Queensland is to provide $9.3 million as its contribution to the implementation of the new national Closing the Gap agreement.
The Federal Government has announced it would provide $46.5 million over four years to build the capacity of the Indigenous community-controlled sector, to be matched by the State and Territories, based on their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
Queensland’s Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Craig Crawford said the initiative in building an effective community-controlled sector would be critical to improving life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“We know that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are involved in determining their own futures, we see positive results,” Mr Crawford said.
“The new national agreement on Closing the Gap will see State and Territory Governments commit to 16 targets that include reducing the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incarceration.”
He said the agreement doubled the number of targets set in 2008 and would see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play the lead role in decision-making.
“We stand ready to partner with communities and local leadership to work towards targets based on equality and fairness, as well as better life outcomes for all First Nations people,” Mr Crawford said.
“The agreement highlights the national efforts to improve whole-of-life outcomes for First Nations people and the push by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to improve education, housing, health and prevent domestic and family violence.”
Further information on the Closing the Gap agreement can be accessed at this PS News link.
