Page 669 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 20 May 1992
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incarceration which is significantly higher for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than that for the rest of the community. Secondly, with that conclusion in mind, the recommendations of the royal commission are, indeed, relevant to the ACT.
I would like to reiterate in the strongest terms, in conclusion, Madam Speaker, that a great many of the royal commission's findings were to do with the underlying causes of Aboriginal disadvantage that result in that relatively high rate of incarceration. While the nature of Aboriginal disadvantage in the ACT might be somewhat different from that found in other communities, my own discussions with community representatives have made it very clear that our Aboriginal community does in fact face significant disadvantage.
I would like to conclude, Madam Speaker, by saying that improving the lot and the prospects for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in our community does require the support of all parties in this chamber, and I certainly welcome that support. As a government we have taken, and will continue to take, action to empower these people and to give them control over the provision of the services that they require to attain equality and social justice, and in some areas, as members probably know, in responding to the royal commission's report we will need to legislate for reform.
I undertake to consult on these matters with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and, of course, with members of this chamber as well because I do value the support of other parties on this. I think it is support that is required if we are to advance the cause of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community.
I also take on board the very great need for improved data on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I am very pleased that the Commonwealth is committing funds to the Bureau of Statistics for that purpose. I will certainly be doing all that I can to ensure that, for the services that are provided by the ACT Government, that data is collected in as full and useful a manner as is possible, because that is clearly where we need to start on this task. I again thank members for their support.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
AUSTRALIAN HEALTH MINISTERS CONFERENCE
Ministerial Statement
Debate resumed from 13 May 1992, on motion by Mr Berry:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
MR HUMPHRIES (4.15): Madam Speaker, I want to make a very brief comment on the ministerial statement. We had a statement about the Minister's attendance at the ministerial conference on 14 April and there was reference in that statement to the Minister's discussions with his colleagues about the need for better funding arrangements. I think that the comments he made echo the comments made by the Chief Minister after the Premiers Conference about the need for a certainty of funding and improved arrangements for the States to know and expect what will come to them by way of annual handouts from the Commonwealth. That is a matter on which they would have some support from the Opposition.
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