Media Release by Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone

Centrelink’s commitment to reconciliation

Centrelink has shown great support for Indigenous Australians with its Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation (see attached).

The Statement outlines Centrelink’s commitment to both its Indigenous customers and Indigenous employees.

By working in practical ways with Indigenous peoples and their communities, the Howard Government is dedicated to achieving improved economic and social outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Centrelink is committed to helping overcome the barriers that Indigenous Australians face in accessing government services.

Indigenous input into Centrelink services will be ensured by encouraging the active involvement of our Indigenous employees in shaping our future directions. Centrelink is proud to have 880 Indigenous staff.

To further our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Centrelink is developing an Indigenous Youth Strategy and Indigenous Servicing Strategy. These strategies will help influence policy processes and link service delivery innovation across Government for Indigenous customers and communities.

Centrelink’s commitment to reconciliation, combined with specialist Indigenous staff and a number of Indigenous specific strategies will help Indigenous communities around Australia.