Budget backs Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives

More than $11 million will be delivered in the 2018-19 State Budget to deliver positive initiatives identified by First Nations Queenslanders. 

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Jackie Trad said the funding would support programs across the state being delivered by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.

“This is a Budget for all Queenslanders and as both the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and the Treasurer I’m committed to genuinely listening and responding to the needs of First Nations Queenslanders,” Ms Trad said.

“Our investment supports key initiatives ranging from local health and wellbeing solutions in remote and discrete Indigenous communities, to statewide consultation as part of a process to recognise traditional Torres Strait Islander child rearing practices under Queensland law.

“We are progressing the Queensland Government’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2018-2021 from words to action by strengthening our partnerships with councils and communities to deliver better services and better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.”

Ms Trad said the whole-of-government plan emphasised the importance of positive relationships between Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Queenslanders.

“Our Reconciliation Action Plan will help advance reconciliation through respectful relationships and creating meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their families, and their communities,” she said.

“It is also about ensuring we as a government respect and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and contributions in our efforts to improve programs and services for First Nations Queenslanders.”

Key state budget investments include:

• $4 million to build Cape York Splash Parks in Pormpuraaw, Napranum and Mapoon to provide positive health and wellbeing opportunities. 
• $2.7 million over four years and $416,000 per annum ongoing to establish the Kowanyama Men’s Shed and Women’s Meeting Place. This will provide safe, designated spaces for community skill-building, recreational and health and wellbeing activities.
• $1 million over three years to engage with the community on how traditional Torres Strait Islander child rearing practices can be recognised in law. This includes engagement of eminent persons to assist with the consultation process to progress this important work.
   

Other significant projects for First Nations people include:

• Torres Shire Water Treatment Infrastructure Upgrade (DLGRMA) $12M
• Torres Strait and Palm Island Car Waste Metal Removal (DLGRMA) $5M
• Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council Growth and Jobs Initiative (DLGRMA) $1.1M
• Aurukun Restorative Justice Program (DJAG) $0.9M
• Aurukun Prisoner Reintegration Program (QCS) $0.5M
   

Ms Trad said the Queensland Government was partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to action recommendations outlined in the Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) report on service delivery in remote and discrete communities.

“The QPC report identifies what works well, and why, with a view to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said.

“Many of the recommendations align with work already underway across government and we will continue to co-design tailored solutions to meet community, service provider and government needs.”

Media contact: Clare Manton 0432 446 268