26 July 2012

Press release supplied by the NSW government

Aboriginal people across NSW will be able to have their say on proposed reforms to Aboriginal policy at a series of upcoming community forums, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Victor Dominello announced today.

Download the Community Consultation Report from the first round of consultations

The Taskforce thanks everyone who took part in the first round of consultations. To access a copy the report Community Consultation Report from the first round of consultations click here.

Mr Dominello said the Ministerial Taskforce on Aboriginal Affairs will hold nine community forums in late August and early September for people to have their say on specific ideas under consideration by the taskforce, which includes seven Ministers and Aboriginal leaders.

“The NSW Government is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal people, which means listening to and learning from Aboriginal communities,” Mr Dominello said.

“In January and February, the taskforce held community forums around the State and received thousands of comments on how the NSW Government can improve outcomes for Aboriginal communities in the areas of education and training, employment and service delivery.

“Over the last six months, we’ve carefully considered what Aboriginal communities have said and this has guided the development of several proposals in those areas.

“In August we’re going back out to communities for a second round of consultations, so people can comment on our proposals and help shape their continuing development,” he said.

Mr Dominello said the taskforce will release a progress report, which outlines the specific ideas under consideration, before the community forums get underway.

There will also be a survey – available online and at the forums – for people to give their feedback on the proposals.

“Whether you’re a school student, a job seeker, or a local business owner – I encourage everyone to come along to a forum and have your say,” Mr Dominello said.

The progress report and survey will be posted on the Aboriginal Affairs NSW website at

http://www.daa.nsw.gov.au/taskforce/yoursay.html

.For more information or to register to receive a copy of the progress report as soon as it becomes available, please email taskforce@dhs.nsw.gov.au or call 9219 0702.

A full list of forum dates and locations follows on the next page.

Media contact: Laura Hofman 0411 261 837