Success of new NTER framework depends on genuine engagement and communication
25 NOVEMBER 2009
Reconciliation Australia has welcomed the introduction of amendments to legislation underpinning Government action in the Northern Territory so that it complies with Australia’s anti-race discrimination laws. The new approach reflects the reality that social problems are not determined by race.
Co-Chair Mark Leibler said the priority now was to determine how to implement the changes in a way that was most likely to succeed. “The language in the Bill and explanatory documents reflects an understanding that the success of programs aimed at alleviating disadvantage hinges on the ongoing involvement of people on the ground,” he said. “The changes also go some way towards recognising that policy needs to be flexible to allow for different approaches put forward by different communities.
“Success depends on building understanding and trust between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, and between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in general. It’s through building genuine understanding that substantial change is possible. Evidence of what works here and around the world is consistent on this.”
Reconciliation Australia welcomed the Government’s support for a Senate Inquiry, and made the following observations which will be covered in more detail in our submission:
- The Government needs support and encouragement to make the necessary investment in training public servants to deliver promising aspects of the new policy effectively. This will include having a presence in communities so that properly trained, on-the-ground staff can work successfully with communities.
- In determining when to apply compulsory income management, a great deal of responsibility will rest with Centrelink officers in assessing “vulnerability”. The criteria need to be clearly regulated and officers need special training in assessing individuals in a non-discriminatory fashion.
- Communication of the new measures with those affected is a top priority to ensure they understand the changes and their rights in relation to applying for exemptions and incentives. Language and communication barriers are a very real and ongoing concern in engaging with many Aboriginal communities in the NT. Poor communications involved in the initial NTER rollout caused a great deal of confusion and anxiety for people affected. The key to the success of the new measures will be ensuring the people to whom they apply are in a position to give their free, prior and informed consent – this is only possible through effective and ongoing two-way communication.
- Ongoing evaluation over the next two years generating rigorous, hard data is essential. The reliance to date on anecdotal evidence to indicate that income quarantining is successful in achieving its objectives of increased parental responsibility, financial responsibility and community safety will not be sufficient in evaluating the measures in 2012.
Mr Leibler said Reconciliation Australia would be pleased to help in building community understanding of both the changes and of how we need to work together to maximise their chances of success. “When we talk about reconciliation we are talking about a process of building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that enables us to work together to close the gaps. The reintroduction of the RDA and the changes to the original legislation are a positive step towards achieving this.”
Media Contact: Kylie Thompson, 0418 633 277 or kylie.thompson@reconciliation.org.au
