First Nations Territory relations

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the ACT Government are working on issues important to First Nations peoples.

Learn about how we’re working together and the agreements, plans and reforms that will help us achieve better outcomes for First Nations peoples.

How we’re working together

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must have a say in the policies, programs and services that affect them.

Self-determination is a guiding principle of this work, along with Indigenous leadership, working in partnership and accountability.

These principles are part of our shared agreements, plans and reforms:

• ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019 – 2028
• ACT Government Closing the Gap Implementation Plan
• reforms to the ACT child protection system
• reforms to build a community-controlled sector.

Self-determination

Self-determination means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the right to:

• shape their own lives
• find their own solutions for long-term wellbeing.

It makes sure communities can meet their social, cultural and economic needs.

Partnership and shared decisions

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are partners in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them.

They know what’s best for their communities. They participate in decisions that affect their lives.

Indigenous leadership

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership is central to ensuring the long-term emotional and physical wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Accountability

The ACT Government is accountable to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through:

• the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander committees and representative bodies
• agreements and plans where we must work together to achieve fair outcomes for Indigenous peoples in the ACT.

ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement

The ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019 – 2028 focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples.

It explains how we will work together to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It includes the ACT Government, non-government groups and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body.

Canberra's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community chose what focus areas should be in the plan. Many of these align with those in Closing the Gap.

Learn more about the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019 – 2028.

Closing the Gap National Agreement

The Closing the Gap National Agreement aims to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and governments to work together to:

• overcome the inequality Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience
• achieve life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that are equal to all Australians.

As part of the Agreement, all Australian governments are working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, organisations and businesses.

The Agreement commits to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people having a say in the policies, programs and services that affect them.

The ACT Government is working with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body to design and deliver the ACT’s plan to close the gap.

Learn how we are working together in the Closing the Gap: Implementation Plan [PDF  626.7 kB].

Building the Aboriginal community-controlled sector

A priority reform of Closing the Gap is an increase of government funding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and services. The funds must go through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.

Under the National Agreement, the ACT must develop plans to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations in:

• child and family services
• justice
• housing
• disability.

The ACT is investing in emerging and existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.

Examples of strengthening the Aboriginal community-controlled sector include:

• Review of the model of care to provide culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the justice system
• Review of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Procurement Policy to ensure its cultural effectiveness and maximise opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises.
• Construction of a facility to increase the service capability for Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.

The ACT is also working with Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation on the development of a purpose-built facility.

Reforming child protection

The Our Booris, Our Way Review (2017 to 2019) researched the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system in the ACT.

It was an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designed and led review, and a national leading example of practical self-determination.

The Review made 28 recommendations to government over a two-year period.

It gave us a better understanding of how the government and the community can:

• reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care
• ensure children remain connected to community and culture
• support parents and families to safely care for their children.

The Our Booris, Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee monitors how the Community Services Directorate carries out the recommendations.

Learn more about the Our Booris, Our Way Review and action plans.

Advocacy for community

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a strong voice in ACT Government decision making through elected representative committees and groups.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body is the only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice to government in Australia.

It listens to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans and represents their ideas and concerns to the ACT Government.

It supports safety, quality of life and reconciliation for our community.

It is a member of the Coalition of Peaks, which means it has a national responsibility to help shape Closing the Gap.

Learn more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body.

United Ngunnawal Elders Council

The United Ngunnawal Elders Council gives advice to the:

• ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body
• ACT Government about heritage and connection to land for the Ngunnawal people.

The Council has representatives nominated by each of the Ngunnawal family groups. The council meets up to 4 times a year in Canberra.

Contact the Council through the ACT Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.