The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to invest in First Nations people with over $74 million including new funding in this year’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships budget focused on strengthening culture and helping communities to thrive.
Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford said the State Budget continued to support the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
“When it comes to world-leading progress on reconciliation and equality for First Nations people, the Palaszczuk Government is committed to creating more jobs, better services and a great lifestyle for our Indigenous communities,” Mr Crawford said.
“In the 2022-23 State Budget, we are providing increased funding of $3.1 million over four years to implement initiatives agreed under the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Agreement on Closing the Gap to improve life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
“Funding of $3 million over the next two years will be invested to ensure the Office of the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Commissioner continues to legally recognise Torres Strait Islander traditional child rearing practice.
“This historic legislation and the office are the world first of their kind, and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting this important recognition of First Peoples’ cultural practice.”
Mr Crawford said the investment of $16.7 million over four years will continue to address land administration requirements and infrastructure planning in remote and regional communities, including more home ownership opportunities.
“We are also investing in employment and economic development in remote First Nations communities, with $1.9 million over two years to support locally led and designed economic development plans,” he said.
“In addition, the budget will provide a $1.5 million funding boost in 2022-23 to support First Nations communities with Alcohol Management Plans, through grants focused on addressing sly grog and homebrew and local programs and services.
Mr Crawford said this budget would help to ensure more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities had improved outcomes and opportunities for the future.
