Restoration of State Government Financial Aid funding (SGFA) will be on the agenda next week as leaders from Queensland’s Indigenous Councils gather in Cairns for the Indigenous Leaders Forum (ILF).
Earlier in the year, Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey said returning funding to pre-2012 levels would enable communities to move forward.
"Returning the funding to its former self is a step in the right direction in letting Indigenous councils get on with the business they need to do," Mr Lacey said.
SGFA funding is the main source of discretionary funds available to Indigenous councils. For councils which are significantly disadvantaged in their capacity to raise revenue, the decision to reduce funding by 10 to 20 percent in 2012 posed substantial problems for communities. These included a reduction in employment and a hindered ability to pursue economic development opportunities.
Also expected to be a key topic is the ‘next phase’ of the forum. LGAQ workforce strategy executive Tony Goode said the timing was right for a recalibration.
“The ILF has been evolving since its inception six years ago. Community challenges have also evolved. It’s an appropriate time to evaluate what the ILF can offer communities with an emphasis on showcasing achievements and sharing ideas,” Mr Goode said.
The ILF was established by the LGAQ at the request of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Council members to provide an opportunity for Queensland Indigenous elected members to come together, identify common concerns, prioritise common issues and identify remedial strategies and agree upon implementation initiatives.
Appropriate government ministers and dignitaries are invited to attend and engage in genuine conversations with the Indigenous leaders.