Parliamentary Committees

ABORIGINAL LANDS PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE: MUNICIPAL SERVICES FUNDING

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. J. Gazzola:

That the report of the committee on an inquiry into the impact of Australian government changes to municipal services funding upon four Aboriginal communities in South Australia be noted.

(Continued from 12 September 2007. Page 678.)

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (21:58): I rise to speak on this report as a member of the Aboriginal Lands Parliamentary Standing Committee. As my colleague the member for Morphett (Dr Duncan McFetridge) mentioned in the other place last September, the Aboriginal Lands Parliamentary Standing Committee is a shining example of what can be achieved with bipartisan effort.

Those familiar with our committee's work and with this inquiry will know that the committee's aim is to builder stronger, more direct and more enduring relationships between Aboriginal communities and the South Australian parliament. This report is the result of a request by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation to have our committee inquire into how recent changes to Australian government municipal services funding has affected the ability of Aboriginal communities to undertake governance functions and how this affects the provision of other community services.

In September 2006, the Australian government's Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) signalled its intention to cease municipal services funding to 31 Aboriginal community councils and organisations from 31 December of that year. Our committee resolved to hear evidence from four South Australian Aboriginal communities, commencing on 28 May 2007 and concluding on 18 June 2007.

Over four meetings, the committee heard from representatives of the Raukkan Community Council, the Koonibba Community Council, the Davenport Community Council and the Umoona Community Council. As the report states, the focus of the inquiry was the impact of municipal services funding changes. However, information has also been received and reported in regard to such matters as the consultation process and the positive initiatives and outcomes occurring within communities.

Receiving some of this positive feedback has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my involvement with the committee. However, a great deal of evidence did indicate that these communities feel confused by and disengaged from the change process and fear for their future survival. They acknowledge the need for change but want it done in a better way. The communities have called for consistent and clear communication; cultural, respectful and inclusive consultation; and an improved transitional process to positively manage the change process into the future. The committee's recommendations have sought to address all these concerns, and I encourage members to read the report to gain a better understanding of our task.

I am proud of the work our committee has completed to date and thank in particular Sarah Alpers for her work on this inquiry, and for the positive and enthusiastic way she goes about her work on this committee in general. I would like to add that I have sincerely appreciated the opportunity to hear first-hand from representatives of these communities during the inquiry. I also add that it has been a wonderful opportunity for me personally through this committee's work in general to visit Aboriginal communities. I commend the report to the council.

Motion carried.