Published Wednesday, 27 June, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
AGREEMENT REACHED ON SUSTAINABLE REFORM IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
Queensland and the Northern Territory agreed tonight to roll-out a cross border education campaign in indigenous communities.
Premier Peter Beattie and Chief Minister Clare Martin said the campaign would target drug, alcohol and sexual abuse.
High profile indigenous role models such as footy legend Steve Renouf will be enlisted to help promote the program
“We are in this for the long haul and want to achieve real, sustainable reform in cooperation with our indigenous communities,” Mr Beattie said.
“Education is one of the keys if we are to achieve real, long-term reform.
“Through this new cross-border program we hope to provide a generational circuit breaker to protect and empower children and young people in indigenous communities.”
Mr Beattie and Ms Martin said a joint taskforce would be established immediately to put in place appropriate programs for delivery in Queensland and Northern Territory schools.
“Previously police officers and guidance officers have visited classrooms to lecture students and provide advice,” he said.
“However through this new initiative we will be providing schools and indigenous communities with the skills, support and resources necessary to educate children about these issues as part of the core curriculum.”
Key elements of the program will include:
• Development of a suite of materials to educate children about forms of abuse, their rights and pathways of referral and direct support;
• Training for teachers and Indigenous teacher aides/assistants, to ensure they are confident in using the materials and educating children and young people about alcohol, drug and child abuse; and
• Implementing diversionary measures empowering children and young people to make positive choices in relation to alcohol, personal relationships and health.
Ms Martin said both Governments had already put in place extensive programs and initiatives to tackle abuse in indigenous communities.
“We will build on the work already being done and work together to deliver the best models in each community,” Ms Martin said.
“Ensuring the safety and well being of our children is paramount.
“Through this initiative we want to empower this generation of indigenous children to make positive choices about their health and ensure they access to the support, resources and tools they need.”
A cross-border taskforce, including involvement from indigenous groups, will be established to implement the initiative.
Mr Beattie said he would be raising the initiative with Prime Minister John Howard at his meeting tomorrow.
“I will be seeking a funding commitment from the Commonwealth Government to help put this exciting initiative in place,” he said.
“I hope that with the Prime Minister’s support we can eventually roll this program out across the nation.”
27 June, 2007
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
Premier Peter Beattie and Chief Minister Clare Martin said the campaign would target drug, alcohol and sexual abuse.
High profile indigenous role models such as footy legend Steve Renouf will be enlisted to help promote the program
“We are in this for the long haul and want to achieve real, sustainable reform in cooperation with our indigenous communities,” Mr Beattie said.
“Education is one of the keys if we are to achieve real, long-term reform.
“Through this new cross-border program we hope to provide a generational circuit breaker to protect and empower children and young people in indigenous communities.”
Mr Beattie and Ms Martin said a joint taskforce would be established immediately to put in place appropriate programs for delivery in Queensland and Northern Territory schools.
“Previously police officers and guidance officers have visited classrooms to lecture students and provide advice,” he said.
“However through this new initiative we will be providing schools and indigenous communities with the skills, support and resources necessary to educate children about these issues as part of the core curriculum.”
Key elements of the program will include:
• Development of a suite of materials to educate children about forms of abuse, their rights and pathways of referral and direct support;
• Training for teachers and Indigenous teacher aides/assistants, to ensure they are confident in using the materials and educating children and young people about alcohol, drug and child abuse; and
• Implementing diversionary measures empowering children and young people to make positive choices in relation to alcohol, personal relationships and health.
Ms Martin said both Governments had already put in place extensive programs and initiatives to tackle abuse in indigenous communities.
“We will build on the work already being done and work together to deliver the best models in each community,” Ms Martin said.
“Ensuring the safety and well being of our children is paramount.
“Through this initiative we want to empower this generation of indigenous children to make positive choices about their health and ensure they access to the support, resources and tools they need.”
A cross-border taskforce, including involvement from indigenous groups, will be established to implement the initiative.
Mr Beattie said he would be raising the initiative with Prime Minister John Howard at his meeting tomorrow.
“I will be seeking a funding commitment from the Commonwealth Government to help put this exciting initiative in place,” he said.
“I hope that with the Prime Minister’s support we can eventually roll this program out across the nation.”
27 June, 2007
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500