Published Monday, 12 February, 2007 at 08:04 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
PREMIER WELCOMES POSITIVE OUTCOME FROM TODAY’S MEETING WITH ABORIGINAL MAYORS.
Premier Peter Beattie said he had reached an agreement on a new approach to problems within remote Aboriginal communities during today’s meeting with the Mayors of Queensland’s Aboriginal Councils in Atherton.
“I want to thank the Mayors for attending the meeting and bringing positive practical ideas to the table,” Mr Beattie said.
“This afternoon is a step forward, with the State Government and the Councils agreeing to take positive action on vital areas including health, education, policing and justice.
“We will meet again towards the end of April to sign an agreement to formalise today’s decision.
“Our Aboriginal communities need better education, health and policing support and a co-operative, better co-ordinated approach will help deliver that,” Mr Beattie said.
“This generation of Aboriginal mayors are leaders, standing up for their communities and taking responsibility for improving the lives and opportunities of their residents,” Mr Beattie said.
The Director General of Premier and Cabinet and the Director General of Communities will negotiate the formal agreement with the Mayors of Bamaga Hope Vale and Yarrabah of behalf of all 19 Mayors.
The agreement will spell out Government support in key service areas.
“It will be the blueprint for the Queensland Government’s relationship with all Aboriginal communities,” Mr Beattie said.
“We’ve also agreed that the Council of Mayors will meet twice a year with the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Partnerships, Warren Pitt.
“These meetings will help ensure everyone continues their co-operation at the highest possible level.
“Today the Aboriginal Mayors have shown strong leadership.
“We will do all we can to support them in their efforts to lessen the terrible impact alcohol and violence are inflicting on some communities.
“Part of the solution is to ensure more Aboriginal people have access to jobs and we’ve agreed to work even harder to help communities generate long-term employment for their residents.
“There are no easy solutions to these entrenched and tragic problems but today should be a source of hope for everyone who wants to see Aboriginal people live long and healthy lives in functional communities,” Mr Beattie said.
Monday February 12, 2007
Media Information:
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
“I want to thank the Mayors for attending the meeting and bringing positive practical ideas to the table,” Mr Beattie said.
“This afternoon is a step forward, with the State Government and the Councils agreeing to take positive action on vital areas including health, education, policing and justice.
“We will meet again towards the end of April to sign an agreement to formalise today’s decision.
“Our Aboriginal communities need better education, health and policing support and a co-operative, better co-ordinated approach will help deliver that,” Mr Beattie said.
“This generation of Aboriginal mayors are leaders, standing up for their communities and taking responsibility for improving the lives and opportunities of their residents,” Mr Beattie said.
The Director General of Premier and Cabinet and the Director General of Communities will negotiate the formal agreement with the Mayors of Bamaga Hope Vale and Yarrabah of behalf of all 19 Mayors.
The agreement will spell out Government support in key service areas.
“It will be the blueprint for the Queensland Government’s relationship with all Aboriginal communities,” Mr Beattie said.
“We’ve also agreed that the Council of Mayors will meet twice a year with the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Partnerships, Warren Pitt.
“These meetings will help ensure everyone continues their co-operation at the highest possible level.
“Today the Aboriginal Mayors have shown strong leadership.
“We will do all we can to support them in their efforts to lessen the terrible impact alcohol and violence are inflicting on some communities.
“Part of the solution is to ensure more Aboriginal people have access to jobs and we’ve agreed to work even harder to help communities generate long-term employment for their residents.
“There are no easy solutions to these entrenched and tragic problems but today should be a source of hope for everyone who wants to see Aboriginal people live long and healthy lives in functional communities,” Mr Beattie said.
Monday February 12, 2007
Media Information:
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500