Parliamentary Committees

ABORIGINAL LANDS PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE: ANNUAL REPORT

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (16:36): I move:

That the 2007-08 report of the committee be noted.

The committee continues to learn from Aboriginal people, and I wish to respectfully pay tribute to their enduring culture, their strength and resilience, and especially to honour the memory of those who have passed away.

Since the committee was established in 2003 its first priority has been to consult with Aboriginal people in their home communities and to engage with their elected representatives and leaders. In the reporting period, members of the committee have visited the Northern Flinders Ranges and Riverland Aboriginal communities and have been impressed by the strength of community leadership, community and family resilience, and the growth of community partnerships.

This reporting year has seen the establishment of South Australia's first Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement, Mr Clinton Wanganeen, and the South Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council, both to provide, in distinct ways, a high-level Aboriginal voice to government. The committee is supportive of these new Aboriginal leadership positions. The Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement, Mr Wanganeen, stated:

Wherever possible, link Aboriginal people into the social and economic environment within which the rest of South Australia fits.

Indeed, these sentiments are echoed by the committee. During this reporting period the committee has conducted and reported upon two specific inquiries: first, an audit of information that has been received concerning the Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 1966; and, secondly, the Australian government's changes to the Community Development Employment Projects program (CDEP).

An historic national event took place during the reporting year, which has positively affected the spirit of the nation and the lives of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, their families and communities. On 13 February 2008, the federal parliament offered its apology to the stolen generation. On that same day, the parliament of South Australia extended its original apology, which was delivered in parliament on 28 May 1997. The parliament, with the committee and others, hosted over 150 mainly indigenous guests, who came to hear the apology in the House of Assembly and to share afternoon tea. It was, indeed, an historic day for the nation and an important and memorable day for Aboriginal South Australians and the parliament of South Australia.

Amidst a rejuvenated spirit of national reconciliation, whilst recognising the many and varied challenges in the area of Aboriginal affairs that lie ahead, the Aboriginal Lands Parliamentary Standing Committee continues to commit and apply itself to further developing positive relationships with Aboriginal South Australians and to work in partnership towards achieving and maintaining equity of opportunity and prosperity for all.

Finally, we need to thank all committee members past and present for their time, their dedication and for their invaluable contribution towards the very important work of the committee. However, we recognise that much more needs to be done. On behalf of all committee members I thank our executive staff for their contribution in producing the annual report and for their tireless and ongoing support to the committee.

It is appropriate that special mention goes to Ms Sarah Alpers and the current executive supporter, Mr Terry Sparrow, and to acknowledge and thank the individuals and organisations that presented evidence to the committee, whether through written submissions or by appearing before the committee. Through their evidence, the committee was able to gain a clearer picture of the issues. Of course, we need to thank all of the Aboriginal communities, organisations and representatives that the committee has met over the past year, appreciating their frankness, astute insights and generosity of spirit.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins.