Reconciliation Australia welcomes new Federal Government Ministry appointments
Media Release – 13 September 2010
Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Leah Armstrong has congratulated Minister Jenny Macklin on her reappointment to the Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs portfolio and Senator Mark Arbib’s appointments as Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development and Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness.
Following the weekend announcement of the Government’s new Ministry, Ms Armstrong said she was pleased by the continuity these appointments represented in an area that often sees a high level of policy change.
"These are large and complex portfolios so it is important to acknowledge the continuity of support from both Ministers in closing the gaps—in particular we commend the attention paid to Indigenous economic independence in Senator Arbib’s portfolio.
"The timely focus on regional Australia shines the spotlight on the large Indigenous populations living in these areas—and Reconciliation Australia supports the attention on education, infrastructure and other critical services as pivotal in addressing the unnecessary disadvantage faced by Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in regional and remote areas," Ms Armstrong said.
Ms Armstrong added, "Reconciliation Australia is pleased to see the strong focus from Parliament on constitutional reform and we will use our position to educate and engage across the community.
"This area is critical to seeing real change in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians."
Ms Armstrong went on to say that Reconciliation Australia’s recent Indigenous Governance Awards, attended by Minister Macklin, highlighted the importance of investing in and supporting the role that Indigenous organisations and communities play in driving real progress on the ground.
"Working closely with these organisations and communities is the only way to see an impact on the gaps that continue to divide us.
"We’re also encouraged by the role Minister Macklin and the Government have played in driving a national agenda on Indigenous Affairs through COAG—and Reconciliation Australia will continue to support a bi-partisan, national approach to closing the gaps," Ms Armstrong said.
Media Contact: Kylie Thompson, 0418 633 277 or kylie.thompson@reconciliation.org.au
