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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-03-22 Daily Xml
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ABORIGINAL ENGAGEMENT

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:34): My question is directed to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation. Minister, would you advise the house of how the voices of Aboriginal South Australians are being promoted in government advisory bodies?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers, Minister Assisting the Premier in Social Inclusion) (14:35): I thank the member for Ashford for this important question and acknowledge her commitment to Aboriginal affairs and reconciliation in this state. This government has a very strong and longstanding commitment to promoting Aboriginal South Australians in our community and at the highest level of government. We do this because we believe very strongly in the input—

An honourable member interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

An honourable member interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: —advice and perspective that only Aboriginal people can provide in complex and important areas of Aboriginal affairs and policy. We do this in a couple of ways: the first—and I must commend my predecessor, minister Weatherill—is in relation to the office of the Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement, a role that is held by Mr Klynton Wanganeen, and he is our first Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement and he is doing a fantastic job. Late last year, because of some federal commitments undertaken by Mr Wanganeen, I had the opportunity to appoint a part-time commissioner, and I was able to appoint Miss Khatija Thomas—a young Aboriginal woman, a lawyer—who has been able to join Mr Wanganeen as a part-time commissioner.

Mr Wanganeen and, more recently, Miss Thomas provide me as minister and the government more broadly with a vital perspective on issues that impact on Aboriginals in South Australia. The office acts to ensure that Aboriginal people have a strong voice at the highest level. The other forum that was established was the South Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council. This council provides high level confidential advice to government ministers and senior public servants and agencies across all areas of government. This is a 10-member peak advisory body which complements the role of the Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement.

I am pleased to advise the house that nominations are now open for five appointments to the SAAAC commencing in May. We are looking for Aboriginal people with a strong understanding of Aboriginal culture, who have standing within the community, who have policy and service delivery experience and who are able to contribute strongly to the council. I am sure all members will join me in encouraging those members of our community who fit the bill to have a go so that Aboriginal people can continue to have a very strong role in our state.

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! I warn the member for Bragg.

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