Brough outlines blueprint for action in Indigenous Affairs

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, today outlined the Government’s blueprint for action in Indigenous Affairs in an address for the Indigenous Governance Series hosted by the National Institute of Governance.

Second rate standards and second rate services can no longer be accepted for our first Australians.

Mr Brough said fundamental reform was necessary to ensure Indigenous Australians are able to lead independent lives and benefit from the economy in the same way as all other Australians.

“Sadly, too many Indigenous Australians are not leading independent lives or sharing in the opportunities and choices available to most other Australians and too many are trapped in an intergenerational cycle of dependency,” Mr Brough said.

“It is these circumstances that I am determined to address through reforms aimed at Indigenous Australians leading independent lives and benefiting from the economy in the same way as other Australians.

“The Government’s blueprint identifies three priority areas for special attention – early childhood intervention; safer communities; and building wealth, employment and entrepreneurial culture. It will link government action to geographic location in urban, remote and regional Australia.

“This blueprint is about building an economically sustainable future for Indigenous Australians.

“It is based on the principles of respecting culture, setting high standards and expectations focusing on individuals and families and improving access to services and opportunities. It is based on a partnership with other governments, local Indigenous people in the private sector and others.

“Importantly everyone should understand the principles that underpin the Government’s direction and the goals that we have set.”

A copy of the speech can be found at Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.