May 24, 2017
Cherbourg mayor Arnold Murray joined 14 other mayors from Indigenous communities in Cairns on Friday as part of a roundtable discussion about “Closing the Gap” on disadvantage.
The mayors met with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Mark Furner.
“Bringing together local leaders from local communities has been valuable for sharing knowledge and experience, and identifying the priorities for individual councils to Close the Gap,” Mr Furner said.
“Two things have become apparent as a direct result of today’s roundtable discussion; a business-as-usual approach won’t deliver outcomes in Closing the Gap, and a one-size-fits-all solution won’t suit all communities.”
Mr Furner said the mayors pledged to stamp out domestic violence and were also united in their desire to improve the well-being of their communities by taking steps to reduce smoking rates and the consumption of unhealthy foods.
“The clear message from Indigenous leaders is they want to have greater involvement in the decisions affecting their communities and have local workers involved in the delivery of health and social services,” Mr Furner said.
“A local focus on balanced Alcohol Management Plans relevant to the individual circumstances of each community, as well as targeted community education on responsible drinking, were strongly endorsed by the mayors.”
Palm Island mayor Alf Lacey said the roundtable discussion had facilitated “genuine discussion on desired community outcomes”.
“I thank the Minister for convening such a constructive forum which I haven’t seen in a long time,” Mayor Lacey said.
Minister Furner has given a commitment to all 15 Mayors to report their views to Cabinet.
“Today is another good example of local leaders leading local solutions for the benefit of their communities,” he said.
