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Prime Minister’s
Report 2011
About the design
978-1-921647-73-4
Closing the Gap Prime Minister’s
Report 2011
Commonwealth Copyright
Administration,
Attorney-General’s Department,
Central Office,
3–5 National Circuit,
Canberra ACT 2600
or posted at www.ag.gov.au/cca.
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Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
Contents
Executive summary 1
Investments on the ground 2
A partnership approach 6
Transparent and accountable reporting 7
Photograph
Amata, South Australia.
Lorrie Graham 2009.
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
Executive
|1
summary
The Australian Government’s Beyond government, there is a role for Significant investment
each individual, family and community to close the gap –
agenda to close the gap in
to take responsibility for rebuilding the Indigenous Specific
Indigenous disadvantage social norms that are the foundation National Partnership
is driven by three important of lasting change and governments Agreements
must support this. Positive social norms
imperatives: to overcome $5.5 billion
lead to personal choices that result in
decades of under-investment healthier individuals and families and
under the National
Partnership Agreement on
in services and infrastructure; greater life opportunities.
Remote Indigenous Housing
to encourage and support The Government is working to find
solutions to the complex problems which $1.57 billion
personal responsibility as the
underpin Indigenous disadvantage and under the National
foundation for healthy, functional have been decades in the making. Major Partnership Agreement
families and communities; and reforms and unprecedented investment on Closing the Gap in
have been made in education, health, Indigenous Health Outcomes
to build new understanding and
employment, remote housing and
respect between Indigenous $564.4 million
services, governance and infrastructure.
under the National
and non-Indigenous Australians.
The Australian and state and territory Partnership Agreement
governments have made significant on Indigenous Early
Tackling Indigenous disadvantage investments on Indigenous specific Childhood Development
is a national responsibility and a measures in a sustained effort to close
national challenge. It demands ongoing the gap. This is in addition to funding for $228.9 million
collaboration between all levels of mainstream programs that also benefit under the National
government working in partnership with Indigenous Australians. Partnership Agreement
Indigenous Australians, the corporate on Indigenous Economic
Clear targets have been set to close the Participation
sector and community organisations.
gap in life expectancy, early childhood,
The challenge of closing the gap requires health, education and employment, $291.2 million
that governments address previous and building blocks are in place under the National
under-investments in housing, policing, to focus effort for sustained change. Partnership Agreement on
health and education in Indigenous An independent and regular reporting Remote Service Delivery
communities and that mainstream framework has been established
services are specifically designed to through the Council of Australian
directly benefit Indigenous Australians. Governments Reform Council to make
sure that governments at every level
are accountable.
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
2 | In this third annual report on Investments on the ground their communities for medical
closing the gap, the Government care. The Indigenous mothers’
sets out the progress being made The Government has identified hostel in Katherine, Northern
towards reaching the targets to: seven key building blocks, Territory was expanded and
addressing specific areas of the new Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan
• Close the gap in life expectancy Indigenous disadvantage, which mothers’ centre was opened
between Indigenous and non- are vital to closing the gap. in Cairns, Queensland.
Indigenous Australians by 2031. Governments have committed
an unprecedented investment • The $90.3 million New Directions
• Halve the gap in mortality rates
to concentrate action in these Mothers and Babies Services
for Indigenous children under
building block areas. Action program is now funding
five by 2018.
is underway on the ground 63 services to increase access
• Ensure access to early childhood to antenatal care, improve birth
and is making a difference to
education for all Indigenous weights of Indigenous babies and
Indigenous people’s lives.
four year olds in remote provide continued support in the
communities by 2013. child’s early years to give them
Early Childhood Building Block the best possible start to life.
• Halve the gap in reading, writing
and numeracy achievement for • Around 47 000 Indigenous
Indigenous children by 2018. Australians used the services Schooling Building Block
offered through the Family
• Halve the gap in Year 12 or Support Program which provides • Education Ministers have
equivalent attainment rates for help and support for families endorsed the Aboriginal and
Indigenous young people by 2020. dealing with relationship Torres Strait Islander Education
problems and separation issues. Action Plan to focus action on
• Halve the gap in employment
priority areas to help improve
outcomes between Indigenous • Around 14 700 Indigenous outcomes in Indigenous
and non-Indigenous Australians Australians visited 45 education. The priority areas are:
by 2018. Communities for Children school readiness; engagement and
Progress is being made against sites which provide early connections; school attendance;
the closing the gap targets. For intervention programs literacy and numeracy; leadership;
example, significant improvements for families with children quality teacher and workforce
have been made in child mortality up to the age of 12. development and pathways to
in recent years, although the gap • Around 1 800 Indigenous parents post-school options.
still remains too large. These and children were supported • More than 3 500 Indigenous
improvements are encouraging, through the Indigenous young people at risk of leaving
but after decades of inaction and Parenting Support Services. school received personal
neglect achieving tangible results By 30 December 2010, 37 sites assistance under the Youth
in all areas will take ongoing across Australia were operating, Connections program in 2010.
investment and time. and these are expected to increase This helps young people to stay
to 51 services by June 2011. at school, get back to school or
• More than 6 150 children and take up training and achieve a
parents were participating in Year 12 or equivalent qualification.
69 supported playgroups • As of November 2010, the
targeting Indigenous families. Government had invested over
• Services for children and $89 million for school projects
families including child care, in the 29 communities covered
early learning, parent and family by the Remote Service Delivery
support are being expanded National Partnership. This
through a network of Children includes refurbishment of outdoor
and Family Centres. covered areas, construction of
new classrooms, multipurpose
• The $10 million Indigenous community halls, science centres,
Mothers Accommodation Fund and library resources centres.
is providing new and expanded An example is Shepherdson
accommodation for Indigenous College in Galiwin’ku which
mothers who need to travel from
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
|3
Photograph
Ntaria, Northern Territory,
Lorrie Graham 2009
the Australian Government • The Australian Government is Council between its members |5
announced a commitment of more investing $3.4 million over two and certified suppliers. By linking
than $34 million to help protect years to support Community corporate and government
children from neglect and abuse. Engagement Police and Officers purchasers with certified
This funding will support the in eight remote communities with Indigenous suppliers of goods
development of new family support high levels of crime and violence. and services, the Council has
services for vulnerable families, certified 67 Indigenous suppliers
• As part of the Australian
as well as increase the number and attracted 54 members since
Government’s roll out of
of child protection workers, and its inception in late 2009.
non-discriminatory income
help strengthen alcohol controls
management across the Northern • Extensive consultation on the
in the Northern Territory.
Territory, child protection income draft Indigenous Economic
• In partnership with the Northern management was introduced Development Strategy was
Territory Government, the in 2010. This means Northern undertaken between May and
Australian Government is Territory Government child December 2010, with over 110
providing $1.5 million to expand protection workers can now written submissions received
identity card technology to help refer parents to Centrelink for and 20 public workshops held
enforce alcohol restrictions. compulsory income management across Australia. The strategy
when children are being neglected will be finalised by mid 2011
• Following concern in the
or are at risk of neglect. and will set the key priorities to
community about the damaging
support Indigenous economic
impact of excessive alcohol
development.
consumption and the high Economic Participation
number of liquor licenses in Building Block • Ownership of land further
Alice Springs, funding of boosts economic participation
• 58 950 Indigenous job seekers
$1.5 million has been provided for Indigenous Australians.
had been placed in work by
to the Northern Territory The Australian Government is
the Australian Government’s
Government for the buy-back supporting reforms to resolve
reformed employment services,
of three take-away liquor licences. native title claims more effectively
Job Services Australia and
It is anticipated that the buy-back and efficiently, and to optimise
Disability Employment Services,
may be completed by end of June outcomes for native title groups
between their implementation
2011 to help reduce the high level of from agreement-making.
in July 2009 and March 2010
alcohol fuelled violence and neglect
respectively, and 31 December • The Indigenous Land
in the Alice Springs town camps.
2010. Both services have a strong Corporation, through Australian
• The Indigenous Family Safety focus on assisting employers Government funding, plays
program in 2010-11 provided in addressing skills shortages a crucial role in Indigenous
over $12.5 million to non- and filling job vacancies. economic participation. In 2010,
government organisations and the Indigenous Land Corporation
• Over 16 000 Indigenous
state and territory governments purchased Ayers Rock Resort at
Australians started employment
to deliver 42 Indigenous family Yulara, Northern Territory, which
and around 12 500 began training
safety programs in remote, will provide 340 Indigenous
in 2010 with support from
regional and urban locations jobs by the end of 2018. The
the Indigenous Employment
across Australia. These projects Corporation also established
Program. As part of the tailored
include safe houses, counselling, the Gunbalanya Pastoral and
assistance element of the
prevention and early intervention Meat Supplies which provided
program, work began on projects
programs, education and 28 new Indigenous jobs.
valued at over $180 million.
behaviour change programs.
• Indigenous Business Australia’s
• 1 993 Indigenous Australians were
• Under the Northern Territory Business Development and
supported into employment over
Emergency Response, there Assistance Program supports
the last twelve months through
are now 22 safe places in eligible Indigenous entrepreneurs
the Community Development
17 communities across the with small business loans, and
Employment Projects program.
Northern Territory. Safe places expert business guidance.
provided shelter for 491 women, • Over $4 million in contracts and At the end of 2009-10, the
399 children and 40 men $2.9 million in transactions was business loan portfolio comprised
between January 2009 and generated by the Australian 309 loans valued at $58.7 million.
November 2010. Indigenous Minority Supplier
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
A partnership approach
about future directions for the The introduction of alcohol Working with the corporate |7
Northern Territory Emergency management plans aims to reduce and community sector
Response. The Government heard alcohol consumption through
The Australian Government is
what Indigenous people were community level commitments.
working with both the corporate
saying and changed the operation Following the introduction of a plan
and community sectors to close
of the Emergency Response to in Alice Springs in 2006, there was
the gap. The Government provided
ensure it respected the rights of an 18 per cent reduction in pure
Reconciliation Australia with
Indigenous Australians and fully alcohol sales and a decrease in the
$10.8 million over three years from
reinstated the application of the number of serious assaults. Alcohol
1 July 2010 to provide national focus
Racial Discrimination Act 1975 in management plans are now in
and leadership to work towards
the Northern Territory Emergency place in a number of other Northern
reconciliation. Increasingly,
Response legislation. Territory towns and communities,
Australian companies and
including Tennant Creek, Katherine
The Australian Government has organisations have developed
and Groote Eylandt.
committed $29.2 million to the their own Reconciliation
setting up and initial operation Fitzroy Crossing in Western Action Plans, formalising their
of the National Congress of Australia is recognised regionally contribution towards closing the
Australia’s First Peoples. The for the strength of its Indigenous gap. Over 200 Reconciliation
representative body will provide leadership. The community asked Action Plans are in operation and
a central mechanism with which the Western Australia Director over 200 are under development.
government, the corporate and of Liquor Licensing to impose Through their Reconciliation
community sector can engage alcohol restrictions which were Action Plans, organisations have
and partner on policy design introduced in October 2007 committed to recruit over 8 300
and implementation. and extended indefinitely in Indigenous Australians and have
May 2008. The second annual placed an estimated 5 300 in jobs.
review in December 2010 showed
Taking responsibility To harness the buying power of
reduced level of alcohol related
the Government, the Indigenous
Government investment is only harm and domestic violence,
Opportunities Policy will be applied
part of the strategy for achieving families purchasing more food and
to contracts over $5 million from
the closing the gap targets. clothing, being more aware of their
1 July 2011 in areas with significant
Individuals and communities health and taking better care of
Indigenous populations. Under
also need to take responsibility to children.
the policy, Australian Government
promote positive norms and social
In Queensland, the Cape contractors will be required to
behaviours to create lasting change.
York Welfare Reform Trial is provide training and employment
The Australian Government is
a partnership between the opportunities for local Indigenous
supporting this through a range
Queensland and Australian Australians and to use Indigenous
of measures and will continue
Governments, Cape York regional businesses in their supply chain.
to work with Indigenous people
organisations and the four
to build responsibility.
communities of Aurukun, Coen,
Transparent and
Measures include non-discriminatory Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge.
accountable reporting
welfare payment reform, which The trial encourages people to
includes income management take responsibility for community This report is the Australian
measures to encourage welfare well being by improving school Government’s third report on
recipients in identified locations to attendance and child safety, tackling closing the gap. The Council of
take responsibility for themselves alcohol and drug abuse, gambling Australian Government’s Reform
and their families. Through income addiction and family violence and Council will also provide an
management, priority needs such improving tenancy management. independent and comprehensive
as food, rent, clothing, electricity, report each year on progress
medicine and basic household against the targets. The first report
items are met. Welfare reform on progress will be released in
measures also encourage parents mid 2011.
to enrol their children at school and
make sure they attend regularly.
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
8 |
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
Part A |9
Progress against
the targets
Addressing Indigenous The closing the gap targets are an important part of addressing
ambitious and serve to focus disadvantage, both over an
disadvantage is one of the most
government action over the long individual’s life cycle and from
pressing challenges the nation term. While the magnitude of the an intergenerational perspective.
faces. It will require sustained challenge cannot be understated,
This section includes a statistical
the Government will not take a step
commitment – by governments overview of Australia’s Indigenous
back from these goals. Progress
at all levels, by the corporate population and progress against
is being achieved but more
the closing the gap targets.
sector, by social and can and will be done to ensure
we meet these commitments. The COAG Reform Council will also
non-government organisations,
Against some targets we will be provide a comprehensive report
and by Indigenous people. able to see progress and track each year on progress against the
our performance sooner than targets. The first report which was
others. After decades of inaction released in June last year, provided
and neglect, achieving tangible baseline information on the targets.
results in all areas will take ongoing The next report will be released in
investment and time. mid-2011.
Males Females
85+ Non-Indigenous
Indigenous
80-84
75-59
70-74
65-69
60-64
55-59
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
5-9
0-4
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 % 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Experimental Estimates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, June 2006, ABS Cat. 3238.0.55.001
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
100 Indigenous
Non-Indigenous
82.6
80 78.7
72.9
Life expectancy (years)
67.2
60
40
20
0 Males Females
Source: ABS (2009) Experimental Life Tables for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2005–2007, cat. No 3302.0.55.003
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
FIGURE 3: The Child mortality gap, Deaths per 100 000 children aged 0 to 4 years, 2008, 2009
250 Indigenous
221 Non-Indigenous
214
200
Deaths per 100 000 children
aged 0 to 4 years
150
100 100 99
(2008 gap =121) (2009 gap =115)
50
0 Males Females
Source: ABS (2009) Experimental Life Tables for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2005–2007, cat. No 3302.0.55.003
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
14 | Target: Ensuring all Indigenous Target: Halve the gap for Indigenous
four year olds in remote communities children in reading, writing and
have access to early childhood numeracy within a decade
education within five years
Education is a key factor for improving
Quality early childhood education is wellbeing and life outcomes; it is an
critical to ensuring young children important determinant of health and
have opportunities for early learning, employment. Literacy and numeracy
development and socialisation. The skills are fundamental to reducing
Government is committed to providing inequality in education. The gap
access to early childhood education in reading, writing and numeracy
for all Australian children in the year is influenced by a range of factors
before full–time school by 2013. including school attendance, teacher
quality and parental engagement.
While current data are limited, the
The target to close this gap consists
best available data suggests that
of 12 separate goals for Years 3, 5, 7, and
64 per cent of Indigenous children
9 in reading, writing and numeracy, as
were enrolled in preschool in the
measured by the National Assessment
year before school in 2009 compared
Program – Literacy and Numeracy
to around to 70 per cent of all children.
(NAPLAN).
The $995 million Early Childhood
There are some positive signs. From
Education National Partnership will
2008 to 2009 there was a reduction
contribute to attaining this target.
in the gap for Years 3 and 5 reading,
The funding is being used to support
and Year 5 numeracy. Further NAPLAN
new infrastructure, staffing and
data available later in 2011 will provide
program delivery activity. The funding
additional information on progress.
will be used, among other things, for
participation and inclusion support
services targeting Indigenous children
including Indigenous children with
additional needs. The mainstream
funding and activities supported
through the Partnership Agreement
are supplemented by the $293 million
National Partnership Agreement
on Indigenous Early Childhood
Development, which provides for
38 agreed Children and Family Centres
to provide child care, early learning
and parent and family support to
Indigenous families. Of the 38 centres,
16 are in remote areas.
While it is a positive sign that remote
Indigenous preschool enrolments
are relatively high (data challenges
notwithstanding), it is crucial to support
children and their families to ensure more
regular attendance. More detailed and
robust data will be collected by the ABS
during 2011, to become available in 2012.
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
| 15
FIGURE 4: Students at or above national minimum standards, 2009 Indigenous
Non-Indigenous
Reading
100
95 95
93 94
90
Percentage (%)
80
75
73
70
67 67
60
Writing
100
97
94 94
90 89
Percentage (%)
80 80
70 70 70
60 59
Numeracy
100
95 95 96 96
90
Percentage (%)
80
76 75
74 74
70
60
Source: MCEECDYA (2009) 2009 National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy: Achievement in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions and Numeracy
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
16 |
Photograph
Amata, South Australia,
Lorrie Graham 2009
Target: Halve the gap for There is reason for optimism that 4.4 per cent of vocational
Indigenous students in Year 12 progress is being made, based on education and training students
attainment or equivalent existing trends. The Year 7/8 to (compared to 2.5 per cent of the
attainment rates by 2020 Year 12 apparent retention rate for general population), although
Indigenous students has increased completion rates tend to be low.
Research shows that completing
from 30.7 per cent in 1995 to 45.4 As vocational education and
Year 12 (or its equivalent) improves
per cent in 2009; in contrast, the training qualifications make up
transitions into further study or
non-Indigenous retention rate rose one fifth of Indigenous Year 12
employment, as well as broader life
from 73.2 per cent to 77.3 per cent or equivalent attainments,
opportunities. In 2006, 47.4 per cent
over the same period. increasing completion rates is
of Indigenous Australians aged
vital for reaching our attainment
between 20 and 24 achieved a Indigenous Australians undertake
target and will result in improved
Year 12 or equivalent qualification, vocational education and training
employment outcomes.
compared to 83.8 per cent of at relatively high rates, representing
non-Indigenous Australians
in the same age group.
100
80
69
Percentage (%)
60
47
40
20
Target: Halve the gap in While the challenge is considerable Data limitations | 17
employment outcomes between there have been some positive
Improving the availability of
Indigenous and non-Indigenous developments. For example,
reliable data remains a priority
Australians within a decade between 2002 and 2008 the
for all governments. To improve
proportion of Indigenous Australians
Secure employment is important to the collection and reporting of
aged 15-64 with a job rose from
achieving a good standard of living data, the Australian Government
48.2 per cent to 53.8 per cent
and wellbeing. It benefits families has committed $46.4 million
and the unemployment rate for
and communities as well as the over four years from 2009-10.
Indigenous Australians aged
individual. In 2008, 53.8 per cent This investment will help build
15‑64 decreased from 23 per cent
of Indigenous Australians aged a better evidence base against
to 16.6 per cent.
15-64 were employed compared which to measure progress.
to 75 per cent of non-Indigenous The role of the corporate and
Data quality improvements
Australians in the same age group. private sector is also important
will lead to better estimates of
and there is a welcome and
The employment gap reflects, mortality and life expectancy
growing commitment of companies
among other things, relatively low through improved identification
of all sizes to create employment
labour force participation among of Indigenous people in the
and training opportunities for
Indigenous Australians. In 2008, Population Census and in health
Indigenous Australians.
35.5 per cent of the Indigenous administrative datasets.
population aged 15-64 were not Indigenous employment is
in the labour force, which means strongly related to education.
they were neither employed nor At relatively high education levels
unemployed. In contrast, only the employment gap is quite small.
21.7 per cent of the non-Indigenous In 2006 the gap in proportion of
population aged 15-64 were outside Indigenous and non-Indigenous
the labour force in 2008. people aged 15-64 who were
employed was 16.5 percentage
Increasing numeracy and literacy
points for those whose highest
skills for Indigenous people outside
level of education was Year 10
the labour force will be essential to
compared to only 4.5 percentage
meet this target.
points for those with a diploma,
bachelor degree or higher.
FIGURE 6: Employment to population ratio (age 15-64) by level of highest educational attainment, 2006
100 Indigenous
Non-Indigenous
84 84
80 79
Population Ratio (%)
75
70 69
63
60
56 56
44 46
40
30 31
20 20
0 No educational Year 8 and 9 Year 10 Year 11 and 12 Certificate Certificate Diploma and
attainment and below 1 and 2 III and IV Degree and above
18 |
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
Part B | 19
Strengthening the
relationship between
Indigenous and
non‑Indigenous
Australians
The closing the gap strategy is National engagement The Australian Government has
committed $29.2 million to the
underpinned by a commitment
National Congress of setting up and initial operation
to genuine engagement with Australia’s First Peoples of the National Congress.
the Indigenous community.
The National Congress of Australia’s
The Government has continued First Peoples is central to building Constitutional Recognition
to build on the new relationship new partnerships based on of Indigenous Australians
goodwill and mutual respect. The Australian Government is
which began with the National
The representative body will committed to progressing recognition
Apology to the Stolen provide a central mechanism of Indigenous Australians in the
Generations in February 2008. with which governments, the Australian Constitution.
corporate and community sectors
This relationship is based on The Government has appointed
can engage and partner on policy
trust and mutual respect. design and implementation. an expert panel to lead discussion
and debate about Indigenous
It will also be an informed and constitutional recognition
The Government is committed strong national voice for the goals, throughout 2011 and to encourage
to listening to the voices of aspirations, interests and values the public to put forward their views.
Indigenous Australians to help of Indigenous Australians. This The expert panel has been asked to
shape policy so that it matches will help to ensure policies and develop options for constitutional
the needs and aspirations of initiatives are suitably designed change that would have the most
Indigenous people. Without and implemented to address the chance of success at a referendum.
genuine engagement, we will needs of Indigenous individuals,
continue to struggle to generate families and communities. The expert panel is co-chaired
local Indigenous ownership of by Professor Patrick Dodson and
solutions and create and sustain The model for the Congress was Mr Mark Leibler AC. The Aboriginal
the positive changes required based on extensive consultation and Torres Strait Islander Social
to achieve the closing the gap with Indigenous people and the Justice Commissioner and the
targets. The Government also final design was developed by an co-chairs of the National Congress
recognises the important role the independent steering committee of Australia’s First Peoples are
community, corporate and private of Indigenous leaders, convened also members of the expert panel.
sectors play in closing the gap. by the then Aboriginal and Torres The expert panel will report to
Strait Islander Social Justice the Australian Government in
Commissioner, Dr Tom Calma. December 2011.
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
that deemed certain measures, CASE STUDY region. There are over 70 | 21
such as income management, Many Rivers Regional Green Teams undertaking
five-year leases, and alcohol and Partnership Agreement environmental contract work
pornography restrictions, to be throughout the region. Many
special measures, have also been The Many Rivers Regional
of these are in the early stage,
repealed. This took effect from Partnership Agreement (the
but up to 50 Indigenous
31 December 2010. Measures have Agreement) is an agreement
people are employed in
been redesigned, where necessary, between the Australian
undertaking these contracts
to make them consistent with the Government, the New South
at any one time. A major
Racial Discrimination Act 1975. Wales Government, the Many
task for the Alliance is to
create sustainable long-term
Rivers Training, Enterprise
employment opportunities
New Income Management and Employment Aboriginal
in environmental work.
Corporation, the New South
Consultations with Indigenous
Wales Aboriginal Land At present many contracts
Australians on the future of the
Council, the Representatives are short term. For example,
Northen Territory Emergency
of Industry, and the Non- 12 people are presently
Response revealed that while there
Government Organisations. employed by the Ngurrala
were a wide variety of views about
income management, the majority Green Team in the Nambucca
The area agreement
of comments received indicated Valley, and between six
covers the Many Rivers
it should continue. and ten by Border Ranges
Region, including Tweed/
Contractors in the far north.
The new non-discriminatory Byron, Ballina, Casino,
These teams have provided
model of income management Coffs Harbour, Nambucca,
full-time employment for
came into effect on 1 July 2010. Kempsey, Taree, Hunter
several years.
The model is now available and Wyong.
across all regions in the Northern Since its establishment and
It is a practical example
Territory and has replaced income incorporation a little over
of community engagement,
management under the Northen a year ago, the agreement
promoting economic parti-
Territory Emergency Response. has sourced over $5 million
cipation and strengthening
At 31 December 2010 there were of major environmental work.
communities by developing
15 825 people participating in The Australian Government
solutions that are central
income management in the has identified the Alliance
to addressing Indigenous
Northern Territory. as a project of national
disadvantage.
significance.
Under its roll-out in the Northern
The agreement created the
Territory, almost 60 per cent of The agreement has recently
Green Team Alliance which
people eligible to exit income secured $1.2 million from
is an incorporated company
management have chosen to the Government to provide
working to address high levels
continue to receive budgeting for intensive training
of unemployment among
support through voluntary income and support costs for
Indigenous Australians living
management. The high uptake of two members each from
on the coast of New South
voluntary income management 15 advanced Green Teams.
Wales from the Hawkesbury
indicates many people who were This will commence early
to the Tweed Rivers. The
income managed under the in 2011 and will involve an
corporation’s work capitalises
Northen Territory Emergency Indigenous Employment
on existing Indigenous work
Response believe it has had a Program provider and TAFE
teams (Green Teams) which
positive impact on their life and the New South Wales.
are already undertaking land
lives of their families and provides
rehabilitation work in this
tangible assistance to family
budgeting. Many people are telling
Centrelink staff they are reassured
by the financial support that
income management provides
and the convenience of the
Basics Card.
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
22 |
Photograph
Lajamanu, Northern Territory,
Lorrie Graham 2009
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
Part C | 23
26 | CASE STUDY
28 | Engaging students The Parental and Community Under the Aboriginal and Torres
Engagement Program is a Strait Islander Education Action
Boosting school attendance is
community driven program for Plan, the expansion of intensive
central to the Ready and Willing
parents and carers of Indigenous literacy and numeracy programs
for School program which is part
young Australians. It assists and personalised learning plans
of the Alice Springs Transformation
families and communities will assist Indigenous students
Plan. Health checks and family
to engage in their children’s who are not achieving at the
assessments are being provided to
education through participation level of the rest of their class.
make sure 300 Indigenous children
in educational decision making, As well, professional development
are ready and able to attend school.
developing partnerships with materials and support for teachers
The program, delivered by the
education providers and supporting will help them prepare and
Central Australian Aboriginal
and reinforcing their children’s maintain personal learning plans
Congress and the Northern
learning at home. Since the for every Indigenous student up
Territory Government, works
program started in 2009, nearly to Year 10. A total of 33 literacy
closely with families, children
8 800 parents and caregivers and numeracy projects have been
and schools to make the transition
and a further 5 176 community funded across Australia over
from home to school as smooth
members have been involved in 2009-2012. The projects will also
and positive as possible.
283 diverse initiatives across all contribute to the evidence base
With support from the Australian States and Territories, including of what works so that there is a
Government, the Sporting Chance metropolitan, provincial, remote greater understanding of how
Program uses sport and recreation and very remote areas. to more effectively close the gap.
as a means of reaching out to
10 000 primary and secondary
Improving Literacy and Numeracy Recruiting and training first
school students at risk of not
class teachers
completing their schooling. Over a quarter of all Australian
In 2010 a total of 22 providers schools – 2 580 – are participating The $107.8 million Supporting
delivered 59 projects including in the Low Socio-Economic Remote Schools – Additional
54 school-based sports academies Status School Communities and/ Teachers for the Northern Territory
and five education engagement or the Literacy and Numeracy Program is on track to have
strategies which are expected to National Partnership. All teachers 200 teachers in remote Northern
continue until December 2012. and school leaders are targeted Territory classrooms by the end
under the National Partnership of the 2012 school year. So far,
Eight more Clontarf Foundation
for Improving Teacher Quality. 146.5 full-time equivalent
football academies also started
Through these agreements, each teachers have been recruited and
in 2010 supporting 300 students.
state and territory has identified $14.7 million has been allocated
In 2010 over 5 000 students were
specific reform activities to for the construction of up to
supported through the academies.
support the educational needs 22 additional houses for teachers
With expanded Government
and wellbeing of Indigenous in priority remote communities.
funding, in 2010 the Former Origin
students and will report on
Greats Queensland academy, along
the impact of these reforms
with 10 sports academies, began
in biannual reports.
putting strategies and programs
in place to work with girls.
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
| 29
Photograph
Ntaria, Northern Territory,
Lorrie Graham 2009
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
30 | Indigenous employees in the available each year over 2010- School, Xavier Community
education sector are being given 12. From 2006 to 2009, the Education Centre and Nguiu in the
the opportunity to upgrade program provided scholarships Northern Territory, Doomadgee
their qualifications and develop for 481 secondary and tertiary State School, Mornington Island
career pathways as part of the students, with 125 students State School, and Mossman State
quality teaching and enhancing completing Year 12 and more High School in Queensland and
literacy measures of the Closing than 60 per cent coming from Amata Anangu School and Mimili
the Gap in the Northern Territory very remote and remote areas. Anangu School in South Australia.
National Partnership Agreement.
In 2010, 362 secondary students
The Australian Government has
were supported through a Transitioning to
committed $44.3 million over the
scholarship. This number will post-school education
three years to 2011-12 to Northern
increase to at least 520 in 2011
Territory education providers to The National Partnership on
and around 750 in 2012.
support professional development Youth Attainment and Transitions
and so improve student literacy Tertiary scholarships provide aims to increase the educational
and numeracy. a pathway to university for the engagement and attainment of all
program’s Year 12 graduates. young people and to improve their
In 2010, three scholarships were
Around 120 students will receive transition to post-school education,
awarded for the professional
a tertiary scholarship in 2011, training and employment. This
development of Indigenous
growing to around 180 in 2012. Agreement was established to
Australians working in the higher
achieve a national Year 12 or
education sector as part of the
equivalent attainment rate of
Indigenous Staff Scholarship Trades Training Centres in Schools
90 per cent by 2015 and halve
Program. Funding priority for the $2.5 billion the gap for Indigenous young
The Governor-General’s Indigenous Trade Training Centres in people in Year 12 or equivalent
Student Teacher Scholarship Schools Program is being given attainment by 2020.
program began in 2010 to help to applications from school
The Australian Government’s
Indigenous university students communities with Indigenous
mainstream School Business
obtain teaching degrees and work students and students from
Community Partnership Brokers
as teachers in their communities. regional or other disadvantaged
(Partnership Brokers) program
Scholarships of $25 000 a year communities, including remote
works to increase business
for up to four years are awarded communities. An additional
and community engagement
to one teacher-education student priority is to establish regional
with schools and foster a whole
from each state and territory skills hubs where secondary
of community approach that
but because of the outstanding schools in rural and regional
supports young people’s learning
quality of the applicants, in 2010 locations develop partnerships for
and development. This is being
the selection committee awarded improved trade training delivery.
achieved through a national
twelve scholarships. To date, four separate competitive network of Partnership Brokers that
rounds have been conducted are building partnerships between
Scholarships for resulting in the approval of $1 billion business and industry; education
Indigenous students to fund 288 projects which will and training providers; parents and
benefit 927 schools. Twenty-nine families; and community groups.
Under the Indigenous Youth
schools have been identified in
Leadership Program, scholarships The Australian Government has
remote service delivery locations.
are available for Indigenous introduced comprehensive reforms
To date, 12 of these schools have
students especially those from to remove financial barriers to make
already benefited through funding.
very remote and remote areas. participation in education equitable
They are Wilcannia Central School
At least 300 scholarships of up so that across Australia more
in New South Wales, Angurugu
to three years’ duration will be university students have fairer
School, Gunbalanya School,
access to student income support.
Ngukurr School, Our Lady of the
Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic
School, Wadeye, Umbakumba
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
32 |
CASE STUDY
34 | their communities. There have Account for the Community Stores specific residential rehabilitation
now been more than 500 visits to Infrastructure Project to build services and day centres,
86 communities since April 2008 and upgrade community stores. Aboriginal Medical Services,
when services first began. The Account receives statutory sobering up shelters, wellbeing
royalties generated from mining centres and transitional after-care
• In the 12 months to November
on Indigenous land in the services. The additional investment
2010, over 4 000 dental services
Northern Territory and are means the Australian Government
were provided to over 3 000
distributed for the benefit of is funding a total of almost
children and over 3 000 ear,
Indigenous Australians living 100 Indigenous treatment and
nose and throat specialist
in the Northern Territory. rehabilitation services in a range
consultations and surgeries were
of locations and settings.
provided to over 1 900 children • The Government has provided
living in prescribed Northern $2.6 million over four years to The Australian Government
Territory Emergency Response establish a national co-ordination has provided $1.5 million to the
communities. unit at the Menzies School of Northern Territory Government
Health Research to tackle Acute for the buy-back of three take-away
• A total of 422 health professionals
Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic liquor licences in Alice Springs.
were placed by the Remote
Heart Disease across Australia.
Area Health Corps in remote
Northern Territory communities, Petrol sniffing
including 52 general practitioners, Alcohol and Other Substance Use
To tackle petrol sniffing, there are
203 registered nurses, 43 allied
To address the disproportionate now 108 sites across regional and
health professionals and
rates of alcohol and other drug remote Australia supplying low
124 dental workers.
use and harm among Indigenous aromatic Opal fuel. An additional
• To improve access to healthy Australians, the Australian $38.5 million over four years will
and more affordable food in Government is providing an enable at least 39 new sites to supply
18 remote Northern Territory additional $49.3 million from the fuel in northern Australia.
communities, funding of 2008-09 to expand and enhance
The Petrol Sniffing Strategy aims
$50 million was allocated treatment and rehabilitation
to reduce the incidence and impact
from the Aboriginal Benefits services across Australia. This
of petrol sniffing and other forms
includes funding for Indigenous-
of volatile substance misuse. Low
aromatic fuel is now supplied in the
tri-state Central Desert Region of
Western Australia, South Australia
and the Northern Territory, the
Eastern Central Desert region of
the Northern Territory, the East
Kimberley region of Western
Australia and Gulf Region in
Queensland. Mornington Island
and Doomadgee in Queensland
are both preparing to supply low
aromatic fuel by mid 2011.
Photograph
Mimili, South Australia,
Lorrie Graham 2009
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
Photograph
Fitzroy Crossing,
Western Australia,
Lorrie Graham 2009
| 39
Photograph
Wadeye, Northern Territory,
Lorrie Graham 2009
42 |
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
• Under the Northern Territory • Currently, 17 Remote Aboriginal Youth Diversion Activities | 43
Emergency Response, there Family Community Workers are
Under the Youth in Communities
are now 22 safe places in 17 employed in 13 Northern Territory
program which has funding of
communities across the Northern communities as a part of the
$28.4 million over three years from
Territory. Safe places provided Northern Territory Emergency
2009-12, young Indigenous people
shelter for 491 women, 399 children Response. These workers provide
are being involved in diversionary
and 40 men between January 2009 a culturally appropriate liaison
activities such as discos, movie
and November 2010. and linkage point between the
nights, sporting programs and
child-protection system, support
• An investment of $3.4 million youth leadership programs. This
services, Indigenous families and
is being made over two years to funding will deliver improvements
communities. The workers help
support Community Engagement to youth services infrastructure,
link families with local family
Police and Officers in eight remote such as at Angurugu where almost
safety or safe house programs,
communities with high levels of $445 000 was provided for the
night patrols, mental health
crime and violence upgrading of sport and recreation
workers and child health workers.
outside activity area including
• Three permanent police stations,
• There are currently six child fencing, shade, new computers
as well as additional housing for
protection workers employed and air-conditioning.
extra police and child protection
as part of the Mobile Child
workers have been established A total of 21 projects have been
Protection Team in the Northern
at Mimili, Amata and Pukatja funded to provide youth worker
Territory. Between July 2008
in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara services, youth diversion activities
and November 2010, the team
Yankunytjatjara Lands in South and infrastructure projects across
investigated 2 455 cases in over 55
Australia with $22.5 million in 36 community locations in the
remote and regional communities.
Australian Government funding. Northern Territory.
Local police say this has led to • As part of the Indigenous
The Youth in Communities program
increased law and order in these Family Safety Program, more
is already making a difference
communities. than $12.5 million was provided
to the lives of Indigenous young
in 2010-11 to non-government
• Sixty-six Australian Federal people. For example, the majority
organisations and State and
Police officers, including sworn of the 12 to 17 year old young people
Territory Governments to deliver
officers, have been deployed to regularly attending the Young Men’s
42 Indigenous family safety
the Northern Territory since Christian Association Katherine’s
programs in remote, regional
June 2007. alternative education program
and urban locations across
‘PROUD’ – Participation, Respect,
• Forty-five additional Northern Australia. These projects include:
Opportunity, Understanding and
Territory Police recruits have safe houses, counselling,
Determination – have successfully
completed training and graduated prevention and early intervention
re-integrated back into the
since 2009. These recruits programs, education and
education system as a result of
have commenced their duties behaviour change programs.
their participation in this program.
within the Northern Territory
Police Force at Alpurrurulam, The Youth in Communities
Gapuwiak, Minjilang, Minyerri, program provides for the
Numbulwar, Ramingining, Santa employment of approximately
Theresa, Warruwi, Arlparra, 30 full time youth workers and
Bulman, Finke, Pepperminati,
Yarralin, Ali Curung, Gumbalanya,
Maningrida and Yuendumu.
A further 15 recruits are expected
to graduate in April 2011.
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
44 | for a similar number of Indigenous Between 2005 and 2012, the Australian
trainees, with professional development Government has provided $12.6 million
and mentoring support provided for in funding to support the Dog Operation
all the program’s workers. Indigenous Units located in Alice Springs, Katherine
trainees are being supported to attain and Darwin in the Northern Territory.
Certificate III level training and, on Since January 2010, the units have
24 February 2011, Roper Gulf Shire will been involved in searches which have
have ten Indigenous trainees graduating seen the seizure of illegal drugs such
from their Certificate III in Community as amphetamines and cannabis. These
Services. searches were prompted by information
provided by the Substance Abuse
Intelligence Desks.
Policing and intelligence
Established in mid-2006, the National
In addition to providing 66 Australian
Indigenous Intelligence Task Force is
Federal police officers, the Australian
led by the Australian Crime Commission
Government will provide $50 million
and involves the Commonwealth and
for five permanent police complexes
State and Territory law enforcement
consisting of police stations, police
agencies. Together they are working
housing, custodial and justice facilities.
to develop processes for sharing and
The first of the five new remote
using criminal intelligence so that police
Northern Territory permanent police
forces and community service providers
stations is expected to open in March
can continue to address Indigenous
2011 in Yarralin. Progress is underway
violence and child abuse. Task force
for new stations in Ramingining and
intelligence has uncovered two systemic
Gapuwiyak and suitable sites are being
issues that contribute to criminality
identified at Imanpa and Arlparra.
within remote Indigenous communities:
The first Substance Abuse Intelligence poor information sharing and reporting
Desk was set up in 2006 to support the on violence and child abuse; and abuse
National Petrol Sniffing Strategy and to of power that facilitates violence, child
target drug and alcohol trafficking in abuse and other crime.
Central Australia. These units gather
information and coordinate policing
operations which, among other things,
target traffickers of drugs, alcohol and
illicit substances.
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
Through the Tailored Assistance nearly 200 Australian companies The Australian Government is | 47
element of the Indigenous to employ over 26 000 Indigenous contributing $6 million in funding
Employment Program, about Australian job seekers with for the first two innovative
460 projects have focussed on work continuing to convert these native title settlements under
providing assistance to employers commitments into sustainable the Traditional Owner Settlement
to employ and retain Indigenous job outcomes. Act 2010 (Victoria). The first of
Australians. This assistance those settlements was made
may include aspiration building, with the Gurnaikurnai people on
Land and Native Title
training, employer support and 22 October 2010. This settlement
workforce development. Another way to participate in is important in not only securing
the economy is through the and recognising traditional rights
The Australian Employment
ownership of land. Accessing land but also in providing for native title
Covenant was launched in October
and native title, and the benefits to be lead to enduring social and
2008 as a private sector-led,
that flow from that are aspirations economic opportunities for the
multi-industry initiative with
for all Indigenous communities. Gurnaikurnai people.
an ambitious target of securing
The Australian Government is
50 000 jobs for Indigenous The passage of legislation
supporting reforms to resolve
Australians. The Australian amending the Native Title Act 1993
native title claims more effectively
Government committed support means that it is now easier for
and efficiently, and to optimise
to the Covenant, including public housing and infrastructure
outcomes for native title groups
$4 million in startup funding. to be built on land where native title
from agreement-making.
To date, the Covenant has may exist. This new process strikes
received commitments from the right balance between the
CASE STUDY
Linfox’s Indigenous Employment Manager of the Indigenous Employment from entry-level positions through to
Program focuses on providing Program is there to provide support more senior management positions
the opportunity, framework, and to assist employees through the first over time. Most days involve speaking
support to create career paths for few days and weeks of training and with candidates and ensuring that they
500 Indigenous Australians. employment. are suitable for Linfox and that a career
Since the Program commenced, at Linfox is suitable for them, arranging
102 Indigenous employees joined With the assistance of the Australian pre-employment assessment, training,
Linfox, and more importantly over Government’s Indigenous Employment and induction.
90 per cent have been retained. Program, Linfox offers a three week
paid warehouse operators course with a Linfox’s program provides an excellent
The Program has the strong support of guaranteed placement upon graduation. model to provide employment
Linfox founders, Lindsay and Paula Fox, To date, 40 trainees have graduated opportunities for Indigenous Australian
Mr Peter Fox (Chairman), Mr Michael from training and Indigenous employees job seekers, within Linfox and in the wider
Byrne (Chief Executive Officer) and all now hold positions in administration, corporate community.
senior management and site managers. warehouse and driver roles.
Once an Indigenous Australian accepts a
position, Samantha Baring, the National Linfox holds introductory sessions to
fully inform Indigenous Australians
about career opportunities at Linfox –
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
48 | urgent provision of these critical will become available within Australia. Access to the internet is
services and the protection of the framework of a formal joint integral to improving Indigenous
native title rights. If requested management arrangement for outcomes through the Indigenous
by registered native title holders the park between Indigenous Communications Program, the
or claimants, Statesare required traditional owners and the Australian Government provides
to hold consultations about Northern Territory Government. funding for public internet access
proposed developments facilities and basic training in
and submit reports to the computer and internet use in
Communications
Commonwealth Attorney-General selected remote Indigenous
on each consultation process. The Indigenous Communications communities.
This will help promote transparency program is providing $30 million
This element of the program is
and good faith discussions. to assist remote Indigenous
delivered in collaboration with
communities to take advantage of
The handover of deeds of grant participating state and territory
the economic, educational, social
in relation to Gregory National governments through the Remote
and cultural opportunities offered
Park in June 2010 represented the Indigenous Public Internet Access
by the digital economy. Effective
largest grant of Indigenous land National Partnership Agreement.
communication services are a
under the Aboriginal Land Rights Since its commencement in July
fundamental enabling factor for
(Northern Territory) Act 1976 in 2009, internet access facilities
economic development.
almost 20 years. The handover have been installed in 37 remote
involved an area of 1 285 200 Between August 2009 and January Indigenous communities across
hectares and effectively disposed 2011, 91 fixed satellite community Queensland, New South Wales,
of three longstanding land claims. phones and 52 mobile satellite South Australia, Western Australia
Significant Indigenous enterprise handsets have been installed and the Northern Territory. Many
and employment opportunities and maintained in communities of these communities previously
across the north of Western had no public internet access
Australia, the Northern Territory, facilities.
Cape York Peninsula and South
Photograph
Ntaria, Northern Territory,
Lorrie Graham 2009
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
| 49
Photograph
Ntaria, Northern Territory,
Lorrie Graham 2009
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
50 | This is a vital service for Through these plans, organisations • Since late 2009 Woodside has
communities with early reports have committed to recruit over had a 62 per cent increase in
indicating that internet banking, 8 300 Indigenous Australians and Indigenous employment and a
social networking, online shopping have placed an estimated 5 300. 54 per cent increase in Indigenous
and access to online government In addition, close to $800 million participation in training, and
services are now indispensable in supply contracts have been are on schedule for meeting
to community residents. It is awarded to Indigenous businesses. the aspiration to triple their
anticipated that access to these and Indigenous workforce by 2012.
Some examples of Reconciliation
other online services, particularly
Action Plans include:
in the areas of education and
Indigenous Land Corporation
health, will provide significant • The Blacktown City Council
benefits to up to 120 remote governs the largest urban The Indigenous Land Corporation
Indigenous communities that Indigenous Australian plays a crucial role in Indigenous
will receive internet access population in New South Wales. economic participation through
facilities over the four year life Reconciliation commitments assisting the acquisition and
of this program. include the development management of Indigenous-held
of protocols and consulting land, to establish enterprises, build
with appropriate Indigenous capacity, bring land into production
Working Together
organisations to protect heritage, and create sustainable Indigenous
Reconciliation Australia was culture and special places. employment. Highlights include
established to provide national the acquisition of Ayers Rock Resort
• The Westpac Group operates
focus and leadership in working at Yulara in the Northern Territory
the Indigenous Capital
towards reconciliation and to which will provide 340 Indigenous
Assistance Scheme to support
sustain the reconciliation process. jobs by end 2018, the construction
small businesses owned and/
The Australian Government of Mossman Gorge Tourism Centre
or operated by Indigenous
provided funding for Reconciliation in Queensland with 70 jobs by
Australians.
Australia of $10.8 million over mid-2012 and the establishment
three years from 1 July 2010, • Telstra aims to offer ongoing of the Gunbalanya Pastoral
to continue this important work employment to at least 85 per cent and Meat Supplies with 28 new
with Reconciliation Australia of its Indigenous trainees. Indigenous jobs currently in place.
having made significant progress
• Businesses and community
in engaging the private sector
organisations play an important Indigenous Business Australia
in closing the gap.
role by providing training and
Indigenous Business Australia’s
Over the past year, Reconciliation recruitment for Indigenous people
Business Development and
Australia has made significant to strengthen their employment
Assistance Program assists eligible
progress in engaging new options. A 2010 survey conducted
Indigenous entrepreneurs with
sectors, particularly leisure and by the Business Council of
small business loans, and expert
tourism, retail, engineering and Australia shows more businesses
business guidance. At the end
construction, legal services and are increasing Indigenous
of financial year 2009-2010, the
the media, in the development employment:
business loan portfolio comprises
of Reconciliation Action Plan.
• BHP Billiton has ten contracts 309 loans valued at $58.7 million.
Reconciliation Australia work
with Indigenous businesses These two programs combined
with organisations and businesses
worth over $350 million, and created and supported over 1 000
to develop Plans that include
employs 255 Indigenous workers jobs, of which over 250 were filled
actions to support training,
through its Western Australian by Indigenous Australians.
employment and reconciliation
Iron Ore subsidiary. Another
activities with the organisation.
465 Indigenous Australians are
Over 200 Plans are currently
currently employed by contractors.
in operation with another
200 under development. • The Inter Continental Hotels
Group commitments include a two
per cent Indigenous Australian
workforce, and increased use of
Indigenous suppliers.
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
CASE STUDY | 51
National Centre of Indigenous Excellence
Eric Lesa is one of more than 47 Indigenous Indigenous participation has averaged
people employed at the Centre built by the 70 per cent across all YMCA programs
Indigenous Land Corporation on the former offered, including fitness and gymnasium
Redfern Public School site in Sydney. The memberships, school camps and sports
Centre aims to change the lives of young programs.
Indigenous people through sport, learning
and innovation, culture and arts, and health Through the centre, organisations deliver
and wellbeing. the following programs:
Eric left school and spent the next ten years • The Australian Indigenous Mentoring
of his life moving from job to job. He worked Experience – over 750 volunteer university
on demolition sites and as a toll collector, students work as mentors with more than
but also spent periods unemployed. 500 Indigenous high school students in
43 schools.
When the National Centre of Indigenous
Excellence opened in Redfern in February • The Exodus Foundation Literacy Tutorial
2010, Eric jumped at the chance to work in Centre – provides 23 places for primary
sport and recreation and has never looked school students, with an average reading
back. He is now the Young Men’s Christian accuracy three years behind their
Association Fitness Team Leader at the chronological age, and nine places for
Eora Sports, Art and Recreation Centre junior primary school students.
complex. Eric said. “I have learnt so much
• After 19 weeks tuition in 2010, the
about looking after customers, drawing up
Centre’s students made substantial gains
rosters, running a gym and working with staff
(on average 13 months) in reading accuracy,
and I am a lot more confident now. Working
comprehension and words read per minute
at the Centre has helped me become
were achieved.
financially independent. I have new goals
in life and would now like to go on and get The Australian Government, through the
more management qualifications,” Eric said. Indigenous Land Corporation, provided
$50 million for the purchase of the site
The Centre also has a 120-bed residential
and design and construction of the Centre.
facility to cater for Indigenous students
In 2009-10, the Australian Government
visiting from regional and remote Australia,
provided $195 000 to support various
tutorial rooms, an indoor gymnasium,
programs provided by the YMCA.
swimming pool, playing fields, training
and performance studios and office space
for several Indigenous organisations.
Building Indigenous corporate that these corporations add to The Remote Service Delivery | 53
governance the Australian economy. In total Flexible Funding Pool
these corporations generated
The Office of the Registrar of Under the National Partnership
approximately $1.2 billion in
Indigenous Corporations is an Agreement on Remote Service
income, held $1.2 billion in assets,
independent statutory office Delivery, the Australian and
employed over 9 150 people and
holder who administers the relevant state and Northern
provided a wide range of services
Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Territory governments are
to their communities including
Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act). changing the way they work with
health, housing, land management,
The Registrar’s Office support and Indigenous Australians in priority
and employment and training.
regulates corporations by advising communities to improve access to
them on how to incorporate, Government services, raise service
by training directors, members Promoting strong Indigenous standards, improve governance
and key staff in good corporate cultures, heritage and languages and leadership, increase economic
governance, and by making sure and social participation and
In 2009, the Australian
they comply with the law. promote personal responsibility
Government announced its
and positive behaviours.
During 2010 the Registrar National Indigenous Languages
provided corporate governance Policy. The Policy confirmed the Since 1 July 2010 over $1.5 million
training to around 703 people Government’s commitment to has been committed through the
from Indigenous corporations keeping Aboriginal and Torres Remote Service Delivery Flexible
across Australia and conducted Strait Islander languages alive and Funding Pool to a wide variety
a total of 77 examinations which helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait of projects identified in Local
check for operational, procedural Islander Australians connect with Implementation Plans. These
or corporate governance their language and culture. In projects include sporting and
problems within corporations. 2010-11, $9.4 million was allocated to recreation equipment and facilities,
The information gathered is the support over 60 community based upgrading community facilities,
basis for continuing work with language maintenance and revival promoting safer communities,
Indigenous corporations to build projects, incorporating around 200 arts and community activities,
their corporate governance to a languages across Australia. support for children and families,
high standard. and infrastructure upgrades
In 2010-11, the Australian
and repairs.
Currently there are more than Government is providing
2 250 Indigenous corporations $10.7 million to support
registered under the CATSI Indigenous art centres and
Act. The active engagement allied industry organisations
of these corporations by the across the country in recognition
Registrar has seen a significant of their major contribution
improvement in their compliance to Indigenous employment,
with the legislation, increasing education, and cultural and
from 46 per cent in 2004-05 social wellbeing, particularly
to 92 per cent in 2008-09. The in remote communities.
Registrar also provides a wide
Government funding of $7.2 million
range of services including
also supports a range of traditional
mediation and dispute resolution
and contemporary Indigenous
services, access to pro-bono
cultural events, visual and
legal assistance and recruitment
performing arts, including music
assistance.
and dance to showcase Indigenous
During 2008-09 the 500 highest cultures and encourage young
earning Indigenous corporations Indigenous Australians to stay
demonstrated the significant value connected to their cultures.
Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
54 | CASE STUDY
In developing the Local Implementation Plans The Local Implementation Plans were formally
in the two Remote Service Delivery priority agreed during signing ceremonies on 30 June
communities of Amata and Mimili, the 2010 in Amata and 1 July 2010 in Mimili, and
Australian and South Australian Governments provide the basis for government action in the
recognised the importance of a comprehensive communities through to mid-2014.
community engagement process.
Agencies are now working with the
This process was undertaken by the communities on a case by case basis to
Government Business Managers and Anangu progress their commitments, as outlined
Engagement Officers in each community, staff in the Local Implementation Plans.
from the Adelaide Regional Operations Centre
and consultants via meetings with individual The Adelaide Regional Operations Centre
community members, community groups, is also working in partnership with Amata
agencies and relevant stakeholders. and Mimili communities to identify projects
for funding through the Indigenous Remote
Through the development of communication Service Delivery Special Account. These
material in both English and Pitjantjatjara, projects will address community priorities
developed with the local Anangu Engagement as identified in the Local Implementation
Officers, government worked closely with Plans and will be planned and implemented
communities to progress the development with community input.
of these plans and identify shared priorities.