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Report on the NSW Government's Implementation of the Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
Immediate support for the reconciliation process That all political leaders and their parties recognise that reconciliation between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in Australia must be achieved if community division, discord and injustice to Aboriginal people are to be avoided. To this end the Commission recommends that political leaders use their best endeavours to ensure bi-partisan public support for the process of reconciliation and that the urgency and necessity of the process be acknowledged. Government’s original position: Supported Revised government position: Supported Agencies responsible for implementation: Department of Aboriginal Affairs Implementation report The NSW Government supports the Reconciliation process politically, financially and philosophically as evident in its Statement of Commitment in Parliament on 18 June 1997 by the Premier, supported by the Deputy Premier. NSW Government has bipartisan support for Reconciliation as is evident by the Leader of the Opposition supporting the Premier’s Statement of Commitment of 18 June 1997. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs currently is providing fiscal and human resources to support the NSW State Reconciliation Committee in its operations, and has made a financial contribution of $50,000 to the State Reconciliation Convention (to be held in August 1999). The Convention aims to:
The NSW State Reconciliation Committee, which was formally launched in June 1997 by the Governor of New South Wales, Mr Gordon Samuels, has 32 voluntary members (including two youth members) who come from a broad range of backgrounds. The NSW State Government funds an administrative position. The Committee aims to promote reconciliation through consultation and public education. Consequently, it works closely with Australians for Reconciliation (AFR). AFR has helped to establish over 40 local groups throughout New South Wales. The groups meet regularly to organise community events and to operate as study circles that discuss and promote issues relevant to Indigenous culture and reconciliation. The State Reconciliation Committee, in partnership with various AFR groups is conducting a series of “Travelling Roadshows” across New South Wales. These events combine entertainment and education, and seek to address the fundamental questions involved in reconciliation. The Roadshows provide an opportunity for the State Reconciliation Committee to tap into the concerns of small and internally diverse communities. Over three days in August 1999, representatives of Indigenous organisations, local reconciliation groups, industry, government, churches, professional and ethnic bodies from throughout New South Wales will gather for the NSW Reconciliation Convention: Talkin’ Up Reconciliation. The themes of the three days are Youth, Citizenship, Land and Culture. The Convention, which will be held at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre, will feature some of Australia’s most respected public figures. Implementation status Partially implemented Future reporting in Part A |
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