Purpose
The primary role of the Indigenous Affairs Advisory Council is to provide advice and make recommendations regarding the implementation and further development of Closing the Gap. The Council will also assist the Northern Territory Government to effectively engage with Indigenous people, organisations and communities and provide advice on the Government’s endeavours in addressing Indigenous disadvantage in the Northern Territory.
Terms of Reference
The Indigenous Affairs Advisory Council will:
- Provide advice and make recommendations regarding the implementation and further development of Closing the Gap.
- Provide high level advice to the Chief Minister and the Minister for Indigenous Policy on the effectiveness of Closing the Gap and make recommendations to improve outcomes for Indigenous Territorians from Closing the Gap.
- Assist in developing a biennial review of progress on the implementation of Closing the Gap, based on an assessment of progress against Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage indicators.
- Assist to further develop Closing the Gap in consultation with Government and Indigenous people, communities and organisations, including by providing advice on appropriate targets and initiatives for future iterations of Closing the Gap.
- Provide high level advice to the Chief Minister and the Minister for Indigenous Policy on the effectiveness of Closing the Gap and make recommendations to improve outcomes for Indigenous Territorians from Closing the Gap.
- Assist the Northern Territory Government to effectively engage with Indigenous people, organisations and communities.
- Promote constructive dialogue and engagement between Government and Indigenous people, organisations and communities.
- Develop consultative networks to receive and provide information regarding Closing the Gap.
- Act as a conduit for the Indigenous people, organisations and communities, so that relevant views and information are provided via the Council to the Chief Minister and Minister for Indigenous Policy.
- Adopt a strategic focus and not advocate the interests of one particular group, sector, or organisation.
- Promote awareness of Closing the Gap among Indigenous people and the wider community, including relevant professionals.
- Promote constructive dialogue and engagement between Government and Indigenous people, organisations and communities.
- Provide expert advice to the Northern Territory Government on the Government’s endeavours in addressing Indigenous disadvantage in the Northern Territory
- Provide high level advice on whole of Government priorities in Indigenous affairs, as requested.