The Times Australia
The Times News

.

Meeting hosted by the Prime Minister and senior government members with the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations

  • Written by Scott Morrison

The Prime Minister today hosted the second roundtable of senior Ministers and the Coalition of Peaks, a representative body made up of more than 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak organisations.

 

The Prime Minister noted the joint success of the Australian Government’s and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations led by NACCHO in supporting their communities through the COVID pandemic.  Continuing leadership in the roll-out of the vaccination strategy is critical and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership is appreciated and recognised by all government members.

 

The Morrison Government and Coalition of Peaks are working together, with the states and territories and Australian Local Government Association, to implement the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap, signed by all Australian governments in July 2020.  Full implementation of the Priority Reforms, together with action on the 17 socio-economic targets, will significantly improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

The meeting focused on the Commonwealth’s first Implementation Plan which sets out the initial actions the Commonwealth is taking to give effect to the National Agreement. The meeting focused on the Priority Reforms, which are transformation for the way governments work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and are key to accelerating progress on closing the gap. Discussion focussed on how the Partnership can continue to evolve and improve. The Commonwealth’s Implementation Plan and associated investments will be released in early August.

 

The Co-Chairs of the Joint Council for Closing the Gap, Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt MP and Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, Ms Pat Turner noted the achievements since the meeting in January last year, including the negotiation of the National Agreement and the two new targets on domestic violence and access to information; the joint development of implementation plans by all jurisdictions with the Peaks, which will be provided to the Joint Council in August; the establishment of four sector strengthening working groups to build up  vital community-controlled sectors, especially around Early Childhood, Health, Housing and Disability; and the release of the Productivity Commission’s data repository and dashboard to monitor progress.

 

The meeting affirmed the critical work underway to establish the Justice Policy Partnership (the first of five agreed to under the National Agreement), which will establish a joined-up national approach to reduce incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and young people. The meeting noted the importance of reaching final agreement to the new inland water and community investment targets, as per clause 87b of the National Agreement. 

 

The Coalition of Peaks also noted the importance of focused and joined up approaches to cultural heritage protection, the importance of the Commonwealth’s ongoing role in the Northern Territory, the ongoing co-design of an Indigenous Voice and the need for workforce sustainability and skills development amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

The Priority Reforms are:

 

  • Priority Reform 1: Building and strengthening structures that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share decision-making to accelerate policy and place-based progress against Closing the Gap;

 

  • Priority Reform 2: Building formal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sectors to deliver closing the gap services;

 

  • Priority Reform 3: Systemic and structural transformation of mainstream government organisations to improve accountability and respond to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and

 

  • Priority Reform 4: Shared access to data and information by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to support the achievement of the first three priority reforms.

 

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...