Page 1730 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 7 June 2022

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known, and the Labor government has been clear that it will prioritise the voice process in line with the Uluru Statement, I am hopeful that a focus on truth-telling and agreement-making will support and supplement the ACT government’s work in supporting the interest of First Nations Canberrans, which is, of course, also supported by the $20 million healing and reconciliation fund.

DR PATERSON: Minister, how will the new federal Labor government and the ACT government support jobs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans?

MS STEPHEN-SMITH: Thanks, Madam Speaker. And I thank Dr Paterson for the supplementary. Well Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public servants are an important part of both our ACT public service and the commonwealth public service here in Canberra. The work they do benefits our community and our nation.

Our public services can, and should, play a significant role in providing employment and economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans. The ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028 includes targets to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees across the ACT public service and increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in senior positions with the ACTPS.

The agreement’s first impact statement, tabled earlier this year, demonstrates that we are making positive progress in this area. The statement notes that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25 to 64 were 2.09 per cent of all people aged 25 to 64 employed in the ACT by the ACT public service and APS in 2021 and this is an increase from 1.9 per cent in 2018.

Clearly, there is more to be done in this space and that is why I am so pleased that the incoming Albanese Labor government has committed to a target to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment in the APS to 5 per cent by 2030. The Labor government has also pledged to do more work to address the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in the senior ranks of the Australian public service and acknowledgement that these staff are currently underrepresented in higher positions.

Full commitment to the Uluru Statement, renewed commitment to closing the gap and more local jobs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people right here in Canberra is what Canberrans have voted for, it is what Australia voted for, and that is what they will get from an Albanese Labor government.

Mr Barr: I ask that further questions be placed on the notice paper.

Supplementary answer to question without notice

Canberra Hospital—safety

MR GENTLEMAN: In relation to the question I took on notice from Ms Castley, on reflection, it would be inappropriate for me to provide commentary on the independent work of WorkSafe, including confirming or denying any inquiries that


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