Published Monday, 30 June, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
NEW FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES COMMISSION READY TO BEGIN
State Cabinet today signed off on the appointment of 24 Local Commissioners to the Family Responsibilities Commission (FRC) – a vital part of the welfare reform trial.
The FRC begins operating tomorrow (July 1) under the experienced leadership of former Magistrate David Glasgow.
Today Cabinet has appointed six Local Commissioners for each of the four Cape York Indigenous communities – Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge - taking part in the four year welfare reform program. The Commission expects to begin holding its first conferences by August of this year.
“The Local Commissioners will be the backbone of the trial. The first attempt in our country to directly link the care and safety of children to welfare payments,” the Premier said.
“The Commission is a key element of the Welfare Reform Trial – a partnership between four Aboriginal communities on Cape York, the Australian Government, the Queensland Government and the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership.
“The 24 Indigenous Commissioners will work with David Glasgow to help families who need help.
“This trial is all about helping parents live up to the responsibility they have to keep their children safe, well fed, securely housed and educated.
“The FRC will meet in each community and work with families in the best interests of the children. In some cases, the FRC may direct family members to attend support services or direct that welfare payments be used in a particular way for the benefit of the children.
“This is a historic step forward for Queensland and its Indigenous communities and demonstrates my government’s determination to urgently improve the lives of Indigenous Queenslanders.
“It is not a quick fix. It is supported by a range of services, to help people beat the problems of grog, gambling and violence that are tearing communities apart. This is a step towards rebuilding families and making the children of these communities safer,” the Premier said.
Commissioner Glasgow said the community response had been positive and its new Local Commissioners had been appointed on the basis of skill and experience.
“The Local Commissioners are all people of high standing who are respected in their communities. They bring a wealth of local and legal knowledge and a track record of consultative experience and skill to what will be a challenging and complex role.
“The Family Responsibilities Commission acknowledges that there is no quick-fix, blanket solution which suits every community. Places, families and circumstances differ.
“The Local Commissioner’s role is not just to assess each situation, but to help people find long-term training and counseling so they can take back responsibility for their lives and for a better future of their children,” Mr Glasgow said.
The Local Commissioners are:
Aurukun: Edgar Kerindun, Vera Koometa, Doris Poonkamelya, Sarah Wolmby, Ada Woolla and Perry Yunkaporta.
Coen: Allan Creek, May Kepple, Elaine Liddy, Peter Peter, Gary Port and Nora Pratt.
Hope Vale: Desmond Bowen, Estelle Bowen, Brian Cobus, Victor Gibson, Doreen Hart and June Pearson.
Mossman Gorge: Melsa Adidi, Deborah Bamboo, Joyce Bamboo, Noelene Denman, Judy Shaun and Loretta Spratt.
Monday June 30, 2008
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
The FRC begins operating tomorrow (July 1) under the experienced leadership of former Magistrate David Glasgow.
Today Cabinet has appointed six Local Commissioners for each of the four Cape York Indigenous communities – Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge - taking part in the four year welfare reform program. The Commission expects to begin holding its first conferences by August of this year.
“The Local Commissioners will be the backbone of the trial. The first attempt in our country to directly link the care and safety of children to welfare payments,” the Premier said.
“The Commission is a key element of the Welfare Reform Trial – a partnership between four Aboriginal communities on Cape York, the Australian Government, the Queensland Government and the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership.
“The 24 Indigenous Commissioners will work with David Glasgow to help families who need help.
“This trial is all about helping parents live up to the responsibility they have to keep their children safe, well fed, securely housed and educated.
“The FRC will meet in each community and work with families in the best interests of the children. In some cases, the FRC may direct family members to attend support services or direct that welfare payments be used in a particular way for the benefit of the children.
“This is a historic step forward for Queensland and its Indigenous communities and demonstrates my government’s determination to urgently improve the lives of Indigenous Queenslanders.
“It is not a quick fix. It is supported by a range of services, to help people beat the problems of grog, gambling and violence that are tearing communities apart. This is a step towards rebuilding families and making the children of these communities safer,” the Premier said.
Commissioner Glasgow said the community response had been positive and its new Local Commissioners had been appointed on the basis of skill and experience.
“The Local Commissioners are all people of high standing who are respected in their communities. They bring a wealth of local and legal knowledge and a track record of consultative experience and skill to what will be a challenging and complex role.
“The Family Responsibilities Commission acknowledges that there is no quick-fix, blanket solution which suits every community. Places, families and circumstances differ.
“The Local Commissioner’s role is not just to assess each situation, but to help people find long-term training and counseling so they can take back responsibility for their lives and for a better future of their children,” Mr Glasgow said.
The Local Commissioners are:
Aurukun: Edgar Kerindun, Vera Koometa, Doris Poonkamelya, Sarah Wolmby, Ada Woolla and Perry Yunkaporta.
Coen: Allan Creek, May Kepple, Elaine Liddy, Peter Peter, Gary Port and Nora Pratt.
Hope Vale: Desmond Bowen, Estelle Bowen, Brian Cobus, Victor Gibson, Doreen Hart and June Pearson.
Mossman Gorge: Melsa Adidi, Deborah Bamboo, Joyce Bamboo, Noelene Denman, Judy Shaun and Loretta Spratt.
Monday June 30, 2008
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500