Minister for Indigenous Australians
The Commonwealth Minister for Indigenous Australians met with State and Territory Ministers responsible for Indigenous Affairs via videoconference on Monday, to discuss priorities and actions to improve outcomes for First Nations people.
Ministers acknowledged the recent appointments of Commonwealth Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and Northern Territory Minister Steven Edgington and wished outgoing Tasmanian Minister Roger Jaensch well.
Queensland and Australian Capital Territory Ministers did not attend the meeting due to elections in those jurisdictions.
Ministers affirmed their commitment to the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Agreement on Closing the Gap, and to working with the Coalition of Peaks partners to improve the lives of First Nations people.
Ministers noted the upcoming meeting of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap next month.
Minister McCarthy outlined work underway to implement the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program.
Ministers discussed the importance of a collaborative approach to Closing the Gap in remote employment and improving long-term economic and social development in communities.
Minister McCarthy also spoke about the establishment of a First Nations Children’s Commissioner to help address the high rates of First Nations youth incarcerated and First Nations children in out of home care.
Ministers discussed preparations for the upcoming extreme weather season and the potential impact on Indigenous communities, including progress developing the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities.
Ministers also provided updates on truth-telling and treaty arrangements in their respective jurisdictions.
