Aboriginal Regional Authorities

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:06): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation. Can the minister update the chamber on the status of Aboriginal regional authorities?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (15:06): I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in Aboriginal affairs in South Australia. Overcoming the disadvantages that many Aboriginal people face is not an easy task, and I know that many people in this chamber are very interested in these matters, having served on the Aboriginal Lands Parliamentary Standing Committee and in other forums and other ways. It is not an easy task, but we are steadfast in our resolve to make a difference in ways that we can, and doing that requires strong leadership.

I am proud that this government, led by Premier Jay Weatherill, is providing that leadership. Under the stewardship of Premier Weatherill, a former Aboriginal affairs minister, this parliament and this chamber, I remember, passed a bill inserting into our state constitution a recognition of Aboriginal people as the traditional owners and occupiers of these lands.

I am proud to be part of a government, led by Premier Weatherill, that has championed the creation of a reparations scheme for members of the stolen generations, the second only state or territory to do so. Perhaps less widely known is the Premier's role in the discussions about strengthening the level of engagement the government has with Aboriginal South Australians through our representative bodies.

Giving Aboriginal people a stronger voice in decisions that affect their lives, giving them a seat at the decision-making table, and engaging in a meaningful way is a priority about allowing Aboriginal people and communities to help identify priorities in their areas. After extensive consultation with Aboriginal communities a program was designed for Aboriginal regional authorities, a policy framework to support a network of regional government structures that will work with government. Under this policy Aboriginal representation, self-governance and self-determination will be strengthened, and Aboriginal people will have a greater say in the development and implementation of policies, programs and services.

In July this year, building on the work of people like the Premier and the Hon. Ian Hunter, who played a large role as the minister at the time, in developing this policy, I had the great pleasure to announce South Australia's first three Aboriginal regional authorities: the Far West Coast Aboriginal Corporation; the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association; and, the Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority.

These new Aboriginal regional authorities have participated in Aboriginal Nation (Re)Building curriculum delivered by Flinders University. Through that process each Aboriginal regional authority has identified priorities that are important to them. This signifies the beginning of part of a new relationship with government and Aboriginal South Australians. We will soon be conducting leader-to-leader meetings with each Aboriginal regional authority, and I can inform the chamber that a few weeks ago I was on the Far West Coast, meeting with representatives from the Far West Coast Aboriginal Corporation.

Last week, I was at Camp Coorong, meeting with representatives from the Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority, and this weekend I will be in the Northern Flinders, talking with people from the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: I might see you up there. I am going off-road in the Flinders.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: I may just run into the Hon. John Dawkins when I am spending Saturday and part of Sunday around Nepabunna and Iga Warta this weekend. We will soon be conducting formal leader-to-leader meetings with each regional authority, and we look forward to working with Aboriginal regional authorities to progress their priorities and to see how governments can work with regional authorities to improve decision-making in the future.