanders and help grow emerging Indigenous businesses.

“As Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships I know first-hand that many of our Indigenous communities feel left behind,” Mr Pitt said.

“I want to introduce new methods of service delivery – driven not by government but by the very communities they serve.

“The Palaszczuk Government will make sure Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have a real stake on their own futures, with $2 million towards setting up an Economic Participation Strategy.

“This will redefine the way we create jobs, and create growth, in Indigenous communities.

“The aim is to make sure that in a fairer Queensland, no area is forgotten,” Mr Pitt said.

Funding highlights include:

• $18.1 million over four years for the continuation and expanded role of the Remote Indigenous Land and Infrastructure Program Office in Cairns;

• $15.3 million over four years for the continuation of the Cape York Tenure Resolution Program;

• $1.3 million in 2016-17 for the From Jails to Jobs pilot to deliver life changing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders to ‘break the cycle’ of reoffending by gaining new skills and stable employment;

• $2.7 million over four years for an integrated response to domestic violence as part the Government’s response to the Not Now Not Ever Report.

Mr Pitt said the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships was working with the Queensland Resources Council to develop a pilot Jails to Jobs program to assist 30 ATSI offenders released from prison to enter the work force in mining and resources industries.

“The program aims to provide job training and readiness skills and to link offenders with industry partners to secure skilled jobs,” he said.

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