New Aboriginal Affairs Department signals start of new era for Aboriginal people

26/10/94

The establishment of the new Aboriginal Affairs Department signalled the start of a new era to ensure positive outcomes for Aboriginal people, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kevin Prince said today.

Mr Prince said the merging of the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority, Department of Aboriginal Sites and Office of Traditional Land Use into one department symbolised a fresh start.

"For the first time all aspects of the administration of Aboriginal Affairs, as well as monitoring progress across Government, will be brought under the same umbrella to ensure positive outcomes for Aboriginal people," he said.

"No longer can we tolerate the unacceptably low level of outcomes for Aboriginal people in just about every area of their lives."

Mr Prince said the new department was created in response to the recommendations of the Task Force on Aboriginal Social Justice Report, released by Premier Richard Court in April.

He said the new department would comprise five divisions - planning and co-ordination, heritage and culture, land management, regional administration and corporate development.

Five high-calibre directors would be appointed to head up the divisions.

"The priorities for the new department will include planning and the co-ordination of services, consultation, setting targets and monitoring outcomes and evaluating the effectiveness of services and Aboriginal affairs policy," Mr Prince said.

"It will also provide policy advice to the Government and advise about funding needs and priorities to achieve the Government's Aboriginal Affairs policies.

"Its charter is not to act as a direct service delivery agency, but to co-ordinate initiatives across Government - to consult and co-operate with all departments and agencies, and monitor progress in key areas.

"For the first time there will also be a strong regional presence with six regional offices headed by high-level regional co-ordinators throughout the State".

Mr Prince said the establishment of the new department heralded an exciting period in Aboriginal affairs in Western Australia for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

He said it was important that the new department work closely with organisations such as ATSIC (the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission), other Aboriginal organisations and community groups.

"I also stress again my personal willingness to work with any organisations or individuals who share our concern to remedy disadvantage and to advance the equality of opportunity for Aboriginal people," Mr Prince said.

Media contact:  Tony Barker-May 366 0300