New council to represent Indigenous Queenslanders: Minister

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has today announced applications are open for members to sit on a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council.

“The new council will play a significant role in advising the Bligh Government on strategies and initiatives to better meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage,” she said.

“We are looking for 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to serve on the council for the next two years.

“Council members will provide advice on strategies and partnerships which contribute to meeting our national Closing the Gap Indigenous reform targets as well as the Bligh Government’s Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland ambitions and targets.”

Advisory Council members will be selected, based on a mix of gender, age and geographical location, as well as connections with urban, regional and remote communities across the State. The council, which will be chaired by the Minister, will provide a direct link between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Queensland Government.

“We will be looking for people who have strong community networks and are respected members of their communities,” said the Minister.

“Advisory Council members may be expert or knowledgeable in a number of fields such as economic development, culture, justice, reconciliation and the environment.”

Information about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council and the application process is available by telephoning 07 3836 0546, or going online at www.atsip.qld.gov.au or www.communities.qld.gov.au

Applications close on Friday, November 21, 2008.

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr's Office: 3235 4280