Media Alert – 14 November 2011
Response to new legislation replacing Northern Territory Emergency Response
Download a copy of Response to new legislation replacing Northern Territory Emergency Response
Reconciliation Australia is urging the Government to continue to work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to develop and deliver policies that are targeted at local needs.
While recognising the Government’s commitment to working with parents in order to address the problems associated with the poor school attendance of children in the Northern Territory, Reconciliation Australia CEO Leah Armstrong has stressed the importance of designing and implementing policies and programs in partnership with each community.
“A one size fits all policy solution does not work because it fails to respond to the needs of local communities,” Ms Armstrong said.
“Positive results will only be achieved in the Northern Territory by working with each community and forming a partnership based on mutual trust and respect.”
In August 2011 the Government released its Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure report of which a key recommendation included working in close engagement and active partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to develop and deliver policies and programs that are targeted to local needs.
Reconciliation Australia urges the Government to follow their key recommendation which has been further supported by international and domestic evidence.
“When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people own the solutions they achieve better results than government-driven programs,” Ms Armstrong said.
“Punitive measures developed and implemented by Government will not be successful because they undermine good governance structures and systems in communities and damage the relationship with Government.”
Reconciliation Australia is the peak body promoting reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
For more information: www.reconciliation.org.au.
Media Contacts: Rebecca Gallegos 0411 483 707 rebecca.gallegos@reconciliation.org.au or Kylie Kluger 0418 633 277 kylie.kluger@reconciliation.org.au
