May 27, 2021
A peak Indigenous group has called for “braver and more impactful” action towards Reconciliation.
The Coalition Of Peaks – which represents more than 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak organisations – released a statement on Thursday morning to coincide with the start of Reconciliation Week.
“A reconciled nation is where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have full control over our own destinies; where we live freely and equally, unencumbered by trauma and poor life outcomes; and where there is true recognition of our rights as First Peoples of this land, and our cultures and languages are honoured, protected and flourish,” the statement says.
“The historic Partnership and National Agreements on Closing the Gap provide a framework for all governments, policy makers, service delivery organisations and institutions, and all Australians, to take meaningful and impactful action towards reconciliation.
“They are centred on what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been saying for decades is needed to achieve equality in life outcomes between our peoples and other Australians, whilst strengthening our right to self-determination and identity as First Nations peoples.”
The Coalition said the National Agreement was built around four Priority Reforms to support lasting change:
- Build new partnerships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations and governments to share in decisions that impact their lives;
- Strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations to deliver services and programs;
- Transform government agencies, institutions and organisations to address systemic racism and make them more accountable; and
- Improve the sharing of data and information with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations so they can make more informed decisions .
“The foundations have been set to improve the life outcomes of our peoples,” the statement continued.
“Governments, policy makers, service delivery providers and organisations and all Australians need to transform the way they engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples centred on the Priority Reforms.
“This year’s Reconciliation Week is a chance to take action and do your part to implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the Priority Reforms and contribute to a more reconciled nation.”
The Coalition of Peaks has challenged every Australian on the Reconciliation journey to:
- Become familiar and learn about both the Partnership and National Agreements,
- Support their implementation and promote them in their own organisation or business
- Encourage the community to become involved, and
- Talk to governments on how to apply the commitments under the Agreements to communities and organisations across the country.
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