New coalition of Indigenous organisations will have positive benefits

The formation of a new coalition of Indigenous service delivery organisations is a timely and welcome move, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Warren Pitt said today.

Mr Pitt said he was confident the proposed representative body would contribute to improved policies and better levels and standards of service delivery for Indigenous people in Queensland.

“From the government’s point of view, this move is especially welcome. I believe it will strengthen the relationship between the government and Indigenous Queenslanders.

“It is timely, given the new direction that the Federal Government is taking on welfare reforms and the inter-related problems of alcohol abuse and child abuse and neglect.

“The formation of this new body will provide an additional capacity for structured consultation with Indigenous organisations involved in providing services for Indigenous communities.

“The initiative is also significant in that it is based on developing a greater partnership approach among and between Indigenous organisations.

“Partnerships are important across the board – at the government level, between the various arms and tiers of government, at the service provider level between the different provider bodies and groups, and also at the community level between the different Indigenous communities themselves.

“Then these different levels also need to be connected within an overall partnerships framework. Today’s initiative will contribute significantly to the development of that framework.

“Partnerships are a prerequisite for good policy, and good policy, together with funding and resources, shapes good service delivery.

“The formation of this new coalition will help ensure the Queensland Government has a clear and thorough understanding of the issues that matter most to Indigenous communities, and how to ensure service delivers are attuned to priorities and local needs,” Mr Pitt said.

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