The Indigenous Leaders Forum has called for a stronger voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in policy formulation at both a state and federal level.
Mayors, councillors and CEOs of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils again called for consultation and progress on the future of Alcohol Management Plans (AMPs) in their communities.
Alcohol Management Plans in their current form were put on notice by the group, who agreed to lobby the State via the LGAQ to expunge criminal records associated with breaches of AMPs.
Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mark Furner has said he supports a collaborative approach to Alcohol Management Plans (AMPs).
Service delivery, water security and on-the-ground training for locals in mental health awareness and care were also high on the agenda at the two-day gathering.
Delegates from the state’s 17 Indigenous local governments also pledged to continue to advocate the federal government for a replacement for NPARIH funding, which is slated to end in June.
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council mayor Ross Andrews said the forum was a good vehicle to bring key issues directly to all levels of government and play an advocacy role for his community.
“Housing, employment and economic development are our priorities for Yarrabah,” Mr Andrews said.
The future of local leadership within Indigenous communities was also a cornerstone of discussion.
The youngest mayor in attendance, Pormpuraaw Mayor Ralph Kendall, said the Indigenous Leaders Forum had been a helpful opportunity to catch-up with more experienced councillors over the last few years.
Key outcomes
- The ILF agreed to continue to call for community input into AMPs and lobby to expunge criminal records associated with breaches of AMPs.
- Renewed agreement to call on Commonwealth Government to keep finding housing in remote Indigenous communities, with current funding slated to cease on June 30, 2018.
- A commitment to work to increase the number of Indigenous councils included in Stage 3 of Mobile Black Spot program.
- Full time mental health practitioners located in communities are needed.
- The future of waste management in Indigenous Queensland communities was also under the microscope