Closing the Gap of Indigenous Disadvantage - Generational Plan of Action

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Governance and Responsibility

For Closing the Gap to be effective, it needs to be a partnership between the three tiers of government (Federal, Territory and Local), which have resources and responsibility for service delivery, together with Indigenous Territorians who have the responsibility to meet their obligation to achieve a better future for their children. In the Territory, local governance frameworks will be established through the following mechanisms:

Local Government Reform

Local government is also an important partner to Closing the Gap, with strong local governance frameworks essential to success. Local government reform in the Territory is expected to provide these strong local governance frameworks, in the form of shire councils and local community boards. The new local government arrangements will provide economies of scale; underpin stronger management structures; increase the focus on local Indigenous employment; and provide a voice for local communities.

Over the next 5 years, the Northern Territory Government will:

Introduce new local government arrangements across the Territory
Introduce the Local Government Amendment Bill into Legislative Assembly Sittings in August 2007, to allow for transition to new local government arrangements
Introduce the Local Government Amendment Bill (2) and the revised Local Government Act in late 2007 to embed the new local government arrangements.

Local Community Boards

Local community boards will provide an important avenue for negotiating strong partnerships between communities and government under Closing the Gap.

Over the next 5 years, the Northern Territory Government will:

Establish local community boards to allow community representation and involvement in local government, promote Indigenous leadership and provide the basis for Indigenous people to meet their obligations to build a better future for their children, at an additional cost of $3m
Provide infrastructure to support local community governance, at a cost of $5m.

Role of Indigenous Territorians

The Northern Territory Government is also seeking the support and commitment of Indigenous Territorians to work together in overcoming Indigenous disadvantage. Indigenous Territorians can assist in implementing the actions under Closing the Gap by committing to supporting school attendance, working with police to stamp out violence and substance misuse, adopting preventative health measures, accessing health services regularly, identifying opportunities and participating in economic development and working with governments to develop and implement policies and programs for Indigenous people.

Indigenous Affairs Advisory Council

An Indigenous Affairs Advisory Council will be established, comprising Indigenous leaders, representatives from Indigenous organisations and peak bodies. This group will advise government on issues affecting Indigenous Territorians, facilitate community input and participation in Closing the Gap and oversee its implementation. It is expected that this group will also be involved in developing future versions of Closing the Gap, including identifying further targets and actions for the next 10, 15 and 20 years.

Governance and Responsibility Fact Sheet (PDF document, 750 kilobytes)