-----Original Message----- From: WEBCENTRAL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > >18 October 2000 > > >WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS MINISTER > >ATSIC CHAIRMAN > >Agreements signed between the State Government and the Aboriginal and Torres >Strait Islander Commission > > >The framework for future cooperation between the State Government and the >Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner (ATSIC) is set out in a >joint communique released today. > >Signed by Premier Richard Court, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Kim Hames >and ATSIC Chairman Geoff Clark, the communique details the priorities in >Aboriginal affairs and how the parties will work together to tackle those >issues. > >"The communique is important, because it sets out our commitment to work >together to improving conditions for the Indigenous people of Western >Australia," Dr Hames said. > >"This involves each party providing funding in partnership to ensure >initiatives are implemented. > >"For instance, the State Government and ATSIC have each committed $2.8 >million over three years towards upgrading facilities and services in >town-based communities to the same level as those provided in adjoining >towns in WA. > >"However, I am particularly pleased that both parties will jointly allocate >a total of $500,000 to support family strategies aimed at reducing the >incidence of family violence and youth suicide among Aboriginal people. > >"These funds are in addition to any previous money set aside for work in >those areas." > >The State Government and ATSIC also signed a bilateral agreement on the >provision of essential services to Indigenous communities in Western >Australia. > >Dr Hames, who had been instrumental in preparing the agreement, said it >recognised that Indigenous people had the same right of access to essential >services as other Australian citizens living in similar geographic >circumstances. > >"The Agreement formalises a cooperative approach that has generated many >significant and innovative initiatives that are leading directly to improved >outcomes for Aboriginal people," Dr Hames said. > >"Since 1994, when work started on the agreement, there has been some >significant changes in the way governments work together and in the services >now available to Aboriginal people living in remote communities. > >"This agreement is not the end of the process, but is a significant >milestone along the way." > >Mr Clark said he was confident the agreements would lead to a new deal for >the Indigenous people of Western Australia. > >"The agreements have required a considerable amount of consultation and >negotiation and shows all parties are prepared to commit substantial >financial and human capital to work together for the good of our >constituents in WA. > >"I commend all of those in ATSIC and the Government who have helped bring >these agreements to reality," he said. > > >Media Contact: Sandy Gater on 9424 7455 (mobile 0417 917 819) > AAD: Ken Suttie on 9235 8067 (mobile 0407 472 031) > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------ RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words: unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/recoznet2%40paradigm4.com.au/
