The Opposition has called on the Minns Labor Government to provide greater transparency over the evolving asbestos contamination saga which has impacted schools, hospitals, transport hubs and other community sites.
Shadow Environment Minister Kellie Sloane says a central register, accessible to the public, should be provided by the EPA which lists all sites under investigation and the status of those investigations.
“The public has a right to know if playgrounds and public spaces in their suburbs are under investigation for asbestos contamination. The first time people hear about a contaminated site shouldn’t be when fences are going up or the media reports it.
“This register should inform the public in real time and give them the assurance to go about their daily lives. People deserve transparency while the regulators go about their important work of uncovering contaminated sites.”
Ms Sloane has also called for clear a minimum set of standards to be communicated with councils around practical public safety measures such as the urgency of fencing off contaminated sites.
“The drip-feeding of bad news needs to stop, and the Minns Labor Government needs to be clear with us the real extent of this issue and how it’s handling concerns about public health and safety.”
Month: February 2024
Planning minister fails to get his facts straight
“Representatives of the Minister offered me a briefing on the TOD SEPP “in lieu of” moving a call for papers in the Legislative Council on the rationale behind the Government’s selection of eight TOD accelerated precincts and the 31 TOD precincts. This is all in writing.”
“I proceeded to move a successful call for papers in Parliament, which evidently got under the Government’s skin, as communities across New South Wales want to ensure that the locations “have the capacity to support additional growth” as the Government has claimed.
“The only information that the Minns Labor Government has provided to the public on one of the largest rezonings in Australia’s history is a 12-page glossy document. This rezoning is due to come into place on 1 April with no opportunity for proper community consultation.”
“When it comes to council’s role in refusing developments in their area, the Minister, like Chris Minns, is wrong again.”
“Firstly, the questions to Chris Minns this morning related to the Government’s changes to create low and mid-rise housing, not even the TOD SEPP, so the Minister can’t even get his own policies right.”
“The Government’s Explanation of Intended Effect: Changes to create low-and mid-rise housing makes it clear that the Government will set “non-refusal standards”, which will “overrule LEP or DCP provisions”.
“This will mean that Councils will have no choice but to approve relevant residential flat buildings, manor houses, terraces and duplexes in areas where the Minns Labor Government makes them permissible, on the grounds of maximum building height, floor space ratio, minimum site area, minimum lot width, minimum car parking, tree canopy, deep soil and tree planting rates.”
“It’s no wonder that Chris Minns and Minister for Planning have Labor Mayors from Burwood to the Blue Mountains up in arms and Labor backbenchers starting to revolt against Government’s plans.”
“Rather than telling communities to “get out of the way” it’s time that the Government listened to what the Opposition has said from the beginning and work with local communities to set housing targets, allow communities to formulate their local controls, and if they refuse to do so that’s the appropriate time to impose local planning controls – not at the beginning.”
Cover up continues: Kerian Ash resignation
Following media reports of the resignation of Kieran Ash, a former Department Liaison Officer who was under active investigation for a possible breach of his employment obligations while working in Minister Haylen’s office, the NSW Opposition contends this matter is yet to be concluded.
Documents provided to Parliament last week show Mr Ash drafted and (from his ministerial office email) sent speeches to Ms Haylen’s personal email that contained pro-Labor political language that was critical of the previous Liberal Government and worked alongside the Premier’s office to design and distribute Labor Party political brochures.
Mr Ash as a public servant was forbidden from doing pro-Labor Party political activity while in Ms Haylen’s office.
When asked repeatedly about her knowledge and participation in the staffer-rorts scandal, Ms Haylen stated under oath:
“I understand that, but the work that I engaged with this relatively junior public servant on was policy based and was in line with his responsibilities as a public servant advising government on the areas that he was working on.”[1]
These documents show this was untrue, with the curious timing of Mr Ash’s resignation only 24 hours after the Opposition raised this matter in Parliament raises further questions.
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward commented:
“How many more people will be thrown under the bus to protect Minister Haylen.”
“The Minister first lost her chief of staff and now Mr Ash has resigned before the investigation could conclude – all key parts of this Government’s cover up.”
“The Parliamentary inquiry into this affair still needs to take place and it is the intention of the Opposition to call Minister Haylen, Mr Ash and Mr Gartrell among other witnesses.”
“I would expect the Government to support Mr Gartrell and Mr Ash as witnesses, considering they both have resigned under curious circumstances and are no longer public servants.”
Next steps on Closing the Gap: delivering remote jobs
The Albanese Government is announcing a new Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED) that will help close the gap in employment outcomes by creating 3,000 jobs in remote Australia.
This $707 million investment is the first step in delivering on our commitment to replace the failed Community Development Program (CDP) with real jobs, proper wages, and decent conditions.
The new Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, starting in the second half of this year, is about self-determination through economic and community development.
It will be implemented in partnership with First Nations people, build skills and experience, and deliver services that communities want.
The Albanese Labor Government is also announcing it will establish a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People to help achieve progress under the Closing the Gap agreement.
Indigenous children are almost eleven times more likely to be in out-of-home care than non-Indigenous children. The National Commissioner will focus on working with First Nations people on evidence based programs and policies to turn those figures around.
Establishing the National Commissioner is the result of extensive discussions with the peak body, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, which has been calling for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner for many years.
An interim Commissioner will be appointed mid-year and will work with the government and First Nations expert advisers to determine the powers, roles and functions of the National Commissioner, which will be established under legislation.
The Prime Minister will today hand down the 2023 Closing the Gap Annual Report and the 2024 Implementation Plan. The report assesses progress and commits to new initiatives focussed on improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Other key initiatives include:
- $30.2 million for Remote Training Hubs in up to seven remote locations in Central Australia.
- $10.7 million to continue funding for the Justice Policy Partnership, working to reduce incarceration rates.
- Community Wi-Fi services for around 20 remote communities so people can access government services, education and stay connected, with funding arrangements to be settled through commercial negotiations with NBN Co.
- $24 million to expand the Junior Rangers program to 50 sites to boost engagement and attendance rates of First Nations students.
Significant progress has also been made against commitments made in the 2023 Closing the Gap Implementation Plan:
- 183 people have enrolled in the Health Worker Traineeship Program as part of our commitment to funding 500 First Nations health workers.
- We are improving access to safe and reliable drinking water in the remote Northern Territory communities of Yuendumu and Milingimbi.
- We are delivering the Commonwealth’s $100 million investment for urgent repairs and maintenance to housing and essential infrastructure on Northern Territory Homelands – including Utopia, Paru and Rockhole.
- 157 houses are on track to be delivered months earlier than anticipated, easing severe overcrowding in remote Northern Territory communities.
- We are delivering on our landmark justice reinvestment package supporting communities to find local solutions to improve community safety and reduce incarceration rates.
- Over 14,000 First Nations students have enrolled in Fee-Free TAFE courses.
- Work is progressing to improve access to renal services in remote communities for people with end stage kidney disease.
- Applications are open for organisations to expand Indigenous Rangers by up to 1,000 jobs, as part of our plan to double the number of Rangers by 2030.
- Continuing to support the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation to employ 260 new workers in community controlled health organisations to deliver cancer treatments and other supports.
Over the next year, the Albanese Government will strengthen our relationship with the Coalition of the Peaks and work in partnership to design and implement programs that make a difference at the local level.
By backing self-determination and listening to locals and working with communities, we can make progress on Closing the Gap.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“The National Commissioner will be dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights, interests and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people, as well as calling on their strengths, sense of hope, and ideas for change.
“The Commissioner will address the unacceptable rates of out-of-home care. What it all comes down to is strengthening families and keeping children safe.
“It is what experts and the Coalition of the Peaks have been calling for, guided every step of the way by the evidence. We have listened.
“The Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program will deliver real jobs with proper wages and decent conditions, developed in partnership with Indigenous communities. These jobs will build skills and experience, and deliver services that communities want.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said:
“The new Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program is about fixing up the mess left by the Liberals failed CDP and putting communities in the driver’s seat to create local jobs and businesses.
“People in remote communities should have access to the benefits and dignity of work – for themselves, their families and the next generation.
“Establishing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner is about changing the trajectory and creating brighter futures for Indigenous children and young people.
“The status quo cannot continue and we are committed to making real change, strengthening families and getting better outcomes for Indigenous children and young people.”
Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Health Malarndirri McCarthy said:
“Our delivery of a proper jobs program in the bush will make a positive difference in the lives of Indigenous Australians and ensure they can fulfil their full potential regardless of where they live.
“As a former participant of a remote jobs program myself, I know all too well the importance that meaningful employment has on economic empowerment, health, happiness, and general wellbeing.
“Building on our significant delivery of better health, housing, education and employment services will help build stronger communities for all Australians and ensure more Indigenous Australians can live longer, healthier and happier lives.
“Every child deserves to live a healthy and happy life, and this is why it is critical we are working hand-in-hand with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, to ensure more kids can achieve their full potential in life.”
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said:
“Improving outcomes for First Nations communities, children and young people requires First Nations-led solutions and a National Commissioner will build on our important work under Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children.
“The Commissioner will improve accountability and advocate for systemic change, informed by the voices and experiences of First Nations children and young people.
“Systemic change takes time, and elevating the voices of First Nations children through this Commissioner, will further embed the partnership elements of the Priority Reforms.”
the Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said:
“All Australians have a right to education, training and employment. It is our responsibility to ensure that accessibility and quality is not limited to those living in larger, more developed parts of the country.
“This is an on-the-ground example of our Government’s commitment to ensure no one is left behind and no one is held back.”
the Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said:
“In 2024, access to reliable broadband is a critical part of everyday life. It’s how we stay connected with loved ones, run businesses, and engage with essential services.
“That’s why reliable connectivity is essential to closing the gap.
“These free Wi-Fi services in remote First Nations communities will support communities to get online and experience the transformational benefits of broadband.”
NEGATIVE GEARING, CGT DISCOUNTS IN HELP TO BUY FIRING LINE AS GREENS SAY SYSTEM STACKED AGAINST RENTERS AND FIRST HOME BUYERS
The Greens will demand significant changes to Negative Gearing and the Capital Gains Tax Discount in negotiations on the government’s ‘Help to Buy’ bill currently before the Parliament, saying that Labor’s ‘housing lottery’ will only push up house prices, while failing to help 99.8% of eligible renters and first home buyers.
Labor’s Help to Buy scheme would only support a capped 0.2% of eligible home buyers each year. Economists say that similar schemes have inflated house prices, asking prices have risen 12% since Labor came to power in 2022 and 85% over the last decade according to SQM Research.
To stop pushing up house prices and make homes affordable for first home buyers the Greens say that Labor must limit Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax handouts and redirect the saved revenue to public housing to win the Greens’ support for the scheme.
The Greens will also continue to push for a rent freeze and a cap on rents in the negotiations.
With rents continuing to rise rapidly and rental inflation likely to hit another record this year, the Greens say 2024 will be the year of the renter and that handouts to property investors must be wound back.
Tax handouts for property investors, including negative gearing and CGT discounts will cost the Budget $39b in forgone revenue.
The Help to Buy Bill 2023 will be debated in the House this week, the Senate Economics Legislation Committee inquiry into the bill is due to report on April 16.
Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens said:
“The system is stacked against renters and first home buyers, and Labor’s answer is a housing lottery for a lucky few and higher rents and house prices for everyone else.
“In negotiations with the government over the Help To Buy legislation we’ll push Labor to end the tax handouts for big property investors, freeze rents and build public housing to help renters and first home buyers.”
Max Chandler-Mather, Greens spokesperson for housing and homelessness said:
“You shouldn’t have to win a lottery to have a secure home.
“The rental crisis is breaking people. This hard-to-get scheme will push house prices up for 99.8% of renters and first home buyers and make it even less affordable than it is now.
“The system is stacked against renters and first home buyers. Tax handouts for big property investors, like negative gearing, make it easier for a big property investor to buy their 7th property than for a first home buyer to buy their first home.
“Pressure works. Labor changed their position on Stage 3 tax cuts and now they need to change their position on negative gearing and capital gains tax.
“Property prices and rents are growing way faster than wages, putting home ownership even further out of reach for millions of people, and we can’t fix this until the government stops handing out billions of dollars in tax concessions to big property investors.
“We need to make house prices and rents cheaper, and we can do that by freezing rents, phasing out negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts and investing that money in public housing instead.
“The Greens will not stop fighting for renters and if Labor ignores us they will lose at the ballot box.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH IN WORST SHAPE EVER BECAUSE OF CLIMATE AND HOUSING CRISES
New data from the 2021 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia report has shown youth mental health at the worst since tracking began — with the prevalence of psychological distress among people under 35 doubling in a decade to nearly 40%.
It might be tempting to attribute this sharp deterioration to the COVID-19 pandemic and young people missing out on many of the formative social experiences older generations had as young adults.
But these trends started well before the pandemic, and show a generation shaped by constant disappointment with political leaders failing to take meaningful action on the crises they face.
The uptick in loneliness and psychological distress and decline in long-term relationships point to the same root causes — young people feel disconnected, alienated and insecure in their work, relationships and home life.
The Australian Greens have a fully costed plan to tackle the mental health crisis in Australia by making mental healthcare free and unlimited for everyone who needs it as part of Medicare.
Stephen Bates MP, Australian Greens Youth Spokesperson said:
Young people — and now people well into their careers or older — are stuck in cycles of insecure work, paying too much rent in poor conditions, without enough disposable income to do the fun and formative experiences young people deserve. Then, if you’re lucky enough to escape out, you’re just stuck with a mortgage you can barely pay and facing down the prospect of raising a family you can’t afford.
We need to meet young people where they are at and talk about the reality they’re facing — a cooked economy, a worsening climate, a housing crisis, piling debt..
Youth mental health won’t be solved with some fancy meditation app or banning phones in schools.
Young people deserve hope for the future — but right now they’re staring down the barrel of a life that’s more expensive, more precarious and ravaged by climate change.
If young people can barely afford a roof over their heads and food on the table, what chance is there for them to have the hundreds of dollars it costs to get a mental health care plan and pay the gap on a therapy session.
Governments at all levels need to start making the hard choices needed to take the cost of living, housing and climate crises seriously. These are all the same crisis. The crisis of capitalism. And either that system breaks, or a whole generation will.
Prime Minister MIA on Red Sea response
The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) have today confirmed that Prime Minister Albanese had no involvement in the decision for Australia to not send a warship to the Red Sea, nor was a National Security Committee of Cabinet meeting called to resolve Australia’s response to the request.
On multiple occasions PM&C deflected questions to the Department of Defence citing they had no oversight of the request made by the United States, stating “It was a decision by the Defence Minister.”
With 12 per cent of the world’s trade passing through the Red Sea this is an embarrassing revelation for Australia to have refused a request of our allies without it even passing the Prime Minister’s desk.
It is both remarkable and negligent that the Albanese Government seemingly couldn’t even be bothered to call a National Security Committee to discuss this request from the United States, especially given the woefully inadequate response provided by the Albanese Government.
PM&C officials confirmed that the Prime Minister’s Office was advised of the request from the US, yet no action was taken or requested by Mr Albanese – his department heard nothing but crickets.
Prime Minister Albanese’s missing in action response to matters of national security are a stark reminder of his inability or unwillingness to stand up Australia’s national interests, including in other matters such as the HMAS Toowoomba incident.
City of Newcastle kicks off multimillion-dollar investment into playgrounds
Construction will begin on the upgrade or replacement of five playgrounds across Newcastle in the coming weeks as part of a $4 million investment into enhanced recreation spaces for the community.
This will include the creation of a new inclusive playspace at Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park, delivering a significant element of City of Newcastle’s (CN) adopted Masterplan for the much-loved precinct.
Work will also begin on the replacement of local playgrounds at Adamstown Park, Rawson Park in Stockton and Waratah’s Coolamin Road Reserve as part of CN’s annual playground renewal program, while Islington Park playground will have its softfall upgraded.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the projects would deliver enhanced and accessible playspaces for children across the city.
“City of Newcastle is committed to delivering quality playgrounds and green spaces across Newcastle for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The improvements to these playgrounds are designed to consider how users of all abilities can enjoy them.
“They’ll include more accessible features such as carousels, bridges and pathways, with various pieces of equipment that will be suitable for everyone, including those with limited mobility.
“At Gregson Park construction will take place with minimal disruption to the use of the rest of the park, and weather permitting the new playground will be open to the public by October, while the smaller local playgrounds are expected to be completed by the end of May.”
Councillor Carol Duncan, who is also the Chair of the Community and Culture Advisory Committee, said the new playspace at Gregson Park was identified as a high priority action in the Masterplan, which was adopted in 2021.
“This much-loved public asset plays an important role in providing open space and recreation opportunities in Hamilton, as well as respecting the heritage significance of the area,” Cr Duncan said.
“The inclusive playspace will have a native garden, nature play, trampolines, a balance obstacle course, sandpit with sand and water play, and importantly Maddie’s Bench will be retained.
“The existing toilet facilities at Gregson Park will also be upgraded and expanded and will include disabled access.”
The Adamstown Park playground is being relocated, upgraded and expanded as part of City of Newcastle’s staged implementation of the newly adopted Adamstown Park Masterplan.
An access path from Glebe Road and sheltered picnic tables next to the playground will be included in the finished project.
Rawson Park playground at Stockton and Coolamin Road Reserve playground at Waratah are both being replaced with a new design that complements the current site, with new additions to cater for younger and older children.
The softfall material at Islington Park playground will be replaced to ensure it’s safe for the community to use for years to come.
Seven train stations to be upgraded as part of NSW Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport Plan
The NSW Government is today announcing seven new stations will receive upgrades as part of an $800 million election commitment to accelerate accessibility upgrades at stations across NSW.
Thousands of commuters will benefit from the rollout of the program designed to make public transport safer and more accessible, particularly for vulnerable members of the community.
The 136-year-old Macquarie Fields Station is one of seven new stations in line for an upgrade. The station has never been fully accessible, with the City-bound Platform 1 only accessible via stairs.
More than 10,000 passengers travel through the station every week and the community is home to 2,000 people aged over 60, many of whom have been campaigning for lifts for over 8 years. Their campaign was ignored by the previous NSW Liberal Government who invested in lesser-used stations like Hawkesbury River Station first, which sees only a quarter of the weekly passenger numbers.
Upgrades to Macquarie Fields Station will include a new footbridge with lifts, stairs, a covered walkway to the platforms, a new family accessible toilet, improved lighting and CCTV. There will be six accessible parking spaces, two new accessible drop-off spaces and a relocated bus stop on Railway Parade. Access to the station will be improved with a new pedestrian crossing and signage.
Having completed early stakeholder engagement with vulnerable members of the community, Transport for NSW will undertake targeted stakeholder engagement over the coming months. The community will be invited to have their say on the draft concept design toward the end of the year.
Major construction is expected to begin in late 2024, following the development of planning approval documentation, with work taking around 18 months to complete.
Other stations include:
- Moss Vale
- Lewisham
- Griffith
- Bardwell Park
- Chester Hill
- Queanbeyan
The $800.7 million program is a combination of the old Transport Accessibility Program, the Commuter Carpark Program, and the additional $300 million Labor committed at the 2023 election.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“In 2024, it’s not acceptable that a person in a wheelchair or a parent with a pram can’t access a station in NSW.
“We committed to upgrading train stations to make them more accessible, safe and secure for the people who need them the most, and that is what we are delivering.”
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:
“Macquarie Fields Station dates back to 1888 and has long been in need of a facelift. I’m thrilled that the NSW Government is able to deliver this and give the local community the transport interchange they deserve.”
“We know the community has been advocating for these improvements for a long time and they will soon have the opportunity to have their say on this much-needed project.”
“Transport hubs should be safe and welcoming places for everyone. That’s why the NSW Government is committing $300 million to the new Safe Accessible
Transport Program, to make sure our public transport is as safe and inclusive as possible.”
Disability Inclusion Minister Kate Washington said:
“A big focus for our Government is investing in disability access improvements where they’re urgently needed. The Macquarie Fields community should not have been left with such an inaccessible station for so long.
“The lifts, accessible parking and toilets will open up new opportunities for people with disability, parents with prams, and anyone with mobility issues.”
“It is fantastic that the majority of the T1 North Shore line is now fully accessible, however the previous Government’s investment should have been fairly spread across the State.
“We’re now playing an important game of catch-up across the state, but everyone will be all the better for it.
Member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong MP said:
“We have a very diverse community, with many young families and carers with prams, people with disabilities, the elderly, women and girls – to whom this station upgrade is going to mean a world of difference.”
“There will be some disruption during the construction phase, however it’s short-term pain for long-term gain – as we know this upgrade will deliver a safer, more accessible and more inclusive station.”
New partnership agreement to close the gap in NSW
NSW has become the latest jurisdiction to sign a state-based Closing the Gap partnership agreement to help improve Aboriginal health, education and social outcomes.
The agreement has been signed by NSW Premier Chris Minns, the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO) and Local Government NSW.
The partnership represents the next step following the Closing the Gap national agreement signed in 2020.
That deal was signed by then-prime minister Scott Morrison, then-premier Gladys Berejiklian, state and territory first ministers, the Australian Local Government Association and the Coalition of Peaks, representing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled service sector.
The 2020 national agreement shared responsibility and decision making with representatives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, following years of traditional government-led approaches not achieving the right results.
The NSW Partnership Agreement addresses the first reform priority in the Closing the Gap national agreement – the establishment of formal partnerships and shared decision-making.
The Productivity Commission’s Closing the Gap review, released last week, observes that progress on this commitment has largely been weak and has reflected a business-as-usual approach.
Today’s state-based agreement reaffirms the resolute commitment of NSW CAPO, the NSW Government and Local Government NSW to work together on Closing the Gap in full and genuine partnership to achieve better life outcomes for Aboriginal people.
Today’s Partnership Agreement builds on 2 NSW-specific Closing the Gap Implementation Plans.
NSW is the second jurisdiction after South Australia to formalise a state-based partnership under Closing the Gap, and the first to involve local government.
It reflects that local government can play an essential role in the concerted effort towards Closing the Gap in a range of areas including health, education, employment, and housing.
For more information on the NSW Government’s commitment, visit the Closing the Gap webpage.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“We know when Aboriginal people have a say on issues that affect them, we get better outcomes.
“That’s why all governments have signed up to the Closing the Gap National Agreement.
“This signing today is significant. NSW Government is now the second jurisdiction to develop its own state-based partnership agreement on Closing the Gap, and the only jurisdiction to involve Local Government representation.
“The agreement is a key outcome of our Closing the Gap work and is a significant step forward in how our government will work with Aboriginal community organisations in NSW.
“There continue to be unacceptable disparities in outcomes and opportunities for Aboriginal people and communities in NSW.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“NSW has signed up to the Closing the Gap targets because the status quo hasn’t been good enough for the 300,000-strong Aboriginal community in our state.
“This agreement demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal communities to deliver on our Closing the Gap targets and improve the lives of Aboriginal people living in NSW.
“We recognise that Aboriginal communities and organisations know what works best for them.
“Closing the Gap policies have the best outcomes when they are co-designed and implemented with Aboriginal communities.
“The gap that we seek to close has been created over many decades, and the solutions will take time and concerted effort.
“We will continue to work together to drive change in health, education, family support, justice, housing, land and waters, languages and digital inclusion to enhance the strength and resilience of Aboriginal people and communities across NSW.”
John Leha, Co-Chair of CAPO NSW said:
“The NSW Partnership Agreement marks a significant step in reaffirming our commitment to working collaboratively with government to deliver better outcomes for and with community.
“We acknowledge that we still have a long way to go in implementing the principles of shared decision-making, partnership and transformation across the public service, broadly.
“Achieving this level of partnership requires a sustained commitment to overhauling government processes around decisions relating to First Nations Peoples. The progress made across the last 3 years is indicative of what we can achieve with legitimate and ongoing engagement from all parties, and I look forward to continuing to break ground in this space.”
Cr Anne Dennis, Co-Chair of CAPO NSW said:
“We welcome the signing of the NSW Partnership Agreement and the renewed commitment of all parties in delivering outcomes for community in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“While this momentous occasion marks a positive step forward to effectively cultivate a partnership, the government must lead the transformation in driving the public service to overhaul processes and building genuine partnerships with First Nations Peoples and communities, on matters that affect them.
“This necessary shift in the balance of power will be crucial in ensuring that decision making processes are shared with and led by community.”
Cr Darriea Turley AM, President of Local Government NSW said:
“Local government has long been providing services and targeted opportunities for Aboriginal communities. Councils play an essential role in the concerted effort towards Closing the Gap in a range of areas including health, education, employment, housing, land and waters.
“The signing of this agreement will help councils work in partnership with other spheres of government and NSW CAPO, to support long lasting improvements in the lives of Aboriginal people in NSW.”